Welcome to Day 2664 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2664 – New Testament Orientation – “The Letters of Paul: God’s Design for a New Humanity”

Putnam Church Message – 06/29/2025

Sermon Series: New Testament Orientation

Message 9: “The Letters of Paul: God’s Design for a New Humanity”

 

Last week, we had a wonderful missions focus with the Filsingers, and two weeks ago, we explored “The Interpretation and Proclamation of the Gospel.” Core Verses: Acts 8:4 Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT) But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.

This week marks Message 9 of 12 in our New Testament Orientation, with the message title: “The Letters of Paul: God’s Design for a New Humanity.” Core Verses: Romans 1:16-17 (NLT) “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ, for it is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, ‘It is by faith that a righteous person will live.’”

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You, grateful for the profound wisdom contained within the letters of Your servant, Paul. As we open these ancient texts today, we pray for Your Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding. Help us to grasp the revolutionary truths Paul proclaimed—the Good News that powerfully unites Jew and Gentile in Christ. May these words challenge our assumptions, deepen our loyalty to Jesus, and embolden us to live as true members of Your diverse and glorious family. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Messiah, we pray. Amen.

Introduction: Paul’s Epistles – Shaping the New Israel

Today, we embark on a swift but essential journey through the 13 letters attributed to the Apostle Paul. These are not merely theological treatises; they are living documents, forged in the crucible of real-life challenges faced by fledgling communities of believers—Jews and Gentiles—grappling with what it truly meant to follow Jesus as Lord.

Our core verses from Romans 1:16-17 serve as a magnificent declaration of Paul’s unwavering conviction: “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ, for it is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, ‘It is by faith that a righteous person will live.’” This statement,/from the longest and arguably most influential letter,/encapsulates the revolutionary message that pulsed through all of Paul’s writings.

For the early believers, rooted in ancient Israelite culture, the concept of God’s “salvation” was deeply tied to joining the family of Abraham and to a covenant relationship with Yahweh, the one true God. It wasn’t primarily about an individual’s escape from hell, but about a transformation of identity and allegiance, leading to a new way of life under the kingship of Jesus. Paul’s letters systematically unpack how this new reality, initiated by Christ, extends God’s ancient promises to everyone—Jew and Gentile—through loyalty to Jesus, redefining the very nature of God’s chosen people.

The Proclamation of a New Humanity: Paul’s Letters Unveiled (Bulletin)

Paul’s 13 letters collectively articulate a groundbreaking vision: that God, through Jesus, is actively creating a new, unified humanity—the Church—where Jew and Gentile are brought together as one family, sharing in Abraham’s inheritance, all through loyalty to Christ. Each letter addresses specific needs and challenges within diverse communities, yet consistently points to this overarching divine purpose.

Narrative & Illustration: Imagine Paul, a former Pharisee, trained at the feet of Gamaliel, yet also a product of the Gentile world in Tarsus. He was uniquely equipped by God to bridge the chasm between Jew and Gentile. His Damascus Road experience was not merely a “conversion” from bad to good, but a “calling” to understand and proclaim that the one true God>had a plan for Israel through His initial call to Abraham —to bless the nations (Genesis 12:3)— “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”  This promise was now being fulfilled through Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, in a way no one expected.

Paul’s journeys, spanning thousands of miles across the Roman Empire, were not random excursions. They were strategic endeavors, empowered by the Spirit, to spread this revolutionary message from east to west, effectively “undoing” the tribal divisions established at Babel. He encountered existing Jewish evangelism, which sought to convert Gentiles into Jews. Paul, however, was proclaiming a “Judaism” redefined by Jesus: an “inter-tribal” religion where allegiance to Christ, not adherence to the Mosaic Law, was the defining marker of God’s people. This was radical, a “good news of the foreskin” (as one scholar calls it), challenging Jewish notions of worth and purity.

Let’s quickly journey through the tapestry of his letters, seeing how each thread contributes to this grand design:

Romans: This monumental letter, often read “solution-to-plight,” establishes God’s righteousness revealed through universal loyalty to Jesus. It argues that both Jews and Gentile are equally in need of God’s grace and equally included in His plan through faith, creating a new, unified family. The main challenge Paul addresses is the ongoing tension and judgment between Jewish and Gentile believers within the Roman house churches. Paul urges them to embrace their shared new identity in Christ and live in unity with one another.

1 Corinthians: Written to a church in a notoriously immoral city, this letter addresses deep divisions (e.g., “I follow Paul, I follow Apollos, I follow Cephas”), ethical issues (sexual immorality, lawsuits), and spiritual gifts. Paul emphasizes unity in Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), stressing that Christian freedom should be exercised in love, not for selfish indulgence. He also redefines the Lord’s Supper as a communal meal celebrating unity, not a feast for the privileged, by telling them to “wait for each other” (1 Corinthians 11:33).

2 Corinthians: A deeply personal letter, revealing Paul’s suffering, /his apostolic authority, /and his joy in God’s comfort. A significant theme is the collection of money for the Jerusalem famine relief, /where Gentile churches are asked to contribute money for Jewish believers, symbolizing the unity forged in Christ. Paul emphasizes generosity and selfless giving, highlighting the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles through practical acts of love.

Galatians: This fiery letter is a passionate defense of the Gospel of grace. Paul vehemently argues that Gentiles are made righteous and become part of Abraham’s family solely through loyalty to Jesus, not through circumcision or adherence to the Mosaic Law. He declares that in Christ, “There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28). It’s about a “new creation.”

Ephesians: A majestic letter that beautifully describes the Church as the “body of Christ” and the “mystery” of Jew and Gentile being united in one new humanity (Ephesians 2:11-22). Paul emphasizes God’s eternal plan to gather all things in Christ (Ephesians 1:10) and urges believers to live out their new identity in unity, love, and spiritual warfare. His famous words, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Ephesians 2:8-9), are understood by many to speak specifically of Gentile inclusion through God’s unmerited favor.

Philippians: A letter of joy and encouragement written from prison. Paul urges the Philippian believers to live out the humility and self-sacrificial attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:5-11). This famous Christ hymn speaks of Jesus emptying Himself. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though he was God,[a]

    he did not think of equality with God

    as something to cling to.

7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b];

    he took the humble position of a slave[c]

    and was born as a human being.

When he appeared in human form,[d]

8     he humbled himself in obedience to God

    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor

    and gave him the name above all other names,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,

    to the glory of God the Father.  It underscores Jesus’ ultimate authority over all, including that of the ancient “gods.”

Colossians: Written to a church Paul likely didn’t start, this letter counters false teachings that diminished Christ’s supremacy. Paul highlights Christ as the image of the invisible God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:15-20). He emphasizes that believers—Gentiles among them—have received the inheritance of the saints and complete forgiveness of sins through Christ’s blood, stressing their freedom from legalistic regulations.

1 Thessalonians: One of Paul’s earliest letters, written to a young church primarily composed of Gentile converts who “turned away from idols to serve the living and true God.” (1 Thessalonians 1:9). Paul encourages them in their faithfulness despite persecution and offers instruction on Christian living and the return of Christ, giving them hope that they will be saved from the coming wrath.

2 Thessalonians: Likely written shortly after the first, this letter addresses misunderstandings about the Lord’s return and encourages the believers to persevere through persecution, continue working, and live orderly lives while awaiting Christ’s glorious appearing.

1 Timothy: A pastoral letter to his young protégé, Timothy, who is leading the church in Ephesus. Paul provides instructions on church leadership, sound doctrine (counteracting false teachings), and proper conduct within the church, emphasizing the need for order and holiness within the “household of God.”

2 Timothy: Paul’s final letter, written from prison, filled with poignant reflections and exhortations to Timothy to remain faithful to the Gospel, endure hardship, and preach the Word diligently. It’s a testament to Paul’s enduring loyalty to Christ even unto death.

Titus: Another pastoral letter, written to Titus, whom Paul left in Crete to organize churches there. Paul provides guidance on appointing elders, teaching sound doctrine, and promoting good works among the believers, particularly emphasizing that grace teaches us to live holy lives (Titus 2:11-14). Titus, an uncircumcised Gentile, serving as a church leader, was a living testament to Paul’s “test case” for Gentile inclusion.

Philemon: A short, personal letter appealing to Philemon, a wealthy Christian slave owner, to receive back his runaway slave, Onesimus, now a believer, not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. This letter subtly undermines the social hierarchy of slavery by applying the radical equality found in the new creation in Christ.

These letters, taken together, show a continuous, Spirit-led effort to build and guide the early Church as it navigated its revolutionary identity—a family bound by loyalty to Jesus, not by tribal lines or human-made rituals.

Object Lesson: Imagine a collection of diverse ancient vessels: a sturdy Roman vase, a delicate Greek urn, a simple clay jar from Judea, and a beautifully carved wooden box from Asia Minor. Each vessel is unique, from different lands and cultures. Paul’s letters are like the labels attached to each vessel, not only identifying its origin but, more importantly, proclaiming its new purpose: that it has been filled with the “new wine” of the Holy Spirit, unified in service to the same Master, Jesus Christ. Though distinct, they are now all part of the same sacred collection, destined to hold the same precious contents.

Application and Takeaways: Not ashamed of this Good News about Christ.

Recalibrate Our Understanding of “Salvation” to Be About Loyalty and Kingdom

Summary: We must shift our understanding of salvation from merely a transactional escape for future benefit to a present declaration of loyalty to King Jesus, which brings us into His reigning kingdom now and redefines our very identity.

Narrative & Illustration: In the early church, salvation was understood as being made right with Yahweh, the one true God, and being integrated into His covenant family, while living under the Lordship of Jesus. It was a transfer of allegiance. Paul’s proclamation in Romans 1:16-17 that “salvation has come to everyone who believes” means entry into God’s new order, His kingdom. It’s less about a ticket to a distant heaven and more about joining a new way of life under a new King, here and now. The Jewish concept of “salvation” was often corporate, about being rescued and restored as a people. Paul extends this, but now the “people” are defined by loyalty to Jesus, not solely by ethnic origin.

Consider the aftermath of a country overthrowing a tyrannical regime and establishing a new, benevolent government. “Salvation” for the citizens isn’t just about escaping the previous tyranny; it’s about pledging loyalty to the new government, becoming citizens of the new order, and actively participating in rebuilding the nation under its new, righteous laws. Their lives are transformed now by their new allegiance.

In our modern evangelism, we sometimes reduce the Gospel to a formula for fire insurance, promising a guaranteed destination after death. While the promise of eternal life is glorious, /it’s a result of salvation, /not its entirety. Paul’s letters call us to a more robust understanding: Salvation is about pledging loyalty to King Jesus, being made right with God through that loyalty, and living in His kingdom today. Are we truly inviting people to transfer their allegiance to Jesus as Lord, or simply asking them to sign a contract for a future benefit?

Embrace the Inter-Tribal Nature of the Church

Summary: Paul’s letters passionately argue for a church that transcends all human-made divisions—ethnic, social, and gender—because, in Christ, all believers are one new creation, equally Abraham’s offspring, part of a unified body with distinct yet vital roles.

Narrative & Illustration: Paul, a Jew of Jews, boldly declared that in Christ. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28). This was a truly revolutionary concept in a world rigidly defined by tribalism, social hierarchy, and gender roles. The early church was the first “inter-tribal” religion, uniting people who, /outside of Christ, /would never have shared a meal, let alone called each other family. This was not a mere suggestion but a fundamental reality of the “new creation” in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Imagine a highly diverse refugee camp, where people from warring nations, different social strata, and varied cultural backgrounds are thrown together. Tensions are high, old grudges fester, and segregation is natural. Then, a new, unifying force emerges—perhaps a shared, overwhelming common enemy or a singular, compassionate leader—that compels them to set aside their differences and see each other as fellow humans, fighting for the same survival and dependent on the same leader. That’s the church, the body of Christ, where each member, though distinct, is essential, like the different parts of a human body working together (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

Today, our “tribes” might be political affiliations, economic classes, ethnic groups, or even denominational preferences. Paul’s letters call us to resist the natural human tendency to divide and to actively pursue the unity that Christ established. Do our churches truly reflect the “neither Jew or Gentile” reality? Are we seeking out and embracing those who are different from us, recognizing them as equally beloved children of Abraham through Christ, and valuing their unique contributions to the body of Christ? This isn’t just a nice idea; it’s the very nature of the “new creation” that Paul championed.

Live by Loyalty, Not by Legalism or License

Summary: Paul’s emphasis on loyalty (faith) through grace provides a framework for living that avoids both the burden of legalism (trying to earn God’s favor through rules) and the danger of license (using freedom as an excuse for sin), guiding us in constant alignment with God’s will out of heartfelt devotion.

Narrative & Illustration: Paul fiercely fought against legalism (the idea that one could earn God’s favor through adherence to the Law, particularly for Gentiles)>in Galatians and Romans. Yet, he was equally concerned that freedom in Christ would not devolve into license (using grace as an excuse for sin, as seen in Corinth). His solution was always loyalty (faith) to Jesus, expressed through love. In Romans 12,>he urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices—a rational, daily act of loyalty—rather than seeking ritualistic purity.

He tells them: “Develop a sober estimate of yourselves based on the standard which God has given you… namely loyalty.” (Romans 12:3, NLT, paraphrase). His teaching on being “directed by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:18, from the Greek ago for “led” or “brought”) suggests that our new life in Christ is a result of God’s Spirit drawing us in, not our own efforts to perfectly follow a code.

Consider a loyal subject in an ancient kingdom. Their allegiance to the king isn’t about memorizing every royal decree and fearing punishment for every minor infraction (legalism). Nor is it about ignoring the king’s wishes and doing whatever they please (license). Instead, their loyalty inspires them to live in a way that honors the king, seeking to fulfill his desires not out of fear, but out of love and devotion. When they face a decision, their first thought is, “What would honor my king?”

In our Christian lives, this means cultivating a deep, abiding loyalty to Jesus. When we face choices—from our finances to our entertainment, from our relationships to our work—the question is not “Is this forbidden?” (legalism) or “Can I get away with this?” (license), but “Does this honor my King? Does this demonstrate my loyalty to Jesus?” This principle of loyalty, guided by the Spirit, empowers us to live lives that genuinely please God, not out of compulsion, but out of love for the One who loved us first.

Closing Prayer

Almighty God, we are filled with awe at the profound truths woven throughout the letters of Paul. Thank You for His unwavering proclamation of Jesus as Lord, for His tireless efforts to unite Jew and Gentile, and for His clear guidance on living lives of loyalty and love. Help us to shed any false understandings of Your salvation and to embrace the radical inclusion of Your family. May Your Holy Spirit empower us to live out our loyalty to Jesus daily, shaping us into living sacrifices that bring glory to Your name. In the mighty name of Jesus, our glorious Lord, we pray. Amen.

Next week, we will cover Lesson 10 in our New Testament Orientation series. Our tenth lesson will cover Christ, the fulfillment of the Law. The core verse is: Galatians 2:16