This leaflet is designed specifically for Pauline dispensationalists who emphasize the unique role and message of the Apostle Paul for the Church Age. On this spiritual journey, we draw inspiration from Paul’s exhortation, ”Test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). We also highlight Paul’s affirmation, ”And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher” (2 Timothy 1:11). This leaflet exclusively delves into the apostolic teachings of Paul, in alignment with his distinctive revelation and role for the Church.
Paul in his apostolic mission had a profound and urgent call to transformation: ”Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). This was not merely an invitation for a momentary change, but a call for a lifelong commitment to walk in the path of righteousness. It’s in Paul’s epistles that we find the embodiment of genuine love, kindness, and selflessness. As he wrote, ”Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2), he set forth a vision of a faith that transcends barriers, welcoming everyone into the embrace of divine love. He emphasized that our faith should be manifested in our actions and love for one another: ”For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ’Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:14). Furthermore, he challenged us with the ultimate spiritual goal: ”I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). As followers of the Christian faith, our journey is about consistently striving to live by the principles and values Paul emphasized, pushing towards that divine standard.
Paul, with his deep understanding, reminds us, ”And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). He further counsels, ”So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). It’s clear: when we prioritize God’s purpose, our every need — both material and spiritual — is met. Embracing the teachings and aligning our actions with divine purpose ensures divine provision. Reflecting on his words, ”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), we understand that with Christ, our burdens are lightened and our needs fulfilled.
Across the vast expanse of creation, Paul’s writings enlighten us to perceive the breath of God within ourselves and in everyone we encounter. As Paul wrote, ”Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16), he underscores our innate connection to the divine.
Every heartbeat, every sigh, reflects God’s ever-present spirit. Paul reminds us: ”For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). This divine inspiration isn’t just external—it emanates from within, a testament to His constant presence in our lives.
Our journey through life is not merely an external pilgrimage but an inner exploration, steered by Paul’s teachings: ”And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14). To recognize the divine within is to truly discern God in every individual and in every circumstance.
Paul, in his letters, underscores the importance of humble service and unconditional love. He advises, ”Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). This call to service is a reminder of the elevated path to which we are summoned—a journey of selflessness, kindness, and humility.
Recognizing the divine in others commences with honoring their inherent dignity and freedom. Paul’s teachings resonate with the principle, ”Owe no one anything, except to love each other” (Romans 13:8). This foundational truth emphasizes fairness, equity, and mutual respect in all our interactions.
The bond of marriage is sacred, reflecting divine unity. As Paul expressed, ”Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). This illuminates the profound connection and unity that partners share in their journey together.
Family ties are pivotal in Paul’s teachings. He emphasizes the significance of familial relationships, saying, ”Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). Yet, his teachings extend this love and respect even beyond familial boundaries, suggesting a universal kinship.
Furthermore, neighbors, strangers, and even adversaries all deserve love and kindness. Paul advised, ”Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good” (Romans 12:9) and further expanded the boundaries of love, saying, ”Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them” (Romans 12:14).
Our compassion envelops all of God’s creation. Paul beautifully articulated, ”For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:19). In acknowledging the divine essence within every being and every aspect of nature, we reaffirm our dedication to care for, cherish, and steward all that God has entrusted to us.
The Nature of Divine Love: Paul frequently wrote about the profound love of God and our duty to manifest it. ”But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” (Romans 5:8). Paul’s depiction of love in his letter to the Corinthians is one of the most eloquent in the New Testament. He described love, or ”agape,” as patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, and not proud. It’s a love that doesn’t dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). This agape love is not just an emotion; it is an act of will, a choice to love even when it’s challenging, prioritizing others’ well-being, and loving without expecting reciprocation.
Seeking Forgiveness: Paul’s teachings emphasize the redemption and forgiveness we receive through Christ. He wrote, ”In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7). This understanding of forgiveness serves as a potent reminder of our duty to pardon our brothers and sisters.
Duty of Kindness: Paul accentuated the significance of kindness and love. ”And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:14). His words inspire us to show kindness even amidst challenges.
Love as a Divine Commandment: For Paul, love was the essence of the law. He stated, ”For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:14). These words remind us of the foundational importance of love in our spiritual voyage.
The Call to Forgive: The act of forgiveness was paramount in Paul’s teachings. He advised, ”Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). By embodying the spirit of forgiveness, we reflect God’s mercy and grow nearer to His divine essence.
As we continue our spiritual journey, we are reminded of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5. He speaks of our new creation in Christ, emphasizing that ”if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This sentiment underscores the significance of seeing and serving Christ in others, and it reinforces our dedication to love, acceptance, and forgiveness. By internalizing these teachings, we draw closer to a place in God’s eternal kingdom and to the core of Christian faith.
The Gospel Above All: Paul’s writings in his epistles remain paramount in understanding the message of Christ. He declared, ”But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:8). All interpretations and teachings must always be in harmony with the message Paul delivered.
Continuous Search for Wisdom: Paul emphasized the importance of understanding the scriptures and the mystery of Christ. ”All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16). Every believer is encouraged to continuously immerse themselves in the teachings Paul delivered.
Apostles and Disciples: Paul highlighted the importance of spreading the teachings of Christ, instructing, ”How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14). This underscores the value of direct teachings from the apostles and the importance of spreading the Good News.
Avoid Blind Allegiance: Paul frequently highlighted the importance of genuine faith over mere religious rituals or human-made traditions. He stated, ”For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” (Romans 2:13). Genuine faith goes beyond mere rituals; it involves a sincere heart and a true relationship with God.
Discerning the Spirits: Paul issued warnings against deceit and emphasized the significance of staying connected to the Holy Spirit. ”The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children,” (Romans 8:16). In discerning spirits, one must test their alignment with the teachings of Christ and ensure they come from God. True spirits from God will affirm the teachings and divinity of Jesus Christ.
Role of Church Leaders: Church leaders, guided by the Holy Spirit, provide direction and shepherd their congregations. Paul wrote, ”Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood,” (Acts 20:28). While church leaders play a pivotal role, their teachings and actions should consistently point believers directly to Christ, emphasizing the importance of a direct relationship with Jesus.
Unity in Christ: Paul emphasized the unity of believers in Christ, stating, ”There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” (Galatians 3:28). Despite varied interpretations, the central message of Christ, as delivered by Paul, is a uniting force for all believers.
In conclusion, the teachings of Paul, abundant in divine love and wisdom, guide believers on a path illuminated by God’s eternal love. Grounding oneself in his epistles and seeking alignment with the message of Christ allows believers to fully embrace the essence of Christian faith.
Awareness of Mortality: Paul reminded us of the transient nature of our earthly lives when he wrote, ”For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out,” (1 Timothy 6:7). Every moment nudges us nearer to our designated time, when we shall meet our Savior and experience the splendor of God’s Kingdom.
Continuous Preparation: The essence of wisdom is found in those who hold the Kingdom of Heaven in their hearts and embody its principles every day. As Paul wrote, ”So then, let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober,” (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Further, he emphasized the transformative power of God’s grace, stating, ”For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit,” (Romans 14:17). This accentuates the inner transformation and spiritual connection we must foster. Such vigilance encompasses not just our actions but the state of our heart — a heart overflowing with grace, love, and mercy until our last moment.
Facing Our Personal Day of Reckoning: Paul often highlighted the importance of individual preparedness and personal relationship with God. He expressed, ”Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). This examination is symbolic of God’s grace and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, which cannot be borrowed or given—it is a gift that each individual must seek and obtain from God Himself. As we navigate life’s path, are we ensuring our hearts remain filled with this divine grace? The paramount question for every believer is whether, in this present moment, they are prepared to step into God’s embrace, with hearts abundant in agape love. Our ultimate ambition is to hear the commendation akin to what Paul expressed: ”I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith,” (2 Timothy 4:7).