New Testament Survey Final Exam Study Guide: Romans through Philemon
Section 1: Matching Books and Themes
The following books are matched with their corresponding major themes as identified in the study guide:
Philippians (F): Joy in Christ
Colossians (G): The supremacy of Christ
2 Thessalonians (I): Stand firm in truth
Romans (A): Gospel explained clearly
1 Corinthians (B): Church problems and unity
2 Timothy (K): Finish strong in the faith
1 Thessalonians (H): Hope in Christ’s return
Philemon (M): Forgiveness and restoration
1 Timothy (J): Church order and leadership
2 Corinthians (C): Strength through weakness
Ephesians (E): Salvation by grace, not works; and Identity in Christ
Titus (Note: Transcript labels this I): Godly living and leadership
Section 2: Romans
Core Teaching: Romans focuses on teaching the gospel clearly.
Source of Salvation: According to this book, salvation comes through Faith in Christ.
Key Concept: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Justification: The book teaches that believers are justified by Faith.
Importance of the Book: The book of Romans is critical because it teaches the Gospel clearly.
Call to Action: Believers are instructed to present their bodies as a living sacrifice.
Section 3: 1 Corinthians
Primary Concerns: 1 Corinthians addresses various problems occurring within the church.
Unity vs. Division: Paul instructs believers to pursue unity instead of division.
The Nature of Love: Fill in: "Love is patient, love is kind."
Prioritization: In 1 Corinthians 13, the greatest attribute is identified as love.
The Church's Identity: The church is described metaphorically as the body of Christ.
Essay on the Importance of Unity in Corinth: Unity is always very important in the church as it keeps the people of the church together. It is important for everyday life in the church; all people in the church must be together as one, treating each other as brothers and sisters and never going behind one another’s back. Unity is considered one of the most important factors of the Church.
Section 4: 2 Corinthians
Strength and Weakness: the focus of 2 Corinthians is strength through weakness.
Divine Grace: Paul explains that God’s grace is sufficient for the believer.
Power Perfection: Fill in: God’s power is made perfect in human weakness.
Paul's Defense: Paul defended his Apostleship in this letter.
Comfort in Suffering: Believers are called to comfort others using the same comfort they themselves have received during suffering.
Section 5: Galatians
Grace vs. Works: Galatians teaches that salvation is by grace, not works.
Opposition: False teachers were trying to add works as a requirement for salvation.
Identity with Christ: Fill in: ‘‘I have been crucified with Christ.’’
Living the Faith: Christians are called to walk by the Lord.
The Fruit of the Spirit: The fruit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.
Essay on the Dangers of Adding Works to Salvation: Adding works is dangerous because people cannot earn salvation. Jesus died for our sins, and the only way to go to Heaven and be with Christ Himself is through Faith. Salvation is the gift of having faith in Christ. Works can lead people to believe that good deeds are enough for salvation when they are not. The Bible teaches that no one can earn salvation; rather, good works are the result of salvation.
Section 6: Ephesians
Position of the Believer: Ephesians teaches the believer’s position in Christ.
Means of Salvation: Salvation is explicitly by grace through faith.
Spiritual Readiness: Fill in: Put on the whole armor of God.
Ecclesiology: The church is referred to as the body of Christ.
Christian Conduct: Believers are called to walk in Faith.
Scriptural Location: The armor of God is detailed in Ephesians chapter 6.
Section 7: Philippians
Primary Focus: Philippians focuses on joy in Christ.
Context of Writing: Paul wrote this letter while he was in jail.
Strength in Christ: Fill in: ‘‘I can do all things through God who strengthens me.’’
Mindset: Believers are called to have the mind of Christ.
Command: Christians should rejoice in Christ.
Section 8: Colossians
Christ's Status: Colossians teaches the Supremacy of Christ.
The Image of God: Jesus is described as the image of the invisible God.
Church Hierarchy: Fill in: Christ is the head of the church.
Transformation: Paul teaches believers to put off the old self.
New Virtues: Christians are called to put on love, forgiveness, and compassion.
Importance of Christ's Preeminence: It is important that Christ is above everything because he is God's son and has power over all.
Section 9: 1 Thessalonians
Expectation: 1 Thessalonians teaches believers to live faithfully in anticipation of Christ’s return.
Key Themes (Chapter 1): The three key words are faith, love, and hope.
Constant Outlook: Fill in: ‘‘Rejoice always.’’
Identity: Christians are called children of God.
Eschatology: Jesus will come again.
Community: Believers should encourage one another.
Essay on Christian Living While Waiting for Christ's Return: Christians should live every day ready for Christ's return by having faith in God and helping others. They should obey God's commands and make good choices even when no one is watching. This includes praying all the time, reading the Bible all the time, and trusting God no matter what. By staying hopeful and making good choices, believers show they are following Jesus and preparing for His return.
Section 10: 2 Thessalonians
Adherence to Truth: This book teaches believers to stand firm in truth.
Correction of False Beliefs: Some people had falsely believed that the Day of the Lord had already occurred.
Stability: Fill in: Hold fast to the teachings.
Diligence: Christians should work hard and avoid being idle.
Personal Conduct: Believers are called to live responsibly and with discipline.
Dangers of False Teaching: False teaching is dangerous because it can lead people away from God and toward ungodliness.
Section 11: 1 Timothy
Order: 1 Timothy focuses on church order and leadership.
Timothy's Location: He was serving in Ephesus.
Advice to the Leader: Fill in: Let no one despise your youth.
Leader Qualifications: Church leaders are required to possess godly character.
Spiritual Prosperity: Godliness with faith is considered great gain.
Essay on the Importance of Doctrine in the Church: Doctrine is important for teaching the correct lessons of God and providing a sound foundation for the church. It contains the truths of scripture. False doctrine is dangerous as it can lead people away from Christ. Doctrine is essential because it encompasses the principles and foundations found in scripture.
Section 12: 2 Timothy
Personal Faithfulness: The book teaches believers to remain Faithful.
Courage: Fill in: God has not given us a spirit of fear.
Resilience: Christians are instructed to endure hardship like a soldier.
Origin of Scripture: All Scripture is breathed out by Jesus.
Persistence: Fill in: ‘‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the Faith.’’
Essay on Finishing Strong in the Christian Life: To finish strong means living through life with faith and belief in Christ until death. It involves never letting faith waver, even during the toughest of times. Finishing strong demonstrates dedication to Christ's teachings and is essential for salvation.
Section 13: Titus
Focus: Titus focuses on godly living and church order.
Titus's Location: He served on the island of Crete.
Power of Grace: Fill in: Grace teaches believers to say no to ungodliness.
Leadership Standard: Church leaders must be above reproach.
The Goal of Doctrine: Sound doctrine should lead to a godly life.
Section 14: Philemon
Themes: Philemon focuses on forgiveness and restoration.
Onesimus: He was a runaway slave.
Paul's Request: Paul instructed Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ.
Transformative Power: The gospel changes how believers treat others.
Essay on Forgiveness: Philemon teaches that one should forgive because God forgives you. It encourages accepting those we might have been angry at without harboring that anger. It teaches treating those who have hurt you as family and completely letting go of past feelings to show love rather than holding a grudge.
Section 15: Big Picture Review
The Impact of the Gospel: The gospel changes both what Christians think and how they act.
Method of Salvation: Christians are saved by grace through faith.
Call of the Believer: Believers are called to live with faithfulness, truth, holiness, and love.
The Return of Christ: Jesus Christ is returning, so believers should live faithfully.
Stability: Christians must stand firm in the truth.
Equipping for Good: God’s Word equips believers for every good .
Ecclesiastical Leadership: The church should be led by godly leaders.
Outcomes of the Gospel: The gospel brings forgiveness and restoration.
Walking in the Spirit: Christians are called to walk by the spirit/faith.
Core Message: The main message repeated throughout Paul’s letters is that believers should trust Christ and live godly lives.