The Heart of Paul's Theology Study Guides by Section Thirdmill 316 Live Oaks Boulevard Casselberry, FL 32707 USA THE HEART OF PAUL'S THEOLOGY STUDY GUIDE 1.1 Lesson 1: Paul and His Theology Section 1: Cultural Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES I. Cultural Background A. Jewish culture B. Gentile culture REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Explain how Paul’s Jewish culture influenced him. 2. Explain the different places where Paul lived before his conversion. 3. To what Jewish doctrines did Paul hold firmly? 4. What citizenship did Paul hold? 5. Explain what Gentile influence Paul received. 6. What did Paul teach in his epistles about the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the plan of salvation? 7. Why is it important to see Paul’s Jewish as well as his Gentile cultural background when understanding Paul’s theology? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What do you hope to get out of this course? What questions do you have? 2. In light of Paul’s background and ministry, what questions should we keep in mind as we read his writings? 3. What can we learn about the way God prepared Paul for his ministry? In your opinion, what were the most important experiences in his preparation? Explain why. 4. Do you think Paul was influenced in his thinking more by Greek philosophy or by the Old Testament? Defend your answer. 5. In what ways has God prepared you to minister to others? What were some of the most important experiences in this process? THE HEART OF PAUL'S THEOLOGY STUDY GUIDE 1.2 Lesson 1: Paul and His Theology Section 2: Apostolic Ministry OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Apostolic Ministry A. Office B. Mission 1. First Journey 2. Second Journey 3. Third Journey 4. Fourth Journey C. Writings REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What were the qualifications for an apostle, according to Acts 1:21-26? 2. Explain how Paul met these qualifications. 3. Explain how Paul’s apostolic office gave him authority and legitimacy. 4. Describe the key details of each of Paul’s missionary journeys. 5. What does tradition say about Paul’s possible journeys after his arrest in Rome and about his death? 6. What was the main purpose of Paul’s writings? 7. Describe the key sections of Romans as explained by Dr. Kidd. 8. Explain Dr. Kidd’s view of whether or not Paul expresses a system of theology in his writings. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Consider Paul's background. If you didn’t already know how God was going to bless his ministry, do you think you would you have chosen him to be a missionary or pastor? Explain your answer. What can we learn from this? 2. What aspects of Paul's ministry can serve as a model for missions and evangelism today? 3. If you were to select one epistle of Paul to use for explaining the gospel to an unbeliever, what would it be? Explain why. 4. Do you agree with Dr. Kidd about whether Paul expressed a system of theology in his writings? Explain and defend your answer. 5. When you think about the apostle Paul, are you encouraged to be a pastor or missionary, o does it discourage you because you think you are not like Paul? Explain you answer. THE HEART OF PAUL'S THEOLOGY STUDY GUIDE 1.3 Lesson 1: Paul and His Theology Section 3: Central Outlooks OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Central Outlooks A. Reformation B. Eschatological 1. Terminology 2. Structure 3. Implications REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Describe the traditional way Protestant theologians have viewed the emphasis of Paul's theology. 2. What was the Roman Catholic approach to justification? 3. What is Paul's concept of justification? 4. Describe the way Dr. Kidd explains the emphasis of Paul's theology. 5. Distinguish "ordo salutis" from "historia salutis." 6. Describe the Jewish view of eschatology. 7. Explain how Paul modified the Jewish view of eschatology. 8. Write the key Bible verses quoted by Dr. Kidd that show Paul's view of eschatology. 9. Mention aspects of the age to come that have already occurred and aspects that have not yet occurred. 10. Write the key Bible verses quoted by Dr. Kidd about our future hope. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Do you think the Reformers were wrong when they put so much emphasis on the doctrine of justification in Paul's letters? Explain your answer. 2. Do you think that there is still the same difference between the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church and the doctrine of the Protestant churches about justification? Defend your answer. 3. What is the practical importance of understanding the biblical doctrine of justification? How would you explain this doctrine to an unbeliever? 4. Has this lesson changed your focus on Paul's emphasis on his teachings? How? How important is it to understand its emphasis? 5. What practical importance is it to understand the "already" and "not yet" aspects of salvation? What problems does it produce when someone expects blessings in this life that we will only have in the stage of eternal life? What problems does it produce when someone does not think much about the blessings in this life, and only looks at the blessings in the eternal life stage? Give examples. 6. Do you think that “prosperity” theology makes the mistake of confusing the “already” and “not yet” aspects of salvation? Explain. 7. What other practical lessons have you learned from this study of Paul's theology? Has something caught your attention in a special way? THE HEART OF PAUL'S THEOLOGY STUDY GUIDE 2.1 Lesson 2: Paul and the Galatians Section 1: Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES I. Background A. First Journey B. Problems 1. Influx of Gentiles 2. False Teachers REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Describe the purpose and route of Paul’s first missionary journey. 2. What did Paul consider his main call to be? 3. Write the key Bible verses that Dr. Kidd quotes about Paul's call. 4. What were the specific problems in Galatia that motivated Paul to write to them? 5. What was the error of the false teachers? 6. How did Paul answer the challenge of the erroneous teaching? 7. Write the key Bible verses that Dr. Kidd quotes from Galatians, showing his response to the false teaching. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. The Galatian Christians had lapsed into spiritual childhood instead of growing to maturity. Mention some ways that you or your Church may sometimes do this. How can you avoid this and continue to grow in maturity? 2. What are some errors of “false teachers” that you find in some of our churches today? What problems do they cause? 3. What was Paul’s disposition as he ministered, and how did he use Scripture to help the Galatians? How can you and your church learn from the ways in which Paul addressed these problems? 4. How should we use the OT law today? Should we apply it the same way the Jews of the nation of Israel were to apply it? If not, what is the difference? THE HEART OF PAUL'S THEOLOGY STUDY GUIDE 2.2 Lesson 2: Paul and the Galatians Section 2: Content OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Content A. Prescript / Postscript B. Introduction to Problem C. Historical Accounts 1. Call and Training 2. Meeting with Leaders 3. Conflict with Peter D. Theological Proofs 1. Early Experience 2. Abraham’s Faith 3. Current Experience 4. Abraham’s Wives & Sons E. Practical Exhortations 1. Freedom in Christ 2. Power of Spirit 3. Divine Judgment REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Write the outline Dr. Kidd gives for the letter to the Galatians. 2. Describe the three historical events of Paul’s call and training, his meeting with leaders in Jerusalem, and his conflict with Peter in Antioch. 3. Explain how these three experiences aided Paul in proving his authority. 4. Explain the theological arguments that Paul offered for his doctrine of justification by faith in Galatians 3:1–4:31. 5. Write out key Bible verses that Dr. Kidd quotes from Galatians regarding Paul's theological arguments for justification by faith. 6. Explain how Isaac represents salvation by faith and Ishmael represents salvation by human effort. 6. Explain Paul's teaching about freedom in Galatians 5:1–6:10. 7. Explain Paul's emphasis on how to live a holy life. 8. How did Paul explain the purpose of the Law to the Galatians? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What kind of distinctions does your church community make among different kinds of people? In light of Galatians 3:28-29, how should we view those who are different from us? 2. Paul addressed the balance between freedom and responsibility in Galatians 5. How can you appropriately balance freedom in Christ with a proper respect for God’s moral law? 3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in our lives? What does it mean to live by the Spirit? 4. Are you really trusting God's grace in Christ for your salvation, or are you also trusting your own human efforts? Suppose you die today and go before God, and He asks you, “Why should I let you have eternal life?”, how would you answer? 5. Suppose you have a friend who tends to be legalistic in his approach to the Christian life. How would you use the letter to the Galatians to help him understand grace? 6. How can you orient your life to be lived by grace instead of by human effort? 7. If a friend quoted Galatians 6:7-8 to prove that salvation is based on our works, how would you answer him? How would you explain these verses? THE HEART OF PAUL'S THEOLOGY STUDY GUIDE 2.3 Lesson 2: Paul and the Galatians Section 3: Theological Outlooks OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Theological Outlooks A. Christ B. Gospel C. Law D. Union with Christ E. Holy Spirit F. New Creation REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Explain Paul's teaching about the use of the law in Galatians. 2. What did Paul mean when he said the law was given because of transgressions "until the Seed...had come"? 3. Explain how Paul’s argument of union with Christ is related to his eschatology. 4. What was Paul’s perspective on the role of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life? 5. What is the difference between the work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament and the work of the Spirit in the New Testament age? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. As you study this letter today, how has God’s grace become more evident to you? 2. How did this lesson help you in your struggle with sin? 3. Read Hebrews 12:1-2. How can the analogy expressed in these verses help us avoid falling into the trap of relying on our own human effort for spiritual growth, but without falling into the error of spiritual passivity? 4. Read Romans 7:18-25. How does this passage help us to seek sanctification by grace, and not by self-effort? 5. Read Galatians 4:15. What does this tell you about the effects of a legalistic attitude? What are the key signs mentioned here? How did it affect the Galatians? Can you think of any other key signs of legalism? 6. What aspect of this lesson has been the most meaningful to you? Why? 7. In your opinion, which of the following quotes express a good understanding of Paul's teaching in Galatians about righteousness by faith and not by human effort? Mark any that apply. ___ A. "The main thing between you and God is not so much your sins; it's your damnable good works." ___ B. “Because I am accepted by faith, I want to live acceptably.” ___ C. “I must live acceptably, so that I may be accepted.” ___ D. "There is nothing we can do to make God love us more. We don't have to 'earn' God's love." Explain your answers. 8. If a friend quoted Philippians 2:12 to prove that salvation is based on our works, how would you answer him? How would you explain these verses? 9. If a friend quoted James 2:24 to prove that salvation is based on our works, how would you answer him? How would you explain these verses? THE HEART OF PAUL'S THEOLOGY STUDY GUIDE 3.1 Lesson 3: Paul and the Thessalonians Section 1: Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES I. Background A. Second Missionary Journey B. Problems in Thessalonica 1. Persecution 2. False Prophets 3. Christian Living REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Give the details of Paul's second missionary journey. What cities did he visit? Who was with him? Give special attention to Thessalonica. How long did he stay there? Where did he preach? Why did he leave? How was Paul financed while he was in Thessalonica? 2. Where was Paul when he wrote each of the letters to the Thessalonians? What year did he probably write each of them? 3. Explain the three main problems that plagued the Thessalonians. Explain Paul's answers and his exhortations. 4. Write key verses from the Thessalonian letters as quoted in the video that show Paul's main teachings in these letters. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Explain how Paul’s initial plans and desires were unmet in light of God’s call to go to Macedonia. How did Paul respond? Has this kind of experience ever happened to you? What happened? How should we respond when God calls us to things we haven’t planned? 2. What can we learn about the way incorrect teaching affected the Thessalonians? Why is sound teaching important? 3. In what ways do you see distorted teaching about the second coming today? How does it affect people? What can we do to avoid this? 4. How does Paul's teaching about the second coming in his letters to the Thessalonians encourage you? THE HEART OF PAUL'S THEOLOGY STUDY GUIDE 3.2 Lesson 3: Paul and the Thessalonians Section 2: Structure and Content OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Structure and Content A. 1 Thessalonians 1. Salutation / Closing Remarks 2. Thanksgiving 3. Paul's Absence 4. Instructions B. 2 Thessalonians 1. Salutation / Closing 2. Thanksgiving and Encouragement 3. Instructions REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Note the outlines of both 1 and 2 Thessalonians. 2. Compare the backgrounds and purposes behind 1 & 2 Thessalonians. How are they similar and how are they different? Who helped Paul write each of the letters? 3. How did Paul's doctrine of salvation address the Thessalonians' overheated eschatology? 4. What ethical exhortations did Paul write in each of the two letters to the Thessalonians? 5. Write out key Bible passages quoted by Dr. Kidd in his teaching on the two letters. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What ethical exhortations of Paul in 1 and 2 Thessalonians especially speak to your heart and life? 2. What is the typical attitude of people toward work in our day? What can you learn especially from Paul's command to work? What should our attitude be toward work? 3. How would your life change if you thought Jesus would return in a month? Explain why. 4. What can you learn from Paul's example of the way he wrote to the Thessalonians? How can you put this in practice in your ministry? 5. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. How does this passage give us guidelines about living in the age of the "already and not yet"? How can you put this into practice? THE HEART OF PAUL'S THEOLOGY STUDY GUIDE 3.3 Lesson 3: Paul and the Thessalonians Section 3: Theological Outlooks OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Theological Outlooks A. Doctrine of Salvation 1. Past Salvation 2. Future Salvation 3. Present Salvation B. Morality 1. Process of Salvation 2. Ethical Implications C. Historical Position REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What was the difference between the eschatological error of the Galatians and the eschatological error of the Thessalonians? 2. What did Paul teach about salvation to correct the Thessalonians’ "overheated eschatology"? 3. Explain Dr. Kidd's interpretation of the events that must occur before Christ returns, according to 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8. 4. Why did Paul explain these last events to the Thessalonians? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Which of the two erroneous tendencies regarding the return of Christ do you think is more common today, the error of the Galatians or the error of the Thessalonians? Explain your answer. 2. How does our salvation reflect already and not-yet aspects? In what practical ways does this teaching affect you? 3. How does Paul’s explanation of the events before Christ's return give you a proper perspective? How does it help you interpret historical events or current events? 4. What is the most significant insight you have learned from this study? Why is it important to you personally? 5. Is there anything special that you are anticipating in the final and eternal stage of the kingdom of God? Explain why. 6. Considering God's plan for establishing His kingdom can be very encouraging. But it can also be frightening for those who are not sure where they will spend eternity. In his senior years, Bob Dylan expresses this fear in one of his songs: I'm well dressed, waiting on the last train, Standing on the gallows with my head in a noose. Any minute now I'm expecting all hell to break loose. I've been walking forty miles of bad road. If the Bible is right, the world will explode. I've been trying to get as far away from myself as I can. (Things Have Changed, 2000) How about you? Have you ever felt the way Bob Dylan expresses in his song? Do you have peace with God? Or are you afraid of being condemned? Do you still sense a black cloud between you and God? Write your thoughts. THE HEART OF PAUL'S THEOLOGY STUDY GUIDE 4.1 Lesson 4: Paul and the Corinthians Section 1: Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES I. Background A. Third Missionary Journey B. Problems in Corinth 1. Damaged Relationships 2. Sexual Misconduct 3. Abuses in Worship 4. Rejection of Paul’s Apostolic Authority REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Note the key details of Paul's third missionary journey. Where did Paul travel? Notice especially the events of Ephesus. Write down what happened to Eutychus in Troas. Explain what a prophet told Paul about his plans to visit Jerusalem. 2. When and where did Paul probably write 1 and 2 Corinthians? 3. Write down key Bible passages quoted by Dr. Kidd in the video to highlight the teachings of 1 and 2 Corinthians. 4. Explain the four main problems plaguing the Corinthians, and the answers that Paul gave them in his letters. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What can you learn from Paul's example during his third missionary journey? 2. One of the problems in Corinth was division. What are the most common causes of division in evangelical churches today? What are the causes of conflict in your own church? 3. Why do you think people tend to form groups and highlight one leader over others? 4. Read 1 Corinthians 2: 1-5. What can we learn from this passage about our teaching and preaching? 5. Read 1 Corinthians 15: 1-8. What can we learn from this passage about evangelism? What are the essential points of our message? THE HEART OF PAUL'S THEOLOGY STUDY GUIDE 4.2 Lesson 4: Paul and the Corinthians Section 2: Structure and Content OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Structure and Content A. 1. Corinthians 1. Salutation 2. Thanksgiving 3. Closing 4. Main Body B. 2 Corinthians 1. Salutation 2. Introduction 3. Closing 4. Main Body REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Explain Paul’s purpose in writing his first letter to the Corinthians. 2. Write Dr. Kidd's outline of 1 Corinthians. 3. Explain the main points Paul sought to communicate to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians. Explain especially his teachings about conflicts in the church, worship, spiritual gifts, sexual immorality, food offered to idols, marriage, helping the poor, and the resurrection. 4. Write out key Bible passages quoted by Dr. Kidd to communicate the teachings of Paul in 1 Corinthians. 5. Explain Paul’s purpose in writing his second letter to the Corinthians and the main points he sought to communicate to them. 6. Write out Dr. Kidd's outline of 2 Corinthians. 7. Compare the purposes for Paul’s writing 1 and 2 Corinthians. How are they similar and how are they different? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What teachings of Paul in 1 and 2 Corinthians have especially stood out to you as you studied this lesson? Why? 2. Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-9. How does this help you develop a better attitude about your place in the ministry and about the fruit that you may or may not see in your ministry? How can these verses help us avoid conflict and division in our churches? 3. What is the wise lesson to be drawn from 1 Corinthians 3: 6 about the relationship between man's responsibility and God's sovereignty? Think about how this applies to your ministry or your family. Give examples. 4. How does 1 Corinthians 12 orient us in how we should encourage members of our churches to participate in the ministry? 5. How can understanding Paul’s suffering, as he expressed it in 2 Corinthians 1 help you handle trials and suffering in your own life? THE HEART OF PAUL'S THEOLOGY STUDY GUIDE 4.3 Lesson 4: Paul and the Corinthians Section 3: Theological Outlooks OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Theological Outlooks A. Faith 1. Christ as Lord 2. Christ as Savior B. Hope C. Love REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What error had the Corinthians made regarding eschatology? How was this affecting them practically? What was happening during the Lord's Supper? What attitudes were being reflected among the Corinthians? 2. Explain how Paul corrected their theological misunderstanding and its practical effects. 3. Note the key Bible verses Dr. Kidd quotes to demonstrate Paul's theological outlook in the Corinthian letters. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What can we learn from the errors of the Corinthians? 2. What can we learn from the way Paul corrected the Corinthian errors? 3. Why should the future resurrection of our physical bodies give you hope as a believer? How should this hope influence the way you live today? 4. Why do you think love is the lasting eschatological virtue? 5. What priority are you placing on love in your life now? How can you improve that? 6. What is the most significant insight you have learned from this study? Why? 7. How has this course changed your attitude toward becoming more righteousness? 8. How has this course changed your attitude regarding eschatology? 9. What changes do you expect to make in your life as a result of studying this course? 10. Optional: In order to help you emotionally sense the importance of trusting the Lord for all things, including your own salvation and spiritual growth, you may enjoy the music video, "Nothing is Impossible," sung by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. We cannot guarantee that this link will always be available, and we are not responsible for the legal rights of the video, nor for the ads that may appear. We simply link to the site where we have found it. "Nothing is Impossible": http://youtu.be/VxKuDu2Vu1k For other resources, please visit Third Millennium Ministries at thirdmill.org. © 2018 by Third Millennium Ministries. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means for profit, except in brief quotations for the purposes of review, comment, or scholarship, without written permission from the publisher, Third Millennium Ministries, Inc., 316 Live Oaks Boulevard, Casselberry, FL 32707 USA.