INTRODUCTION: Many of us have answering machines hooked up to our phones. Sometimes they will record junk. They can be aggravating. But sometimes they record important messages. Well, God has left Christians some messages that will help up be more faithful and grow spiritually. They are the epistles of the New Testament.

BODY

I. THE APOSTLES AND OTHER INSPIRED MEN WERE LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT TO WRITE INSPIRED MESSAGES TO GOD'S PEOPLE.

A. The Apostles were promised a special leading of the Holy Spirit.

1. Matthew 10:19 - "But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;

2. Luke 21:15 - "for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.

B. They claimed this special guidance in their writings.

1. 1 Corinthians 2:12_13 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. "13" These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

2. 1 Corinthians 14:37 - If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.

3. 2 Peter 3:1_2 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), "2" that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,

4. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

A. To build up the church and bring it to maturity.

1. Ephesians 4:11-17

2. Colossians 2:6_7 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, "7" rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

3. Titus 1:5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you; 

B. To deal with certain questions that brethren wrote asking them about.

1. 1 Corinthians 7:1 Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

C. To warn about the possibility of apostasy.

1. 1 Timothy 4:1_3 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, "2" speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, "3" forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

2. Hebrews 3:12 - Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;

3. 2 Peter 3:17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;

4. These letter were sent to keep churches from entering error and to get them to stand for the truth!

5. Jude 3

A. By far, the apostle Paul wrote the most of the epistles.

1. Paul penned 13 epistles that bear his name. By far the most prolific penman.

2. It is also likely that he penned a 14th, the book of Hebrews, although it does not specifically bear his name.

B. The apostle Peter wrote two epistles.

1. Peter wrote two epistles to Christians in general.

C. The apostle John penned three epistles.

1. John wrote his first epistle to Christians in general to warn them about the gnostic heresy (that Jesus did not come in the flesh).

2. 2 and 3 John were written to individual Christians.

D. Jude and James each penned two epistles.

1. James wrote to Hebrew Christians with practical directions on living the Christian life.

2. Jude is thought to be one of the last of the inspired books penned. He was writing them to keep them from going into apostasy and continue in the faith.

A. Those written to individual churches

1. 1 Thessalonians 1:1 - Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Ephesians 1:1 - Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:

B. Written to a group of churches or Christians.

1. Galatians 1:1_2 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), "2" and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 

2. 1 Peter 1:1_2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, "2" elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

C. Those written to Christians in general

1. 2 Peter 1:1 - Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 

2. James 1:1 - James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.

D. Those written to individual Christians.

1. 1 Timothy 1:1_2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, "2" To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 

2. Titus 1:1 - Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness,

STUDIES OF BASICS:
Intoduction
Existence of God
Creation of Mankind
Epistles- Christ's Messages to the Church
Book of Acts
The Inspiration of The Bible
The Inspiration of The Bible (Part 2)
The Life & Mission of Christ
The New Testament
The Book of Revelation -- Victory