A Time of Freedom
Notes
Transcript
Paul free indeed
Paul free indeed
Paul had an expectation that he was going to be released (turn to Php1:23-27, 2:24, ref: Phm22)
Expressed in writing to Philippians
23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. 27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
then Php2:24
24 and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly.
You can also note planned to visit Philemon (Phm22)
There is evidence that he was released and travelled more - 1 & 2nd Timothy, Titus.
Historical evidence in writings of Chrysostom, Jerome, Eusebius and Clement of Rome, al writers in the last part of 1st century.
(Transition) in a book entitled “A harmony of the life of St. Paul” by Frank Goodwin we get much of our information being conveyed this morning.
Paul’s travels
Paul’s travels
The conjectural travels - Merriam/Websters states “of the nature of or involving or based on conjecture Without evidence.”
He desired to go to Philippi (as mentioned before Php1:26, 2:24)
He desired to see Philemon @ Colosse (turn to Phm22)
22 At the same time also prepare me a lodging, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given to you.
If he went to Colossi, more he would have gone to Laodicea and Hierapolis in the area (ref: Col2:1, 4:12-16)
He desired to go to Spain (turn to Rom15:24; ref v.28 too)
24 whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while—
Clement of Rome implies he did make it to Spain (1Clement5:5)
Then there is the authentic travels
Paul and Timothy went to Ephesus; leaving Timothy there to go to Macedonia (turn to 1Tim1:3)
3 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines,
Paul and Titus went to Crete, where Titus stayed (turn to Tit1:5)
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,
Paul went to Miletus, where left Trophimus sick (ref: 2Tim4:20)
Returned to Ephesus and was ministered to by Onesiphorus (turn to 2Tim1:16-18)
16 The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; 17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— 18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.
There was a trip to Troas where left some things behind with Carpus (ref: 2Tim4:13)
One of a few trips to Corinth, one with Erastus (Ref: 2Tim4:20)
Spent a winter in Nicopolis (Ref: Tit3:12)
(Transition) - Paul did not do things alone, for everything is better with friends!
Kingdom Friendships
Kingdom Friendships
God never meant for us to do things alone (ref: Gen2:18) and we are stronger together (ref: Ecc4:9-12). Paul had travelling companions, as well as a few that opposed him.
Timothy son in the faith, travelled and stayed then in Ephesus (ref: 1Tim1:1-3)
Titus in Crete, then asked to come to Nicopolis (ref: Tit3:12)
Erastus in Corinth (2Tim4:20); Trophimus in Miletus (2Tim4:20); Carpus in Troas (2tim4:13)
Cannot leave out Onesiphorus in Rome and Ephesus (2Tim1:16-18)
Artemas and Tychicus sent to Titus in Crete (Tit3:12)
And Zenas the lawyer, and Apollos the orator asked to meet Paul in Nicopolus (Tit3:13)
I mentioned a couple of opponents, Hymenaeus and Alexander (1Tim1:19-20, 2Tim2:14-18) well, that includes Philetus who left the faith too and joined in false teaching.
(Transition) Paul like Jesus never missed an opportunity to teach, Synagogues, beaches, houses, schools, jails, prisons, and did not miss the opportunity to write either (13 books confirmed)
Paul’s writings
Paul’s writings
There you have it 13 books, now some will credit Paul for Hebrews, but I want to just give a brief look at the letters, purposes of the letters.
Galatians: Against the Judaizers, doctrine of grace
Key verse (turn to Gal3:11)
11 Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “The righteous man shall live by faith.”
1 Thessalonians: Comfort, assurance, 2nd coming of Christ
Key verse (turn to 1Thes4:13-14
13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
2 Thessalonians: Correction on 2nd coming
Key verse (Turn to 2Thes2:1-2)
1 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
1 Corinthians: Church problems, divisions
Key Verse (Turn to 1Cor1:10)
10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.
2 Corinthians: Defense of the Apostles teaching
Key Verse (Turn to 2Cor5:17)
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Romans: Righteousness of God needed, revealed, applied
Key Verse (turn to Rom1:16-17)
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”
Philemon: Appeal for slave Onesimus
Key verse (turn to Philemon15-16)
15 For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Colossians: Supremacy of Christ
Key verse (turn to Col3:1)
1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Ephesians: The church is the body of Christ
Key Verse (Turn to Eph2:8-9)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Philippians: Book of joy and thanksgiving
Key verse: (turn to Php1:6
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy: Organization and administration of the church, church conduct
Key verse (turn to 1Tim3:15)
15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
Titus: Instructions on organization to Christians in Crete
Key verse (turn to Tit3:8)
8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
2 Timothy: Instructing, commissioning Timothy to carry on Paul’s work.
Key verse (turn to 2Tim2:15)
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
Turn to 2Tim3:16-17
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
Good works, and invitation, encouragement
You were created by good works, very good works, God’s!
You were saved by Jesus good work on the cross.
You were saved for good works
Are you in receipt of God’s good work in you and allowing that work to work through you?
