River Valley Church New Testament Soap Sprint Sample

Paul is writing the book of Philippians while in Roman custody as a political prisoner. Yet, he is thankful that through this imprisonment, he is still able to advance the growth of the church and witness to Roman authorities about the gospel. Ironically, this epistle is considered a book about joy.  

In Colossians, Paul encourages the church in Colossae by sharing his prayers for them to have wisdom and spiritual understanding about Jesus Christ. Christ was the son of God, but he also willingly "emptied himself," becoming the one and only perfect human who made a way to save humanity from the consequences of rebellion against God. Reconciliation with God is made available for humanity through Christ, and Paul’s desire is for each believer to be made mature in their relationship with God. He warns them about getting too deeply entangled with things in the earthly context, rather than being grounded in their awareness of the fullness of spiritual life they have in Christ. Paul addresses how believers are to treat one another and all people, and his instructions are all based in being like Christ. 

Paul's letter to the Thessalonians is actually chronologically the first letter he wrote, and Thessalonica was the location of the first church outside Jerusalem. Many people have come to Christ, and they are beginning to face persecution. He challenges the believers to grow in endurance, to stand firm by trusting God, and not to be idle as they advance the mission of God's redemption.