Paul and Timothy had a special relationship. Though he was his authority he refers to him as his child. He encourages him and warns him. He makes sure Timothy is staying on track with teaching the word.

As we end the letter we see the love of Paul for the good of this congregation. He wants them to live in harmony based on the example in Christ. He thanks so many gospel workers because he realizes he hasn't done anything without the grace of God and the help of others. His final warning is one against false doctrine.

Simple but difficult. That describes chapter 13 and 14. Love is the answer.

Pauls proves that God still has a special place in his heart and future for Israel. Chapter 12 takes all of the mercy of God given in 1-11 and uses it as fuel to live in a spiritual worshipful way to the glory of God.

This could either be your favorite chapter or least favorite chapter in the Bible, but I encourage you to wrestle with what the text actually teaches. Is God sovereign in salvation or is man? Does God's sovereignty give you comfort or concern?

What a Chapter. If you feel like the Christian life is difficult (it is). Paul gives us the utmost encouraegment by teaching on the power of the Holy Spirit in your life, and the promise of future glory. Meditate on these wonderful doctrines today and praise God for them!

Love these two chapters together. We see the union we have in Christ. That we have died to the law and should now live to God. We know that the flesh of the outer man still fights with us but Jesus will deliver us fully. Until then we live with the promise of 8:1 that there is no condemnation.

The benefits of this great Salvation!

Original sin, federal headship and the obedience of Christ. Whoa! Let's break it down...

Pauls loves the gospel so much because it fixes the sin problem which everyone has. He explains this further in Chapter 3. He also loves the gospel because we receive it by faith and walk in it by faith. Faith is not a new concept as he proves in Chapter 4.

It isn't just the pagan that lives in the lusts of the flesh that needs the gospel but everyone who breaths air. What type of sinner are you? It doesn't matter, we all need the savior!