Paul’s Ministry !
Lesson 6
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The Letters of Paul on Our Creed!
The letters of the New Testament can be generally categorized by the material that they contain. We are studying five different types of letters written by the Apostle Paul. In this lesson, we will see what Paul had to say about theology.!
To prepare for class: Read Romans 1-12 and Galatians! Write your thoughts and reflections from the reading:!
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Theology Letters — Romans and Galatians!
These books are similar:! 1.!
2.! 3.!
Romans has started the great ________________!!
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Book Theme Key Verse Key Word Date?
Romans the gospel of Christ 1:16-17 justify (17)
faith (37) Christ (40)
58 AD
Galatians Christian liberty 5:1 law (32)
faith (21) 55-56 AD Both of these letters focus on theology.
They were written about the same time.
Both of these books deal with the issues of law and freedom. revivals
Romans!
The historical setting of the book —!
It was written from Corinth during Paul’s third missionary journey. Paul was ready to head back to Jerusalem.
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Romans differs from other letters:! 1.! 2.! 3.!
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A simple outline of Romans:! 1.! ! 2.! ! 3.! ! 4.! ! 5. !
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Paul had never been to Rome.
He was not writing to correct a major wrong.
It was written as a theological paper as much as a letter.
sin
salvation and sanctification sovereignty
service
The Highlights of Romans! The Roman Road!
Romans 3:23 — ! Romans 6:23 —! Romans 5:8 — ! Romans 10:9-20 —!
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Justified (Rom. 5)!Read this passage. What truths do you learn?!
Discuss.
Why Christ and Adam? !
Adam - head of natural race, death, sin, first man (no choice)
Christ - head of spiritual race, life, forgiveness, last man (we choose)
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The Spirit-Filled Life (Rom. 8)!
No condemnation (Rom. 8:1) —!
• These are important words for us! • When is a Christian judged?
• When is a non-Christian judged?
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The "mind-sets" (Rom. 8:5-9) —!
• A Christian mind is set on… • A non-Christian mind is set on… • (Phil. 4:8)
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Our obligation (Rom. 8:12-17) —!
Our obligation is to live a life that honors our Father’s name.
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All have sinned.
The wages of sin is death. Christ died in our place.
The Spirit helps us pray. (Rom. 8:18-27) —!
There are three groans mentioned: 1. creation (vs. 22)
2. us for the redemption of our bodies (vs. 23) 3. the Holy Spirit for us (vs. 26)
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The process of spiritual growth (Rom. 8:28-30) —!
1. foreknowledge 2. predestination 3. calling 4. justification 5. glorification
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What can separate us? (Rom. 8:35-39) —!
Discuss.
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The Study of Israel and the Ingrafted Branch (Rom. 9-11)!
The branches are broken off. We are grafted in “contrary to nature.” (Rom. 11:24)
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All Israel will be saved? (Rom. 11:26) What does that mean?!
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The Spiritual Gifts (Rom. 12:1-8)!
Sign —! Speaking —! Serving —!
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What lessons do we learn about spiritual gifts?! 1.! 2.! 3.! 4.! 5.!
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Galatians!
The historical setting of the book —!
• It was an area, not a church.
• Paul visited the churches in this area twice.
• Galatian people were from the area of Gaul (today’s France) and were generous but easily misled.
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Paul had three reasons for writing to the Galatians:! 1.! 2.! 3.!
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miracles, speaking in tongues, interpretation, and healing teaching, encouraging, and prophesying
serving, giving, leadership, and showing mercy
Everyone has at least one spiritual gift. We are responsible to use our gifts.
Gifts should be used in the local church.
Gifts should be used to the best of your ability.
We should recognize the gifts of others and encourage them (body).
to correct their theology. to explain his apostleship.
to address the issue of law and remind the people of the importance of grace and faith.
The Highlights of Galatians!
Paul's Personal History (Gal. 1:11 - 2:10)!
What interests you in this passage?!
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Faith and the Law (Gal. 3)!
Paul's scolding —
They had regressed into the law.
Lessons from this chapter —! 1.!
2.! 3.!
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More About Freedom (Gal. 5) !
Hold fast to your personal liberty. Prize your liberty because it costs so much—the blood of Christ. (Gal. 5:1)
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The Works of the Flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit!
Works of the Flesh (Gal. 5:19-21) —!
sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,
discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, etc.
Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) —!
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control, faithfulness, and gentleness
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Abraham was a man of faith. Law brings a curse.
Difference Between Gifts and Fruit!
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Application!
This lesson teaches us about the letters Paul wrote to the Romans and Galatians. Discuss the following thoughts and questions as a group based on what you have just studied:!
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First, this lesson highlighted the Roman Road that you studied in the application section of Lesson 4. When you studied it in this lesson was it familiar to you? Do you remember what the class discussed about the practical benefits of knowing a plan, such as the Roman Road method, to sharing your faith? Take a moment to review these thoughts as a group. Has anyone had an opportunity to share his or her faith using this Roman Road method? If so, please take time for this person to share about their experience. !!
Gifts Fruit
indicates specific contribution indicates spiritual maturity
outward actions inward attitudes
task oriented character oriented