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Getting to Know the New Testament
Intro:
Ø The New Testament can be broken down into four distinct categories: · The Gospel accounts (Matthew-John) o There is one gospel in 4 accounts (not the gospels). o These tell of us Jesus life, His death on a cross, and his Resurrection. · Then, the Book of Acts tells us how to become a Christian. It is the book of conversions. · In the third stanza of the New Testament we see how to live the Christian life in Romans-Jude. · Finally, in the vivid Book of Revelation we are told how to die in Christ. This is the hope and victory of a Christian.
1. Matthew is written by a Jew to Jews about the greatest Jew to ever live—Jesus Christ. The Book of Matthew was written to convince the Jews from their own Scriptures that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Over and over again, Matthew will appeal to the Old Testament as proof of his premises. Key phrase: kingdom of Heaven (occurs 32 times)—a spiritual rule and reign in the hearts and lives of men and women (Jn. 18:36). Key verses: Matt 1:21, 28:18.
2. Mark is a Roman writing to the Romans about the powerful deeds of Jesus Christ. The Romans were a military minded people. Mark focuses less on what Jesus said and more on what he did. The word straightway or anon occurs some 52 times in this book. Mark emphasizes the majesty of Christ. Key verses: Mk 7:37, Mk 16:16
3. Luke writes to the Gentiles about the greatest man to ever live. The Greeks were thought to be one of the most advanced societies on earth at that time. Luke stresses Jesus as the “ideal man” (Lk 2:52). Luke often emphasizes the humanity of Christ in this book. Jesus is seen as being intellectually perfect, physically perfect, socially perfect, and, most importantly spiritually perfect. Key Verse: Lk 19:10
4. John was written to a generic audience, to all men. The book of John was written to convince all men of the Deity of Jesus Christ (John 20:30-31). John uses the 7 signs, 7 witnesses, 7 I am statements to convince his hearers that Jesus is God. Key thought of this book and all 4 accounts is John 14:6.
5. The Book of Acts is three fold in purpose: (1) It tells us of the conversions that happened in the New Testament (2) It is a history book of the New Testament, (3) It tells us of the establishment of the church. Key verses: Acts 4:11-12, 8:4 Summary Outline of the Book: Acts 1:8 Jerusalem chpt 1-2, Judea 2-7, Samaria 8-12, Rest 13-28.
6. Romans tells us how that the gospel is God’s power to save (Rom 1:16). Paul establishes this point by showing: Chpt 1 Gentiles are under sin, Chpt 2 Jew are under sin, chpt 3:23 all are under sin, Chpt 4-5 true obedient faith can save you, 6-11 Not Judaism but Christ, 12-16 practical application of the book.
7. The Book of 1 Corinthians is all about “Church Problems” and how to overcome them. The main problem in this church was a lack of spiritual maturity (1 Cor 3:1ff, Heb 5:12, I Cor 1:10, I Cor 3:11). The various problems in this book can be divided by chapter:
8. 2 Corinthians is mainly a defense of Paul’s Apostleship. In 2 Corinthians Paul introduces some of the most beautiful verses in the Bible. (2 Cor 5:7,11, 14-15, 21, 2 Cor 8:9)
9. Galatians was written to prove to the Jews and Christians that there is only one good news—Jesus, the Christ. Key verses 1:6-10; 5:6
10. It has been said that the Book of Ephesians stresses the church of Christ, while the book of Colossians stresses the Christ of the church. (Key verse 3:21). How Paul stresses the church: ü The Church is the body of Christ (Eph. 1:21-23). ü The Church is the place where reconciliation takes place (Eph. 2:16). ü The Church is the eternal purpose of God (Eph. 3:10-11). ü The Church is a singular body (Eph. 4:4). ü The Church is the bride of Christ (Eph. 5:21-31). ü The Church is the Army of the Lord (Eph. 6:10-18).
11. Next, we are introduced to what some think is the most stunning book in the whole New Testament. Philippians tells us about the joy of Christianity. How can Christians have Joy: ü True joy comes from having the proper purpose in life (1:21) ü True joy comes from having the proper person in life (2:5) ü True joy comes from having the proper prize in life (3:12-14) ü True joy comes from having the proper power in life (4:13).
12. The Book of Colossians teaches us about the preeminence of Jesus Christ. The key verses for this book are 1:18, 3:11.
13. 1 & 2 Thessalonians were 2 of the earliest books written in the New Testament. Some believe that Galatians, Mark and 1 &2 Thess. were written in the 50’s. These books revolve around three main themes: ü The 2nd coming of Christ ü The Great Apostasy I Thess 2:7 ü An exhortation to greater faithfulness and not laziness 2 Thess 3:10ff, 1:7-9
14. 1 Timothy tells Christians how to conduct themselves as members of the church. The Theme is church conduct (1 Tim 3:14-15). The word “church” in this verse does not simply mean in worship. It means: ü In work (I Tim 5 helping the brethren) ü In organization (I Tim 3 elders and deacons) ü In worship ( I Tim 1,2 teaching and prayer) ü In daily life (chpt 6 Xian and riches, evangelism, etc.,)
15. The beautiful book of 2 Timothy tells the Christian how to be strong in Christ. Each chapter outlines at least, one way we can be strong Christians. q Be strong in God’s eternal plan for man (1:8-10). q Be strong as a soldier (2:4—Theme of book). q Be strong in Bible Inspiration (3:16-17). q Be strong in powerful preaching (2 Tim 4:2).
16. The theme of the Book of Titus is found in 1:5, (1) set in order the things that are lacking, and (2) appoint elders in every city. These two go hand in hand because things are lacking when you don’t have elders. Outline: q When the church doesn’t have sound elders, then something is lacking (1:9) q When each member is not keeping his or her role something is lacking (2:1ff) q When we have divisive teaching the church is lacking (3:9-10).
17. The book of Philemon is all about mending broken relationships. q 1-3 To mend broken relationships, I must take the initiative (Paul did, Matt 5:8). q 4-7 To mend broken relationships, I must be thankful for others and their good qualities. q 8-25 To mend broken relationships, I must appeal to Christian character (“tact in contact”) ü Mending broken relationships is like mending broken fences—they both take time, patience, and work in repairing.
18. The book of Hebrews is one of the grandest books in the whole Bible. The theme of the book of Hebrews is the Superiority of Christ over all things, especially Judaism. Key verses: Heb. 3:12-13, 7:25-26 Outline: ü The superiority of Christ (1-7). ü The old covenant has been abolished (8-10). ü Encouragement to live faithful to Christ. He won’t forsake you, why should you forsake Him? (11-13)
19. The Book of James has been called the most practical book in the New Testament. The key word is perfect, which means complete, or absolute. Therefore, James tells Christians they can be complete by being doers of God’s Word and not just hearers (Theme 1:22).
20. Next, we come to the marvelous book of 1 Peter. This book tells Christians how to endure suffering and persecution in the proper way. Key verse I Pet 4:16. How do we achieve this goal?
21. The book of 2 Peter is a book of reminding. There are certain things that Peter wants his brethren to remember—(1:12-13). q Remember that you have all you need through the inspired Word of God (2 Pet 1:3, 20-21). q Don’t go back to the world, its worse for you (2:20-22). q Grow in view of the end of the world (2 Pet 3:10, 3:18).
22. 1, 2, & 3 Jn. deal with Gnosticism, which said that the flesh was sinful, and the spirit was holy, therefore, Jesus could not have come in the flesh (1:1ff). There are two main themes in this book (1) Man is the sinner 3:4, (2) God is the lover 4:8. The theme of the book of I Jn is 5:16. II Jn Walk in love, Walk in truth. Key verse is verse 9--Go beyond I Cor 4:6, Rev 22:18. III Jn Contrast of three men Gaius—good; Demtrium—good; Diotrophes—Bad (Col 1:18).
23. Jude is one of the most potent books in the Bible verse by verse. It tells the Christian that he must stand up for his faith in the midst of religious error. Key verse: vs. 3 Contend (lit. wrestle for).
24. The final stanza in the New Testament is the Book of Revelation. The book of Revelation was written in very vivid, apocalyptic language. It was meant to be seen, or envisioned, not picked apart literally. The theme of the Book of Revelation is 11:15, 17:15, which tell us that Christ is King, and his Kingdom will rule all other kingdoms. Key verses: 2:10, 14:13, 12:11.
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