Ten lectures presenting the general themes and teachings of Paul’s epistles to Ephesus, Philippi, Colossae, and Thessalonica. Such topics as comparing law and grace, Christian living, and the second coming of Christ are considered.

Assignment for Lecture One:
1) Copy and print out a copy of these notes before Lecture One. Notes may need to be spaced into outline format.
2) Read: Ephesians Chapters 1-3
3) Have your Bible opened to the Book of Ephesians when you attend the first lecture. There can be no Bible study without the Bible. For sake of space, we cannot print every verse to be studied. Refer to the Bible passage as the lecture progresses.

Note: All material marked by * should be studied in preparation for the course evaluation.

Ephesians

Author: Paul the Apostle
Date Written: c. A.D. 62 - 63 AD
Written From: Rome
Theme: Christ and the Church
Key Verses: 1:22-23

Outline

I. The Poem (Chapters 1 -3)
A. The Poet (Chapter 1)
1. The Purpose Of The Father (vs. 3-6)
2. The Position Of The Son (vs. 7-12)
3. The Perfection Of The Spirit (vs. 13-14)
4. The Prayer Of Praise (vs. 15-23)

B. The Poem (Chapter 2)
1. The Believer’s Past Condition In The World (vs. 1-12)
(Parenthetical Statement Of Grace [vs. 5-10])
2. The Believer’s Present Condition In Christ (vs. 13-22)

C. The Poetry (Chapter 3)
1. The Revelation Of The Church (vs. 1-6)
2. The Harmony Of The Church With The Eternal Purpose Of God (vs. 7-13)
3. The Prospect Of The Church (vs. 14-21)

II. Christian Living (Chapters 4-6)
A.The Christian’s Calling (vs. 4:1-6)
B. The Christian’s Ministry (vs. 4;7-16)
C. The Christian’s Walk (4:17- 5:21)
D. The Christian And The Home (vs. 5:22-33)
1. Husbands And Wives
2. Christ And The Church
3. Children And Parents (vs. 6:1-4)
E. The Christian On The Job (vs. 5-9)
F. The Christian And The Spiritual Battle (vs. 10-20)

Conclusion: (vs. 21-24)

Chapter 1
Introduction

1. Our salvation is according to a ____________________________________ set forth by the Father, made ______________________ by the Son, and ______________________ in the Spirit.

*2. This plan of salvation which unfolds in Ephesians is from ___________ point of view.

The Purpose of the Father
(Verses 3-6)

*1. “Predestinate” means “to ___________________________ something before hand.”

2. The teaching of predestination and adoption has to do with ______________________.

3. We become part of God’s predestined plan for His Son when we, by our own free will, _______________________________________________________.

4. The _________________________________ of God and the _________________________________ of man work together in God’s plan.

The Position of the Son
(Verses 7-12)

1. Paul emphasizes that the plan of God is for that group of people who are _________________________________.

2. By our position of being in Christ by faith;

a. we are immediately ____________________________________________.

b. we have the __________________________________________________ of God’s purpose for us.

c. we have an ____________________________ to share in the glory of God’s Son.

The Perfecting Work of the Spirit
(Verses 13-14)

1. Those who are in Christ are “_____________________” with and by the Holy Spirit.

*2. The Holy Spirit was given as a ______________________ of the surety of God’s future promises.

The Prayer of Praise
(Verses 15-23)

1. Paul wanted those to whom he ministered to have spiritual _________________________________.


2. He desired _________________________________ to use knowledge properly.

3. He also prayed for _________________________________ in their lives.

4. Paul praises God for the ______________________ and ______________________ available to the believer In Christ.

The Poem
Chapter 2

The Believer’s Past Condition In The World
(Verses 1-12)

1. The lost person is spiritually ___________, trapped in ___________ and the desires of the ____________, under the influence of the ______________, and tragically bound for the __________________________ of God.

2. When we receive Christ by faith, our spirit is made ____________________ and regenerated by the Holy Spirit.

3. Salvation is the ___________ of God, which can only be received by ____________________________________________.

4. Our salvation is not a result of ___________ works; it is the result of ___________ work in ______________________.

5. The person who is without Christ is without ___________.

The Believer’s Present Condition In Christ
(Verses 13-22)

*1. Both ___________ and ______________________make up the church.

2. The Gentiles were separated from God and Israel by the ___________.

3. When Christ died on the cross, He ______________________ the law for the believer.

4. the believer has a sure _________________________________, which is the ______________________ of God and the ___________________ of Christ to fulfill these promises.

5. God takes ______________________ sinners and through their faith in Christ, fits them together for His glory and _________________________________.

The Poetry
Chapter 3

The Revelation Of The Church
(Verses 1-6)

1. Paul was in prison at ___________ when he penned this letter to the Ephesians.

2. A dispensation is a _________________________________ in which God deals with man in a particular way in regard to ___________ and _________________________________.

3. We are now living during the dispensation of ___________________, or the _________________________________.

4. God used the _________________________________ to bring in the dispensation of ______________________.

5. Paul shows the mystery is that ______________________ would be partakers of God’s grace by the Gospel.

The Harmony Of The Church With The Eternal Purpose Of God
(Verses 7-13)

1. Paul considered himself to be the ____________________ of all saints because he had _________________________________ and ______________________ the Jewish Christians.

2. The church reveals to all of creation the great ______________________ and ______________________ of God.

3. The church was always in the _________________________________ of God.

The Prospect of the Church is According to the Riches in Christ.
(Verses 14-21)

1. Paul overcame the tribulations and weaknesses of the _________________________________ through the spiritual strengthening of the _________________________________.

2. The preaching, teaching, and personal study of God’s Word will provide spiritual _________________________________ which is the defense against ______________________ and _________________________________.

3. As the believer lives by faith, the _________________________________ becomes more full and evident with each passing day.

4. The same ______________________ of salvation by faith still works to meet the ___________ of our Christian lives.

5. We ______________________ God as we lift up Christ; we ______________________ as we share Christ with the lost; we _______________ as we obey Christ and we separate as we love Christ.

Christian Living
(Chapters 4-6)

Chapter 4

The Christian And His Calling
(Verses 1-6)

*1. The word “Vocation” means “________________________.”

2. We should ______________________________ God’s will for our lives and His will for the lives of others.

3. Only God can ____________ unity; but we must work diligently at ________________________ unity.

4. Paul shows, in verses 4 through 6 that the whole purpose of God is unity in the Spirit. Notice the expressions:

a. One body - all __________________ are one body;

b. One Spirit - the same Holy Spirit has ________________________ all believers;

c. One hope of your calling - we are all called to the ________________________ by the Spirit;

d. One Lord - we are all called by and responsible to the same _________________;

e. One faith - We are all standing for and representing the ______________________________;

f. One baptism - the ________________________ baptism in which we are dead to ourselves in Christ and risen to a newness of life.

g. One God and Father of all - as brothers and sisters in Christ; we have the same spiritual ________________________.

The Christian And His Ministry
(Verses 7-16)

1. We each have a particular __________________ given to us by Christ to be used for His __________________.

2. This particular ability is called our ____________.

3. Christ gave:

a. some apostles - those who were personally _____________________________ by the risen Christ.

b. some prophets - When the Word of God was complete, the office of the predictive prophet was ________________________.

c. some evangelists - One who carried the Gospel to the ends of the earth, ________________________ and __________________________________________.

d. some pastors - The pastor is the ________________________ of a local church.

e. some teachers - The ____________ of teaching is a gift of Christ.

4. Every part of the body must do its function in order to produce a ________________________ body.

The Christian’s Walk
(4:17 - 5:21 )

1. Vanity refers to something that is __________________.

2. “Lasciviousness” means “____________________________________.”

*3. In contrast to walking as other Gentiles, we should walk in ______________________________ and ________________________.

4. We must guard against giving the ____________ any place in our lives.

*5. The Spirit has __________________ and is ________________________ when we do things not pleasing to God and edifying to the church.

6. The word “malice,” which means “________________________________________________.”

7. A kind, forgiving spirit is a __________________ of God’s forgiveness to us through Christ.

Chapter 5

1. The word “followers” means “to __________________ or __________________.” Who are we to imitate?

2. We are to be followers of God our Father and live in ______________________________.

*3. The chief characteristics of Godly love are __________________ and ______________________________.

4. We are to walk in godly ________________________.

5. Any talking or jesting that denies God’s ________________________ or ________________________ is not convenient.

6. Any true recognition of God will cause us to be ________________________ instead of ________________________.

7. There are portions of Scripture that justify separating from those who walk ______________________________.

8. The Holy Spirit is living in us, producing the __________________ of goodness, righteousness, and truth.

9. “Proving” means “to put something to the ____________.”

10. We need to grasp onto and seize any ______________________________ to ______________________________.

The Christian’s and the Home
(verses 22-33)

1. The husband-wife relationship is a picture of the relationship of __________________ and the ________________________.

2. Submission does not __________________ a person, but rather ____________ that person to their ____________________________________in God’s eyes.

3. A woman is not submissive to her husband because ______ says so, but because ___________________ desires it to be so.

4. Any husband who uses his wife’s submission to __________________ his authority has the ______________________________of the Christian life.

5. Christ died that the church could ____________ and be ________________________.

6. Wives are to ________________________, or __________________, their husbands, and husbands are to ____________ their wives as their own bodies.

Chapter 6

Parents and Children
(Verses 1-4)

1. Our children should see our willingness to ______________________________.

2. The days of a rebellious child will be ________________________ on this earth.

3. Parents can put the Lord in a child’s ____________, but that child must receive Christ in his __________________.

4. The parent’s rebellion and failure to submit to Christ will be __________________ and ________________________ in our children.

The Christian on the Job
(Verses 5-9)

1. A Christian servant in today’s language would be a Christian __________________.

2. A Christian should be ________________________ and __________________ on the job.

3. Our heavenly Master will one day ____________ us with an __________________ reward.

4. Christian employers are to realize that their authority over others is given to them by ____________ and with that authority comes a great ________________________.

The Christian And The Spiritual Battle
(Verses 10-20)

*1. The Christian’s spiritual enemies are the ____________ and his wicked __________________.

2. God has provided us a spiritual __________________ to use against our spiritual enemy.

a. The girdle represents Truth which is the foundation of the __________________ and the foundation of our __________________ against the devil.

b. The breastplate represents ______________________________ which protects the __________________.

c. The Gospel of peace can change our enemies into __________________.

d. The shield of faith will ________________________ the darts of ridicule, compromise and doubt.

e. The helmet protects the ____________ and there is no greater protection than the ________________________ of being eternally saved by Christ.

f. The Word of God, our only ________________________ weapon.

3. In the spiritual warfare, __________________ and ________________________ go together.

4. Paul had preached for years, but he still realized that his __________________ must come from God.

Conclusion
(Verses 21-24)

1. Paul sent this letter from Rome to Ephesus by __________________, whom Paul counted ________________________.

2. The final three verses depict Paul’s desire for the saints at Ephesus and all who read this letter.
a. Verse 22: __________________
b. Verse 23: ____________, ____________ and____________
c. Verse 24: ____________ and ________________________

Philippians

Author: Paul the Apostle
Date Written: c. A.D. 61-63
Written From: Rome
Theme: The Christian Letter
Key Verses: 2: 5-11

Outline

Introduction: (vs.1-11)

I. The Believer's Confidence (Chapter 1)
A. Confidence that God can use us beyond ourselves (vs. 12-18)
B. Confidence that God can magnify Christ in us in life or in death (vs. 19-26)
C. Confidence that God can unify in sufferings and opposition (vs. 27-30)

II. The Believer's Example (Chapter 2)
A. The Example of Christ (vs. 1-16)
B. Paul followed the example of Christ (vs. 17-18)
C. Timothy followed the example of Christ (vs. 19-23)
D. Epaphroditus followed the example of Christ (vs.24-30)

III. The Believer's Positions
A. Found in Christ (vs. 1-9)
B. Fellowship with Christ (vs. 10-17)
(Verses 18 and 19 are a parenthetical warning against false teachers)
C. Fashioned like Christ (vs. 20-21)

IV. The Believer's Ability
A. Abilities in Christ (vs. 1-6)
B. Abilities through Christ (vs. 7-13)
C. Abilities by Christ (vs. 14-19)

Salutation (vs. 20-23)

Philippians

Chapter 1

Introduction
(Verses 1-2)

1. Paul declared that he and Timotheus were “ the _____________________ of Jesus Christ.”

*2. A “saint” is a person who is ______________ and _____________________unto God.

The Signs Of Sainthood
(Verses 3-11)

1. Paul had a sincere _________________________________________________.

2. A true sign of sainthood comes from the ____________________________ with the people, places and purpose of God.

3. Another sign of sainthood is the ____________________________ in God’s power to do what He has promised.

4. We defend the Gospel by our __________, and we confirm the Gospel by our __________.

The Believer’s Confidence
(Verses 12-30)

1. The believer’s first confidence is knowing that God can use us beyond ____________________________.

a. Paul was in _____________________ when he wrote this letter.

b. Paul was confident that although he was limited personally, God was still using him to ___________________________________.

2. The believer’s second confidence is that God can _____________________ Christ in us through life or death.

a. The salvation that Paul speaks of is salvation from his ___________________________________.

b. Here, we also find the spirit of ____________________________ manifested in Paul.

3. The third confidence of the believer is that God can bring unity in the midst of _____________________ and ____________________________.

*a. The expression “one spirit” has to do with _____________________.

*b. The expression “one mind” has to do with _____________________.

4. Those who oppose the Gospel are lost and under the ____________________________ and ultimate __________________________ of God.

5. Those who stand for the Gospel are ____________________________ the salvation of God in their lives.

6. We must realize that we are suffering for _____________________ sake and not _____________________.

Chapter 2

The Believer’s Example

1. Verses 1 through 4 show the example of Christ set forth in __________________.

2. The word “consolation” means “to call someone to your side for _______________ or _______________________.”

3. If Christ and the Holy Spirit are with us, we can be assured that the ___________________ is also with us.

4. _______________ (verse 2), ______________________ (verse 3), and _________________ (verse 4) are the abounding qualities of the example of Christ.

The Example of Christ
(Verses 5-18)

1. The Seven Steps To Glory:

a. Christ was in the form of God and ______________ with God (verse 6).

b. Christ took upon Himself the form of a _____________________ (verse 7a).

c. Christ became a _______ (verse 7b).

d. Christ died on the ______________ (verse 8).

e. God ______________ and _____________________ Christ (verse 9)

f. _______ glorifies Christ (verse 10).

g. Man glorifies _______ through Christ (verses 11-16).

2. The Seven Steps Of Glory.

a. Equal to, and in the form of, God - the glory of the _________________________

b. Form of a servant - the glory of _____________________

c. Fashioned as a man - the glory of ____________________________

d. Death of the cross - the glory of _____________________

e. Name above every name - the glory of ____________________________

f. Every knee should bow - the glory of ____________________________

g. To the glory of God the Father - the glory of _____________________


3. Those who refuse Christ’s offer of ______________ will obey His command to _____________________ from Him into eternal suffering.

4. The expression “your salvation,” proves that salvation is ____________________________ and we are not _____________________ to obtain it.

5. Fear is an _____________________ reaction, while trembling is an _____________________ reaction.

6. First, we are to regard our salvation as producing _____________________ and _____________________ in our outward lives (verse 12).

7. Secondly, we are to regard our salvation for its primary purpose of bringing us into the position of _____________________ and _____________________ to God (verse 13).

8. Thirdly, we are to regard our salvation as something to be ____________________and ________________________ others. (verses 15b-16).

*9. Paul followed the example of Christ by his willingness to be conformed to the _____________________ of unity, humility, and charity.

Timotheus and Epaphroditus
(Verses 19-30)

1. Paul also presents Timothy as one who followed the example of _____________.

2. The key expressions, in verses 19 through 24 are;

a. “likeminded” (______________),

b. “served with me” (_____________________),

c. “care for your state” (_________________).

3. We, like the Apostle Paul, are to show the outward ____________________________ of our inward __________________________.

*4. Epaphroditus had taken a love-gift from the church at _____________________ to Paul during his imprisonment at Rome.

Chapter 3

The Three Positions of the Believer.

*The First Position - Found in Christ (Verses 1-9)

1. Paul begins with the exhortation to __________________ in the Lord.

2. Paul’s message is the same old warning; beware of those who would _____________________________________________! “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.”

3. The Judaizers, boasted in the Jewish rite of ___________________________.

4. Paul was zealous, a crusader for the ____________ belief, even to the point of ____________________________________.

5. Paul was __________________ beyond his peers, but he saw ____________ as the way of salvation.

*The Second Position - Fellowship With Christ (Verses 10-17)

1. Paul prayed that he would ____________________________________ Christ.

2. The power of His resurrection is the ______________________________ that the believer has in Christ.

3. The fellowship of His sufferings is ______________________________ with the suffering and death of Christ.

4. Our communion with the sufferings of Christ includes our ______________________________ toward sin.

5. ________________________ and ________________________ should also be included in the “fellowship of His sufferings.”

6. Paul reveals that he had ______________________________ the total experience of the power of God in his life.

7. The Greek word for apprehended means ”to lay hold of so as to ____________________________________.”

8. Fellowship with Christ brings three responsibilities:

a. We are responsible __________________ in a manner which advances our spiritual __________________.

b. We are responsible to walk, or live, in the ____________________________ that we do have.

c. We are responsible to ____________________________________ of those who follow the example of Christ

*The Third Position Of The Believer - Fashioned Like Christ (Verses 20-21)

1. Paul states that our “conversation” (________________________) is in heaven.

2. Christ will change these ______________________________ bodies, and fashion them just like His glorious body.

3. This change will take place __________________as we are ________________________ unto Christ.

Chapter 4

The Believer’s Ability

Abilities In Christ (Verses 1-6)

1. The first ability, found in verse 1, is our ability to “stand fast,” which means to “stand ______________________________.”

2. The second ability is found in verse 2, which is the ability to ____________.

3. The third ability, in verse 3, is the ability to ______________________________.

4. The fourth ability, in verse 4, is the ability to __________________.

5. The fifth ability, in verse 5, is the ability to be ________________________.

6. The sixth ability, in verse 6, is our ability to ____________.

Abilities Through Christ (Verses 7 -13)

1. The first ability we have through Christ, in verses 7 through 9, is having the ________________________.

a. Through Christ we have the ability to have both a __________________ and __________________ attitude of peace.

*b. ____________ and __________________ are at the top of the list of things to think on.

2. The second ability, in verses 10 through 13, is the ________________________.

a. Paul had learned through ________________________ how to be abased and how to abound.

b. This strength to do God’s will comes ______________________________.

*c. The expression “all things” must be defined as whatever God __________________________________________ us to do.

Abilities By Christ (Verses 14-19)

1. Paul sent ________________________ back to Philippi with this letter.

2. He reminded them that God would supply their need as He had __________________ to supply his need.

3. During his imprisonment, Paul __________________ for his Savior, under conditions that would cause most to become ______________________________.

Colossians

Author: Paul the Apostle
Date Written: c. A.D. 62
Written From: Rome
Theme: The Fulness of Christ
Key Verses: 1: 19

Outline

I. Introduction (Chapter(1: 1-13)
A. Paul's Praise (vs. 1-8)
B. Paul's Prayer (vs. 9-13)

II. The Fulness of Christ (1:14-2:29)
A. His Fulness in the Father (vs. 14-19)
B. His Fulness in Reconciliation (vs. 20-23)
C. His Fulness in the Church (vs. 24-29)
D. His Fulness in Assurance (Chapter 2: 1-29)

III. The Fulness of the Believer (3:1-4:17)
A. The Key to the Fulness of Christ (Chapter 3: 1-4)
B. Personal Fulness (vs. 5-14)
C. Spiritual Fulness (vs. 5-17)
D. Domestic Fulness (vs. 18-21)
E. Occupational Fulness (vs. 22- 4: 1))
F. Christian Fulness (Chapter 4: 2-17)

Salutation (v. 18)

Introduction

1. Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae is similar to his letters to the ____________________ and the ________________ letter, written to combat ________________________________.

2. Paul confronts the ________________ who taught that a strict adherence to the ____________________ was necessary for salvation.

*3. Gnosticism was a mixture of Greek ________________________ and oriental ________________________.

4. Gnosticism ultimately denied the ________________ and the fact that God could ever become ____________.

Chapter 1

Paul’s Praise And Prayer (Verses 1-13)

1. The introductory portion of this letter actually serves as a ____________________________ for the remainder of the letter.

2. The pattern of spiritual growth is:

a. Knowledge of ________________________l

b. Walk ________________, pleasing God

c. Increase in ________________________

d. Be ________________________ with all might

e. Give ____________ to God

The Fulness Of Christ (Chapter 1:14 - Chapter 2:23)

The Fulness Of Christ In The Father
(Verses 14 - 19)

1. Paul declares the ____________ of Christ.

2. Statements made about Christ that could only be said about God:

a. Christ has the power to ________________________ - verse 14

b. Christ is the “________________” of God - verse 15

c. Christ is the ________________________ (first-born) of all things - verse 15

d. Christ is the ____________________ of all things - verse 16

e. Christ is ________________ - verse 17

f. Christ is the ________________ of all creation - verse 17

g. Christ is the ________________________ One - verses 18-19

The Fulness Of Christ In Reconciliation
(Verses 20-23)

*1. To “reconcile” means “to ____________________________ from one condition to another.”

2. In Christ we are changed from ________________ of God into ________ of the Father and in ________________________________ with the Father.

3. When the total work of Christ is completed, the whole empire of God will be ________________ (I Corinthians 15:23-28).

4. Everything will be made right, either at the ____________ or at the ____________________.

5. The Judgment Seat phase of the presentation of the believer concerns our ________________ to Christ while we were in these ________________________.

The Fulness Of Christ In The Revelation And Operation Of The Church
(Verses 24-29)

1. God used Paul to ________________ the church clearly in the New Testament.

2. Three details concerning the church are:

a. The church is the ____________ of Christ.

b. The church is a ____________________ of the Word of God;

c. The church stands in hope of the ________________ of the ____________ of Christ;

3. The responsibility of the church is summed up in three words: _______________, ____________, and ____________.

Chapter 2

The Fulness Of Christ In Assurance
(Verses 1-23)

1. Our knowledge and understanding of Christ are the only true ________________________ we have.

2. Our assurance is based on the ________________ of Christ, the ____________________ of God, and the ________________ of the Gospel.

3. The believers at Colossae had lost sight of the fullness of Christ by listening to the teachings of the ____________________ and ____________________.

Protection From Vain Philosophy
(Verses 8-10)

*1. The word “vain” means “____________,” and “philosophy” is the love and pursuit of __________________.

2. The only protection the believer has from being spoiled by vain philosophy is the ________________ of Christ.

Protection From Vain Ordinances (verses 11-17)

*1. An ordinance is a ____________ expressed with ________________________.

2. ________________ and the ____________________ are sound and should be observed.

3. When Christ died on the cross, the Old Testament ordinances were ________________ with Him.

Protection From Vain Revelation
(Verses 18-23)

*1. The Gnostics believed and taught that all things were created by some ______________________________.

2. Paul attacked their two main teachings:

a. that all physical pleasure is a ________,

b. that Christ was not God in flesh but a ________________ or _______________.

3. Any ________ revelation is a vain revelation.

4. We must also take care that our ____________________ and ____________________ are to the praise of Christ and not to ourselves.

DIVISION TWO - THE FULNESS OF THE BELIEVER
(Chapters 3 and 4)

Chapter 3

Fellowship With the Fulness of Christ
(Verses 1-4)

1. Paul shows that by __________________ those things which are above, we can have ________________________ the things of the earth.

2. Christ once bore our ______, ____________ and __________________, and left them in the grave.

3. Our new life in Christ is __________________ and will be ________________________ with Christ in glory.

The Believer’s Personal Fulness In Christ
(Verses 5-14)

1. The __________________ believed all physical pleasure was forbidden.

2. Paul did not want to convey the idea of __________________ and ____________________________________, neither did he want to deny them the ______________________________ that God had provided.

*3. To mortify means to ________________________.

4. ________________________ of the flesh were to be avoided.

5. The things we are to “put off” have to do with ________________________.

6. Our personal fulness as a believers will be the result of the surrender of our ____________, ____________, and ____________ to Christ.

*7. Being a Christian is a _________________________ all philosophical, religious, and social classification.

8. The believer is to “put on:”

a. ____________________,

b. _______________ and _________________________

c. __________.

The Believer’s Spiritual Fulness In Christ
(Verses 15-17)

1. The natural viscous instincts are to be replaced with “______________________________.”

*2. ____________________ is a living, spiritual knowledge of God’s Word that reaches out to others and manifests the grace of God in us.

The Believer’s Domestic Fulness In Christ
(Verses 18-21)

1. A wife is to be in submission to her “__________” husband, and not the ideas of some ____________________.

2. Husbands are commanded to “__________ their wives,” and, “be not bitter against them.”

3. Paul proclaimed God’s sanction on ___________________________________ in marriage.

4. The child is to __________, and the parent is not to _______________ the child, but instead, _______________ them in truth and reality.

The Believer’s Occupational Fulness In Christ
(Verses 22-25)

*1. The servant and master relationship would be likened to an ________________________________________ relationship of today.

2. The employee is to do the job as if he were doing it directly for ________________________.

3. Any boss who would command us to be ________________________or ________________ is not worthy to work for.

4. Every man, whether servant or master, is going to ________________________ to the Lord.

Chapter 4

The Believer’s Christian Fulness In Christ
(Verses 2-17)

1. ________________________________ is the true definition of a Christian.

2. ________________ is the accessibility to God, made available through Christ.

3. A praying person will become a ________________ person, for he ________________________________ God’s power to answer his prayers.

4. Paul’s prayer was not ________________, but one that would present ________________________ to preach the Gospel of Christ.

The Believer’s Fulness In Testimony
(Verses 5-6)

1. Our responsibility to live a life before the world that presents Christ and His fulness is called our ________________________.

2. Every believer will have either a __________ testimony or a ________ testimony.

3. Many an opportunity to be a good witness for Christ has been spoiled by ________________________________.

4. Presenting Christ as the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God, reflects a testimony that is ________________________ and ________________________.

The Believer’s Fulness In Fellowship And Harmony In Service
(Verses 7-17)

1. The ________________________ and ________________ of the body of Christ depends upon harmony.

2. The church at Colossae had been invaded by ________________________________; so Paul is careful that no one other than Tychicus, Onesimus, Marcus, and Justus be received as being sent from him.

3. ________________________ knew these Colossian believers and was concerned for their welfare and Christian growth.

4. In verse 14, we notice that _____________ and ________________ were still with Paul.

5. Paul tells them share this letter with the ________________________.

*6. ________________________ is mentioned as a “fellow-soldier” who fulfilled the work that God had given him to do.

First Thessalonians

Author: Paul the Apostle
Date Written: c. A.D. 52
Written From: Corinth
Theme: The Coming of Christ
Key Verses: 4: 13-18

Outline

Introduction: (Chapter 1)

A. Paul's Commendation (vs. 1-8)
1. Steadfastness (vs. 1-5)
2. Example (vs. 6-8)

B. Paul's Consolation (vs. 9-10) (Outline For The Letter)
1. The coming of the Gospel (v. 9)
2. The coming of Christ (v. 10)

I. The Coming Of The Gospel (Chapter 2)

A. Paul's Personal Work Among Them (Chapter 2)
1. The manner of Paul's preaching (vs. 1-12)
2. The manner of their receiving (vs. 13-20)

B. Paul's Follow-Up Work Among Them (Chapter 3)
1. By sending Timothy (vs. 1-8)
a. to establish (vs. 1-2)
b. to comfort (vs. 3-4)
c. to observe (vs. 5-8)
2. By praying for them (vs. 9-13)
a. maturity (vs. 9-11)
b. unity (v. 12)
c. holiness (v. 13)

II. The Coming Of Christ (Chapters 4-5)

A. Preparation For Christ's Coming (4: 1-12) The key is verse 4: Sanctification and Honour

B. Proclamation Of Christ's Coming (4: 13-18) (Note: These verses pertain to the Rapture)

C. Precautions Concerning Christ's Coming (5: 1-24)
1. Proper attitude (vs. 1-10)
2. Proper action (vs. 11-22)
a. concerning others (vs. 11-15)
b. concerning self (vs. 16-24)

CONCLUSION: (vs 25 - 28)

First Thessalonians

Introduction

Chapter 1

1. Paul commends these Thessalonian believers for their ________________________ and their __________________.

a. First, he commends them for their ______________________________ which has to do with our steadfastness in the ____________ of the Gospel.

b. Next, Paul commends their ______________________________ which has to do with ________________________, or __________________, for others.

c. Then, Paul commends their patience of hope in allowing ______________________________ to work toward patience and hope.

2. The Thessalonian believers knew that they were saved and had ________________________ to that effect.

3. Paul consoles the Thessalonian believers by relating to them the __________________ of their __________________.

4. They had denounced __________________ and were following the true and living God of Israel.

*5. In verse 9 we find the ____________________________________ (Chapters 2-3).

*6. Then, in verse 10, we find the ____________________________________ (Chapters 4-5).

The Coming of the Gospel

Chapter 2

1. Paul was confident that his work among them was ________________________ and reminds them that the severe treatment that he received in __________________.

2. In verses 3 through 5 we find ________________________ in the fact that Paul counted it a ____________________________________ to be allowed to preach the Gospel of God.

3. In verse 6 we find __________________ in the fact that Paul considered his office of an apostle to one of __________________ and not an office of earthly reward and __________________.

4. In verses 7 through 10, we find ________________________ in the use of the word “__________________.”

5. In verses 11 and 12 we notice that along with other characteristics, there must also be that of ________________________.

6. In verse 13, Paul goes into the other aspect of preaching; which is the ______________________________ of the _________________.

a. First, they received the Gospel as the ________________________.

b. As a result of that, the Gospel worked __________________ in them.

7. Paul goes on to explain that the __________________ of God is upon those who __________________ the Gospel.

8. Finally, Paul states that they had received the Gospel to the rejoicing and encouragement of others.

*9. Paul was in the ministry for the __________________, ____________ and ________________________ of those who received the Gospel.

Chapter 3

*1. Verses 1 and 2, show that Paul sent Timothy to __________________ them.

2. Secondly, in verses 3 and 4, we see that Timothy was sent to __________________ them.

a. There is no other way to rest than by being ________________________.

b. The word “moved” when it is speaking of people, it means “to make ____________, or __________________.”

3. Thirdly, in verses 5 through 8, we see that Paul sent Timothy to __________________ their __________________ condition.

a. Paul said that his crown of rejoicing was their ________________________ in the face of ________________________.

b. They were not just ________________________ persecution, but were actually growing and ministering in the midst of ________________________.

*4. In verses 9 through 13, Paul continues his follow up work by __________________ for them.

*a. In verses 9-11, he prays for their spiritual __________________.

*b. His prayer continues in verse 12 for two __________________.

(1) First, unity in ________________________ with each other.

(2) Secondly, unity in the __________________ and ________________________.

*c. Finally, in verse 13, Paul prays for their __________________.

The Coming Of Christ
(Chapters 4-5)

1. This first epistle deals primarily with the first phase of the second coming which is known as the _____________________.

2. The second epistle deals primarily with the second phase which is known as the ____________________________.

Chapter 4

Preparation For Christ's Coming
(4: 1-12)

*1. Verse 4: which sums up the goal of preparation for the return of Christ in two words: ____________________________ and ________________ which have to do with ______________ and ______________.

2. Therefore, Paul both beseeches and exhorts them:

a. The word beseech means simply to _______ or make a _____________________ of some one.

b. The word exhort, on the other hand, comes from a Greek word meaning to _______ some one to your __________.

3. The sin of ____________________________ is pointed out in particular because it was closely connected with ____________________________ worship.

4. The words lust and concupiscence toether indicate a spiritually and mentally ___________________________________.

5. Those who oppose holiness are in opposition to God Who not only set the _____________________ but also provided the ____________________________ to promote holiness.

6. Paul challenged the Thessalonians to have no _____________________ on their capability to love others.

Proclamation Of Christ's Coming
(4: 13-18)

1. The Thessalonians thought that the return of Christ would only be a blessing for those who were ___________________________________.

2. Paul had told them about the return of Christ to ______________ them concerning their _____________________ loved ones.

*3. The _____________________ is the phase of the Second Coming in which Christ will come for His church.

*4. The word "rapture" comes from the Latin word "rapere" meaning "__________________________________________."

5. No one but _______ Himself knows the exact day and hour of the rapture of the Church.

*6. The ____________________________ phase of the Second Coming ocurs at the end of the Tribulation Period when Christ will return to earth to establish His earthly kingdom.

7. This passage proves that the Rapture is _____________________ and could happen at any moment.

Chapter 5

Precautions Concerning Christ's Coming
(5: 1-24)

Proper Attitude
(5:1-10)

1. The first step to developing a proper attitude is realizing the _________________________ of being _________________________________ our Lord.

2. Secondly, there is the attitude of ___________________________________ upon the lost.

a. Lost people seek a ____________________________ of security upon which they can build their hope.

b. The word “sudden” seems to indicate that this is referring to the ____________________________ phase of the Second Coming.

c. The believer’s life should not be a life of _____________________ because we are the children of God Who is the _____________________.

*d. There are different kinds of darkness:

*(1) First, there is _____________________ darkness which includes evil deeds which can be ______________.

*(2) Then, there is the darkness of ignorance, or a ____________________ darkness.

*(3) Then, there is _____________________ darkness which is the realm which Satan is allowed to control during this present time.

3. The breastplate and helmet present faith, love, and hope.

a. Faith protects against _____________________;

b. Love protects against _____________________;

c. Hope protects against ____________________________.

Proper Actions
(5:11-22)

Proper Actions Concerning Others
(5:11-15)

1. We are to: ______________ and ______________ fellow believers; ______________ those in Christian service; ______________ those who are disobedient; _____________________ the feebleminded; _____________________ the weak.

2. The Greek words for all and any show our requirement to be _________________ with all people, yet especially patient with that one who has _____________________ us.

Proper Actions Concerning Ourselves
(5:16-24)

1. The list of personal actions seems to be a list of ______________ Christian _____________________.

2. We are to be able to rejoice ______________, pray _____________________, and be thankful ____________________________.

3. We are to be obedient to the Spirit’s leading through the Word of God; yet, at the same time seek ____________________________ with and ____________________________ to the things of God.

4. Here we also see that we are to avoid things that __________________ to be evil.

5. Paul prayed for their ____________________________ protection from God which included their whole spirit and soul and body.

a. The spirit is preserved through ____________________________,

b. The soul is preserved through ____________________________,

c. The body will be preserved through ____________________________.

Conclusion
(5:25-28)

1. The holy kiss was an expression of affection between those of ___________________________________.

2. The _____________________ of this epistle to all believers is seen in the command to have it read.

Second Thessalonians

Author: Paul the Apostle
Date Written: c. A.D. 53
Written From: Corinth
Theme: The Revelation of Christ
Key Verses: 2: 7-8

Outline

Introduction and Commendation (Vs. 1-5)

I. Confirmation Of The Day Of The Lord (Chapter 1)

A. It will be a time of judgment (vs. 6-9)
1. Recompense (v.6)
2. Vengeance (v.8)
3. Destruction (v.9)

B. It will be a time of glory (vs. 10-12)

II. Chronology Of The Day Of The Lord (Chapter 2)
A. The Day of Christ (vs. 1-2)
B. The Falling Away (v.3)
C. The Man Of Sin (vs. 3b-17)
1. The Anti-christ (vs. 3-9)
2. His followers (vs. 10-12)
3. The contrast between the followers of truth and followers of Anti-christ (vs. 13-17)

III. Commands Concerning The Day Of The Lord (Chapter 3)
A. Command to continue in obedience (vs. 1-5)
B. Command to withdraw from a disorderly brother (vs. 6-7)
C. Command to withhold from a lazy brother (vs. 8-12)
D. Command to separate from a disobedient brother (vs. 13-14)
E. Command to seek restoration (v. 15)

SALUTATION AND CLOSE (Vs. 16-18)

Second Thessalonians

Three Days

*1. The Day of ______________ is so named because of the Gospel of Grace that is preached during this period of time known as the Church Age.

*2. The Day of ______________ is known as the Tribulation Period, Daniel’s 70th Week (Dan. 9:27), and the Time of Jacob’s Trouble.

*3. The Day of _____________________ begins with the Revelation of Christ at the close of the seven year Tribulation Period when the Lord returns to judge the Antichrist army at Armageddon, continues through the judgment of the nations and the Thousand year reign of Christ, and concludes with the Great White Throne Judgment.

Chapter 1

Introduction and Commendation (Verses 1-5)

1. Paul begins by commending the Thessalonian believers for their continual ______________ and _____________________in the face of ____________________________.

2. Grace can be divided into two types: ______________ grace and ______________ grace.

Confirmation Of The Day Of The Lord (1:6-12)

A Time of Judgment (Verses 6-9)

Recompense (Verses 6-7)

*1. There are two aspects of judgment.

*a. First, there is _____________________ which is judgment to determine _____________________.

*b. The second aspect is that of ____________________________, or ____________________________ for evil.

Vengeance (Verse 8)

1. The word vengeance means ____________________________ or ______________. Those who will receive this punishment are first classified as “them that know not God.”

2. Judgment is applied to these people because they did not ___________________ God in their ______________.

Destruction (Verse 9)

1. The punishment of the wicked is not mere _____________________ death, but an ____________________________ punishment.

2. This judgment places the unbeliever in an eternal state of _____________________ without being totally _____________________.

A Time of Glory (Verses 10-12)

1. At the _____________________ Christ will come to glorify His saints.

2. At the _____________________ Christ will come to be glorified in His saints.

Chronology Of The Day Of The Lord

Chapter 2

The Day of Christ (Verses 1-2)

1. There was a false teaching that the _____________________ had already occurred and the ____________________________ was already underway.

2. The expression “at hand” means ____________________________ or ___________________________________

3. False doctrine is received from ______________, introduced by ____________________________, and propagated by ____________________________.

The Falling Away (Verse 3a)

1. The Greek word for “falling away” means “to forsake or rebel against a ___________________________________ position of faith.”

2. A person who is guilty of apostasy is called an _____________________.

The Man Of Sin (Verses 3b-17)

The Antichrist (Verses 3-9)

*1. The _____________________ is called “the man of sin,” “the son of perdition,” and “that Wicked.”

2. From Paul we learn 4 things about Antichrist:

a. He is self _____________________.

b. He is _____________________ restrained.

(1) Satan and his forces are held in check by the _____________________

(2) The Holy Spirit works in and through the __________________.

(3) It will be God’s plan to ______________ the restraining power so that the forces of evil can ______________ for final judgment.

c. He is _____________________ empowered.

(1) Antichrist will be the result of _____________________ work.

(2) Satan’s greatest power is to lead people _____________________ God and ultimately against God.

d. He is _____________________ destroyed.

His Followers (Verses 10-12)

1. The followers of Antichrist are those who _____________________ the Gospel of Christ.

2. Today people are given over to their ______________ delusions (Rom. 1:28).

3. During the Tribulation Period, God shall ______________ them strong delusion.

The Contrast Between the Followers of Truth
and Followers of Antichrist (Verses 13-17)

1. The followers of evil are bound for destruction by their _____________________.

2. Those in Christ are there because they ________________________________.

3. Resting in the established doctrine of truth enables us to enjoy the ______________ of God and the joy of _____________________.

Commands Concerning The Day Of The Lord

Chapter 3

Command to Continue in Obedience
(Verses 1-5)

1. As Paul requested their prayers, he also reminded them that there is ___________________________________ the Gospel.

2. The life of faith is trusting God to _______________, _______________, and ____________________.

3. Paul assures them that he is not _________________________ while commanding them to _________________________.

4. Paul was also an ____________________ with the Christ given commission and authority to _________________________.

Command to Withdraw from a Disorderly Brother
(Verses 6-7)

1. The word used for brother is referring to a ______________________________.

*2. The word withdraw means to ____________________ oneself _____________ from someone else.

*3. The word disorderly refers to any brother who is going and directing others in a direction contrary to the ____________________ and overall ____________________ of the church.

*4. The word tradition means something _________________________.

Command to Withhold from a Lazy Brother
(Verses 8-12)

1. Paul and his associates were ____________________ active in the _______________ work of the ministry.

2. The statement if any would not work, neither should he eat is referring to a person who is __________and ____________________ to work.

*3. Those who used their energy for meddling in the affairs of others are known as _________________________.

Command to Separate from a Disobedient Brother
(Verses 13-14)

1. The Greek word for weary means to be ______________________________.

2. Effective service to Christ requires a _______________ desire and _________________________ goals.

3. Those who did choose to do contrary to the teachings and exhortations of Paul’s ____________________ writings were to be ______________________________.

Command to Seek Restoration
(Verse 15)

1. This separation is not to be done in the spirit of _______________ or total ______________________________.

2. Yet, it is not to be a weak spirit of ____________________ or _________________________ the sin of the offender.

*3. The word admonish means to __________.

Salutation and Close
(Verses 16-18)

1. Evidently, Paul had his own unique style of writing which was easily _________________________, yet, hard to _________________________.

2. The ____________________ of the Lord gives the assurance that we are where we ought to be no matter what the situation.

3. The _______________ of the Lord assures us that we will be able to endure and be victorious.