The Professions of the Apostles

Text: Matthew 10:1-4 Jesus would send His apostles into all the world to preach the gospel. These men were chosen from various backgrounds. We do not know what all of them did before Jesus called them, but we do know this for a few. For the ones of whom their background is known, there are […]

Accusations Against Truth Teachers

Text: John 15:18-21 Those who are opposed to the truth will naturally be opposed to those who speak the truth. Jesus came “to testify to the truth” (John 18:37) and was crucified for it. He warned that we will receive the same kind of treatment. We also see this throughout the book of Acts. We […]

Convicting the World

Text: John 16:7-11 Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus spoke to His apostles and promised to send the Holy Spirit. He would “convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” This would have a direct impact on the apostles’ teaching, and it should with ours as well. Role of the Holy Spirit Jesus promised the […]

All Things Belong to You

Text: 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 We have been abundantly blessed by God. In our text, Paul emphasized certain blessings we have as Christians. He said, “All things belong to you.” What does that mean? To answer that, we need to look at what he said and what is in the context. Context: We Are Not to […]

How to Prevent an Apostasy

Text: 1 Timothy 4:6-16 Paul warned Timothy that apostasy was certain (1 Timothy 4:1). Yet Timothy was to hold fast the pattern (2 Timothy 1:13), teach this to others (2 Timothy 2:2), and continue teaching without compromise, even if others departed (2 Timothy 4:2-5). There was hope that those who would listen would be saved […]

The Fragrance of Christ

Text: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 Paul’s purpose in life was to preach the gospel. Yet he knew he would not convert everyone. Whether or not someone is converted depends on their reaction to the message of the gospel. Paul explained that it would be perceived in one of two ways – the same is true today. […]

Following Paul’s Example

Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-11 In our text, Paul wrote to Timothy about how the young evangelist had followed the apostle’s example in various ways. Examples are important. Paul knew that he needed to set an example to others (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1). What about us? Are we setting the example that we need to set before […]