Campbell Street Church

One of the more subtle temptations we can face is the temptation to be liked ... to fit in with those around us. But this can sometimes lead us to live in a way that is contrary to the way God wants us to live.

Most people wouldn't see success as a temptation. They might see it more as a blessing. But success can entice us to live in a way that is contrary to the way God would want us to live.

What comes into your mind when you hear the word "temptation"? Genesis 3 gives us a case study into the nature of temptation.

Paul wants to reassure the Thessalonians that those who have died will not miss out at being with Jesus.

Paul calls on the Thessalonians to live godly lives, to love one another and to love their neighbours. They should be living lives shaped by the Gospel.

Paul explains his travel plans and talks about Timothy’s report from the Thessalonian church. We see what stands at the heart of Paul’s ministry.

The lives of the believers in Thessalonian church have been dramatically transformed by the Gospel.

Paul wants to boast about the things that will show his weakness and God's grace. He has a lot he could boast about – but he would prefer to boast about what God has done for him and point the Corinthians to God. Paul puts the focus back on the Gospel message of Jesus.

Paul is again on the defensive about his authority and ministry. His desire is to present the Corinthians pure and blameless on the last day.

Paul is dealing with a specific issue ... his collection for the church in Jerusalem. But from what Paul says we can see some valuable principles for handling money in our lives and in our churches.

Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians has been strained. His "tough love" letter to them has caused sorrow ... but it has also brought about godly repentance.

Paul explains his motivations for pushing on through the hardships and setbacks to keep preaching the message about Jesus.

We are messengers of the Gospel. We can often feel weak & inadequate – and the fact is we are. It's the message of the Gospel that is the treasure. We are the jars of clay.

We need to make sure we don’t confuse the covenants. Through Jesus we have a relationship with God by the power of the Holy Spirit. Don’t get caught up in old covenant thinking.

Paul is facing criticism from within the church in Corinth. He is writing to defend himself ... but more than that, to defend the message he preaches. Paul has a passion for the Gospel and therefore a compassion for people ... especially the Corinthians.

At the centre of the ceremonial and sacrificial system were the priests … a whole tribe devoted to serving God in the tabernacle/temple. Entering into God's presence was only for this select group of people. But they were a shadow of what was to come in Jesus.