A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I I : Mas ter i ng the New Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

(3) Our understanding of the workplace and vocation, Eph. 6.5-9

(4) Our understanding of our relationship to each other as members of his body, Phil. 2.1-4; Eph. 4.1-16

(5) Our understanding of how we ought to treat one another as kinfolk in Christ, Philemon

E. The Pastoral Epistles, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus: Christ the Head of the Church

1. The contents of these epistles demonstrate the reason these are dubbed the “Pastoral Epistles:” they are written by Paul to two of his young converts on missionary journeys who had been appointed to positions of pastoral oversight.

2. They focus our attention on how the Christ event ought to shape the life of the local church and those who lead them, especially with a focus on their responsibility to shepherd God’s people in light of the truth.

3. The themes of the books reflect this exalted purpose:

a. 1 Timothy provides insights in how under Christ’s headship the Church should understand sound doctrine, conduct public worship, maintain pastoral oversight, and gives relationships of responsibility within the Church.

b. 2 Timothy, described as possibly the most intimate of Paul’s letters, concentrates on Paul’s charge not to be ashamed of the Gospel in Christ, to be mindful of the model of Christlike leadership he had been provided,