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I Timothy
     In the Book of I Timothy, the Apostle Paul is writing to his younger protégé Timothy to
     encourage him in his responsibility for overseeing the work of the church. This letter also
     importantly explains about elders and other leaders in the church. Paul provides
     instructions for Timothy (and all leaders) about worship, developing leaders, pastoral
     conduct, false teachers, and the responsibility of church members toward singles,
     widows, elders, and slaves.
                                            Key verse:
      "Fight the good  ght of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called
            when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses"
                                        (1 Timothy 6:12).


                                           II Timothy
     In II Timothy, the Apostle Paul realizes his life is coming to an end and uses his last words
     to encourage Timothy (and all believers) to persevere in faith and proclaim the gospel of
     Jesus Christ wherever we are. He reminds Timothy to stay  rm in sound doctrine, to  ee
     immorality, and also warns about future persecution and apostasy.
                                            Key verse:
           “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of
                                  self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).


                                              Titus
     This letter is also a pastoral letter, in that Paul is writing it to another pastor (Titus) to
     encourage him in his faith. Paul had left Titus on the island of Crete to lead the church
     Paul had established on one of his missionary journeys. In this letter Paul advises Titus
     about the quali cations to look for in leaders for the church. Paul also tells us that, as
     Christians, we must examine ourselves to be sure our lives line up with our profession of
     faith in Christ.
                                            Key verse:
             “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him” (Titus 1:16a).

                                           Philemon
     The Book of Philemon is written to a slave owner about his runaway slave and deals with
     the practice of slavery and how Christ has brought about a new law. The early church did
     not attack slavery directly but laid the framework for the institution of slavery to be
     abolished. Paul attempts with this letter to unite both slave and slave owner in Christian
     love. This letter to Philemon has instructions for us today on how to treat employees and
     employers.
                                            Key verse:
          "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full
               understanding of every good thing we have in Christ" (Philemon 6).
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