Series 3 – The New Testament    The Lord Is My Shepherd

May 1, 2002         The New Testament Letters

 Opening Prayer

Gracious God, our Good Shepherd, help us to remember that we do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from you.  Make us hungry to eat the bread of your word daily that our souls may be restored. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

  1.  Theme Psalm verse for the day

 ⁴ Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil;

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff—they comfort me.

3.  The Letters of the New Testament

Letters: Some named for recipients, others named for presumed writers or their disciples

The letters are application of the kingdom.  They explain the new or different elements of faith in Jesus and they often are addressed to some particular concern in a Christian Community.

The general form of letters:

See Romans 1:1-7 & Ch. 16, explaining the parts.

Letters are usually grouped into two categories, those of Paul and the General Epistles. 

Those with study bibles may find deeper explanation of the issues of pseudonymity. 

Have everyone turn to their table of contents in their bibles and go through the list.

 4.  What the letters do:

Explanations:

Prayer:  Romans 8

Love:  I Corinthians 13, I John 4

Resurrection:  I Corinthians 15

Sacred history:  Hebrews 11

 Particular concerns:

Sexual immorality:  I Corinthians 5 & 7

Food issues:  I Corinthians 8

Spiritual gifts, I Corinthians 12

Sacrifice: Hebrews 10

 5.  Focus texts.

Applying the faith: Galatians 3:23-29

Adapting the faith:  I Corinthians 9:19-23

Explaining the faith:  I John 4:7-21(Love).

Integrative activity:  Write your own letter to Whittier Presbyterian Church.  What three things would you say to Whittier Presbyterian Church about what it means to be a Christian in this society today.

Homework: 

Where do you see the Kingdom of God in your life?  (Home, church, nation, world?)

Read among the following texts as you choose:  Romans 8; I Corinthians 13, I John 4; I Corinthians 15; Hebrews 11; I Corinthians 5 & 7, 8, 12; Hebrews 10.