The Teachings of Paul (TOP)

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GWH said:
Continuing with the TOP:

TOP #199: Sin is both mental attitude and physical behavior. [Col. 1: 21] Probably Adam and Eve sinned by believing the devil before they ate the forbidden fruit. Therefore, spiritual renewal begins with faith before wrong habits are eliminated (cf. Rom. 12:2, TOP #55).

TOP #55: Believers should renew their minds so that they will appreciate God’s good, pleasing and perfect will. [Rom. 12:2]

TOP #200: God’s salvation is conditional upon persevering faith in the Gospel. [Col. 1: 22-23, 2Tim. 2:11-13] These verses are part of the doctrine of perseverance implied by the kerygma, because it is necessary in order to achieve TOP such as #191 & #195 (cf. TOP #182 & 211).

TOP #191: Christians should behave in accordance with what they have learned as they continue to learn God’s will/word. [Phil. 3:15-17] Paul cites himself as an example. Those who habitually sin indicate that their profession of Christ is false (cf. TOP #167 & 211).

TOP #167: Those who claim to be Christians but typically sin are I-dolaters bound for divine wrath. [Eph. 5:3&5-6, Phil. 3:18-19] Paul said not to be partners or associate with such pseudo-Christians (v.7).

TOP #211: Saving faith in the Gospel should be augmented by faith in the fullness of God’s Word. [1Thes. 3:10] This truth teaches the difference between the essential kerygma regarding God’s requirement for salvation and secondary or subsequent teaching regarding spiritual growth toward maturity.

TOP #195: Learn to be content whatever the circumstances. [Phil. 4:11-13] God will enable believers to endure anything.

TOP #182: Conduct consistent with Christian faith begins with perseverance and spiritual unity. [Phil. 1:27-28] This truth is like TOP #155 but combines two main themes in the TOP (cf. #134 & 64).

TOP #134: Continue to be free of the law by having faith in Christ so that you will not be “alienated” and become “fallen away from grace”. [Gal. 5:1-5] This indicates the possibility of apostasy or intentionally repudiating saving faith (cf. Heb. 6:4-6).

TOP #64: Have empathy and live in harmony. [Rom. 12:15-16a &18] Peace and unity rather than arguing and divisiveness is a theme in Paul’s epistles, and James addressed this in Jam. 4:1-2. Jesus prayed that believers would be one in John 17:23.

TOP #155: Christian behavior should be worthy of their calling by Christ, which means being humble, patient and loving. [Eph. 4:1-2, Phil. 1:27, Col. 1:10, 2Thes. 1:5&11] Paul did not claim to be perfect, but he pressed on toward this goal (Phil. 3:12-16).

[I see that CC format overrides my attempt to indent sub-TOP using the space bar.]:(
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TOP #201: Being saved does not mean no longer struggling or experiencing earthly suffering. [Col. 1:29-2:1, cf. TOP #28] These trials may be caused by natural disasters, disease, war and other sins of humans. This passage is preceded and followed by verses alluding to the gospel as a mystery (TOP #144&151).

>>>TOP #28: Those who receive God’s grace of the HS rejoice in hope of salvation despite suffering. [Rom. 5:2-3] Paul commends rejoicing in the Lord always (Phil. 4:4) and commands willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ (TOP #252). It is a main theme in the Psalms (cf. Neh. 8:10).

TOP #202: Repentance or conversion should be followed by learning more of God’s Word (LGW) in order to avoid being deceived by atheist philosophy. [Col. 2:7-8, cf. TOP #255]. This truth, called discipleship or sanctification, is akin to TOP #155&157.

>>>TOP #155: Christian behavior should be worthy of their calling by Christ, which means being humble, patient and loving. [Eph. 4:1-2, Phil. 1:27, Col. 1:10, 2Thes. 1:5&11] Paul did not claim to be perfect, but he pressed on toward this goal (Phil. 3:12-16).

>>>TOP #157: Christ gave various gifts regarding teaching God’s Word so that God’s people would grow spiritually and become mature. [Eph 4:7-15, cf. TOP #202 &255] Although salvation is by faith, becoming spiritually mature is by good works or continuing to cooperate with the loving Spirit of God (cf. 2:10).

The part of GW that is necessary to believe for salvation is the Gospel (which may be called the kerygma or preaching), and the additional learning that needs to occur for spiritual maturation is the “all truth” in John 16:13 and the “all things/everything” in Matt. 28:20 (which may be called the didache or teaching).
 
TOP #203: Christians receive God’s fullness (which is the Holy Spirit) and forgiveness of sins at the moment of conversion. [Col. 2:9-15, cf. TOP #154] We infer that fullness refers to the HS by remembering TOP #27, and we know that fullness/imputed righteousness or forgiveness of sins does not obviate the need to LGW per TOP #155 and strive for actual perfection per TOP #191. Conversion is professed outwardly by the rite of water baptism, which replaced fleshly circumcision (TOP #24) as the outward sign of faith in God/Jesus.

>>>TOP #154: Through faith Christ may dwell in believers, enabling them to know the infinite love of God and be filled with His power. [Eph. 3:16-19] This is the miracle for which Paul prays and which he cites in 5:18.

>>>TOP #27: Those who have been justified via faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ (LJC) receive the Holy Spirit in their hearts (HS). [Rom. 5:1-5] This echoes Eph. 2:8 by describing s/e as justification through faith, Eph. 1:5 & 7 by using the phrase “through Jesus Christ”, and Eph. 2:14 by describing s/e as having peace with God. Verses 2 & 5 also echo Eph. 2:18 & 3:1 by describing s/e as having access to God’s grace via the Holy Spirit.

>>>TOP #24: The only circumcision that is salvific is that which is inward or of the heart and done by the Spirit. [Rom. 2:25-29, Col. 2:11-12] Paul said that physical circumcision according to a written code has value only if one obeys the law, meaning perfectly per Rom. 3:23 (cf. TOP #44). The second passage (TOP #203) indicates that water baptism replaced fleshly circumcision as the outward sign of faith in God/Jesus.

>>>TOP #44: Although many Jews reject the Gospel/Christ, God’s covenant with Abraham did not fail, because the children of Abraham includes (spiritually circumcised) Gentiles. [Rom. 9:1-33, cf. TOP #24] In verses 1-5 Paul noted how sad it is that those who are part of the human ancestry of Christ reject him as Messiah (and are therefore not Abraham’s spiritual children). Paul explained that the reason Israelites are not saved is because they ignored God’s purpose in s/e or POS involving mercy (v.11-15) on those having faith in Christ (who is to be praised or glorified forever as God over all, amen) and instead pursued righteousness by works or obeying the law (v.30-33).
 
TOP #204: Observing the Sabbath or other laws not reaffirmed in the NT is optional. [Col. 2:16-17 & 21-23, cf. Rom. 14, TOP #70] Such laws are optional because they are not part of the eternal moral code, but even observing those is not the way to obtain salvation and the HS.

>>>TOP #70: Do not judge believers on the basis of secondary disputable doctrines. [Rom. 14:1-12] An example is whether or not it is right to eat meat. Another is whether the Sabbath is more holy than other days of the week (cf. Col. 2:16). This TOP is akin to #204.

TOP #205: Do not be led astray by those who advocate false humility, angel worship or seeing visions. [Col. 2:18-19] This is akin to TOP #202 and surely applies to those who elevate monasticism, adoration of saints and mysticism above faith in Christ.

>>>TOP #202: Repentance or conversion should be followed by learning more of God’s Word (LGW) in order to avoid being deceived by false arguments or doctrine. [Col. 2:4-8, cf. TOP #255 & 256].

>>>TOP #255: By learning Scripture Christians may be wise regarding correct doctrine, rebuking and righteousness, becoming equipped for doing good works. [2Tim. 3:14-17&4:5] This a significant nuance or elaboration of TOP #157 & 202. Paul applies it by charging Timothy with preaching God’s Word, correcting false doctrine, rebuking sin and encouraging persevering faith.

>>>TOP #256: The time will come when many will reject true teachings in order to do what they desire. [2Tim. 4:3-4, Tit. 1:14] Instead, they will believe human traditions (cf. TOP #202, 204, 205), which Paul called “myths” here and in TOP #227 & 235.
 
TOP #206: Focus on heavenly life and stop sinning. [Col. 3:1-14] The sins Paul cited included: sexual immorality, greed/I-dolatry, rage, malice, slander, filthy language and lying (cf. TOP #136). The heavenly behavior he mentioned included: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience forgiveness and love (cf. TOP #138).

>>>TOP #136: Do not cite freedom in Christ as an excuse for committing sins. [Gal. 5:13] These sins or “acts of the sinful nature” include: sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, rage, drunkenness… and conceit (Gal. 5:16-20&26). These evil behaviors manifest the opposite of saving faith and love or living/being led “by the Spirit”.

>>>TOP #138: The fruit of the Spirit is love in various manifestations. [Gal. 5:22-23] This teaching elaborates #135. The varieties of love include such qualities as joy TOP #189), peace (#64), patience (#155), kindness (#166), goodness (#187&188), faithfulness (#9&15), gentleness (#192) and self-control (Tit. 2:2-12 = TOP #214), which seems to mean sobriety. Paul pointed out that there are no laws against these attributes.

At this point Paul’s commands duplicate those we have already encountered: for the peace of Christ to rule in His body (cf. #198), for Christians to be thankful (#172) and for them to include spiritual songs along with teaching God’s Word (#171). Also, for wives to submit to husbands and for husbands to love wives (#173), for children to obey parents (#175) and fathers not to embitter children (#176), for slaves to obey masters (#177) and for masters to treat slaves as God treats them (#178). Paul also commands prayer (#180).
 
TOP #207: Be wise with outsiders, making the most of opportunity, salting conversation. [Col. 4:5-6, 1Thes. 4:12 & 1Tim. 6:12] Presumably, the opportunity and salting Paul has in mind is that of witnessing for Christ (cf. TOP #181, 1Pet. 3:15-16 & Matt. 5:13).

>>>TOP #181: To live provides the opportunity to witness for Christ and edify believers, but to die means that we gain heaven. [Phil. 1:21-26] Paul said he was convinced he would remain alive and be with the Philippians again.

Paul concluded this epistle by instructing that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that the letter he sent to them be read to the Colossians.
 
TOP # 208: Faith produces works, love prompts labor and endurance is inspired by hope of salvation in the LJC. [1Thes. 1:3] The first phrase echoes Eph. 2:10 (TOP #150), the second connects working faith with loving fruit (#138) and the third equates saving faith with perseverance (#200).

>>>TOP #150: Saving faith is followed by doing good or loving works in accordance with the will of God. [Eph. 2:10] This relationship between saving faith and good works is taught also in Jam. 2:14-26.

>>>TOP #138: The fruit of the Spirit is love in various manifestations. [Gal. 5:22-23] This teaching elaborates #135. The varieties of love include such qualities as joy TOP #189), peace (#64), patience (#155), kindness (#166), goodness (#187&188), faithfulness (#9&15), gentleness (#192) and self-control (Tit. 2:2-12 = TOP #214), which seems to mean sobriety. Paul pointed out that there are no laws against these attributes.

>>> TOP #200: God’s salvation is conditional upon persevering faith in the Gospel. [Col. 1: 22-23, 2Tim. 2:11-13] These verses are part of the doctrine of perseverance implied by the kerygma, because it is necessary in order to achieve TOP such as #191 & #195 (cf. TOP #182 & 211).

These TOP are also connected with “joy given by the HS” (#138 & 189). All of these elements are facets of the same spiritual precious gem, and as a song lyric said, “You can’t have one without the others.”

>>>TOP #138: The fruit of the Spirit is love in various manifestations. [Gal. 5:22-23] This teaching elaborates #135. The varieties of love include such qualities as joy TOP #189), peace (#64), patience (#155), kindness (#166), goodness (#187&188), faithfulness (#9&15), gentleness (#192) and self-control (TIT 2:2-12 = TOP #214), which seems to mean sobriety. Paul pointed out that there are no laws against these attributes.

>>>TOP #189: Christians should be glad or rejoice despite circumstances involving suffering. [Phil. 2:17-18, 3:1, 4:4 & 10-12] This is the theme in PHP, beginning with 1:4, and it echoes Psa. 9:14.
 
TOP #209: God raised Jesus from the dead to save believers from the coming wrath. [1Thes. 1:9-10 & 5:9] Paul spoke about what we are saved to (eternal life, as in Acts 13:46) as well as what we are saved from (judgment, Acts 17:31, Rom. 2:2-3), but he did not elaborate on what wrath (Rom. 1:18, 2:5) will entail, except to say that it will mean death and distress (Rom. 1:32 & 2:9), which would seem to mean eternal death after suffering appropriate punishment (Rom. 2:6).

Similar to 1Cor. 9, at this point in the epistle Paul defends his ministry by noting that his motives were pure and he was not a burden (1Thes. 2:3-6), even though he claimed the right as an apostle to be supported (1Thes. 2:7-9). Paul described his ministry as encouraging folks to live lives worthy of God (cf. 1Thes. 4:1 & Eph. 4:1), and he again referred to his prayers expressing thanks to God for them accepting his preaching as the word of God (1Thes. 2:13), which works in believers (Phil. 2:13).
 
TOP #210: God’s Spirit and God’s Word are essentially synonymous. [1Thes. 1:13 & 4:8, Phil. 2:13] This is a significant nuance of TOP #187, reminding us of their nexus indicated by Jesus in John 14, 15 & 16 (TOJ #197 & #203).

>>>TOP #187: Those who have saving faith cooperate with God’s good works. [Phil. 2:12-13] This is a significant reiteration of TOP #150. God works in believers via His Holy Spirit (cf. TOP #28).

>>>>>>TOP #150: Saving faith is followed by doing good or loving works in accordance with the will of God. [Eph. 2:10] This relationship between saving faith and good works is taught also in Jam. 2:14-26.

At this point Paul referred to his sending Timothy to visit the Thessalonians while he remained in Athens (1Thes. 3:1-6, cf. Acts 17:14-18:5), and he expressed his relief to hear that they were standing firm in the Lord, so that he might visit and supply what is lacking in their faith, which implies the next TOP.
 
TOP #211: Saving faith in the Gospel should be augmented by faith in the fullness of God’s Word. [1Thes. 3:10] This truth teaches the difference between the essential kerygma regarding God’s requirement for salvation and secondary or subsequent teaching regarding spiritual growth toward maturity.

The distinction between kerygma/saving faith and didache/working faith was made by Jesus when He commissioned His original twelve disciples minus Judas (Matt. 28:19-20). This “Great Commission” speaks of both types of information. The kerygma is indicated by verse 19, in which Jesus says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations”. The didache is implicit in verse 20, in which Jesus continues by saying “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This speaks of the “all truth” that is taught by the Spirit referred to in John 14:26 & 16:13.
 
Here in 1Thes. Paul specifies a sin that should be avoided listed previously: sexual immorality (cf. TOP #11, 89, 136, & 206).

>>>TOP #11: Sinful desires include sexual lusts or perversions. [Rom. 1:24-27] This may be why A&E became aware of being naked following their sin.

>>>TOP #89: Honor God by not committing sins with your body, in which His HS dwells. [1Cor. 6:12-20] This means by not engaging in sexual immorality.

>>>TOP #136: Do not cite freedom in Christ as an excuse for committing sins. [Gal. 5:13] These sins or “acts of the sinful nature” include: sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, rage, drunkenness… and conceit (5:16-20&26). These evil behaviors manifest the opposite of saving faith and love or living/being led “by the Spirit”.

>>>TOP #206: Focus on heavenly life and stop sinning. [Col. 3:1-14] The sins Paul cited included: sexual immorality, greed/I-dolatry, rage, malice, slander, filthy language and lying (cf. TOP #136). The heavenly behavior he mentioned included: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience forgiveness and love (cf. TOP #138).
 
TOP #212: Do not be dependent on anybody. [1Thes. 4:12] This TOP is akin to #163.

>>>TOP #163: Instead of stealing, Christians must earn a living and share surplus with worthy needy brethren. [Eph. 4:28] We can infer that lazy folks do not deserve to have such sin abetted but must reap what they do not sow (cf. TOP #226).

>>>TOP #226: He who will not work shall not eat. [2Thes. 3:6-15] In this passage Paul elaborates on the warning against idleness he gave in 1Thes. 5:14 (TOP #216) and against stealing in Eph. 4:28 (TOP #163). In practical political terms, this teaching supports workfare.

>>>TOP #216: Warn those who are idle. [1Thes. 5:14] This is elaborated in Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians.
 
Now Paul shares his belief regarding the Lord’s Second Coming, which is the next TOP.

TOP #213: The dead in Christ will rise first and be joined in the air by Christians who are living at that time. [1Thes. 4:13-18] Regarding the times and dates, “the end will come like a thief in the night” (1Thes. 5:1-4, cf. Matt. 24:36-44/TOJ #144), so the children of light (TOP #168) should be alert or ready rather than asleep or drunk (1Thes. 5:5-7).

>>>TOP #168: Sinfulness is signified by darkness and savedness by light, which is goodness and truth. [Eph. 5:8-9]. Such imagery is significant enough to include and view as a teaching.
 
TOP #214: Self-control must cooperate with GW/HS. [1Thes. 5:6-8, 2Thes. 1:11, Tit. 2:2-12, TOP #138] Christians may exercise their God-given will or volition to have faith, love and hope. This goad gives tulipists fits as they kick against it!

>>>TOP #138: The fruit of the Spirit is love in various manifestations. [Gal. 5:22-23] This teaching elaborates #135. The varieties of love include such qualities as joy TOP #189), peace (#64), patience (#155), kindness (#166), goodness (#187&188), faithfulness (#9&15), gentleness (#192) and self-control (Tit. 2:2-12 = TOP #214), which seems to mean sobriety. Paul pointed out that there are no laws against these attributes.
 
TOP #215: Respect those Christians who are over you in the Lord. [1Thes. 5:12-13] This must refer to church leaders, and their authority must be what Paul alluded to in v. 11, to “encourage one another and build each other up” (cf. 2Cor. 10:8 & 13:10). Such encouragement refers to the timid or weak in v.14.

>>>TOP #127: Spiritual warfare involves demolishing thoughts that are ungodly and anti-Christ. [2Cor. 10:3-5] Paul referred to his authority as an apostle of the Lord for building up believers, especially in the churches he had established by sharing the gospel of Christ (in 2Cor. 10:8-18).
 
GWH said:
TOP #215: Respect those Christians who are over you in the Lord. [1Thes. 5:12-13] This must refer to church leaders, and their authority must be what Paul alluded to in v. 11, to “encourage one another and build each other up” (cf. 2Cor. 10:8 & 13:10). Such encouragement refers to the timid or weak in v.14.

>>>TOP #127: Spiritual warfare involves demolishing thoughts that are ungodly and anti-Christ. [2Cor. 10:3-5] Paul referred to his authority as an apostle of the Lord for building up believers, especially in the churches he had established by sharing the gospel of Christ (in 2Cor. 10:8-18).
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how about encouraging a brother to go on a rabbit trail ?
 
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GWH said:
Seriously?
I encourage you to go on many happy trails!
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ok so you want a serious discussion then,
Ok let's start here


Romans 7:14-25

New International Version



14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
 
Jordon said:
ok so you want a serious discussion then,
Ok let's start here


Romans 7:14-25

New International Version



14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
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Okay, what do you want to discuss?
 
GWH said:
Okay, what do you want to discuss?
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The last sentence is what I started to discuss in other thread, that you first engaged with me first, which was a very serious discussion, which I started by asking can God go against people's will, to deliver people to Christ, I started of by asking did the lord go against Paul's will when he blinded him for 3 days, delivering him to Christ

it is only God who can deliver people to Christ
 
Jordon said:
The last sentence is what I started to discuss in other thread, that you first engaged with me first, which was a very serious discussion, which I started by asking can God go against people's will, to deliver people to Christ, I started of by asking did the lord go against Paul's will when he blinded him for 3 days, delivering him to Christ

it is only God who can deliver people to Christ
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Okay, the last sentence in what you posted was Romans 8:25, "Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
Amen to that!

Here is what I say in the TOP thread/lesson about that passage:

TOP #38: God’s Spirit is the Spirit of Christ, who indwells those who are in Christ, making them God’s children. [Rom. 8:1&9-16] John refers to the indwelling of Jesus in Rev. 3:20.

TOP #39: As co-heirs with Christ, God’s children share in his sufferings and will share his glory. [Rom. 8:17-25] Paul described the time between present struggles and future liberation in terms of creation groaning like a woman giving birth as we hope for the redemption of our bodies (v.22-24), and he referred to the joy of heaven as God’s glorious riches (Eph. 1:18, 3:16, Phil. 4:19, Col. 1:27, cf. 1Pet. 1:8-11).

TOP #40: When we don’t know what to pray, the HS intercedes on our behalf in accordance with God’s will. [Rom. 8:26-27] Praying for God’s will to be done was taught by Jesus in Matt. 6:10 and exemplified by Him in Matt. 26:39-42.

TOP #41: According to His purpose or plan of salvation (POS), Paul says that those who love God were foreknown and “predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son”. [Rom. 8:28-30] This is akin to what Paul said in Ephesians 1:4-14, that before creating the world God chose or predestined those sinners “in Christ” to be blameless sons and receive the Holy Spirit. Paul indicated in 1Tim. 2:3-4 that God calls everyone or wants all to be saved, but not everyone cooperates with His will/POS.

Over...
 
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