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

Ses s i on 6: The Ep i s t l es : The I nterpr etat i on and App l i cat i on of Chr i s t 205

B. Critical implications

1. The final interpretation and application of the Christ event has been given to us by the apostles . All legitimate faith and practice must coincide with their teaching and instruction.

2. No Christian preaching or discipleship is adequate, complete, or comprehensive that does not seek to understand and apply the apostolic teaching of Christ given to us in the tradition of the epistles.

John 17.13-21 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. [14] I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. [15] I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. [17] Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. [18] As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. [19] And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. [20] “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, [21] that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

3. Every generation will need to discover afresh the application of the Christ event for their own particular occasion and situation. Task theology must be the goal and work of every preacher and teacher of God’s word.

IV. Connections for Urban Ministry Today

In what ways are you learning and fleshing out in your everyday life the apostles’ interpretation and application of the life and teaching of Jesus?

A. Connection to your life and spiritual development

2 Thess. 2.13-15 – But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctifica tion by the Spirit and belief in the truth. [14] To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. [15] So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

1. Do you understand what the apostles taught about Jesus of Nazareth in the epistles? How so?