Metropolitan Tabernacle

Paul had a zealous readiness to preach at Rome, and was not dismayed by the contempt he would face. He knew he possessed a mighty bomb, but one of love and grace, that would achieve spiritual conquests to outlast all the power of an empire.

First, Paul's manner of prayer and how he serves with all his heart. Secondly, his longing to reach Rome for souls and to advance their assurance. Thirdly, his sense of indebtedness to the lost, its depths and how we need this also. (Obligation is not enough!)

Paul's longest letter, chiefly about salvation, full of doctrine and themes filling the heart to overflowing. Here are some of the special riches of verses 1-5, with four compelling reasons why we should be drawn to Christ the Lord.

The apostle now makes two pleas, one to the well-off, showing the sins that may overtake them, and the other to God's servants. Here is our need to guard the faith at a time when decadence and error has engulfed most of the evangelical world.

These famous verses of worship provide an example of how all Scripture is utillised for New Testament praise, not only the Psalms. Here we attempt to draw on the depths of the magnificent statements about Almighty God, lifting us up to the heavenlies.

'Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.'

'Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.'

King David tells of a time in his life when riches, fame and moral liberty to do as he liked seemed superior to walking with God and eternal life. But suddenly, overcome by shame he saw the hollowness of the godless life and prayed for pardon and a new life.

The 'good fight' is for the Gospel and for personal holiness. For the latter, here is the vital biblical doctrine of concupiscence, teaching that the motions of temptation are sinful, contrary to the Catholic and increasingly the evangelical view. Here is the battle for a pure heart.

'Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.'

In what sense is Christ the Saviour of all, even the unsaved? Here are answers, and the debt that is owed him. Here also are the four 'departments' of a true preaching agenda, and what is meant by the 'gift' given to Timothy.

Over forty days following His resurrection, the Lord appeared ten times. Although He had repeatedly spoken of His resurrection, it was not expected. Here we see the appearances, and what each one gave to His followers then, and to us today.

The apostle begin by spotlighting reverence as the leading element of our testimony. Touching on the limitation and spiritual dangers of bodily exercise, we show how Christ in several ways is the saviour of all. Finally, Paul identifies the six main elements of holiness that 'preach' to the lost.

Here are answers to questions from Christ's parable of the lost sheep. Why did God have to become man in order to save us? Why do people think they do not need to repent? What happens in repentance and what are the common mistakes?

Said the Lord – Whosoever drinks of material water shall thirst again. Life is a continual hunt for satisfaction and meaning, but the void within remains, until spiritual life is received from Christ. Here is how this life remains within, an ever-growing experience of walking with the Lord.

The apostle shows how in the last days antagonism will be aimed at the work of Christ. He answers – what are doctrines of devils? Are fake teachers aware they are lying? – along with other key questions.

'I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.' Psalm 142.4

Our way of conducting church life is entirely given by the Word, and not for us to devise. Each congregation is to proclaim, guard and defend the Word as the only explanation of existence and the only way, through Christ, of reconciliation with God.

Paul's list of graces that should be evident in officer-bearers is chiefly composed of qualities that should form and grow in all believers, if they truly hold the mystery of the faith. Here is that priceless 'secret' (verse 16) and how we benefit.

So much hangs on vigilance in the Christian life. There can be no stand, no defense of truth, and no progress in holiness, without constant watchfulness. Here, not only for overseers but for all, are the principles of vigilance from key exhortations of Christ and of Paul.

One of Paul's five utterly trustworthy sayings in the excellency of a longing to be a preacher of the Gospel. Here is the office of 'over-watcher' or elder, and we look particularly at the elder who labours in the Word, also called a pastor.

Here are God's reasons why women may not be teachers in the church. Here also is how saved women are to be mightily blessed in saving a new generation, and in similarly supportive roles. The key is faith, love, holiness and sobriety (or self restraint).

It is often assumed that Paul is speaking here of the conduct of public gatherings, but this topic does not truly begin until verse 11. Before then we have pastorally precious and profound exhortations to all believers praying wherever they are.

As salvation is a free gift of God, in what way must we strive for it? What makes it a narrow gate? Why do many seek to enter, and fail? Here are the hindrances, the way to enter, and the experience that awaits us.

'There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.' John 3.1-2