Christ the Center of the Bible: Christ in His Body - 1 & 2 Tim. - Jude.
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1 & 2 TIMOTHY – Christ`s Life within gives Strength for Ministry.
Timothy, son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother, was converted by Paul on his first missionary journey, at Lystra. On the second missionary journey, he became the Apostle`s companion, and from then on was his constant helper, loving, loved and utterly trusted.
Although Timothy was only a young man Paul repeatedly sent him on important missions, as to encourage the Macedonian believers in the midst of persecution, and to represent the Apostle`s authority in the face of disaffection at Corinth.
We also see that Timothy is comforting and supporting Paul during his imprisonment at Rome. After the Apostle`s liberation they together visited Asia, and there Paul entrusted to Timothy the oversight of the believers at Ephesus.
`Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our saviour and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope. To Timothy, my true son in the faith:...as I urged you when I went to Macedonia - remain in Ephesus...` (1 Tim. 1: 1 & 3)
Paul instructed Timothy to deal severely with false teachers.
`..that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, not give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which comes by faith.` (1 Tim. 1: 3 & 4)
To combat these errors Paul puts forward the glorious gospel of the blessed God.
`This is a faithful saying and worth of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.....` (1 Tim. 1: 15)
`God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.` (1Tim. 3: 16)
Timothy must safeguard against other doctrines - don`t mix fables and legends with the Gospel. Paul warns Timothy to hold faith and a good conscience because these save men from spiritual shipwreck.
Timothy is charged to `fight the good warfare,` and that it is the grace of Christ that is his strength, as it was with Paul.
`And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.` (1 Tim. 1: 14)
Timothy, son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother, was converted by Paul on his first missionary journey, at Lystra. On the second missionary journey, he became the Apostle`s companion, and from then on was his constant helper, loving, loved and utterly trusted.
Although Timothy was only a young man Paul repeatedly sent him on important missions, as to encourage the Macedonian believers in the midst of persecution, and to represent the Apostle`s authority in the face of disaffection at Corinth.
We also see that Timothy is comforting and supporting Paul during his imprisonment at Rome. After the Apostle`s liberation they together visited Asia, and there Paul entrusted to Timothy the oversight of the believers at Ephesus.
`Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our saviour and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope. To Timothy, my true son in the faith:...as I urged you when I went to Macedonia - remain in Ephesus...` (1 Tim. 1: 1 & 3)
Paul instructed Timothy to deal severely with false teachers.
`..that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, not give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which comes by faith.` (1 Tim. 1: 3 & 4)
To combat these errors Paul puts forward the glorious gospel of the blessed God.
`This is a faithful saying and worth of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.....` (1 Tim. 1: 15)
`God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.` (1Tim. 3: 16)
Timothy must safeguard against other doctrines - don`t mix fables and legends with the Gospel. Paul warns Timothy to hold faith and a good conscience because these save men from spiritual shipwreck.
Timothy is charged to `fight the good warfare,` and that it is the grace of Christ that is his strength, as it was with Paul.
`And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.` (1 Tim. 1: 14)
TITUS: Christ`s Life within develops Purity of Life.
This letter to Titus was written by Paul. Titus was believed to have been converted by Paul on his visit to Cyprus, in his first missionary journey. Titus later came to Paul in Ephesus and ministered comfort to him. (2 Cor. 7: 6) He also went up to Jerusalem with Paul and Barnabas to share of God`s work among the Gentiles. (Gal. 2: 1)
Later Paul and Titus went again to Cyprus to encourage the believers there. Titus stayed and became an overseer to the group. Paul recognised that many of the people in Cyprus were proverbially untrustworthy, vicious and sensual, thus making Titus` task a difficult one. However, it is Christ, Paul says, that makes purity of life possible.
`For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed, and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.` (Titus 2: 11 - 15)
Thus Paul wrote from Macedonia to advise Titus on working with others, recognising eldership and those whom believers could trust. The letter is full of practical advice to the young overseer and directions for his work.
`Remind them (believers) to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing humility to all men.` (Titus 3: 1 & 2)
Paul warns Titus against the heretics of his day -
`..avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.` (Titus 3: 9 - 11)
Finally the importance of good works is stressed in this letter of Paul. Not that we are saved by good works, but that we are saved unto good works.
`And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.` (Titus 3: 14)
This letter to Titus was written by Paul. Titus was believed to have been converted by Paul on his visit to Cyprus, in his first missionary journey. Titus later came to Paul in Ephesus and ministered comfort to him. (2 Cor. 7: 6) He also went up to Jerusalem with Paul and Barnabas to share of God`s work among the Gentiles. (Gal. 2: 1)
Later Paul and Titus went again to Cyprus to encourage the believers there. Titus stayed and became an overseer to the group. Paul recognised that many of the people in Cyprus were proverbially untrustworthy, vicious and sensual, thus making Titus` task a difficult one. However, it is Christ, Paul says, that makes purity of life possible.
`For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed, and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.` (Titus 2: 11 - 15)
Thus Paul wrote from Macedonia to advise Titus on working with others, recognising eldership and those whom believers could trust. The letter is full of practical advice to the young overseer and directions for his work.
`Remind them (believers) to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing humility to all men.` (Titus 3: 1 & 2)
Paul warns Titus against the heretics of his day -
`..avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.` (Titus 3: 9 - 11)
Finally the importance of good works is stressed in this letter of Paul. Not that we are saved by good works, but that we are saved unto good works.
`And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.` (Titus 3: 14)
PHILEMON - Christ`s Life within develops Compassion.
This is a personal letter from Paul to Philemon. In the letter Paul intercedes with Philemon (who was an outstanding member of the church at Colosse), for a runaway slave by the name of Onesimus, who had stolen from his master and made his way to Rome.
In Rome he had been brought face to face with Paul, and had found Christ as his Saviour. Onesimus became endeared to the Apostle by his devoted service. But Paul knew that Onesimus was Philomen`s lawful slave and so could not think of keeping him permanently.
`...whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel, but without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be as it were by compulsion, but voluntary.` (Phil. 13 & 14)
So Paul sends him home and pleads with Philemon to take him back. He makes himself personally responsible for the debts that Onesimus owes, asking that they be charged to his (Paul`s) account. He wished to save the runaway slave from the severe and cruel punishment he deserved according to Roman law. Paul feels that the slave must not encounter his out raged master alone.
`If you then count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes you anything, put that on my account.` (Phil. 17 & 18)
The sacrifice of personal rights for the sake of others is a Christ like characteristic which shines brightly in this case as emanating from the discomforts of a prison. It illustrates the Lord`s work on behalf of the sinner. Paul does not minimize the sin, but he pleads for forgiveness for the sinner on the ground of his own merit in the eyes of Philemon, his friend.
This is the message of the gospel. For Christ bore our sins in His own body on the tree. This is what Christ does - takes the sinner`s place.
`Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you to do what is fitting, yet for love`s sake I rather appeal to you - being such a person as Paul, the aged, and now a prisoner of Jesus Christ - I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains.` (Phil. 8 - 10)
Oneismus, whose name means `profitable` had robbed his master, but now after becoming a believer, will be returned now `profitable.` Christ makes a man profitable to others.
This is a personal letter from Paul to Philemon. In the letter Paul intercedes with Philemon (who was an outstanding member of the church at Colosse), for a runaway slave by the name of Onesimus, who had stolen from his master and made his way to Rome.
In Rome he had been brought face to face with Paul, and had found Christ as his Saviour. Onesimus became endeared to the Apostle by his devoted service. But Paul knew that Onesimus was Philomen`s lawful slave and so could not think of keeping him permanently.
`...whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel, but without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be as it were by compulsion, but voluntary.` (Phil. 13 & 14)
So Paul sends him home and pleads with Philemon to take him back. He makes himself personally responsible for the debts that Onesimus owes, asking that they be charged to his (Paul`s) account. He wished to save the runaway slave from the severe and cruel punishment he deserved according to Roman law. Paul feels that the slave must not encounter his out raged master alone.
`If you then count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes you anything, put that on my account.` (Phil. 17 & 18)
The sacrifice of personal rights for the sake of others is a Christ like characteristic which shines brightly in this case as emanating from the discomforts of a prison. It illustrates the Lord`s work on behalf of the sinner. Paul does not minimize the sin, but he pleads for forgiveness for the sinner on the ground of his own merit in the eyes of Philemon, his friend.
This is the message of the gospel. For Christ bore our sins in His own body on the tree. This is what Christ does - takes the sinner`s place.
`Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you to do what is fitting, yet for love`s sake I rather appeal to you - being such a person as Paul, the aged, and now a prisoner of Jesus Christ - I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains.` (Phil. 8 - 10)
Oneismus, whose name means `profitable` had robbed his master, but now after becoming a believer, will be returned now `profitable.` Christ makes a man profitable to others.
HEBREWS - Christ, our Great High Priest.
The book was written, first of all, to Jewish believers, probably in Jerusalem, who were wavering in their faith. Because of the taunts and jeers of their persecutors, the Jewish believers were beginning to think they had lost everything, altar, priests, sacrifices, by accepting Christ.
The writer proves that they had lost the shadow to be given the substance, Christ. They were undervaluing their privileges in Christ, and were engaging in self-pity and discouragement. They were in danger of even giving up their faith.
`...of whom (Christ) we have much to say, and things hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.` (Heb. 5: 11 & 12)
These believers had started well but had not made progress. The writer is trying to lead them from the elementary knowledge to a mature grasp. He shows the superiority of Christ and wanted to keep them from drifting back to their Jewish rites and ceremonies.
The massive grandeur of Christ is featured more completely in the Hebrew epistle than any other book that had gone before. The writer describes a personality that precedes time, controls the governing forces of all history, one whose exploits continue on into eternity.
`God, who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.` (Heb. 1: 1 - 3)
Christ is displayed in the dignity of His dominion surpassing hierarchies of angelic hosts and of those ranked highest among the nobility of the earth.
Christ completely exceeds all the ceremonial and mediatorial offices of bygone centuries and has authoritative credentials far beyond those of any earthly, prophet, priest or king. Christ is the great high priest of the believer.
`Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a high priest who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the majesty in the heavens. ` (Heb. 8: 1)
`...because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore he is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them.` (Heb. 7: 24 & 25)
The book was written, first of all, to Jewish believers, probably in Jerusalem, who were wavering in their faith. Because of the taunts and jeers of their persecutors, the Jewish believers were beginning to think they had lost everything, altar, priests, sacrifices, by accepting Christ.
The writer proves that they had lost the shadow to be given the substance, Christ. They were undervaluing their privileges in Christ, and were engaging in self-pity and discouragement. They were in danger of even giving up their faith.
`...of whom (Christ) we have much to say, and things hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.` (Heb. 5: 11 & 12)
These believers had started well but had not made progress. The writer is trying to lead them from the elementary knowledge to a mature grasp. He shows the superiority of Christ and wanted to keep them from drifting back to their Jewish rites and ceremonies.
The massive grandeur of Christ is featured more completely in the Hebrew epistle than any other book that had gone before. The writer describes a personality that precedes time, controls the governing forces of all history, one whose exploits continue on into eternity.
`God, who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.` (Heb. 1: 1 - 3)
Christ is displayed in the dignity of His dominion surpassing hierarchies of angelic hosts and of those ranked highest among the nobility of the earth.
Christ completely exceeds all the ceremonial and mediatorial offices of bygone centuries and has authoritative credentials far beyond those of any earthly, prophet, priest or king. Christ is the great high priest of the believer.
`Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a high priest who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the majesty in the heavens. ` (Heb. 8: 1)
`...because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore he is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them.` (Heb. 7: 24 & 25)
JAMES - Christ`s Life within, revealed in Practical Life.
The author of this epistle is James, the brother of the Lord. It was addressed to the twelve tribes of the dispersion - Christian Jews. These Jews to whom James wrote had not ceased to be Jews, although they had embraced Christ. Many had been converted on the day of Pentecost, and had carried home only a partial understanding of the believer`s life. In their enthusiasm at having found the true Messiah, they neglected the graces and virtues that should accompany a believer.
They were in danger of being discouraged in their walk with the Lord by the persecution of their own unbelieving countrymen. James seeks to encourage them.
`My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing.` (James 1: 2 & 3)
James, more than any other, deals with the external life. It emphasises the necessity of good works, character and conduct. In Romans we are justified by faith before God; here we are justified by works before men. The only true believer of the word is the doer of the word. For every inward grace will bear outward evidences, eg trial will be endured, the tongue will be restrained, caste discountenanced, and pure faith manifested by a love that `seeks not its own.`
`Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.` (James 3: 13)
This book is like the Proverbs of the New Testament. It is filled with moral precepts. It is full of figures and metaphors and is often quite dramatic in style.
`Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire.` (James 5: 1 - 3)
James tells of the fruit of our faith. Not only believe, but live it!
`..be doers of the word, and not hearers, only, deceiving yourselves.....he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.` (James 1: 22 & 25)
The author of this epistle is James, the brother of the Lord. It was addressed to the twelve tribes of the dispersion - Christian Jews. These Jews to whom James wrote had not ceased to be Jews, although they had embraced Christ. Many had been converted on the day of Pentecost, and had carried home only a partial understanding of the believer`s life. In their enthusiasm at having found the true Messiah, they neglected the graces and virtues that should accompany a believer.
They were in danger of being discouraged in their walk with the Lord by the persecution of their own unbelieving countrymen. James seeks to encourage them.
`My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing.` (James 1: 2 & 3)
James, more than any other, deals with the external life. It emphasises the necessity of good works, character and conduct. In Romans we are justified by faith before God; here we are justified by works before men. The only true believer of the word is the doer of the word. For every inward grace will bear outward evidences, eg trial will be endured, the tongue will be restrained, caste discountenanced, and pure faith manifested by a love that `seeks not its own.`
`Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.` (James 3: 13)
This book is like the Proverbs of the New Testament. It is filled with moral precepts. It is full of figures and metaphors and is often quite dramatic in style.
`Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire.` (James 5: 1 - 3)
James tells of the fruit of our faith. Not only believe, but live it!
`..be doers of the word, and not hearers, only, deceiving yourselves.....he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.` (James 1: 22 & 25)
PETER - Christ`s Life within Endures Suffering & is our Strength.
Peter wrote his epistles to the believing Jews who were scattered beyond Israel. They were undergoing many persecutions and thus Peter desired to help them live a godly life among evil men.
`...though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.` (1 Peter 1: 6 & 7)
Peter then gives good advice on how we ought to live, even amid persecution. He then points the believers away from the trials to the future glory which awaited them, and the example of Christ and the reward which would follow.
`...but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ`s sufferings, that when his glory is revealed you may be glad with exceeding joy.` (1 Peter 4: 13)
In these writings, which are later in Peter`s life, we see that the Holy Spirit has worked in him, developing patience, with a restful and loving spirit.
Peter reveals how we can work with the Holy Spirit to develop this Christ-like nature.
`...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue,..... knowledge, ....self control,....... perseverance, ......godliness,.....brotherly kindness, ....love. For if these things are yours, and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.` (2 Peter 1: 5 - 8)
In Peter`s second letter, he is concerned about the danger amongst the believers themselves.
`But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.` (2 Peter 2: 1)
Peter then warns them and encourages the believers to stand up for the truth.
`For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of His majesty.....We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed ..`(2 Peter 1: 16 & 19)
Finally the elderly Peter points to the Lord Himself, as the believers focus.
`..grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. ` (2 Peter 3: 18)
Peter wrote his epistles to the believing Jews who were scattered beyond Israel. They were undergoing many persecutions and thus Peter desired to help them live a godly life among evil men.
`...though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.` (1 Peter 1: 6 & 7)
Peter then gives good advice on how we ought to live, even amid persecution. He then points the believers away from the trials to the future glory which awaited them, and the example of Christ and the reward which would follow.
`...but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ`s sufferings, that when his glory is revealed you may be glad with exceeding joy.` (1 Peter 4: 13)
In these writings, which are later in Peter`s life, we see that the Holy Spirit has worked in him, developing patience, with a restful and loving spirit.
Peter reveals how we can work with the Holy Spirit to develop this Christ-like nature.
`...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue,..... knowledge, ....self control,....... perseverance, ......godliness,.....brotherly kindness, ....love. For if these things are yours, and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.` (2 Peter 1: 5 - 8)
In Peter`s second letter, he is concerned about the danger amongst the believers themselves.
`But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.` (2 Peter 2: 1)
Peter then warns them and encourages the believers to stand up for the truth.
`For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of His majesty.....We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed ..`(2 Peter 1: 16 & 19)
Finally the elderly Peter points to the Lord Himself, as the believers focus.
`..grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. ` (2 Peter 3: 18)
JOHN - Christ`s Life within Reveals True Love.
These three letters were written by the aged Apostle John and addresses the family features of the children of God. These characteristics are made possible through the manifestation of Jesus, the Word of God. Human capacities require visibilities, someone to look at, speak to, go to, hear tell of divine love.
The first letter was to believers to encourage them to walk in love.
`Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God..` (1 John 4: 7)
God the Father entrusted His Son to display and declare His love to mankind in person.
`In this the love of God was manifested towards us, that God has sent His Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.` (1 John 4: 9 & 10)
The second letter by John is written to a lady, and is his private correspondence. The word Truth and Love are key to this short letter.
`To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, because of the truth which abides in us, and will be with us forever.` (2 John 1 & 2)
The truth that John speaks of, is from above, the Truth as it is in Christ Jesus. The believers are to walk in the truth, not just admire it. Then they will love one another. This love is genuine and subject to change, and the proof of love is in the believers walk.
`This is love, that we walk according to His commandments.` (2 John 6)
The third letter by John was written to his generous and warm hearted friend called Gaius. He was noted for his loving hospitality.
`Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness to your love before the believers. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you do well.` (3 John 5 & 6)
John urges him to continue entertaining the travelling ministers in spite of bitter opposition of an autocratic official named Diotrephes.
`I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the pre-eminence among them, does not receive us.` (3 John 9)
These three letters were written by the aged Apostle John and addresses the family features of the children of God. These characteristics are made possible through the manifestation of Jesus, the Word of God. Human capacities require visibilities, someone to look at, speak to, go to, hear tell of divine love.
The first letter was to believers to encourage them to walk in love.
`Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God..` (1 John 4: 7)
God the Father entrusted His Son to display and declare His love to mankind in person.
`In this the love of God was manifested towards us, that God has sent His Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.` (1 John 4: 9 & 10)
The second letter by John is written to a lady, and is his private correspondence. The word Truth and Love are key to this short letter.
`To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, because of the truth which abides in us, and will be with us forever.` (2 John 1 & 2)
The truth that John speaks of, is from above, the Truth as it is in Christ Jesus. The believers are to walk in the truth, not just admire it. Then they will love one another. This love is genuine and subject to change, and the proof of love is in the believers walk.
`This is love, that we walk according to His commandments.` (2 John 6)
The third letter by John was written to his generous and warm hearted friend called Gaius. He was noted for his loving hospitality.
`Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness to your love before the believers. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you do well.` (3 John 5 & 6)
John urges him to continue entertaining the travelling ministers in spite of bitter opposition of an autocratic official named Diotrephes.
`I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the pre-eminence among them, does not receive us.` (3 John 9)
JUDE - Christ the Revelation of God`s Word.
The book of Jude gives us a summary of the sixty-four books that have gone before it. This prepares us for the final unveiling of Jesus Christ, whose name is called, `the Word of God.`
The Spirit of God uses ten of the characters, cities and one country from the Pentateuch.
`Adam....Cain...Enoch.....Sodom and Gomorrah, (Abraham & Lot)...Moses....the people out of Egypt (Israel)...the rebellion of Korah....Balaam....`
Principalities and Powers are also named.
`Michael the archangel..`
`the devil..`
`angels who did not keep their proper domain,...`
The great truths, titles and teachings of the New Testament are also included.
`The only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ..`
`the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ..`
`the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ..`
`God the Father..`
`the Holy Spirit..`
`save, saved, salvation and Saviour..`
`grace, mercy, peace, faith, love and life eternal,
`power, majesty and glory..`
In contrast to the saints, the word `ungodly` is used six times and they are described by over twenty different figures of speech and are destined for His judgment, condemnation, vengeance and the blackness of darkness forever.
`Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His Holy ones, (angels) to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of their ungodly deeds ...` (Jude 14 & 15)
In contrast to these evil fellows we see that the true followers of the faith were looking unto Jesus for His mercy.
`But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 20 & 21)
The book of Jude gives us a summary of the sixty-four books that have gone before it. This prepares us for the final unveiling of Jesus Christ, whose name is called, `the Word of God.`
The Spirit of God uses ten of the characters, cities and one country from the Pentateuch.
`Adam....Cain...Enoch.....Sodom and Gomorrah, (Abraham & Lot)...Moses....the people out of Egypt (Israel)...the rebellion of Korah....Balaam....`
Principalities and Powers are also named.
`Michael the archangel..`
`the devil..`
`angels who did not keep their proper domain,...`
The great truths, titles and teachings of the New Testament are also included.
`The only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ..`
`the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ..`
`the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ..`
`God the Father..`
`the Holy Spirit..`
`save, saved, salvation and Saviour..`
`grace, mercy, peace, faith, love and life eternal,
`power, majesty and glory..`
In contrast to the saints, the word `ungodly` is used six times and they are described by over twenty different figures of speech and are destined for His judgment, condemnation, vengeance and the blackness of darkness forever.
`Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His Holy ones, (angels) to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of their ungodly deeds ...` (Jude 14 & 15)
In contrast to these evil fellows we see that the true followers of the faith were looking unto Jesus for His mercy.
`But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 20 & 21)