The Gromacki Expository Series (7 vols.)

Corinth was a crossroads for commerce and travel, and a city of wealth and pleasure. It became a cosmopolitan melting pot of tourists, traders, and settlers from far-flung reaches of the empire. Paul worked in Corinth, preached in the synagogue, and was instrumental in the founding of the Corinthian church. Yet the church in Corinth was riddled with problems. In this epistle, Paul was forced to deal not only with the problems facing the church, but also its effects.

How would you react if someone you loved hurt you with malicious gossip? What would you do if someone turned the loyalty and affections of your children away from you?

This was Paul’s dilemma. False teachers had infiltrated the church in Corinth and had questioned Paul’s personal integrity and apostolic authority. Although he was crushed and heartbroken, Paul defended himself in this letter. He explains his hardships, his travel plans, and the difference between the ministry of false teachers and his own ministry. In this letter, Paul sets aside his personal achievements and ambitions to redeem his reputation and edify the church in Corinth.

Paul attacked the doctrine of salvation by works tenaciously. Legalism can never provide justification or sanctification. The principles of grace must always govern salvation and service. In our day, the book of Galatians is extremely relevant. Just as Martin Luther discovered its truth, so it must be rediscovered by the evangelical world. Legalism has again crept into the messages of the churches, and therefore the churches must be alerted once more.

Division and anxiety mark the church of Jesus Christ today. Denominations, churches, families, and individuals are fragmented, confused, and depressed. A revival of unity and joy is needed, but it must first begin in the heart of a yielded believer. In the first century the same situation prevailed in the church at Philippi. Paul wrote this epistle to produce a oneness of joy within the members of that assembly. In our contemporary society, a fresh study of this epistle is needed by each Christian. Do you have inner joy? Are you humble? Do you believe that God is in control? Study Philippians with the aid of this book, and let God transform your heart and mind.

Two enemies of the evangelical church today are intellectualism and legalism. The former exalts the mind to the exclusion of the heart, whereas the latter stresses outward conformity rather than inward transformation. Gnosticism elevates knowledge above faith, while ecclesiastical traditionalism suppresses grace with laws. In most situations, these errors are found separately; however, they were joined in the heresy which affected the church at Colosse. Paul attacked these two errors through the exposition of true spiritual wisdom and of the believer’s positional completeness in Christ. In studying Colossians, therefore, you will see how a submissive life of faith and grace is the only spiritual experience which will glorify Christ.

It has been said that the greatest ability is dependability. The basic requirement of a steward is faithfulness. In all areas of life, employers and leaders are looking for people whom they can trust, people who will be loyal, people who can be counted on to perform assigned tasks.

These qualities are especially needed in Christian leaders. In this epistle, Paul gave directives to Timothy, who was to minister in Ephesus as the apostle’s designated representative. These charges set forth principles for the dependable, faithful servant of God. They also contain guidelines for the life of the local church. A study of this epistle, therefore, will prove helpful for both the pastor and the church.

The modern church is much like ancient Israel. The old covenant people wanted to be delivered from their bondage in Egypt, but they did not want to follow Moses into the Promised Land. They just marked time wandering in the wilderness.

In like manner many Christians are happy that they have been saved from the judgment of hell, but they refuse to trust God for the abundant life in their daily experience. They simply survive in their immaturity, carnality, and mediocrity.

In the book of Hebrews, the author exhorts his readers to advance into the full blessings of the new covenant. He wants them to enjoy the total ministry of Jesus Christ in this life. He warns them about the dire consequences of rejecting the provision and leadership of the Savior.