Philemon was a first-century Christian and a slave owner who also hosted a church in his home, most likely in Colossae. The apostle Paul had led Philemon to faith on one of his visits to Asia Minor. The book of Philemon is a personal letter from the apostle Paul to his friend Philemon whom he calls a “dear friend and fellow worker” (Philemon 1:1).   In the letter, Paul appeals to his friend on behalf of a runaway slave named Onesimus. Onesimus had somehow connected with Paul, who was imprisoned in Rome. Onesimus became a believer, but, because he was considered the property of Philemon, Paul sent him back to his owner with a letter.   The letter draws a beautiful distinction between the law and grace. It is a template for how those in authority ought to treat those in their charge. It reminds us that God has a personal interest in each of us. And it raises questions for us about forgiveness.   Scriptures referenced in this episode include the entire book of Philemon and Ephesians 3:1; Colossians 4:1, 18; Philippians 1:12–14; and Acts 23:11. ...

Right living is essential because Christ “gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed,” saving us “by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 2:14; 3:5).   Paul writes a letter to his co-worker, Titus, to address concerns about false teaching. To help him deal with this problem, Paul provides Titus with a portrait of a healthy church. He describes proper leadership (Titus 1:5–9), proper handling of error (Titus 1:10–16; 3:9–11), proper Christian living (especially important for new believers in an immoral setting; Titus 2:1–10; Titus 3:1–2), and the gospel as the source of godliness (Titus 2:11–14; Titus 3:3–7).   Additional scriptures referenced include Titus 3:1-2, 8 and Acts 14:21-23.  ...

In verses 2 Timothy 3:1–9, Paul speaks of difficult times in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1). As used in this passage, Paul does not mean the “end times,” or some period in the future. The “last days” as used here is what is commonly called “the church age,” the era of Christianity in the world which continues through today. Paul particularly warns Timothy—the recipient of this letter—not to associate with the people he is describing. After noting the characteristics of evil people, Timothy is told to avoid such people (2 Timothy 3:2–5). Those who act like this are deceived (2 Timothy 3:6–7). This warning is also for us today.   Additional scriptures referenced include Romans 12:3; Revelation 2:1-4; Romans 16:17; 1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:16; Exodus 7:11, 22; and Exodus 8:7, 18. ...

People who are not convicted of their sin and who do not realize their own inability to meet God’s holy standard by their own efforts are not desperate for what God offers through the gospel. In 1 Timothy 1:7, Paul writes to his protege Timothy about some false teachers troubling the church at Ephesus. These false teachers wanted to be teachers of the Law, but they did not understand its proper use. In the four verses that follow (1 Timothy 1:8-11), Paul shows that the proper use of God’s Law is to bring conviction of sin so that people are driven to the gospel for salvation.   Today’s Top Ten List explores the Ten Guidelines for Abundant Living in 1 Timothy. Additional scriptures referenced include 1 Timothy 2:5; John 14:6; 1 Timothy 6:1, 9-10; Acts 16:13-15; 1 Timothy 5:1-2, 8; Leviticus 19:32; and Proverbs 16:31. ...

As the apostle Paul wraps up his second letter to new Thessalonian believers, he offers a fourth prayer for them in three chapters (see 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:5). He prays in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!” Then, after a verse authenticating himself as the author of this letter, he adds in 2 Thessalonians 3:18, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” Paul’s prayers show that we must depend on the Lord’s grace and strength in every situation, both for our own growth and for the growth of others we care about.    While it’s not comprehensive, Paul’s concluding prayer and his authenticating signature to this letter give us a short pattern for Christian growth: To grow in Christ, seek His peace in every situation, seek His presence every day, submit to His word as our authority, and saturate our lives with His grace.   Additional scriptures referenced include Romans 8:7; Colossians 1:20-21; Romans 5:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Psalm 38; Ephesians 2:14; Colossians 3:11-15; Psalm 51:11; John 14:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:17-18; and Romans 6:1, 14. ...

What kind of Christians ought we to be? While salvation is by God’s grace through faith, the Christian life is to be a growing life, constantly striving for the perfection that has been promised us in Christ. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul urges believers to abstain from sexual immorality and to control their bodies. Scriptures referenced include 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-15; Genesis 39:9; Matthew 25:34-46; and John 13:34-35.  ...