What is the one key idea of this chapter. pay attention to the title of the chapter!
The main idea of chapter nine is called to share the good news, and we can share that good news through our understanding of the Epistles. In this chapter, we see how the early church used the Epistles to spread God’s word and remain faithful to Jesus. We take a look at the struggles and hardships people of the early church faced, and are encouraged that when we struggle there is light at the end of the tunnel. We look at our struggles in comparison to those of the early church, and try to face those struggles, so we can find reward in our hardships. Also in this chapter, we are reminded of Paul, the writer of most of the Epistles. We see how his letter gave hope to those who struggled, and allowed them to alleviate their hardships. We too need to help others with our own “letters” (actions of support) for the poor and outcasts of our communities. With the help of Paul as our role model and the people of the early church’s struggles, we too can face our own hardships and help others who struggle with words and actions of compassion and love toward those who need our help the most.
Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.
One idea from chapter nine that I would like to remember is attitude. Attitude by definition is a measure of acting and feeling which shows our inner and outer disposition. Paul models for us in scripture what an “I can do” attitude is. It means being able to accomplish great things no matter what happens in life, knowing that the strength one needs is as close as a prayer or support of Christ. I want to remember this, because sometime I need some positive reassurance. When I struggle in school or don’t make a basketball team I need someone that will tell me I can do it, and Jesus is that person for me. He is truly loving and always compassionate.
Another idea I want to remember is humility. Humility is doing nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humble regard for others. It is looking not at our own interest but to the interest of others. Paul rebuked those who grumbled and complained about their own interest, he felt an emotional friendship with his community, and called others to be humble. I want to remember humility, because it is the key teaching of my savior Jesus’ mission. Jesus preaches the love of ones neighbor as his or herself and in order to follower Jesus I need to be humble. Sometimes I find it hard to be humble, because humans are born selfish. But, with Jesus’ help I can let go of my own needs and focus on the needs of others who have it worse than me.
One image that captures the chapter for you.
http://www.rice.edu/projects/code/presentat/paul
What is your relationship with God?
