Bible In Order Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

What does the Bible actually teach about church elders, pastors, and spiritual authority? Does 1 Peter 5 support the traditional church leadership structure, or does Peter describe something different?

In 1 Peter 5, Peter instructs elders to shepherd God's people willingly, without seeking financial gain or exercising control over others. But here's what many Christians overlook: Peter tells elders to shepherd the flock among them, not to dominate those beneath them.

In this episode of the Bible In Order Podcast, we continue our chronological journey through the New Testament, examining 1 Peter 5 and what it teaches about spiritual maturity, servant leadership, humility, and faithfulness.

In this Bible study, we explore:

What the Greek word presbyteros reveals about the meaning of "elder."

The relationship between elders, overseers, and bishops.

Why Peter warns against domineering church leadership.

The difference between serving willingly and exercising authority for personal gain.

What it means to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand.

How believers can resist Satan's accusations through faith in Christ.

Why Christian suffering must be understood in light of eternity.

This chapter challenges us to examine what biblical leadership really looks like and reminds us that our ultimate reward is not found in status, influence, or recognition in this life, but in the eternal glory promised through Jesus Christ.

Join the conversation and study Scripture with us:


Online bible studies and prayer calendar:
https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658
For more information, visit bibleinorder.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

What if suffering for Christ isn't a sign that something has gone wrong, but part of what it means to follow Him?

Many Christians are taught that enough faith will protect them from suffering, hardship, and difficulty. But does Scripture actually teach that? In 1 Peter 4, we discover a very different message about suffering, spiritual maturity, and what it means to live faithfully for Jesus Christ.

In this chapter of our chronological New Testament study, we examine Peter's instruction to arm ourselves with the same way of thinking as Christ. We also address the dangers of false doctrine, prosperity preaching, and interpreting isolated Bible verses without considering the full counsel of God's Word.

In this Bible study, we explore:

Why Christians should expect suffering rather than be surprised by it

How God uses suffering to transform believers into the character of Jesus Christ

Why prosperity teachings can distort the message of Scripture

What Luke 6:38 teaches when understood in context

What it means to live with eternity in view

How believers should love, serve, and encourage one another

Why judgment begins at the household of God

The call to separate from worldly practices that have infiltrated the church

Peter reminds us that following Jesus requires more than simply believing the right things. It requires a willingness to deny the flesh, remain faithful through trials, and live for the glory of God.

Online bible studies and prayer calendar:
https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658
For more information, visit bibleinorder.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Why can Christians read the same Bible, study the same verses, and arrive at completely different interpretations? And how can we know whether we're understanding Scripture correctly?

In 1 Peter 3 explained, we encounter several of Christianity's most debated passages: wives submitting to husbands, the meaning of a gentle and quiet spirit, suffering for righteousness, Jesus preaching to spirits in prison, and Peter's statement that baptism saves us.

But what happens when we stop examining individual verses in isolation and begin comparing Scripture with Scripture?

Peter's instructions about marriage cannot be separated from his earlier teaching about submission and following the example of Jesus. Likewise, his teaching about suffering, baptism, and salvation must be understood within the greater context of God's Word.

Throughout this chapter, we discover that spiritual maturity requires more than knowing what the Bible says. It requires humility, discernment, a willingness to be corrected, and a genuine relationship with God.

In this episode:

What biblical submission really means—and what it doesn't mean.

Why Peter tells women to focus on inward beauty rather than outward appearance.

What Sarah and Abigail teach us about submission, courage, and trusting God.

How husbands are instructed to honor and understand their wives.

Why humility and unity are essential to spiritual maturity.

What it means to suffer for righteousness' sake.

How to give a genuine defense for the hope we have in Christ.

Who the spirits in prison might be in 1 Peter 3:19.

What Peter means when he says baptism saves us.

Why Jesus remains at the right hand of God until His return.

The greater lesson: We should never become so confident in our own understanding that we are unwilling to let God's Word correct us.

https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658

For more information, visit bibleinorder.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

What happens after we become Christians? Why do so many believers remain spiritually immature, even after years of attending church, listening to sermons, and participating in worship services?
In 1 Peter 2 explained, Peter reminds us that being born again is only the beginning of our spiritual journey. Just as a newborn baby needs nourishment to grow, Christians need spiritual nourishment, discipleship, and obedience to mature in their faith.
But spiritual maturity isn't simply about knowing more Scripture. It's about becoming more like Jesus, learning to love others, denying ourselves, and remaining faithful even when life is unfair.
Peter also reveals something remarkable about our identity in Christ: We are living stones being built into God's spiritual house, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people belonging to God.
We are not merely spectators in the Christian faith. We are called to actively participate in God's work and represent Him to the world.
In this study, we explore what it means to grow up spiritually, live as citizens of God's kingdom, and follow Christ's example of sacrificial love.
In this episode:
- Why so many Christians struggle with spiritual immaturity.
- What it means to crave pure spiritual milk and grow into salvation.
- Why every believer is part of God's royal priesthood.
- How Christians become living stones in God's spiritual house.
- Why believers should expect rejection and unjust suffering.
- What biblical submission to government and earthly authorities really means.
- Why Christ's suffering is an example for believers.
- What Peter means when he says we are healed by Jesus' wounds.
Ultimately, spiritual maturity is not measured by how long we've been Christians, but by how much our lives reflect Jesus Christ.

https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658

Follow The Bible In Order on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Buzzsprout for our chronological, chapter-by-chapter study of Scripture.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Do you ever feel like you're not doing enough for God? Do you struggle with guilt, shame, or the fear that God is disappointed in you because of your failures?

In 1 Peter 1 explained, we discover an encouraging truth: our salvation does not depend on how well we perform. God chose us according to His foreknowledge, caused us to be born again, and is guarding us by His power through faith.

But if salvation is entirely God's work, why does Peter command believers to be holy and obedient? And why does God allow His children to experience suffering and trials?

In this chapter, Peter reminds persecuted believers that their present circumstances do not change their identity in Christ. Our inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, and the trials we experience today serve a greater purpose in God's plan.

Rather than focusing on our failures, we are encouraged to focus on what Jesus Christ has already accomplished and the glorious future awaiting His children.

In this episode:

- What it means to be chosen according to God's foreknowledge.
- Why salvation is God's work rather than the result of our performance.
- The difference between conviction, repentance, and condemnation.
- What it means to be born again to a living hope.
- Why God allows believers to experience suffering and trials.
- How our future inheritance changes our perspective on present difficulties.
- Why holiness and obedience flow from knowing and trusting God.
- How to overcome guilt and shame by focusing on Christ rather than our failures.

Rediscover what it means to follow Jesus together, grow in your understanding of Scripture, and encourage one another in the faith.

https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658

Follow The Bible In Order on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Buzzsprout for our chronological, chapter-by-chapter study of Scripture.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Can Christians obey the Bible word for word and still misunderstand what God is saying? Absolutely. When we isolate individual verses from the rest of Scripture, we can arrive at conclusions that contradict other biblical truths.

In Titus 3 explained, Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, speak evil of no one, avoid arguments, and devote themselves to good works. But what happens when governments command something unrighteous? Does speaking evil of no one mean we should remain silent about false teachers? And if salvation is entirely by God's grace, why does Paul repeatedly emphasize good works?

These questions reveal why understanding the whole counsel of God's Word is essential.

In this study, we examine the importance of balancing Scripture with Scripture rather than building doctrines around isolated passages. We also explore how remembering God's mercy should transform the way we treat others, respond to disagreements, and pursue spiritual maturity.

In this episode:

Why Titus 3:1 does not require unconditional obedience to government.

Biblical examples of faithful people who disobeyed authorities.

The difference between speaking evil of someone and exposing false teaching.

Why Christians should be gentle, courteous, and unwilling to engage in pointless arguments.

Remembering our former lives so we can extend grace to others.

Salvation by God's grace rather than our own works.

The Holy Spirit's work of regeneration and renewal.

Why believers should devote themselves to spiritual maturity and good works.

How avoiding division and unnecessary controversy reflects the character of Christ.

Preparing for our eternal inheritance and future responsibilities in God's kingdom.

The Christian life is not simply about being saved so we can go to heaven someday. God is transforming us into the image of Jesus Christ, preparing us to represent Him and participate in His kingdom.

Rediscover early Christianity, grow in your understanding of Scripture, and connect with other believers in Estero Ekklesia: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658
Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

What if some of the things we've been taught about Christian living are actually traditions we've mistaken for biblical commands?

In Titus 2 explained, Paul gives instructions to older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and servants about what a mature Christian life should look like. But how do we apply these instructions faithfully without creating man-made rules that Scripture never intended?

One of the challenges facing Christianity today is that we naturally expect others to think, feel, and behave the way we do. We may assume everyone understands what spiritual maturity looks like, especially if we grew up in a Christian environment. But what if some of the examples we followed weren't entirely consistent with Scripture?

In this chapter, we examine the importance of modeling godliness, teaching sound doctrine, and allowing God's Word to challenge our assumptions.

We also take a closer look at Paul's instructions about women working at home, submission within marriage, and how these teachings relate to the Proverbs 31 woman. Does the Bible prohibit married women from working outside the home? Does submission mean a wife must remain in an abusive marriage?

These questions deserve careful consideration of Scripture and its historical context.

In this episode:

Why Christians often assume others share their beliefs and experiences.

How spiritual maturity should be modeled across generations.

Paul's instructions for older men and women.

What Titus 2 means by women being workers or keepers at home.

How the Proverbs 31 woman challenges overly restrictive interpretations.

What biblical submission does and does not mean.

Why submission should never be used to justify abuse or manipulation.

How younger men should demonstrate self-control, integrity, and dignity.

Why our treatment of others reflects on Jesus Christ.

How God's grace trains us to reject ungodliness and pursue good works.

Why the future appearing of Jesus Christ remains our blessed hope.

The goal is not to create more religious rules. It is to understand the heart of God and allow Scripture to transform the way we live.

Rediscover early Christianity, grow in your understanding of Scripture, and connect with other believers in Estero Ekklesia: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658
Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when the people entrusted with leading believers become the very people hurting them? In Titus 1, Paul explains what godly leadership should look like—and warns against false teachers who exploit those seeking the truth.

Many believers have experienced church hurt, spiritual manipulation, or leadership that seems more concerned with protecting an institution than protecting people. But how can we recognize leaders who are genuinely serving God rather than themselves?

In this study of Titus 1 explained, we examine Paul's instructions to Titus about appointing elders, evaluating their character, confronting false teaching, and protecting believers from deception.

The qualifications Paul gives are not based on popularity, charisma, or the ability to attract a large congregation. They emphasize integrity, self-control, hospitality, sound doctrine, and a willingness to serve others.

We also consider the difference between correcting false teaching and simply arguing with people we disagree with. The goal should never be to prove ourselves right, but to help others grow in their knowledge of the truth.

In this episode:

Why godly leaders exist to serve believers—not the other way around.

How to recognize warning signs of abusive or manipulative spiritual leadership.

The character qualifications for elders in Titus 1.

Why spiritual maturity matters more than ministry attendance.

How false teachers can turn religious practices into requirements for salvation.

Why Paul instructed Titus to rebuke false teachers sharply.

How to pursue truth with humility rather than creating unnecessary division.

Why we must test everything and hold on to what is good.

Join our community

Rediscover early Christianity, grow in your understanding of Scripture, and connect with other believers in Estero Ekklesia: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658
Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Does following Jesus promise financial success? In 1 Timothy 6, Paul warns about teachers who treat godliness as a means of gain—and points us toward something far more valuable: godliness with contentment.
How can we recognize teaching that feeds our desire for wealth instead of helping us pursue the truth? This chapter challenges us to examine what we are seeking, where we place our hope, and whether our priorities reflect eternity.
In this study of 1 Timothy 6 explained, we explore Paul's instructions about honoring others, recognizing false teachers, resisting the love of money, and fighting the good fight of faith. We also look at his charge to those who are already wealthy: put your hope in God, be generous, and be rich in good works.
In this episode:
- Paul's instructions to slaves and those with believing masters.
- Why teaching that treats godliness as a means of financial gain is dangerous.
- The difference between pursuing riches and practicing contentment.
- How the love of money can draw people away from the faith.
- Pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.
- What it means to fight the good fight and take hold of eternal life.
- Using what God has provided to be generous toward others.
We brought nothing into this world, and we cannot take anything out of it. What would change if that truth shaped the way we live today?

Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658
Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Can helping someone financially ever contribute to the very problems we want to solve? In 1 Timothy 5, Paul calls believers to care for one another like family—and gives Timothy specific instructions about supporting widows, honoring elders, and exercising discernment.
What would it look like if believers were so unified and compassionate that everyone’s needs were met? That kind of care also requires wisdom. Paul addresses family responsibility, the qualifications for enrolling widows, and the danger of support that encourages idleness instead of faithfulness.
In this study of 1 Timothy 5 explained, we walk through Paul’s instructions for life within the local body of believers. We also examine what it means to give elders double honor, handle accusations carefully, confront unrepentant sin, and avoid rushing people into leadership.
In this episode:
- Treating older and younger believers as family.
- Caring for widows who are truly alone and in need.
- Why children and grandchildren should care for their own household.
- The age and character qualifications Paul gives for enrolling widows.
- Bringing wisdom and discernment into financial support.
- Honoring those who labor in preaching and teaching.
- Handling accusations, correction, and leadership without partiality.
May we apply these truths to our relationships and care for one another in ways that honor the Lord.

Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658
Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support
 

Support the show