2 Samuel

Theme 1: ( 1-10) God is faithful to fulfill his promises to those who obey him and seek after him as David did. God fulfills his covenant with David as he becomes King of Israel and the nation of Israel prospers. David honored Saul and Jonathan as he avenged the death of Saul by killing the Malecite who claimed to have murdered Saul. He also sings a song of lament in which he pays honor to the friendship he had with Jonathan and to the courage and leadership of Saul. (2 Samuel 1). David is victorious over the army fighting for Saul’s son Ish-Boseth and gains more and more power. (2 Samuel 2). Abner made a pact of allegiance with David in order to help him secure his throne. (2 Samuel 3). David showed respect to his rival as he executed the men who had killed Ish-Boseth in cold blood. (2 Samuel 4). David conquered the city of Jerusalem and made it his capital and was also victorious over the Philistine armies. (2 Samuel 5). After the Ark of the Covenant was unsuccessfully brought to Jerusalem David inquired of God and honored him by bringing back the Ark of the Covenant in the way in which God had commanded it be brought. The King himself danced before the Lord with reckless abandon. (2 Samuel 6). David responded with praise to the Lord when he is told that his kingdom will be established forever. (2 Samuel 7). David was victorious in battle and conquers territory expanding his kingdom. (2 Samuel 8). Despite his victories and increased status David is faithful to his covenant with Jonathan and seeks out his descendant Mephibosheth. David showed him kindness restoring property that had belonged to his grandfather and allowing him to eat with himself. (2 Samuel 9). David attempted to show favor to his ally’s son who was King of Amon only to be disgraced and so he was given victory over the Ammonites and Syrians who fought against him. (2 Samuel 10).

Theme 2: (11-16): Human sin and wickedness has consequences even when it is repented of. David ‘s lust for Bathsheba caused him to have her husband Uriah murdered after he slept with her. He also lied about this when he took her as his wife. (2 Samuel 11). As a result of this sin David was confronted by the prophet Nathan and upon realizing his sin he repented. Although David was forgiven, the son his wife bore died. (2 Samuel 12). David’s son Amnon raped his half sister Tamar and was killed by his half brother Absalom who retreated into another kingdom called Geshur. (2 Samuel 13). Absalom is brought back to Jerusalem by Joab but does not see David for 2 years. (2 Samuel 14). Absalom later became envious of David and conspired to become King driving David from Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 15). David is given help from the steward of Mephiboseth while on his journey from Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 16).

Theme 3: Human strength and wisdom are no match for God’s wisdom and strength and will fail. Thus it is wise to seek the Lord and repent of your sins rather than seeking human wisdom and coming to destruction. Absalom listened to the foolish advice of Hushai giving David an advantage over him in battle. (2 Samuel 17). Absalom sought the wisdom of his followers and not God’s and therefore came to a violent death being killed by a sword to his stomach after hanging by his hair in a tree. (2 Samuel 18). David upon returning to Jerusalem rewarded Barzilli and Mephiboseth out of his desire to treat others with justice and love as God’s law commanded. (2 Samuel 19). David is given victory over a descendant of Saul named Sheba who rebelled against David and tried to become King. (2 Samuel 20). Saul had oppressed the Gibeonites and had not respected their covenant of being treated as part of God’s people and so David avenged this wrong by executing members of Saul’s family. ( 2 Samuel 21). David composed a song of praise to the Lord after being given victory over his enemies in which he remembered the faithfulness of the Lord. ( 2 Samuel 22). In his last words David remembered the faithfulness of the Lord and declared that those who followed the Lord could depend on his . (2 Samuel 23). David seeking to develop his army had a census taken of his army to determine their strength and later repented when the Lord’s judgment was upon him and the nation. (2 Samuel 24).

Ephesians

Theme 1 : All who believe in Jesus Christ and accept his salvation become children of God and a part of his people. Paul told the Ephesians that they had been destined for adoption as God ‘s children through Jesus Christ according to the pleasure of his will. ( 1:5). Every individual who receives Christ’s salvation is a part of God’s body despite whether they are Jew or Gentile. (2:11-16). It is through Christ that a new unified people made up of people from all races, tongues and ethnic groups is formed. (2:19-21). Paul stated that the Gentiles had become fellow hiers, members of the same body and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (3:6). Paul argued that Christians were unified as there was one faith, one baptism , one spirit and one Lord. (4:2-6).

Theme 2 : As Christians we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives devoted to Jesus Christ. Christians have the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead at work in them through the Holy Spirit. (1:17-19). The Holy Spirit works in the lives of each believer strengthening them , allowing Christ to dwell in them and filling them with the fullness of God. ( 3:17-19). Christians are given different gifts for the good of the Church and to allow us to be witnesses for Christ, which is accomplished through the Holy Spirit. ( 4:25-32).

Theme 3 : Christians are equipped by the Holy Spirit to fight against the work of Satan and one of the chief weapons , we have as believers is the power of prayer. Paul urged the Ephesian believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to worship with psalms , hymns and spiritual songs giving praise to God.. (5:19-21). Paul urged them to pray continually and to uphold the saints and to pray for the spreading of the gospel. (6:18-19). Paul urged the Ephesians to equip themselves with the armour of God to withhold attack from the Devil . ( 6:10-17).

Galatians

Theme 1 : There is one gospel message and it cannot be changed despite what others teach or angels themselves say. Paul stated that there was no other gospel and that if Paul or one of his coworkers or even an angel said so that individual was cursed by God. ( 1:7-9). As Paul eloquently stated to the Church at Galatia nothing else in the world was worth boasting about except the cross of Jesus . ( 6:15). Therefore the message of salvation in Christ is paramount to the Christian faith and it cannot be changed.

Theme 2 : As children of God through Christ’s work of salvation we are given freedom in Christ as we are no longer slaves to sin but bond servants for Jesus. Paul explained to the Galatians that they no longer were slaves to sin and evil desires but were free from the burden of the law and its wage of sin. A person was justified through faith in Christ and not through the works of obeying the law. ( 2 : 16-17). He argued that anyone who relied on the Law would be judged and that through his death and resurrection Christ had redeemed us from the penalty of death. ( 3:10-14). We are also adopted as his children and through the Holy Spirit living in us we can know Christ intamently. ( 4:4-7). We are changed people as a result of being redeemed from sin and having the Holy Sprit living in us. We begin to have the fruit of the Spirit in our lives and are filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness , goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. ( 5:22).

Theme 3: Being a follower of Christ we care for other people and do not burden them but rather help them with the burdens they face. Paul stated that we as believers were to bear each others burdens and in doing so fulfill the Law of Christ. (6:2). Thus a vital part of faith in Christ involves being a community of believers who care for and help others with the tasks and challenges of living for Christ.

1 Kings

Themes and Insights from 1 Kings

Theme 1 : God is faithful to keep his promises and rewards obedience to his commands and the upholding of justice. Solomon is made King after David’s death in accordance with the promise God made with David ( 2 Samuel 7:12-14/ 1 Kings 1). Solomon is blessed with wisdom, wealth and power as he desired to honour the Lord. ( 1 Kings 3). Solomon is blessed with more wealth as people from all over the world visited him and gave him gifts. ( 1 Kings 4). The supplies given for the temple by the King of Tyre demonstrated that God was in control and blessed the work of those who honoured him. ( 1 Kings 5). The temple was a blessing as it honoured God ( 1 Kings 6) , however Solomon spent more time building his own palace. ( 1 Kings 7). The faithfulnesss of God is evident in Solomon’s prayer. ( 1 Kings 8). Solomon causes future problems when he does not drive out the enemies of Israel from his territory but instead enslaved them. ( 1 Kings 9). The blessing of God is also seen in the visit by the Queen of Sheba who is amazed at the wisdom Solomon was given by God. ( 1 Kings 10). Solomon eventually abandons the Lord when he married several wives for political alliances and worships their deities , forsaking the Lord and plotting his own course for power. (1 Kings 11).

Theme 2: People are sinful and rebellious as they refuse to acknowledge what God has done and seek their own path. Jereboam after being given the kingdom of Israel sets up idol worship in order to solidify his power. (1 Kings 12). Even after being rebuked by a prophet from the Lord and seeing God’s judgement against him when he disobeyed him Jereboam made more altars to pagan gods. ( 1 Kings 13). Reheboam did not obey the Lord and so his wealth was plundered by the King of Egypt. ( 1 Kings 14). King Asa obeyed the Lord and so was blessed. ( 1 Kings 15). King Omri due to his disobedience suffered the death of his eldest and youngest sons when he rebuilt the city of Jericho. ( 1 Kings 16).

Theme 3: God is able to provide for our needs and will respond in mercy when we follow him and repent of our wicked ways. The Lord provided for the widow , her son and Elijah when she obeyed and trusted the Lord giving Elijah all the food she had . ( 1 Kings 17). The Lord responded to the people and Elijah prayers by consuming the offering and showing the people that he was the true God. (1 Kings 18). Even in his darkest moment in the cave Elijah is reminded of God’s presence in the storm and encouraged that he is not the only follower of the Lord.( 1 Kings 19). God is faithful to his covenant and blesses Israel despite her sins and gave Ahab victory over her Syrian enemy. ( 1 Kings 20). Ahab repented of his sin after having killed Naboth and taken his vineyard. As a result the Lord did not bring calamity in his day. ( 1 Kings 21).

2 Corinthians

Theme 1: Christians are witnesses for Christ who face challenges in life which make them more like Christ and allow them to be more effective witnesses for him. Paul told the Church of Corinth that they would endure trials but could have hope in these circumstances as they were strengthened by the Holy Spirit. ( 1: 20-22). As followers of Christ we are to live lives that are different from the world as our actions serve as an aroma that attracts other people to Jesus and allows us to witness about him. ( 2:14-17). Paul discussed how trials we faced allowed us to be witnesses to the power of Christ in us . (4:7-12). He further stated that as Christ followers we functioned as ambassadors for him and through testifying about him and sharing the gospel through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit share the news of salvation to the whole world. (5:16-20). Paul further stated that having received the grace of God and been given heaven through Christ’s death and resurrection , we are to be witnesses to God’s grace and tell of this salvation to other people. (6:1-13).

Theme 2 : As a result of Christ’s mercy we are to have an attitude of gratitude to him and living a life dedicated to serving Christ and caring for people. Paul told the Corinthians that they could have confidence of their salvation and in the good things the Lord has for those who love him. (7:12-16). Serving and loving Christ is based on giving of our resources ( time , talents, money / talents and abiliities , to help other people. (8:1-12). Paul stated that he was pleased that the Corinthians had helped those in need in Macedonia which made them aware of their need to give.(9:1-5). He also stated that generosity allowed us to experience God’s goodness in our lives. (9:10-13).

Theme 3: Christians need to make sure their focus is on Jesus Christ and loving others as he did . Paul stated that Christ was the one who approved their work and thus they needed to focus their attention on him and not their works. ( 10:12-18). He discussed how it was Jesus who made them strong and allowed them to be a witnesses to the mercy they had been given by him. Therefore our confidence was based on Christ and not out own good works. ( 11:12-30). Paul explained how the Christian life also involved helping others and that focus was on bearing the burdens of and encouraging them. In doing so we are fulfilling the purpose of Christ. ( 12:13-19). Paul concluded his second letter to the Corinthian Church by urging them to live in peace and with the love of God as if they did so God would be with them. ( 13:11). Thus part of Christian witness is caring for other people and in doing so showing the loving of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians

Theme 1: Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith as everything hinges upon him and his death and resurrection. In the beginning of his letter to the Church at Corinth, Paul stated that Christ was the one who was to be at the centre of their faith and no one else whether it be Paul or another teacher called Apollo because it was Christ who had saved them by his death and resurrection. ( 1:11-17). The Christian faith is based upon Christ who is greater than all human knowledge ( 2:14-16) and whom is the foundation of the Christian faith which is built upon a sure foundation. (3:11-14). Christ is ultimately in control of all the events in the universe and our salvation is based upon Christ’s death and resurrection and not upon our own good deeds. ( 4:1-5).

Theme 2 : As Christians we are called to live a life of holiness based upon Christ’s example. Paul discussed throwing away values which were contrary to God ‘s Word noting that the Bible was our focus for life. ( 5:6-9). He noted that the Corinthian believers needed to glorify God by living holy lives which pleased God( 6:20). He stated that those who were married to non Christians could be a witness and win them to Christ by their godly lifestyle. ( 7:17). Paul noted that part of living a holy life was not causing another believer to stumble by our actions. Thus who drank should not drink in front of those who have obstained and thus tempt them to drink again. (8:9-13).

Theme 3: The chief purpose and task of every believer is to tell others about the good news of salvation in Christ. We as Christians are to relate to all people in order to share the good news of salvation through Christ with them. ( 9:19-23). Everything we do as followers of Christ is to be for Christ’s glory and to tell others about him so that in hearing the gospel many may be saved. ( 10:31-33). The focus of the Christian life is the Lord’s supper , where the work of Christ’s salvation is remembered as we think of Christ’s body broken and his blood spilled for our salvation. ( 11:23-26). Each Christian functions as a member of Christ’s body by fulfilling a role and in doing so fulfills the purpose of being a witness for Jesus Christ. ( 12:4-11).

Theme 4: Embodying Christ’s love for us by loving others is a vital part of our witness for Christ. Faith, hope and love are the things which will not pass away but the greatest of these is love. ( 13: 13). Our time of worship is to be orderly and a time in which we are given instruction for our daily life as a Christian.. ( 14:27-33). A vital part of Christian gathering and service is to build each other up and encourage each other in the faith as we show Christ’s love to each other. ( 14:26). As we await Christ’s return we are to stand firm in our faith and witness and to do everything in love. ( 16:13-14).

Romans

Theme 1 Humanity is sinful and unholy and in need of Christ’s salvation. Paul noted how society had rejected God’s truth as revealed in nature and was therefore punished. (1:18-20). Paul noted how tradition and ritual did not matter as salvation was a process of our heart. Those who obeyed the Lord out of love would be considered holy whether they were Jews or Gentiles. (2:27-29). Paul stated that it was through Christ’s righteousness that all people could be saved and be made right before God. ( 3:21-26). Paul noted how Abraham who was a good person was considered righteous through faith in God just as our righteousness comes from accepting and believing in Christ’s salvation through faith. (4:23-25).

Theme 2 When we accept Christ’s salvation, the Holy Spirit lives in us and we are empowered to live holy lives. Paul noted how God used the experiences we had in life to mold us into people who were holy and righteous. (5:15-21). In Romans 6 he stated that we were dead to our old nature and desires and given new life in Christ. ( 6:6-11). Paul stated that as followers of Christ we belonged to him and that we had the purpose of bearing fruit for God. ( 7:4-5). As people living a new life in Christ we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives set apart for Christ. (8:10-11). we are made like Christ and are part of his family. (8:29).

Theme 3 : The salvation God gave to humanity through Jesus Christ is available to all and as his followers we need to tell others about it. Paul stated that salvation was not based upon anything people did but on God’s mercy. ( 9:16). God’s plan is to make his followers vessels of his mercy who share the gospel with all people. (9:22-24). Salvation is given to all people without distinction. (10:12-13). Part of our witness is the offering of our lives to God as living sacrifices and through mediation on God’s word being changed by the Holy Spirit and being transformed into people who follow him. (Romans 12:1-2).

Theme 4 : The need to be a witness by our conduct, submission to authority and to do things which help those who are new in the Christian faith. Romans 13:1-2 command Christians to submit to the government which has been put in place by God. The main rule to obey is that of loving others and fulfilling the law. (13:8-10). Mature Christians are to refrain from practices which cause others to stumble in their faith. (14:19-20). Paul stated that those who were strong in the Christian faith were to encourage the weaker persons in their faith. (15:1).

Acts

Insight 1 : The Holy Spirit given to everyone who follows Christ and believes in him empowers individuals and the corporate body known as the Church to be witnesses who testify to the gospel and share the good news of salvation they have received to the whole world. Acts 1 describes how Christ when he ascends into heaven tells his followers both men and women that they are to share the message they have been given to all people. Acts 2 tells of the first followers of Christ receiving the Holy Spirit and how through this they shared the message of Christ’s salvation to a large crowd in Jerusalem with people from every part of the empire and how they spoke in different languages. Acts 3 tells of how Peter and John 2 of the apostles who had known Christ intimately heal a man who had been lame by praying in the name of Christ. Therefore through the Holy Sprit empowering them they are able to be bold witnesses for Christ and to share the gospel with many people. Acts 4 tells of how Peter and John are arrested by the Sanhedrin which was a group of lawyers , priests and scholars who were experts in the Jewish law and how they were amazed at the witness of the uneducated men from the backwards region of Galilee.

Insight 2 : Every person who accepts the gospel message and follows Christ is given different abilities by the Holy Spirit which are to be used to allow the Church to grow and not for individual gain. Peter and John were given the gifts of teaching others about Jesus , of evangelism ( sharing the message of Christ) and of faith ( believing Christ will fulfill his plan and not being discouraged in difficult times). Therefore they continue to share the message of the gospel which is that all people have done bad things called sin which separates us from Christ and that Christ being perfect left God the Father in heaven and was born as a man and lived a perfect life. He died on the cross for our sins and rose again and is in heaven. If we believe Christ did this and confess that we are sinners and ask him to forgive our sins , we are forgiven and become new people. Despite being imprisoned and threaten with death they boldly share the message. (Acts5). As the Church grows a group of men are appointed to do the work of helping those in need. One of these men called Stephen becomes a bold witness for the gospel, which reminds me that Christ uses everyone who serves him (Acts 6). A vital part of the gospel message is that as Christ forgave us we are to forgive others. Stephen commended to die and being executed by stoning prays to Jesus and asks him to forgive the crowd for they do not know what they are doing. (Acts 7). The gifts of the Holy Spirit change us into new people who are accepting of people from different races , ethnicity , nationality , social and religious backgrounds. Philip an apostle who was a Jew and a person from Galilee spoke to a person from Ethiopia. (Acts 8).

Insight 3 : Every single person in the world is able to make the choice to accept or reject the gospel message and I must not judge other people. When a person becomes a Christian, the Lord will use the gifts and abilities they had before become a Christian for his purposes. Saul of Tarsus who became known as Paul set out to arrest and bring to trail Christians living in Damascus and on the Road to Damascus is blinded by Christ and after coming to Damascus is told the gospel message become a bold witness for Jesus and using his scripture knowledge to be an effective witness. (Acts 9). The story of Peter going to Caesarea after being approached by Roman soldiers on the request of a Roman Centurion called Cornelius , reminds me that the Lord wants us to share the gospel with everyone even our former enemies. (Acts 10). Peter upon returning to Jerusalem shares with the Church there that salvation was for all people even those who were not Jewish. (Acts 11). Barnabas and Paul go to a city in Syria called Antioch and share the gospel message which results in many people accepting the salvation of God and a vibrant Church being established in this city. ( Acts 12).

Insight 4: Being an effective witness of the gospel requires a person being willingly to listen to the Holy Spirit’s direction and to follow this direction despite difficult situations. After being called out as witnesses Paul and Barnabas leave Antioch and go to another city to teach the gospel called Icononium where the message is accepted. (Acts 13). Paul and Barnabas travelled from city to city and shared the gospel message. In many cases they were rejected and threatened with death. ( Acts 14). Paul and Barnabas split up and each individual being directed by the Lord finds another person to minister with and goes a different way to proclaim the gospel. ( Acts 15). While Paul , Silas and Timothy are arrested and put in Jail in Philippi , an earthquake occurs and they have the chance to escape and they and the rest of the prisoners stay. Paul, Silas and Timothy are then able to share the gospel and the jailer and his whole household becomes Christians. (Acts 16).

Insight 5 : Following Jesus involves using the gifts and abilities he has given you with the intention of encouraging other believers and sharing the gospel. Paul used the training and education he had received as a Pharisee to appeal to the philosophical mind of the Athenians and explain the gospel to them. (Acts 17). When he returned to Jerusalem Paul used his gifts of teaching and exhortation to convince the Christians in Jerusalem that it was wrong to force the Gentile Christians to follow the Jewish ceremonial law. ( Acts 18). When the gospel message was attacked and the 7 sons of the High Priest Sceva tried to drive out demons and became demon possessed Paul used his gift of driving out demons to show the authority of Christ and to share the gospel. ( Acts 19). Paul used his gift of faith to pray boldly in Christ ‘s name and his gift of healing to raise a boy back to life who fallen asleep and died from falling out of a window. (Acts 20). Paul goes to Jerusalem where he is arrested and faces death because of his faith in Christ and his being empowered by the Holy Sprit to be one who shares the gospel. (Acts 21).

Insight 6 : Being a follower of Christ involves a surrender of our lives to the Lord and using the systems of rule he has placed us in for his purpose. Paul willingly preached the gospel in Jerusalem, knowing he faced persecution and death. He also used his rights as a Roman citizen in order to be treated fairly and be given a chance to speak. (Acts 22). Paul obeyed Christ and faced death on his way to the Roman governor in Caesarea but he still obeyed Christ and shared the gospel. He was also given an escort of soldiers to travel with reminding me how God uses government for his purposes. ( Acts 23). Paul was imprisoned for 2 years and submitted to those in authority during that time. However he was still able to be a witness for Christ as he shared his faith with the Roman governor Felix. ( Acts 24).

Theme 7 : Faith in Jesus and following after him will bring us difficulties but in the end Christ will work all things for good. Acts 25 discussed how Festus does not understand why Paul is being held and awaits the coming of a contemporary King Agrippa to come. Thus Paul is imprisoned but is treated civilly and is able to continue to witness. Acts 26 describes Paul‘s witness to Agrippa during his trial in which Paul is proclaimed innocent and is sent to Rome. Acts 27 describes how Paul is shipwrecked and how the lives of all the prisoners are spared due to his good relationship with the centurion in charge of them. Thus Paul is able to be a witness for Christ. Acts concludes in chapter 28 by telling of Paul arrival in Rome where he is imprisoned for 2 years and in which he writes several letters to various churches which later form most of the New Testament.