Philippians 2:20 “For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.” Observation: Paul was an exhorter. Most of his letter to the Philippians was to stir them to greater zeal, encouraging them in their walk, affirming them in...

Ephesians 6:13 “Having done everything, … stand firm.” Observation: Beginning with Ephesians 6:10, Paul focused on how to achieve full protection from attacks of the enemy: by putting on the full armor of God against Satan’s schemes. Then Paul said this: “Take up the...

Romans 10:13 “For whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Observation: The middle chapters of Romans find Paul using a rich variety of metaphors to describe those who are God’s versus those who are not; those who cleave to Him, and those who do not;...

Romans 14:5 “Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind.” Observation: In Romans 14, Paul focused on the importance of not judging one another in areas of permissible freedom, but to encourage one another in the faith. He said that heaven is far greater than a...

Romans 5:3–5 “We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the...

Romans 1:1 “Paul, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ …” Observation: In the first verse of Romans, Paul called himself a bond-servant of Jesus. The whole sentence continues for seven full verses, during which Paul managed to recount a defense of the Gospel from the Old...

2 Thessalonians 1:4 “Therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you.” Observation: In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonian church, he addressed the reality of persecution and suffering. He expressed thanksgiving because their faith was being enlarged through it and...

Matthew 25:33 “He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.” Observation: Jesus was telling us why some are blessed. They had fed the hungry, invited strangers in, clothed the naked, visited prisoners…all generous things that were viewed by Christ as...

Matthew 20:8 “ ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last group to the first.’ ” Observation: The workday was at an end, and it was time for the vineyard foreman to settle up. The owner had hired men at intervals throughout the day, promising...

Matthew 17:4 “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’” Observation: Jesus was mentoring His disciples by letting them watch what He was doing. He...