Category Archives: gospel

mission: do not go quietly

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 4:9-22.  Paul’s final words written to Timothy are not the words of someone resigned to rest upon his accomplishments.  He knows that he will soon die for his faith, but he will not go quietly. Many of his … Continue reading →

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mission: be devoted to discipling

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 2.  False teaching had infested Ephesus, so Paul warned Timothy to avoid its “irreverent babble” because it would “lead people into more and more ungodliness” (16).  He instructed Timothy not to debate these teachers, because their “foolish, ignorant … Continue reading →

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mission: do not be ashamed

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 1:8-18.  Most of the leaders in the churches of Asia Minor had already stopped visiting Paul – apparently ashamed that he was still imprisoned.  In this section, Paul explains why Timothy should not join them, in deserting him … Continue reading →

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mission: be stewards of God’s treasure

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

1 Timothy 1.  1 and 2 Timothy and Titus are sometimes called the pastoral epistles,  although they were not written by a pastor (Paul was an apostle)  and neither Timothy nor Titus were pastors.  These two men were missionaries, appointed … Continue reading →

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when Christ comes, the glory will be obtained

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5.  Paul had just assured the Thessalonian believers that Christ had not come yet – that there remained a “strong delusion” to come that would produce an apostate church.  He now tells them that they are among the … Continue reading →

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when Christ comes: judgment, destruction, and glory.

Posted on May 21, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

In his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul continues to encourage them (and us) with the hope of the second coming of Christ. When Christ comes, he will inflict his judgment upon those who have afflicted the church.  Paul praises … Continue reading →

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when Christ comes, a crown of boasting

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13.  Satan had hindered Paul from personally visiting the Thessalonians by means of some affliction (2:18; 3:3, 7). So, Paul sent another member of his team – Timothy – to find out if the gospel was taking root … Continue reading →

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when Christ comes through sharing the gospel

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16.  When Christ comes into the lives of people in a community he comes through sharing the gospel. Believers who are called to spread the gospel are willing to suffer whatever it takes to share the truth of … Continue reading →

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when Christ comes: faith , love, and hope

Posted on May 14, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

1 Thessalonians 1.  Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is a celebration of what happens when the Lord Jesus Christ comes. When he first comes into the lives of people in a community… they become people of faith – repenting … Continue reading →

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Christ, our Lord

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Colossians 3:18-4:18.  Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians by reminding them how the lordship of Christ should affect them. Since Christ is Lord of every relationship, an attitude of submission and consideration is called for (3:18-22; 4:1, 5-6). Since … Continue reading →

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