God’s Masterwork, Volume Six

In this sixth volume of the God’s Masterwork survey, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the thirteen New Testament epistles written by the apostle Paul (Romans through Philemon). These letters form the theological core of the Christian faith, addressing everything from the mechanics of salvation and the mystery of the church to practical instructions for leadership, marriage, and handling conflict. By studying these “letters to God’s people,” we discover that the ancient wisdom provided to the early church is exactly what we need to thrive in the modern world.

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1. Romans: Cornerstone of Christian Truth

• Overview: A grand theological treatise that methodically explains the gospel, beginning with humanity’s need for a Savior and ending with the practical outworking of grace in daily life.
• Key Fact: Romans has been the primary instrument God has used to shape the minds of history’s greatest theologians, from Augustine to Martin Luther.
• Scripture: Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”

2. 1 Corinthians: Conflicts at Church

• Overview: Paul addresses a “problem church” struggling with division, lawsuits, and moral compromise, providing the timeless corrective of love and spiritual discipline.
• Key Fact: The famous “Love Chapter” (1 Corinthians 13) was originally written as a corrective for a church that was abusing spiritual gifts and neglecting character.
• Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:13 – “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

3. 2 Corinthians: A Man and His Ministry

• Overview: The most personal of Paul’s letters, where he defends his apostolic authority and explains the beauty of God’s power being displayed through human weakness.
• Key Fact: This book teaches that our “jars of clay” (weakness) are intentional so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be seen as from God and not us.
• Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”

4. Galatians: Letter of Liberation

• Overview: A fierce defense of the gospel of grace against legalism. Paul argues that we are justified by faith alone and called to live in spiritual freedom.
• Key Fact: Galatians is often called the “Magna Carta of Christian Liberty” because it liberates the believer from the burden of trying to earn God’s favor through the Law.
• Scripture: Galatians 5:1 – “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”

5. Ephesians: True Portrait of the Church

• Overview: Focuses on the “mystery” of the church—the body of Christ. It details our high position in the heavenly places and our calling to walk in a manner worthy of that position.
• Key Fact: The first three chapters focus on our wealth in Christ (position), while the last three focus on our walk for Christ (practice).
• Scripture: Ephesians 2:8–9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God; not as a result of works.”

6. Philippians: Joy in Abundance

• Overview: Written from a prison cell, this “letter of joy” emphasizes that true contentment is found in Christ, regardless of external circumstances.
• Key Fact: The word “joy” or “rejoice” appears sixteen times in just four short chapters.
• Scripture: Philippians 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”

7. Colossians: Christ, Our All in All

• Overview: A powerful declaration of the supremacy and preeminence of Jesus Christ, written to combat early forms of Gnosticism and legalism.
• Key Fact: Paul argues that because “in Christ all the fullness of Deity dwells,” we are made complete in Him and need no other secret knowledge or ritual.
• Scripture: Colossians 1:18 – “He is also head of the body, the church… so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.”

8. 1 Thessalonians: A Heart-to-Heart Talk

• Overview: A warm, encouraging letter to a young church, focusing on their growth in faith and the comforting hope of Christ’s return (the Rapture).
• Key Fact: Every single chapter in 1 Thessalonians ends with a reference to the second coming of Jesus Christ.
• Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ will rise first.”

9. 2 Thessalonians: Christ’s Coming . . . My Response

• Overview: Written to correct a misunderstanding that the “Day of the Lord” had already come, Paul urges the believers to stay busy and remain steadfast.
• Key Fact: This letter clarifies that while we wait for Christ, we must avoid being “undisciplined” or idle, but should work and serve faithfully.
• Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:15 – “So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught.”

10. 1 Timothy: Wise Counsel for Shepherds

• Overview: The first of the “Pastoral Epistles,” giving Timothy instructions on church leadership, sound doctrine, and the qualifications for overseers and deacons.
• Key Fact: Paul wrote this letter to ensure that Timothy knew “how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God.”
• Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12 – “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather… show yourself an example.”

11. 2 Timothy: Paul’s Swan Song

• Overview: Paul’s final letter, written from a cold Roman dungeon shortly before his execution. He urges Timothy to “preach the word” and stay faithful until the end.
• Key Fact: This book contains Paul’s “final words,” where he famously declares, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”
• Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.”

12. Titus: Talk for Pastors

• Overview: Written to Titus on the island of Crete, this letter focuses on the importance of “good deeds” as the natural fruit of sound doctrine.
• Key Fact: Paul emphasizes that the church’s leadership must be strong to silence “rebellious men” and “empty talkers.”
• Scripture: Titus 2:11–12 – “For the grace of God has appeared… instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires.”

13. Philemon: An Appeal for Grace and Forgiveness

• Overview: A personal postcard to a slave-owner named Philemon, asking him to receive back his runaway slave, Onesimus, no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother.
• Key Fact: This short letter is a masterpiece of Christian diplomacy and a beautiful illustration of the power of reconciliation.
• Scripture: Philemon 1:17 – “If then you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me.”

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Common Questions: God’s Masterwork, Volume Six

1. Why did Paul write so many letters to churches? As Pastor Chuck explains, these letters (epistles) were the primary way Paul could provide follow-up discipleship and correction to the congregations he started. They weren’t just personal mail; they were Spirit-inspired instructions intended to be read aloud and shared across the entire church.

2. What is the central theme of the book of Romans? The central theme is the Righteousness of God. Romans explains that because everyone is a sinner, we cannot earn our own righteousness. Instead, God provides His righteousness as a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ (Justification).

3. What can 1 and 2 Timothy teach leaders today? These “Pastoral Epistles” are the primary source for the qualifications of elders and deacons. They teach that a leader’s character—being “above reproach,” “temperate,” and “able to teach”—is more important than their skills or popularity.

4. How does Galatians help someone struggling with “legalism”? Galatians teaches that we are not saved or “kept” by following a list of rules. In “Letter of Liberation,” it is emphasized that the Law was a tutor to lead us to Christ, but now we live by the power of the Holy Spirit in true freedom.

5. Why is the second coming of Christ so prominent in the Thessalonian letters? For Paul, the return of Christ wasn’t just a theological fact; it was a “practical comfort.” In “A Heart-to-Heart Talk,” the series emphasizes that knowing Christ is coming back motivates us to live pure lives and gives us hope when we lose loved ones.