Read the Passage: 1 Thessalonians 3
Concern of Paul (3:1–5)
In 1 Thess. 2:17–20 Paul had mentioned his desire to see the Thessalonian believers. Recall that after his three-week ministry in Thessalonica (cf. Acts 17:1–9), Paul was forced to leave the city and to flee, which landed him in Berea (cf. Acts 17:10–15). Continue reading Love for the Church – 1 Thessalonians 3
Read the Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2
Sharing the Gospel (2:1–12)
Thus far in his epistle, Paul’s approach to encouraging the believers in Thessalonica has been two-fold. First, Paul reminded the church of their identity in Christ, as he noted that they were “in . . . the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 1:1), that they were “elect by God” (1 Thess. 1:4), and that they had believed the message of the gospel (cf. 1 Thess. 1:6). Continue reading Effect of the Gospel – 1 Thessalonians 2
Read the Passage: Ephesians 2:1-10
The Need of Salvation (2:1–3)
In Eph. 1:3–14 Paul wrote about several themes relating to salvation as he addressed predestination, adoption, redemption, and sealing by the Holy Spirit. Beginning in Eph. 2:1, Paul continues to explain aspects of salvation as he explains to his readers, “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Continue reading Saved by Grace – Ephesians 2:1–10
Read the Passage: Romans 10
Zeal and Knowledge (10:1–4)
In Romans 9, Paul demonstrated that God’s promises of salvation to Israel were never solely genetic, even in their original context. Rather, salvation has always been by faith alone in order “that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works” (Rom. 9:11). Continue reading Israel and the Gospel – Romans 10
Read the Passage: James 1:19-2:13
Evidence for Faith (1:19–27)
In Jas. 1:19–20 James disclosed three commands that, when implemented, can be evidence of Christian spiritual maturity. James wrote that his readers were to be (1) swift to hear, (2) slow to speak, and (3) slow to wrath. That which believers ought to be especially eager to hear, writes James, is the “Word of truth” (Jas. 1:18). Continue reading The Importance of Faith – James 1:19-2:13
The Redeemed Mind 