Cover to Cover - The Epistles | Pastor Greg Ford Sermon | One Church Columbus

The Epistles | Pastor Greg Ford Sermon | One Church Columbus

ICEBREAKER:

How did you see God move this last week?

Summary:

This study focuses on the Epistles of the New Testament, particularly the letters written by the Apostle Paul. These letters address specific issues faced by early Christian communities, providing theological insights, practical guidance, and encouragement. Understanding the context and structure of these writings enhances our comprehension of their messages and applications for today's believers.

Key Points

  1. Historical Context: The Epistles were written in the first century AD to address the challenges of early Christian communities, often in response to specific issues they faced.

  2. Structure of the Epistles: Most letters follow a common structure:

    • Greeting

    • Thanksgiving

    • Body (theological teachings and practical instructions)

    • Warnings/Encouragement

    • Conclusion

  3. Themes:

    • Emphasis on grace and faith over legalism (Ephesians 2:8-9).

    • Importance of community and unity among believers (1 Corinthians 1:10).

    • Encouragement amidst trials and persecution (Romans 5:3-5; Philippians 4:6-7).

      Scripture References

    • Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

    • 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 divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

    • Romans 5:3-5 - "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope."

    • Philippians 4:6-7 - "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Conclusion:

The Epistles of Paul provide timeless guidance for living a life of faith, emphasizing grace, unity, and the importance of community. As believers today, we can draw strength and encouragement from these letters, applying their principles to our lives and fostering connections within our own faith communities.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think the historical context of the Epistles influences their messages?

  2. What is one specific theme in the Epistles that resonates with you personally, and why?

  3. In Ephesians 2:8-9, what does “saved by grace” mean to you, and how does it affect your understanding of faith?

  4. Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 1:10, what are some practical ways we can promote unity in our church communities today?

Guided Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom and guidance found in the Epistles. Help us to understand and apply the lessons from these letters in our lives. May we embody the grace and love that You have shown us, fostering unity within our community. In times of trial, remind us of the hope we have in You. Lead us to support one another and grow together in faith. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

One Church