THEO 201 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY Study of the Epistles Outlines for each book_STUDY MATERIAL_2024.pdf

Study of the Epistles: Outlines for each book.

ROMANS

THEME: Romans 1:16-17

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first

and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by

faith.'"

In these two verses Paul states his confidence in the gospel and the reasons for it. The bulk of his epistle is devoted to

explaining why and how the gospel of Christ is God's power to save those who believe.

Brief Outline

3. The Universal Need For Salvation (3:9-20)

B. JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH - THE "PROVISION" MADE FOR SALVATION 1. God's Righteousness Through Faith (3:21-31)

2. Abraham As An Example (4:1-25)

C. FREEDOM - THE "RESULT" OF SALVATION

1. Freedom From Wrath (5:1-21)

2. Freedom From Sin (6:1-23)

3. Freedom From The Law (7:1-25)

4. Freedom From Death (8:1-39)

D. JEW AND GENTILE - THE "SCOPE" OF SALVATION

1. God Chooses To Save Believers (9:1-33)

D. IN RELATION TO WEAK BRETHREN (14:1-15:13)

CONCLUDING REMARKS, INSTRUCTIONS, AND BENEDICTION (15:14-16:27)

I CORINTHIANS

PURPOSE OF WRITING: The bad news concerning the problems at Corinth had reached Paul in Ephesus. It seems that this news

came from at least two sources: 1) the household of Chloe (1:11); and 2) a letter sent to him (7:1), possibly by the hands of

Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus (16:17).

Therefore, in answer to these reports Paul writes:

TO CORRECT SINFUL PRACTICES AND REFUTE FALSE DOCTRINE

THEME: 1 Corinthians 1:10

"Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no

Brief Outline

(adapted from Dextor Sammons)

INTRODUCTION (1:1-9)

I. PROBLEMS REPORTED BY THE HOUSE OF CHLOE (1:10-6:20)

A. FACTIONS IN THE CHURCH (1:1-4:21)

B. SEXUAL IMMORALITY (5:1-13)

C. LAWSUITS AMONG BRETHREN (6:1-11)

D. THE LORD'S SUPPER (11:17-34)

E. SPIRITUAL GIFTS (12:1-14:40)

F. RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD (15:1-58)

G. COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS (16:1-4)

CONCLUDING REMARKS, INSTRUCTIONS, AND BENEDICTION (16:5-24)

PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE: Titus' report was encouraging, but evidently it also brought troubling news that some at Corinth

were questioning Paul's authority as an apostle. This doubt may have planted by "Judaizing teachers" who seemed to follow

Paul and attempted to undermine his teaching concerning the Law. They appear to have questioned his veracity (1:15-17), his

speaking ability (10:10; 11:6), and his unwillingness to accept support from the church at Corinth (11:7-9; 12:13). There were

TO VINDICATE HIS APOSTLESHIP AND MANNER OF LIFE

He hopes that by writing in advance of his visit he can get all of the necessary rebuke out of the way (1:23-2:3; 13:10). He also

uses the opportunity to encourage them to have the collection for the needy saints in Jerusalem ready when he comes (9:1-5;

This letter is the most biographical and least doctrinal of Paul's epistles. It tells us more about Paul as a person and as a minister

than any of the others. Those who would be ministers of the gospel would do well to carefully study it (along with Paul's

epistles to Timothy and Titus).

KEY VERSE: 2 Corinthians 7:2

"Open your heart to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have defrauded no one."

Brief Outline

3. The Penitent Offender (2:5-11)

B. HE DESCRIBES HIS APOSTOLIC MINISTRY

1. Triumphant (2:12-17)

2. Accredited (3:1-3)

3. Glorious (3:4-18)

4. Honest (4:1-6)

5. Suffering (4:7-18)

7. Devoted (5:11-17)

8. Reconciling (5:18-21)

II. THE COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS IN JERUSALEM (8:1-9:15)

A. THE EXAMPLE OF MACEDONIA (8:1-5)

B. THE BASIS FOR HIS EXHORTATION (8:6-15)

C. THE MESSENGERS FOR THIS MINISTRY (8:16-9:5)

D. THE ENCOURAGEMENT TO GIVE LIBERALLY (9:6-15)

III. PAUL DEFENDS HIS APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY (10:1-13:10)

A. EXPLANATION CONCERNING HIS CONDUCT

1. He Uses Weapons Mighty In God (10:1-11)

2. The Contrast Between Him And His Opponents (10:7-18)

B. SOME FOOLISH BOASTING

2. The Grounds For His Boasting (11:22-12:10)

3. His Rebuke For Compelling Him To Boast (12:11-13)

C. HIS FINAL WARNINGS

2. His Fear Of What He Will Find (12:20-21)

3. His Coming Will Be In Judgment If Necessary (13:1-6)

4. But He Hopes To Avoid Sharp Words By Writing In Advance (13:7-10)

CONCLUDING EXHORTATIONS AND BENEDICTION (13:11-14)

GALATIANS

PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE: The churches in Galatia were being influenced by those who would "pervert the gospel of

Christ" (1:6-7; cf. 3:1). Known as "Judaizing teachers", these individuals taught that Gentile Christians needed to be circumcised

and keep the Law of Moses (cf. Ac 15:1). Paul recognized that this doctrine would jeopardize the salvation of those souls who

accepted it (cf. 5:4). Because the enemies of the true gospel were trying to support their case by undermining Paul's authority

as an apostle of Christ, it was necessary to verify that he was truly an apostle "not from men nor through man, but through

Jesus Christ and God the Father" (1:1). Therefore, Paul writes:

epistle has frequently been called "The Magna Carta Of Christian Liberty."

KEY VERSE: Galatians 5:1

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."

Outline

INTRODUCTION (1:1-10)

1. Salutation (1-5)

2. Reason for the letter (6-10)

A. THE DIVINE ORIGIN OF HIS GOSPEL (1:11-17)

1. Thesis: His gospel received directly from God (1:11-12)

2. His pre-Christian years, and conversion (1:13-17)

B. HIS RELATIONSHIP TO THE OTHER APOSTLES (1:18-2:21)

1. His first visit with Peter, and early years as a Christian (1:18-24)

2. The council at Jerusalem (2:1-5)

3. His sanction by James, Cephas, and John (2:6-10)

4. His rebuke of Peter at Antioch (2:11-21)

B. THE SCRIPTURAL ARGUMENT (3:6-25)

1. The example of Abraham (3:6-9)

2. The curse of the Law (3:10-14)

3. The priority of the Promise over the Law (3:15-18)

4. The purpose of the Law (3:19-25)

C. THE PRACTICAL ARGUMENT (3:26-4:7)

2. Redeemed from the law, and adopted as sons, they are no longer slaves, but heirs (4:1-7)

III. THE CALL TO STAND FAST IN THE LIBERTY OF THE GOSPEL (5:1-6:10)

A. A LIBERTY THAT EXCLUDES THE NECESSITY OF CIRCUMCISION (5:1-6)

1. Do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage (5:1)

2. Circumcision means nothing; requiring it results in falling from grace (5:2-4)

3. We should wait for the hope of righteousness with faith working through love (5:5-6)

B. A LIBERTY THAT FULFILLS THE LAW (5:7-15)

1. Beware of those who would bind the Law (5:7-12)

2. Use your liberty as an opportunity to serve one another with love, and you will fulfill the Law

3. But beware that you do not use it as an opportunity for the flesh in which you consume one

C. A LIBERTY IN WHICH ONE IS TO BE LED BY THE SPIRIT (5:16-26)

1. Liberty is not an excuse for license (5:16-18)

2. The works of the flesh contrasted with the fruits of the Spirit (5:19-23)

D. A LIBERTY WITH A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY (6:1-10)

1. For helping those with burdens (6:1-5)

2. For doing good to all, thus sowing to the Spirit (6:6-10)

CONCLUSION (6:11-18)

1. A final rebuke to those who would bind circumcision (6:11-13)

2. Paul's confidence in the cross of Christ (6:14-17)

3. Benediction (6:18)

• What are the glorious riches of God's inheritance in the saints (1:18)

• What is God's great power toward those who believe (1:19)

In the first three chapters, Paul answers his own prayer by expounding upon their spiritual blessings in Christ. The last

three chapters focus on the conduct (or "walk", cf. 4:1,17; 5:2,8,15) expected of those so richly blessed. Therefore Paul writes

to:

• Remind Christians of their spiritual blessings in Christ (1:3)

• Exhort Christians to have a "walk worthy of the calling with which you were called" (4:1)

THEME OF THE EPISTLE: A grand epistle like Ephesians almost defies coming up with one main theme. With its exalted

view of the church in God's plan of redemption, it is common to suggest the theme as "The Church, The Fullness of Christ".

Another theme which does justice to the content of the epistle and one that I suggest for this study is that offered by Warren

(adapted from The Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol. 2, Warren W. Wiersbe, p.7):

INTRODUCTION (1:1-2)

I. DOCTRINE: OUR RICHES IN CHRIST (1:3-3:21)

A. OUR SPIRITUAL POSSESSIONS IN CHRIST (1:3-14)

1. From the Father (1:4-6)

2. From the Son (1:7-12)

3. From the Spirit (1:13-14)

B. OUR SPIRITUAL POSITION IN CHRIST (2:1-22)

1. Raised and seated on the throne (2:1-10)

2. Reconciled and set into the temple (2:11-22)

1. Walk not as other Gentiles (4:17-32)

2. Walk in love (5:1-6)

3. Walk as children of light (5:7-14)

4. Walk as wise (5:15-21)

C. A CALL TO WALK IN HARMONY (5:22-6:9)

1. Husbands and wives (5:22-33)

2. Parents and children (6:1-4)

D. A CALL TO WALK IN VICTORY (6:10-20)

PHILIPPIANS

PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE: The church at Philippi had sent a gift to Paul in Rome by the hand of Epaphroditus

(4:10,18). Paul uses this occasion not only to thank them, but to comfort them concerning his situation as a prisoner for Jesus

has often been called Paul's "hymn of joy" in which the theme is: "Rejoice in the Lord!"

KEY VERSE: Philippians 4:4

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!"

Outline

INTRODUCTION (1:1-11)

1. Salutation (1-2)

2. Thanksgiving and prayer (3-11)

I. THE SITUATION IN ROME (1:12-26)

A. PAUL'S IMPRISONMENT AND OPPOSITION (1:12-18)

1. Imprisonment has actually created opportunities to spread the gospel (1:12-14)

26)

II. EXHORTATION TO BEHAVIOR WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL (1:27-2:18)

A. STAND FAST IN ONE SPIRIT (1:27-30)

1. Strive together for the faith of the gospel (1:27)

2. Do not be terrified by your adversaries (1:28-30)

B. BE OF ONE MIND BY FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST (2:1-11)

1. Make Paul's joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love (2:1-2)

2. In humility, look out for the interests of others (2:3-4)

3. Follow the example of Christ's humility (2:5-11)

C. SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD (2:12-18)

III. PLANS INVOLVING TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS (2:19-30)

A. TO SEND TIMOTHY SOON (2:19-24)

1. Paul plans to send him shortly (2:19)

2. Commendation of Timothy (2:20-22)

3. Timothy to come soon, hopefully followed by Paul himself (2:23-24)

B. TO SEND EPAPHRODITUS AT ONCE (2:25-30)

1. Why Paul felt it necessary to send Epaphroditus (2:25-28)

3. But he gave it all up, that he might know Christ and the power of His resurrection (3:7-11)

B. AGAINST ANTINOMIANISM (3:12-21)

1. Paul's attitude of pressing on to perfection (3:12-14)

2. An exhortation for them to have the same mind (3:15-17)

3. A warning against those who serve their own desires (3:18-19)

4. A reminder of our true citizenship, and the hope it entails (3:20-21)

A. AN APPEAL TO EUODIA AND SYNTYCHE (4:1-3)

1. Prefaced with an exhortation to stand fast in the Lord (4:1)

A. THEIR GIFT A SOURCE OF JOY TO PAUL (10-14)

1. Paul rejoiced when they were able to care for him again (4:10)

2. Not that he really had need, for he had learned contentment (4:11-13)

3. But they have done well to share in his distress (4:14)

B. THEIR GIFT A SOURCE OF BLESSING FOR THEMSELVES (15-19)

1. A brief history of their giving to Paul (4:15-16)

2. Their giving abounds to their own account, viewed as an acceptable sacrifice to God, who will

supply all their need (4:17-19)

3. Final benediction (4:23)

A. THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER (2:1-8)

B. INSTRUCTIONS FOR WOMEN (2:9-15)

C. QUALIFICATIONS FOR CHURCH OFFICERS (3:1-13)

1. For bishops (3:1-7)

2. For deacons (3:8-13)

III. ADVICE TO TIMOTHY (3:14-4:16)

A. PAUL'S PURPOSE IN WRITING (3:14-16)

B. REMEMBER THE SPIRIT'S WARNING OF APOSTASY (4:1-6)

D. CONCERNING SERVANTS (6:1-2)

E. CONCERNING TEACHERS MOTIVATED BY GREED (6:3-10)

F. CONCERNING THE MAN OF GOD HIMSELF (6:11-16)

G. CONCERNING THE RICH (6:17-19)

CONCLUDING CHARGE TO TIMOTHY (6:20-21)

PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE: This epistle contains Paul's stirring words of encouragement and instructions to Timothy,

his "beloved son." Longing to see him (1:4), Paul writes this letter to have Timothy come quickly to Rome, and to bring

THEME OF THE EPISTLE: With all the exhortations and instructions related to his work as a minister of the gospel of

Christ, an appropriate theme for this epistle might therefore be:

"FULFILL YOUR MINISTRY!"

KEY VERSE: 2 Timothy 4:5

"But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."

Outline

INTRODUCTION (1:1-5)

A. WITH ZEAL AND COURAGE (1:6-12)

B. WITH STEADFASTNESS AND LOYALTY (1:13-18)

C. TRANSMITTING THE TRUTH TO OTHERS (2:1-2)

D. ENDURING HARDSHIP (2:3-13)

II. EXHORTATIONS TO SOUND DOCTRINE (3:1-4:5)

A. IN VIEW OF PERILOUS TIMES TO COME (3:1-9)

B. REMEMBERING PAUL'S OWN EXAMPLE (3:10-13)

C. BY ABIDING IN THE SCRIPTURES (3:14-17)

III. EXHORTATIONS TO COME QUICKLY (4:6-18)

A. PAUL'S END IS NEAR (4:6-8)

B. PAUL'S CIRCUMSTANCES AND REQUESTS (4:9-18)

CONCLUSION (4:19-22)

TITUS

THEME OF THE EPISTLE: The key phrase in this epistle is "good works" (1:16; 2:7,14; 3:1,8,14). An appropriate theme

for this epistle might therefore be:

"MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS!"

KEY VERSE: Titus 3:8

"This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should

Outline

C. FOR THE SERVANTS (2:9-14)

D. FOR THE BRETHREN IN GENERAL (3:1-11)

CONCLUSION (3:12-15)

PHILEMON

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING PHILEMON

1. To be impressed with the loving hospitality which characterized the Christians in the early church

2. To learn lessons in the use of tact in dealing with others

SUMMARY

house. But it soon becomes evident that its contents are directed toward Philemon, a beloved friend and fellow laborer with

After his salutation, Paul expresses his thanks for the noble qualities which have characterized Philemon in the past,

especially his love for the saints. It is because of Philemon's past performance that Paul is confident his plea will be carried out

faithfully (4-7).

Paul's plea concerns Onesimus, a slave who had run away from Philemon. Somehow he had run into Paul at Rome

because he still legally belongs to Philemon, Paul is sending him back with a plea that Onesimus be forgiven and received as a

brother in the Lord. Paul also offers to pay any restitution which may be owed Philemon by Onesimus (8-21).

The epistle ends with a request for lodging in the near future, and with sundry greetings from individuals who were

with Paul in Rome (22-25).

I. SALUTATION (1-3)

A. FROM... (1a)

1. Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus

2. Timothy, a brother

B. TO... (1b-2)

1. Philemon, a beloved friend and fellow laborer

2. Apphia

3. Archippus, a fellow soldier

II. THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER (4-7)

A. PAUL'S THANKFULNESS (4-5)

1. Expressed in frequent prayers to God

2. For Philemon's love and faith toward Jesus and all the saints

B. PAUL'S PRAYER (6-7)

1. That the sharing of Philemon's faith might be effective

2. Through the acknowledgment of every good thing in Philemon

how he refreshed the hearts of the saints

1. Concerns Onesimus (10-11)

a. Who was converted by Paul while in chains, and is now like a son to him

b. Who though once was unprofitable to Philemon, is now profitable to both him and

Paul

2. Paul is now sending Onesimus back to Philemon (12-14)

a. Though he is very dear to Paul

b. Though Paul wished to keep him and have him work in Philemon's behalf in the

gospel

c. But Paul did not want to do anything without Philemon's whole-hearted consent

a. Perhaps his running away was for this purpose, that he might become a beloved

b. So if Philemon considered himself a partner of Paul, Paul asks that he receive

Onesimus as he would Paul himself

4. Paul offers to repay Philemon (18-19)

b. Of course, Philemon already owed Paul his own life

5. By receiving Onesimus in this way, Philemon could give Paul joy and a refreshed heart in the

Lord (20)

1. In Philemon's obedience

2. That Philemon will do even more than what Paul is asking for

IV. CONCLUDING REMARKS (22-25)

A. A REQUEST FOR LODGING (22)

1. That Paul might be able to stay with Philemon

2. For Paul is confident that through the prayers of Philemon he will soon be able to come to him

B. GREETINGS FROM OTHERS (23-24)

MIRACLES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Miracles Location Text

Aaron's rod changed Egypt Exd 7:10-12

Waters made blood Egypt Exd 7:20-25

Frogs produced Egypt Exd 8:5-14

Lice Egypt Exd 8:16-18

Flies Egypt Exd 8:20-24

Murrain Egypt Exd 10:3-6

Boils Egypt Exd 9:11

Thunder, etc. Egypt Exd 9:23

Death of the first-born Egypt Exd 12:29,

Wilderness

Water from the rock Rephidim Rephidim Exd 17:5-7

Aaron's rod budded Kadesh Num 17:1,

etc.

Nadab and Abihu consumed. Sinai Lev 10:1, 2

The burning of Taberah Tabereth Num 11:1-3

Earthquake and Fire - Num 16:31-

35

Serpent healing the Israelites Desert of Zin Num 21:8, 9

Balaam's ass speaking Pethor Num 22:21-

River Jordan divided River Jordan 2Ki 2:7, 8, 14

The number of Abraham's seed Gen 15:5, 6 1Ch 21:5, 6

•Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals)