Thematic Bible: Those who receive, should


Thematic Bible



I am astonished that you people are so quickly abandoning God [i.e., by rejecting His truth], who called you [to Himself] through the unearned favor bestowed [on us] by Christ. [You are turning] to a different "gospel," Verse ConceptsBacksliding, Christian ExamplesWarnings Against ApostasyDisappointments, Examples OfDesertionRashnessInstabilityGod's Call, ResultsShallownessThe Purity Of The GospelDifferent TeachingsConsider Your Call To SalvationThe Grace Of Christsurprises


But, when I saw that they did not act in harmony with [the principles of] the truth of the Gospel [message], I said to Cephas in front of everyone, "If you, being a Jew, act like a Gentile [by showing such discrimination], how do you expect to persuade Gentiles to live like Jews [i.e., like Christian Jews who are taught to love all people]?" Verse ConceptsOppressing ForeignersThe Truth Of The GospelThe Purity Of The GospelJews Separate From GentilesNo CompulsionWorry And Stressacting


But the others preach Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely, hoping to stir up trouble for me while I am in prison. Verse ConceptsAmbition, negative aspects ofSelf IndulgenceSelfishnessPreaching ChristTroubling IndividualsCompetitionmotives



Because you people have proven [yourselves] by this service, the poor Christians in Jerusalem will praise God for your obedient [spirit] in professing [commitment to] the Gospel of Christ, and for your generous contribution to them and to everyone else. Verse ConceptsFaith, Nature OfIndividualismParticipation, In ChristPraise, Reasons ForCharacter Of SaintsGlorifying GodObeying The GospelServiceSharingThankfulness To OthersSpreading The GospelMinistry



For whoever would [try to] save his life [i.e., by neglecting spiritual things] will lose it [i.e., miss out on the blessings of God]. But whoever [is willing] to lose his life [i.e., in commitment to God's service] for my sake and [the work of] the Gospel's sake, will save it [i.e., obtain both temporal and spiritual blessings]. Verse ConceptsGiving, Of OneselfCommitment, to Jesus ChristSurrenderingLove, Abuse OfLossRestitutionGain Through LossKeeping Oneself AliveSuffering For The GospelLosing One's Life