Paul continues to instruct Timothy in creating bulwarks in Ephesus to defend against spiritual attacks.

The attacks in Ephesus are particularly interesting, given the pagan worship environment there.

Listen, as Paul's words reinforce the Ephesian church against the enemy's assaults.

After a full chapter of Paul warning Timothy about false teaching, he begins with the phrase "First of all".

The second chapter reminds the church at Ephesus that there is a framework for conducting public worship.

Listen, as Paul establishes first things first.

Paul, continuing his introduction for his letter to Timothy in Ephesus, completes a trilogy.

The first segment warned of the false teachers Paul knew were roaming throughout the city, clouding the Gospel with strange doctrinal heresy.

The second part involved itself with the lawful application of the Law.

To conclude the prologue, Paul puts himself forward as an example … encouragement for his young leader to press on…

Paul continues his letter to his young leader in Ephesus, Timothy.

His message illustrates how the Law should be applied.

He learned at the feet of the great Gamaliel.

The first century Jewish leader, Nicodemus, learned at the feet of The Master.

Hear how the Law should be applied:  Lawfully.

Discernment enables believers to determine true teachers.

Paul and Jesus give us direction in making this determination.

Hear as Paul continues his letter to Timothy at Ephesus.

Paul, from Philippi, wrote to Timothy in Ephesus.

His message is about the church.   Specifically, he wants Timothy (and us) to be wary of those who would teach something other than the Gospel.

Hear just the first part of Paul's warning about false teachers.

Think about what you are hearing today...

Be alert.

Three examples--one from the 21st century, one from the 20th century, and one from the first century A.D.

Each instance represents a "lawful" prosecution.

Each amounts to a persecution.

Paul offers us a message from his letter to the Ephesians on how to prepare for our own persecution.

Paul invites us into a place most of us do not wish to go--Self-Reflection.

Listen to where we are led by the fifth chapter of the letter to the elders of Ephesus.

Paul's letter to the Ephesians includes a clear message about their role in Christ's church.

The message is for us, too.  Right here, right now.

Paul delivers an assignment to the Ephesians in Chapter Three of his letter.

The assignment is for us, as well.

Listen carefully to God's assignment for each of us through the Apostle.