Worship Service – November 9, 2025

This 16-session Bible study curriculum focuses on Paul’s seven undisputed letters (1 Thessalonians, Galatians, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Romans, Philippians, Philemon) in their accepted chronological order, emphasizing theological themes such as grace, justification, the role of the Spirit, and eschatological hope. The curriculum is designed for a group with general biblical familiarity, focusing on theological themes such as grace, justification by faith, the role of the Spirit, ecclesiology, and eschatological hope. The structure fosters deep engagement with Paul’s theology while remaining concise and accessible.

Session 1 (September 7): Introduction to Paul’s Theology and Context
Focus: Paul’s apostolic calling and theological framework
Reading: Acts 9:1-19; 1 Corinthians 15:8-10
Theological Reflection: Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle highlights
God’s grace and the centrality of Christ’s resurrection in his theology. His letters
address specific communities, yet reveal universal truths about salvation and Christian identity.
Discussion Questions:
• How does Paul’s conversion shape his theological perspective?
• What makes the seven undisputed letters unique in their authority?
• How does Paul’s emphasis on grace challenge or abirm your faith?

This is the link for the powerpoint slides: Letters of Paul 20250907.pdf

Session 2 (September 14): 1 Thessalonians – Hope in Christ’s Return
Focus: Eschatological hope and faithful living
Readin: 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10; 4:13-18
Theological Reflection: Paul emphasizes the second coming as the anchor of
Christian hope, encouraging believers to live holy lives in anticipation of Christ’s return.

Discussion Questions:
• How does Paul describe the Thessalonians’ faith and hope?
• What does the resurrection mean for believers’ future?
• How does eschatological hope shape our priorities?

Session 3 (September 21): 1 Thessalonians – Sanctification and the Spirit
Focus: The Spirit’s role in holy living
Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24
Theological Reflection: Paul connects sanctification to the work of the Spirit, who
empowers believers to live in holiness and peace as they await Christ.
Discussion Questions:
• What does Paul mean by “sanctified entirely”?
• How does the Spirit enable holy living?
• How can we cultivate openness to the Spirit’s work?

The Bible Study Outline and Notes are here.

Session 4 (September 28): Galatians – Justification by Faith
Focus: Salvation through faith, not the law
Reading: Galatians 2:15-21; 3:10-14
Theological Reflection: Paul’s doctrine of justification by faith underscores that
righteousness comes through Christ alone, not adherence to the Mosaic law, freeing
believers from legalism.
Discussion Questions:
• Why does Paul reject justification by works of the law?
• What does it mean to be “crucified with Christ”?
• How does this theology challenge cultural expectations of earning salvation?
Application: Identify and release one “works-based” mindset in your faith.

The Bible Study Outline and Notes are here.

Session 5 (October 5): Galatians – Freedom and the Spirit
Focus: Christian freedom and the Spirit’s fruit
Reading: Galatians 5:1, 13-26
Theological Reflection: Freedom in Christ liberates believers from the law’s burden,
but this freedom is expressed through love and the Spirit’s transformative work,
producing virtues that reflect God’s character.
Discussion Questions:
• How does Paul define Christian freedom?
• What is the role of the Spirit in producing the “fruit”?
• Which fruit of the Spirit do you see or need in your life?

The Outlines and Notes are here.

Session 6 (October 12): 1 Corinthians – The Wisdom of the Cross
Focus: The cross as God’s wisdom
Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Theological Reflection: Paul contrasts human wisdom with the “foolishness” of the
cross, which reveals God’s power and redefines true wisdom through Christ’s sacrifice.

Discussion Questions:
• Why does Paul call the cross “foolishness” to the world?
• How does the cross challenge societal values of power and success?
• How can we embrace the wisdom of the cross today?
Application: Reflect on a situation where you can prioritize God’s wisdom over
worldly values.

Session 7 (October 19): 1 Corinthians – The Body of ChristFocus: Ecclesiology and spiritual gifts

Focus:  Ecclesiology and spiritual gifts
Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; 13:1-7

Theological Reflection: Paul’s vision of the church as Christ’s body emphasizes unity and diversity, with love as the guiding principle for using spiritual gifts.

Discussion Questions:
• How does Paul’s body metaphor shape our view of the church?
• Why is love essential for spiritual gifts?
• How can we foster unity in our community?

Here's the Bible Study note.

Session 8 (October 26): 1 Corinthians – The Resurrection’s Power
Focus: The resurrection as central to faith
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-22, 51-58
Theological Reflection: Paul grounds Christian hope in Christ’s resurrection, which guarantees believers’ future resurrection and victory over  death, shaping theirpresent lives.
Discussion Questions:
• Why is the resurrection essential to Paul’s theology?
• How does it provide hope in subering?
• What does “victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” mean for us?

Session 9 (November 2): 2 Corinthians – Ministry of ReconciliationFocus: God’s reconciling work through Christ
Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Theological Reflection: Paul describes believers as ambassadors of reconciliation, reflecting God’s work in Christ to restore humanity to
Himself, emphasizing grace and mission.
Discussion Questions:
• What does it mean to be a “new creation”?
• How are we called to be ambassadors for Christ?
• How does reconciliation reflect God’s character?

Here's the link to the Bible Study Notes:  November 2.pdf

Session 10 (November 9): 2 Corinthians – Grace in Weakness
Focus: God’s strength in human weakness
Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Theological Reflection: Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” reveals that God’s grace is
subicient, transforming weakness into a conduit for divine power and dependence
on Christ.
Discussion Questions:
• How does Paul’s view of weakness challenge our instincts?
• What does “my grace is subicient” mean in practice?
• How can we rely on God in our weaknesses?