Sincerely, Paul 2.0
- Cornerstone Church
- Nov 1
- 3 min read
This week continues through the letters of Paul, who was God’s original missionary to the Gentile, or non-Jewish, world. These letters he wrote during the years he was imprisoned in Rome. This is recorded in the closing chapter of Acts. The reading will finish the letter to the Ephesians and begin the letter to the Philippians. Paul’s experience in Ephesus is recorded in Acts 19, and the story of the beginning of the church in Philippi is in Acts 16. Paul had a personal relationship with both these churches, and he shows his love for them in how he writes to them. Paul is also concerned that they will be discouraged by his imprisonment. Each had their own challenges and persecution in the 1st century Roman Empire. Both letters follow a doctrinal and application format, or in other words, because of the spiritual reality of who Christ is and who we are in Christ, we behave this way. For example, Ephesians is basically split into 3 chapters on the doctrine of the Gospel and then 3 chapters of application on how to live out the Gospel. That is the Big Picture.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Week 45
Bible Reading Plan
Daily Prayer Plan
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2025 to see how Love Shows Up from the Old Testament and into the New Testament. How do we understand so many stories and lessons through the entire Bible while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the books of Ephesians and Phillipians, what is impacting you the most? How has praying daily through the Psalms impacted you? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
R.E.A.D. - Repeated words. Examine & mark. Ask what I learn about God? Do.
STUDY IT.
Read Ephesians 3:1-2, 8-9. What is Paul’s life mission? Read Ephesians 3:4-6. What is the mystery hidden for ages? Who was it hidden from? Read Ephesians 3:10. What does the revelation of this mystery accomplish in the spiritual realm?
Read Ephesians 3:16-19. What does Paul pray for?
Read Ephesians 4:1-2. What is this calling? Read Ephesians 4:1-6. What is walking in a worthy or unworthy manner according to Paul?
Read Ephesians 4:11-16. What is the analogy Paul uses as the basis for living out the Christian life?
Read Philippians 1:12-14, 20-26. What is Paul’s reasoning to the Philippians that they should not be discouraged by his imprisonment?
SHARE IT.
Read Ephesians 3:16-19. Consider praying this prayer for yourself and someone else this week.
Read Philippians 1:3-6. What is a church congregation or missionary work that impacted you but that you are not currently serving with? Consider praying this week for them.
Read Ephesians 5:21. What are all Christians to be doing? Read Ephesians 5:25-30. What are husbands to do? Read Ephesians 5:22-24, 33. What are wives to do?
Read Ephesians 4:20-24. What connection does Paul make between sound doctrine (But that is not how you came to know Christ) and sanctification?
Read Ephesians 4:30. What does your living contrary to your calling do?
FINAL THOUGHT
“Nothing can be more cruel than the tenderness that consigns another person to their sin” is a quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Paul both loves the churches and is concerned that they see the reality of who they are in Christ. He is willing to confront them on the dangers of sin and the necessity to live Holy set apart lives in response to Christ. Notice in Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19 what he prays for. He does not pray for their material comfort, physical fortitude against disease or injury, persecution or pain, but rather he prays that they would know ever more deeply the love of Christ. The one thing that can make you unsinkable no matter your circumstance is to know the depth of the love of Christ for you. Only then will you be able to move out in wisdom and boldness to live set apart for Christ in whatever circumstance you find yourself in.
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