Establishing Paul’s authority as the apostle to the Gentiles is critical to understanding the importance of his letters to us in this dispensation of the grace of God. We have studied five critical scriptures that lay a strong foundation that his 13 letters of Romans to Philemon are written to us, while the remaining 53 books of the Bible are are written for us, that is for our learning – Romans 15:4.
The critical scriptures for us to remember are:
Romans 16:25-27
Galatians 1:11-12
Ephesians 3:1-7
Colossians 1:25-29
2 Peter 3:15-16
Paul received his gospel message that is unique for this dispensation of grace by direct revelation from the Lord himself. He did not go to Peter, James, and John! This incredible message of the “mystery of Christ in you, the hope of glory” was so radical, because it is the universal message to all mankind, whether Jew or Gentile. The message of salvation by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ – his death, burial, and resurrection as complete payment for our sins, plus nothing, minus nothing, is the one and only way of salvation in this mystery period that was hidden from the beginning, but revealed to Paul!
We will be walking through all of Paul’s epistles, giving a brief outline for each book, as a study help for us, as we seek to grow in Christ by studying to show ourselves approved unto God. Each of Paul’s letters contain three basic sections:
1. Doctrine — the wealth or the power of our Christian life
2. Application — the work or the practice of our Christian experience
3. Logistics — personal instructions and greetings
Basic Form of each book:
Introduction
Prayer
Answers to Questions
Doctrinal issues to believe
Issues to take care of (things to do)
Salutations
These are simple patterns to identify as you study these incredible books of doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness – 2 Timothy 3:16-17. I look forward to our overview of these books the next few Sundays.