August 1, 2024 • 18 mins
Welcome to "The Heartbeat of Faith Podcast." In this final episode of our series on Biblical structures, Dr. Andrew Farley takes you on a journey through the world of Biblical letters, also known as Epistles. These letters, including Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and many more, make up a significant portion of the New Testament. Each letter was written with specific churches and their unique needs in mind, yet the timeless truths within them transcend eras, offering blessings to listeners like you.
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In these epistles, whether they address theology, personal conduct, or the enduring power of faith, you'll find a wealth of transformative truths to guide you through life. We invite you to join us on this journey and discover how these letters continue to resonate in the hearts and lives of those who seek to be transformed by scripture and renewed by God's Spirit.
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For more encouragement in God's grace visit AndrewFarley.org.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Let us pray. We are of God. He who knows
God listens to us. He who is not of God
doesn't listen to us. By this we know the spirit
of truth and the spirit of error. First John, Chapter four,
verse six. Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom to know
(00:25):
and remember the truth when it matters. Most Many lies
seek to drag me down. The world offers counterfeit gospels
and false hope. But I want to be anchored in
your promises so I can withstand the rising tide of
culture and confusion. I want to be strongly rooted and
grounded in your love and truth in Jesus name, Amen,
(00:53):
Thank you for praying with me today. Now discover the
profound intricacies of Scripture through pray dot COM's podcast The
Heartbeat of Faith with doctor Andrew Farley.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Welcome to the Heartbeat of Faith podcast. I'm doctor Andrew
Farley and it's a joy to have you join me today.
Today we complete our look at the structure of the Bible.
So far, we've surveyed five out of the six different sections, law, history, poetry, prophecy,
(01:31):
and gospel literature. Today we cap it off with the
Biblical Letters, otherwise known as epistles. The epistles in the
Bible are Romans first and second, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians,
Colossians first and second, Thessalonians first and second, Timothy, Titus, Fileman, Hebrews,
(01:56):
James first and second, Peter first and second and third, John,
and Jude. The epistles make up a large portion of
the New Testament and are written by apostles or men
closely associated with them. Each letter was written for a
specific church with specific needs, but the truths within the
(02:19):
letters are timeless and therefore essential for us today as well.
Speaker 3 (02:27):
We know that all things work together for good, for
those who love God, for those who are called according
to His purpose, for whom he foreknew, He also predestined
to be conformed to the image of his son, that
he might be the first born among many brothers, whom
he predestined, those he also called, whom he called, those
(02:51):
he also justified, whom he justified, those he also glorified
Romans eight twenty eight through.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
A majority of the letters were written by the apostle Paul,
who was formerly an enemy of the church, but then
he was dramatically changed by Jesus. After Christ met Paul
on his way to capture and kill Christians. He was
never the same again. Paul then dedicated his life to
(03:25):
proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. He planted churches
with the help of men like Barnabas, Luke, Timothy, Silas,
and Titus. Together they brought the Gospel to gentile regions
beyond Judea and Samaria. Paul's letters to the churches were
(03:47):
about how to be forgiven, freed and made new by Jesus,
and how to grow in his grace. Some of his
letters were designed to rebuke or care at, like his
letter to the Galatians.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth?
Before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly portrayed among you
as crucified. I just want to learn this from you.
Did you deceive the spirit by the works of the
law or by hearing of faith? Are you so foolish?
(04:28):
Having begun in the spirit, are you now completed in
the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain?
If it is indeed in vain? He therefore, who supplies
the spirit to you and does miracles among you, does
he do it by the works of the law or
(04:48):
by hearing of faith. Galatians three one through five.
Speaker 2 (04:55):
Paul also sent letters to individuals like Timothy who need
encouragement for the ministry ahead.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
Let no man despise your youth, be but an example
to those who believe in word, in your way of life,
in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity until
I come. Pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching.
Don't neglect the gift that is in you, which was
(05:26):
given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of
the hands of the elders. Be diligent in these things.
Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be
revealed to all. Pay attention to yourself and to your teaching.
Continue in these things, for in doing this you will
(05:47):
save both yourself and those who hear you One Timothy
four twelve through sixteen.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Paul's letters emphasize that through faith in Christ, believers are
completely forgiven, cleansed, and in perfect union with Him. Paul
teaches that the old Covenant law, including the Ten Commandments,
is no longer necessary for Christians to follow, as they're
(06:15):
now under the grace of God's New Covenant. Another important
theme in Paul's letters is the believer's identity in Christ.
He emphasizes that believers are new creations with a new
heart and a new spirit. Paul encourages believers to renew
their minds and live according to their new identity in Christ,
(06:41):
rather than being bound up in their old way of living.
Paul also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in
the life of a believer. He teaches that the Holy
Spirit dwells inside of every believer, empowering them to live
a godly life and bear the fruit of God's Spirit.
(07:04):
Paul encourages believers to walk in step with the Spirit
and rely on his guidance and power. Lastly, Paul addresses
the importance of unity and love among believers in the church.
He encourages believers to love one another and live in
(07:24):
harmony even in face of opposition, and Paul emphasizes the
need for believers to support and encourage one another in
their faith journey. Paul was a recipient of God's grace
and he wanted the entire world to experience the full
weight of God's love and forgiveness like he did.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
But God, being rich in mercy for his great love
with which He loved us, even when we were dead through
our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. By grace,
you have been saved and raised us up with Him,
and made us to sit with Him in the heavenly
places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come,
(08:17):
He might show the exceeding riches of His grace and
kindness toward us. In Christ Jesus, for by grace you
have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves.
It is the gift of God, not of works, that
no one would boast, For we are His workmanship, created
(08:38):
in Christ Jesus, for good works which God prepared before
that we would walk in them. Ephesians two four through ten.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Peter wrote two letters to exiled Christians fleeing persecution in
Asia Minor. One of his main themes is the believers
identity in Christ and the importance of living out that
identity through righteous behavior. Peter encourages believers to embody their
(09:11):
new identity as children of God and to live in
a manner that reflects their holiness in Jesus. Peter also
addresses suffering and perseverance in the Christian life. He acknowledges
that believers may face trials and persecution for their faith,
(09:32):
but he encourages them to remain steadfast and trust in
God's faithfulness. He reminds them that their suffering is temporary
and that God's plan will prevail in their lives. Lastly,
Peter tells his readers to be vigilant against false teaching
(09:52):
and to hold fast to the truth of the Gospel.
He warns against false prophets and fault false teachers who
distort the message of God's grace and promote sinful lifestyles.
Peter encourages believers to grow in the knowledge of Jesus
Christ and to be discerning in their faith. Peter's letters
(10:17):
were sent out all over the ancient world, and they
were cherished words to wandering and persecuted souls.
Speaker 3 (10:29):
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who,
according to his great mercy, caused us to be born
again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus
Christ from the dead, to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance
that doesn't fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who
(10:52):
by the power of God are guarded through faith for
a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
The Book of Hebrews argues for the superiority of the
New Covenant in Christ and the complete forgiveness and freedom
that believers have through His finished work. The author emphasizes
that the Old Covenant, with its laws and sacrifices, was
insufficient to bring true and lasting forgiveness. However, in the
(11:26):
New Covenant, Jesus offered himself as the perfect sacrifice once
for all, providing total forgiveness for all sins, past, present,
and future. Because of the New Covenant, believers are not
bound by the requirements of the law. Through faith in Christ,
(11:49):
we are set free from the burden of trying to
earn status with God. Instead, we can sit down spiritually
with Jesus and and rest in his finished work, knowing
were completely forgiven and accepted by God. Through the New Covenant.
(12:09):
God offers us confidence and stability in him when difficulty
comes our way.
Speaker 3 (12:17):
His son is the radiance of his glory, the very
image of his substance, and upholding all things by the
word of his power, who, when he had by himself
purified us of our sins, sat down on the right
hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much
(12:38):
better than the angels, as the more excellent name he
has inherited is better than theirs Hebrews one three through four.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
James was written by the brother of Jesus, who was
a pillar of the early church in Jerusalem. His epistle
centers on the practical outworking of the fai. James emphasizes
the importance of genuine faith that results in fruit bearing,
not as a means of earning salvation, but as a
(13:11):
natural response to the grace we've received. He encourages believers
to express their faith by showing love and compassion to others,
caring for the needy, and speaking words of encouragement and truth.
James also addresses the dangers of favoritism, pride, and the
(13:34):
tongue getting out of control.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious, while
he doesn't bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this
man's religion is worthless, pure religion, and undefiled before our
God and Father. Is this to visit the fatherless and
widows and their affliction, and to keep one's self unstained
(13:58):
by the world. James one twenty six through twenty seven.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
First, Second, and Third John were written by the apostle John,
the One whom Jesus Loved. John writes about assurance of
salvation and the evidence of true faith. He emphasizes God's
love for us and our love for one another. He
also warns against false teachings and encourages believers to discern
(14:29):
the spirits and hold fast to the truth. John highlights
that salvation brings fellowship with God and with other believers,
and he emphasizes the need for unity in the church.
Speaker 3 (14:49):
Beloved, let's love one another. For love is of God.
And everyone who loves has been born of God and
knows God. He who doesn't love doesn't know God. For
God is love. By this, God's love was revealed in us.
That God has sent his one and only son into
(15:09):
the world that we might live through him. In this
is love. Not that we loved God, but that He
loved us and sent his son as the atoning sacrifice
for our sins. Beloved, if God loved us in this way,
we also ought to love one another. No one has
(15:29):
seen God at any time. If we love one another,
God remains in us, and His love has been perfected
in us. One John four seven through twelve.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
While the Old Testament law, history, poetry, and prophecy point
forward to Jesus, the New Testament letters point backward to him.
The epistles are a treasure trove of inspiring truths that
in encourage us in our faith in Christ. They remind
(16:04):
us of the incredible love and grace of our heavenly Father,
who's lavished his forgiveness and acceptance upon us through the
finished work of Jesus Christ. These letters assure us of
our secure position in Christ, reminding us that we're forgiven
and cleansed and in perfect fellowship with God. They encourage
(16:28):
us to walk in the freedom of the New Covenant,
no longer bound by the demands of the law, but
empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that
reflects the love and character of Christ. These letters urge
us to trust in God's promises and to express our
(16:50):
faith through acts of love and compassion toward others. They
teach us the importance of renewing our minds and aligning
our thoughts with the truth of God's word so that
we can enjoy Christ as our very life. In these
letters we find encouragement to persevere in the face of trials,
(17:14):
knowing that God is with us and in us always,
and that he'll never leave us. They also remind us
of the beautiful hope we'll have at Christ's return. You
can allow these truths to inspire and uplift you as
you walk in the fullness of your identity as a
(17:35):
beloved child of God, empowered by His grace and sealed
with His spirit. Thank you for listening to the Heartbeat
of Faith podcast. If you enjoyed today's episode, please leave
us a review and let us know how this series
has impacted your life. Remember to download the pray dot
(18:00):
Com app, and for more encouragement in God's grace, visit
Andrew Farley dot org. That's Andrew Farley dot o org.
Let us pray. We are of God. He who knows
God listens to us. He who is not of God
doesn't listen to us. By this we know the spirit
of truth and the spirit of error. First John, Chapter four,
verse six. Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom to know
(00:25):
and remember the truth when it matters. Most Many lies
seek to drag me down. The world offers counterfeit gospels
and false hope. But I want to be anchored in
your promises so I can withstand the rising tide of
culture and confusion. I want to be strongly rooted and
grounded in your love and truth in Jesus name, Amen,
(00:53):
Thank you for praying with me today. Now discover the
profound intricacies of Scripture through pray dot COM's podcast The
Heartbeat of Faith with doctor Andrew Farley.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Welcome to the Heartbeat of Faith podcast. I'm doctor Andrew
Farley and it's a joy to have you join me today.
Today we complete our look at the structure of the Bible.
So far, we've surveyed five out of the six different sections, law, history, poetry, prophecy,
(01:31):
and gospel literature. Today we cap it off with the
Biblical Letters, otherwise known as epistles. The epistles in the
Bible are Romans first and second, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians,
Colossians first and second, Thessalonians first and second, Timothy, Titus, Fileman, Hebrews,
(01:56):
James first and second, Peter first and second and third, John,
and Jude. The epistles make up a large portion of
the New Testament and are written by apostles or men
closely associated with them. Each letter was written for a
specific church with specific needs, but the truths within the
(02:19):
letters are timeless and therefore essential for us today as well.
Speaker 3 (02:27):
We know that all things work together for good, for
those who love God, for those who are called according
to His purpose, for whom he foreknew, He also predestined
to be conformed to the image of his son, that
he might be the first born among many brothers, whom
he predestined, those he also called, whom he called, those
(02:51):
he also justified, whom he justified, those he also glorified
Romans eight twenty eight through.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
A majority of the letters were written by the apostle Paul,
who was formerly an enemy of the church, but then
he was dramatically changed by Jesus. After Christ met Paul
on his way to capture and kill Christians. He was
never the same again. Paul then dedicated his life to
(03:25):
proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. He planted churches
with the help of men like Barnabas, Luke, Timothy, Silas,
and Titus. Together they brought the Gospel to gentile regions
beyond Judea and Samaria. Paul's letters to the churches were
(03:47):
about how to be forgiven, freed and made new by Jesus,
and how to grow in his grace. Some of his
letters were designed to rebuke or care at, like his
letter to the Galatians.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth?
Before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly portrayed among you
as crucified. I just want to learn this from you.
Did you deceive the spirit by the works of the
law or by hearing of faith? Are you so foolish?
(04:28):
Having begun in the spirit, are you now completed in
the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain?
If it is indeed in vain? He therefore, who supplies
the spirit to you and does miracles among you, does
he do it by the works of the law or
(04:48):
by hearing of faith. Galatians three one through five.
Speaker 2 (04:55):
Paul also sent letters to individuals like Timothy who need
encouragement for the ministry ahead.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
Let no man despise your youth, be but an example
to those who believe in word, in your way of life,
in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity until
I come. Pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching.
Don't neglect the gift that is in you, which was
(05:26):
given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of
the hands of the elders. Be diligent in these things.
Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be
revealed to all. Pay attention to yourself and to your teaching.
Continue in these things, for in doing this you will
(05:47):
save both yourself and those who hear you One Timothy
four twelve through sixteen.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Paul's letters emphasize that through faith in Christ, believers are
completely forgiven, cleansed, and in perfect union with Him. Paul
teaches that the old Covenant law, including the Ten Commandments,
is no longer necessary for Christians to follow, as they're
(06:15):
now under the grace of God's New Covenant. Another important
theme in Paul's letters is the believer's identity in Christ.
He emphasizes that believers are new creations with a new
heart and a new spirit. Paul encourages believers to renew
their minds and live according to their new identity in Christ,
(06:41):
rather than being bound up in their old way of living.
Paul also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in
the life of a believer. He teaches that the Holy
Spirit dwells inside of every believer, empowering them to live
a godly life and bear the fruit of God's Spirit.
(07:04):
Paul encourages believers to walk in step with the Spirit
and rely on his guidance and power. Lastly, Paul addresses
the importance of unity and love among believers in the church.
He encourages believers to love one another and live in
(07:24):
harmony even in face of opposition, and Paul emphasizes the
need for believers to support and encourage one another in
their faith journey. Paul was a recipient of God's grace
and he wanted the entire world to experience the full
weight of God's love and forgiveness like he did.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
But God, being rich in mercy for his great love
with which He loved us, even when we were dead through
our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. By grace,
you have been saved and raised us up with Him,
and made us to sit with Him in the heavenly
places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come,
(08:17):
He might show the exceeding riches of His grace and
kindness toward us. In Christ Jesus, for by grace you
have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves.
It is the gift of God, not of works, that
no one would boast, For we are His workmanship, created
(08:38):
in Christ Jesus, for good works which God prepared before
that we would walk in them. Ephesians two four through ten.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Peter wrote two letters to exiled Christians fleeing persecution in
Asia Minor. One of his main themes is the believers
identity in Christ and the importance of living out that
identity through righteous behavior. Peter encourages believers to embody their
(09:11):
new identity as children of God and to live in
a manner that reflects their holiness in Jesus. Peter also
addresses suffering and perseverance in the Christian life. He acknowledges
that believers may face trials and persecution for their faith,
(09:32):
but he encourages them to remain steadfast and trust in
God's faithfulness. He reminds them that their suffering is temporary
and that God's plan will prevail in their lives. Lastly,
Peter tells his readers to be vigilant against false teaching
(09:52):
and to hold fast to the truth of the Gospel.
He warns against false prophets and fault false teachers who
distort the message of God's grace and promote sinful lifestyles.
Peter encourages believers to grow in the knowledge of Jesus
Christ and to be discerning in their faith. Peter's letters
(10:17):
were sent out all over the ancient world, and they
were cherished words to wandering and persecuted souls.
Speaker 3 (10:29):
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who,
according to his great mercy, caused us to be born
again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus
Christ from the dead, to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance
that doesn't fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who
(10:52):
by the power of God are guarded through faith for
a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
The Book of Hebrews argues for the superiority of the
New Covenant in Christ and the complete forgiveness and freedom
that believers have through His finished work. The author emphasizes
that the Old Covenant, with its laws and sacrifices, was
insufficient to bring true and lasting forgiveness. However, in the
(11:26):
New Covenant, Jesus offered himself as the perfect sacrifice once
for all, providing total forgiveness for all sins, past, present,
and future. Because of the New Covenant, believers are not
bound by the requirements of the law. Through faith in Christ,
(11:49):
we are set free from the burden of trying to
earn status with God. Instead, we can sit down spiritually
with Jesus and and rest in his finished work, knowing
were completely forgiven and accepted by God. Through the New Covenant.
(12:09):
God offers us confidence and stability in him when difficulty
comes our way.
Speaker 3 (12:17):
His son is the radiance of his glory, the very
image of his substance, and upholding all things by the
word of his power, who, when he had by himself
purified us of our sins, sat down on the right
hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much
(12:38):
better than the angels, as the more excellent name he
has inherited is better than theirs Hebrews one three through four.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
James was written by the brother of Jesus, who was
a pillar of the early church in Jerusalem. His epistle
centers on the practical outworking of the fai. James emphasizes
the importance of genuine faith that results in fruit bearing,
not as a means of earning salvation, but as a
(13:11):
natural response to the grace we've received. He encourages believers
to express their faith by showing love and compassion to others,
caring for the needy, and speaking words of encouragement and truth.
James also addresses the dangers of favoritism, pride, and the
(13:34):
tongue getting out of control.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious, while
he doesn't bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this
man's religion is worthless, pure religion, and undefiled before our
God and Father. Is this to visit the fatherless and
widows and their affliction, and to keep one's self unstained
(13:58):
by the world. James one twenty six through twenty seven.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
First, Second, and Third John were written by the apostle John,
the One whom Jesus Loved. John writes about assurance of
salvation and the evidence of true faith. He emphasizes God's
love for us and our love for one another. He
also warns against false teachings and encourages believers to discern
(14:29):
the spirits and hold fast to the truth. John highlights
that salvation brings fellowship with God and with other believers,
and he emphasizes the need for unity in the church.
Speaker 3 (14:49):
Beloved, let's love one another. For love is of God.
And everyone who loves has been born of God and
knows God. He who doesn't love doesn't know God. For
God is love. By this, God's love was revealed in us.
That God has sent his one and only son into
(15:09):
the world that we might live through him. In this
is love. Not that we loved God, but that He
loved us and sent his son as the atoning sacrifice
for our sins. Beloved, if God loved us in this way,
we also ought to love one another. No one has
(15:29):
seen God at any time. If we love one another,
God remains in us, and His love has been perfected
in us. One John four seven through twelve.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
While the Old Testament law, history, poetry, and prophecy point
forward to Jesus, the New Testament letters point backward to him.
The epistles are a treasure trove of inspiring truths that
in encourage us in our faith in Christ. They remind
(16:04):
us of the incredible love and grace of our heavenly Father,
who's lavished his forgiveness and acceptance upon us through the
finished work of Jesus Christ. These letters assure us of
our secure position in Christ, reminding us that we're forgiven
and cleansed and in perfect fellowship with God. They encourage
(16:28):
us to walk in the freedom of the New Covenant,
no longer bound by the demands of the law, but
empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that
reflects the love and character of Christ. These letters urge
us to trust in God's promises and to express our
(16:50):
faith through acts of love and compassion toward others. They
teach us the importance of renewing our minds and aligning
our thoughts with the truth of God's word so that
we can enjoy Christ as our very life. In these
letters we find encouragement to persevere in the face of trials,
(17:14):
knowing that God is with us and in us always,
and that he'll never leave us. They also remind us
of the beautiful hope we'll have at Christ's return. You
can allow these truths to inspire and uplift you as
you walk in the fullness of your identity as a
(17:35):
beloved child of God, empowered by His grace and sealed
with His spirit. Thank you for listening to the Heartbeat
of Faith podcast. If you enjoyed today's episode, please leave
us a review and let us know how this series
has impacted your life. Remember to download the pray dot
(18:00):
Com app, and for more encouragement in God's grace, visit
Andrew Farley dot org. That's Andrew Farley dot o org.
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