In the first days of the church, 3000 came to faith at one time during Peter's sermon. The church took shape and began to disciple one another. They were a worshiping church, a connecting church, and a serving church, and because of that, disciples grew and the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Jesus gives final instructions to his disciples in the gospel of Matthew. This commission to the church is the fulfillment of God's purposes from the beginning of creation until the end of all things. We are to be making disciples

Jesus makes several demands on those who would follow Him. There is a cost to following Jesus and those who would follow Him must count that cost.

Paul ends chapter 8 by showing the believer that there is nothing that can separate him from the saving love of Jesus Christ. This love is embodied in the intercession of Christ at the Father's right hand. And nothing, not even the sufferings of this life, or anything in all creation can separate us from his love.

The believer is not left alone to suffer in this present world as we wait for the glory that is to be revealed. In fact, God 's purposes are being fulfilled through "all things." But God's purpose is not our happiness or comfort. It is for us to be conformed to the image of His Son.

In v. 17 Paul said that believers will receive glory if we suffer with him. Here, he explains that the suffering of this present time isn't even worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed, and we are not abandoned to suffer through this present time as we wait.

Paul gives instruction to Timothy regarding behavior and the offices of the local church. In this section Paul givers the qualifications for the deacon - they are given so that the church may recognize the man called to this office and because of the temptations and trials of this service.

The reason why believers are no longer in debt to the flesh is no given. They owe the flesh nothing because they have been adopted into a new family. Believers have a new relationship with God as their Father and they have the rights and privileges of sonship.

Paul demonstrates that believers are not debtors to the flesh and shows the reasons why this is so. Believers are compelled to fight against remaining sin and put it to death as we grow in our sanctification

Paul explains what it means to walk in the flesh or walk in the Spirit. Believers are "in the Spirit" because the Spirit dwells in them and they have been transformed. The new heart desires Christ and believers set their minds on the things of the Spirit