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Q4. Who sends the Holy Spirit? ANSWER: Scripture also reveals to us that God the Son sends the Holy Spirit. (Who sends) The Father or Jesus? ANSWER: The preexistent Word, Who later became Christ, was sent to earth by the Father in heaven. Jesus was sent from the Father and returned to Him, where He now sits in glory and majesty (Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 12:2). Does it matter (Who sent the Holy Spirit and the Father or Jesus)? ANSWER: While the Bible says that the Holy Spirit does proceed from God the Father, it does not deny that it also proceeds from God the Son. It has been argued that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son in an eternal relationship, they are eternally ordered that way. Though the Scripture does not explicitly say this, this is consistent with what the Bible reveals about the eternal relationships between the members. Why It Matters: Inclusivism and Exclusivism What may seem like an obscure theological issue has important ramifications. If the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father, without proceeding from the Son, then, it is argued, people can have a genuine relationship with God without coming through Jesus Christ. Those who believe that people can come to the knowledge of the true God, apart from Jesus Christ, are called Inclusivists. Those who deny that a person can know the true God apart from Christ are called exclusivists. This is no small issue. Exclusivists contend that it is only through Jesus Christ that a person can be saved. Inclusivists believe Jesus is the only basis of salvation but it is not necessary to believe in Jesus to be saved. A person can actually be saved by Jesus Christ without ever hearing His name or knowing anything of the Christian gospel.

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? ANSWER: Jesus emphasizes to His disciples that their lives are enormously valuable. They are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. That's why it is so important they do the good works God gives them to do. It is how those in the darkness of the world will see God. Like lamps give light to a dark room, or salt prevents decay in food, Christian influence is meant to counter evil and despair (Matthew 5:13–16). How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? ANSWER: The reason why it's important to shine: “so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” Many a believer seems just as lost as the rest of the world. Many believers seem to be groping in the darkness unable to find their own way much less guide others. Or they seem to be leading their followers into a ditch because the light of God in them is covered. Here are 3 things that can cover a believer’s light: Neglect of the word of God: Christians have not developed the discipline of reading and studying their Bible constantly. No wonder they seem to be leaving the road to wander around in the bush. We need to form the habit of reading our Bible through once every year, the entire Bible, not just the parts we choose. When we do this in a devotional manner (i.e. under the guidance of the Holy Spirit), it changes our perception and helps us to see things more clearly. Seeking worldly approval: Many believers are struggling to please the world and live according to its standards. This is a violation of the word of God and steeps us in the very darkness we are to shine our light on. While we cannot avoid unbelievers as long as we are in the world, it is unwise to make them our best friends and aspire to please them more than God. Fear of persecution: Believers sometimes hide their light to “protect” themselves. We may fear standing out because it exposes us to ridicule and persecution but that is part of what it means to be a child of God in a world where evil predominates. However, the Lord Jesus promises to be with us through it all. Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? ANSWER: Since God is the source of all goodness, his glory is the wellspring of all joy. What God does for his own sake benefits us. Therefore whatever glorifies him is good for us. And that includes the suffering he allows or brings (biblically, either or both terms can apply) into our lives. Was Jesus' suffering necessary? ANSWER: By sending his son Jesus to die for our sins, God is working to restore the radiance of his own glory shining in and through us. The purpose of Jesus suffering: it was the ignominy of the cross that He endured that was the lowest point that He had to reach for God to reward Him with the highest office of lordship as a Redeemer. The merit of Jesus' suffering is sufficient to atone for every sin that has ever been or ever will be committed. Is ours (suffering necessary)? ANSWER: Suffering can make us more resilient, better able to endure hardships. Just as a muscle, in order to build up, must endure some pain, so our emotions must endure pain in order to strengthen. God allows us to suffer because we are living in a broken world. Suffering is necessary for a meaningful life because living a meaningful life requires that we choose to take on a reasonable amount of pain. What does this have to do with Romans 12:2? ANSWER: Paul tells us to abandon the chase for pleasure, possessions, and status—to stop living like everyone else. Instead, he urges us to be transformed from the inside out. We must be changed in how we think, to have our minds renewed so that we can begin to understand God's will for our lives. As believers renounce the ways of the world and submit to Christ, their minds, hearts, and wills are renewed by God’s Word and Spirit. This is how we can test and approve God’s will. In summary, embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out.

Q3. (Matthew 5:14-15) In the parable of "the light of the world," Jesus notes the stupidity of lights being hidden under bowls. Concerning what danger in the life of a Christian disciple does Jesus warn us in this parable?l ANSWER: In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells His disciples that they are the light of the world and should not hide their light but let it shine before others so that they may see their good works and glorify God. The lesson learned from Matthew 5:14-16 is: … Our good works are to be the shining of the light to the world so that they see the way to God. We shine so that people can see God, not us. We must point to Jesus when we do good. This is what the rest of the Sermon on the Mount is going to describe: God glorifying good works. Just as light dispels darkness, Christians are called to illuminate the world with the truth and love of Christ. This means shining brightly through their actions, words, and character, reflecting the qualities and teachings of Jesus. God is the light of the world. Just like the world needs light to grow, so do we. When we come to God, He reveals our sin to us. We are able to ask Him for forgiveness and then we grow in our relationship with Him. We see him and receive him as the light of the world now. Or we die in our sins and see it only when it is too late.

Q2. (Matthew 5:13) What might be the symptoms of a Christian who has lost his "saltiness"? ANSWER: The symptoms of Christians who has lost his or her "saltiness" are at risk of losing their effect of being able to affect the circle God has sovereignly placed them in. Your job is to influence the world around you, you may end up being influenced by them. And slowly but surely, you become the one influenced rather than the influencer. We must never forget that we are in a war. The battle is for the affections of our heart, and whether we will worship this life or the next. Let us always choose the next. Is it possible for a believer to detect such symptoms in himself or herself? ANSWER: Yes, I do believe that Believer can detect symptoms of losing his or her “saltiness.” When we remove ourselves from a community of faith, we lose part of what it means to be the salt of the earth. To lose our fundamental identity as the salt of the world often comes from a lack of community. Iodine infusion for salty Christians comes by way of regular participation in worship, communal Bible study, and corporate acts of compassion. Citizens of the kingdom of God need to remain "salty" be strong in the faith. If they don't, at best they are useless; at worst they prove they aren't really Christians. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. What do secular people notice about a "de-saltified" Christian? ANSWER: The very definition of secular means it's neither sacred, pertaining to, or connected with religion. A secular Christian rejects the concept of a personal God and embraces the status of Jesus Christ, Christology and Christian eschatology as Christian mythology without basis in historical events. Those who are Heavenly minded will actually be of any earthly good. Christians who lose their saltiness are Christians who have become so consumed with the world that they forget their mission which, simply put, is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We can come to the point where we have given up our standards and now stand for nothing. We may disguise it by saying that the zeal of youth has been tempered with the wisdom of maturity, but that is only a partial excuse. What do other Christians notice about you? ANSWER: What other Christians notice about me is they see the righteousness of Christ on display through my actions and interactions with others in the world. Is it possible to "re-saltify" your life? ANSWER: YES … I think, it is possible to “re-saltify” my life. Making mistakes can be a valuable learning opportunity. You can find lessons from your mistakes that can help you improve your skills and expand your knowledge. I can turn a mistake into a positive situation by using it as an opportunity to learn and become a better person by not making the same mistakes again. It's never too late to start fresh and make positive changes in your life! However, it's important to remember that fixing mistakes and starting anew is a process that takes time and effort. Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate small successes along the way. Starting a new life is a process, but with effort and determination, it's possible to make positive changes and move forward

Q2. (John 5:19; Philippians 2:6-7) What does Jesus' statement, "the Son can do nothing by himself," indicate about His relationship with the Father? ANSWER: Jesus is saying that He and the Father are at work and are working together. Jesus is doing what He sees His Father is doing. In other words, He can do only what He sees His mFather doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. The meaning of John 5:19 is those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ can be absolutely sure that they are saved. Despite our failures and sins, God is forgiving. And, through Christ, we have the power to overcome the world's temptations to sin. Philippians 2:6-7 means that He submitted Himself to the power of the Holy Spirit and the will of the Father. Why did Jesus have to "empty Himself" from his heavenly glory when He became a man? ANSWER: Christ emptied Himself means that though He was fully God, Christ did not cling to His Godhood as something to be used for selfish gain. Rather He set aside some of His divine rights as God and came to earth as a servant. He came as a human being, willingly, obedient to His Father in everything, even to the point of dying a shameful death on the cross. Jesus emptied Himself in at least three different ways. First, He voluntarily accepted the limitations of being a human being. Second, His glory was hidden from the people. Third, He gave up the independent use of His relative attributes (all-knowing, all-powerful, everywhere present, etc.).

Q1. (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:20; Luke 3:21-22) In what ways is the Holy Spirit active in establishing Jesus' core identity as Son of God as Jesus came to earth? ANSWER: There are many ways that the Holy Spirit works in the lives of Christians, but they all share one common goal: to make us more like Jesus Christ. He works in believers by renewing our minds to be like the mind of Christ. He does this by convicting us of sin and leading us to repentance. How does the Holy Spirit establish your core identity as a disciple of Jesus? ANSWER: The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, comforts us, guides us, gives us spiritual gifts and the desire to obey God; and he enables us to pray and to understand God's Word. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, and he enables us to pray and to understand God's Word. Your identity should never be based on a hope or a guess. God gave us His Word, the Bible, so you can know Him and know who He is making you to be in Him. You are a member of His household, not a stranger. If you follow Christ, you belong in God’s household and with His people. As a child of God, you are blessed and provided for. God is able to provide you with everything you need in Christ. He is the Owner of everything and the Giver of all good things. Humankind was created to reflect some of God’s attributes. You can look for your identity anywhere, but followers of Jesus are called to find their identity in Him.

Q6. (Matthew 5:10-12) Why should we rejoice when we are persecuted? ANSWER: According to Matthew 5:10-12, instead of despairing, we should rejoice for the great rewards we will receive in heaven. Jesus refers to those who profess to be and live consistently as a Christian. They proclaim Christ (peacemaker) and live under Christ's command (righteousness) and are thus persecuted by a world that hates Christ. We must not confuse righteousness with morality! In 1 Peter 4 there are 5 reasons that we can and should rejoice even now when we are persecuted, or even in that day when we face much greater persecution. In times of trial, you can rejoice because God is testing you. The second reason you can rejoice in suffering is because you are sharing Christ’s sufferings. Third, rejoice because God is with you. He is near to you in your persecution. Fourth, rejoice because God is being glorified. Finally, Christians can rejoice in persecution because justice is near. What keeps this from being some kind of sick masochism, or finding pleasure in pain? ANSWER: When affliction comes, honest lament is a good thing. We were meant to express our pain, sometimes in extreme fashion. But our lament does not lead to despair; it leads to trust. Even when we rage, we choose to rage at God. In so doing, we demonstrate trust. We may not know what God is doing, but we trust him enough with our raw emotions. And we believe, often against our own feelings, that God is up to something good through the “affliction that produces endurance.” Our lament does not lead to despair, it leads to trust. Why is the blessing "for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" appropriate for the persecuted? ANSWER: He is promising that those who are "poor in spirit" will experience the benefits of God's kingdom, both in this life and in the afterlife. Blessed in this context indicates heavenly, spiritual exaltation rather than earthly happiness or prosperity. In other words, they will experience the richness of a deep relationship with God and the ultimate reward of eternal life.

Q5. (Matthew 5:8) Why can people with a pure heart see, know, and discern God? ANSWER: Being pure in heart involves having a singleness of heart toward God. A pure heart has no hypocrisy, no guile, no hidden motives. The pure heart is marked by transparency and an uncompromising desire to please God in all things. It is more than an external purity of behavior; it is an internal purity of soul. A pure heart is a heart which is fully alive and unobstructed, with all its energies directed to a single end. The only thing that has the capacity to hold such an intense concentration of energy is God; with anything less the energies are scattered and focus is lost. The pure in heart are happy because their sin has been pardoned, and they’ve been granted access to God the Father. We will certainly experience a greater joy in our lives when we have confessed our sins, draw near to God, and seek to live His way rather than ours. We will "see God" in the sense that we can more clearly understand His plans for our lives and walk in a way that pleases Him and helps others. We can’t become pure in heart on our own. It is only by an act of God’s grace, that He cleanses us and makes us pure in Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. The only way we can be truly pure in heart is to give our lives to Jesus and ask Him to do the cleansing work. A pure heart person is without malice, treachery, or evil intent; honest; sincere; guileless. Why can't "chronic" sinners see God? ANSWER: When we first become Christians, we think all our problems will disappear. Some do. And some don’t. We still find ourselves anxious, thin-skinned, lustful, self-focused, or critical. Some temptations are daily companions while others are only occasional guests. More than the miracle of God’s power, we need the miracle of God’s presence. From there, it’s always easier to push than to pull. Maybe we should keep short accounts with God. When we know we have sinned, confess it to God immediately and seek His forgiveness. Then ask Him to help you avoid that sin in the future, and to live a life that more and more honors Christ. More than the miracle of getting more sin out of our lives, we need the miracle of getting more of God into our lives. How do we obtain the pure or clean heart that Jesus describes? ANSWER: Purity of the heart means being made clean through the Spirit and the Word. We must put God first in every thought, word, and action. Yes, sin will try and enter. Staying in God's Word, acknowledging our sins, repenting when we sin, and asking for His forgiveness will guide us to a pure heart. Having a pure heart starts with confession and repentance but extends to an ongoing devotion to God. Having a pure heart often feels impossible with all the temptations and brokenness around us. This struggle can cause us to feel discouraged and unworthy or tempt us to throw in the towel and allow our hearts to become calloused and dirty. So how can we actually experience purity of heart like Jesus teaches? Purity of heart does not equal perfection, but rather can be obtained through (a). practical habits to guard your heart, (b). change your focus, (c). obey God’s voice within you. When we live this way, we can experience the blessing and peace God intends for us.

Q4. (Joel 2:28-32; Ezekiel 36:26-27; 37:14; 39:29) What promises do we find in Joel and Ezekiel concerning the Holy Spirit? ANSWER: According to Joel 2:28-32, God was going to pour out His Spirit on all mankind and their sons and daughters would prophesy, old men would dream dreams, young men would see visions, and even male and female servants would have the Holy Sprit poured out on them. The book of Joel teaches about the power of the combined prayers and fasting of God's people during a time of great difficulty in Israel's history. “Joel assured the people that through repentance they would again receive the blessings of God” The promises of the Holy Spirit in Ezekiel is a new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. The Lord promises to gather the Israelites from captivity, return them to their promised lands, renew His covenant with them, and reunite the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Who are the recipients of these promises? ANSWER: The recipients of the promises in Joel and Ezekiel concerning the Holy Spirit are the Jews' sons and daughters, the young men and old, and even upon the slaves.

Q3. (Isaiah 11:1-2; 42:1; 61:1-2) What promises does God make through Isaiah the prophet concerning the Holy Spirit and the Messiah? ANSWER: Israel was in a state of deep moral confusion. God’s people were pretending to honor God with their lips but their hearts were far from God. The prophet Isaiah played an important role in God's plan; He foretold the Messiah's coming and brought hope to His people during a challenging time. This promise of hope is not only for the nation of Israel, but also for all of us. The main message Isaiah is giving from God, is that God is both the Judge and the Savior. This means that God has a plan to make all things right in the end, and that a necessary part of that process is declaring what is not yet right. This is the message of Isaiah the prophet. The judgment of God declares what is broken; the promise of God is to heal. Isaiah calls on the nations to see the sovereignty of God. He is the beginning and the end, and everything is always under His control. He commands Israel to not give in to fear because God promises that He is with them. He says He will strengthen and help them and uphold them with His righteous right hand. How were these fulfilled? ANSWER: The book of Isaiah comes to an end with a grand vision of the fulfillment of all God's covenant promises. Through the suffering servant king, God creates a covenant family with all nations, who are awaiting the hope of a renewed creation and the coming of God's Kingdom here on Earth as it is in Heaven. Jesus is said to fulfill this prophecy through His death on the cross.

Q2. (Numbers 11:16-29) What enables the 70 Elders to lead the people? ANSWER: A traditional theophany of God comes down in a cloud. God to select 70 elders to receive some of the Holy Spirit conferred on him and to share with him the burden of ruling the people of Israel (he need not bear his burdens alone). The gift of spirit allows the elders to prophesy in a one-time occurrence. What happens when the Holy Spirit comes upon them? ANSWER: In response to Moses’ prayer for help, God appoints seventy elders, putting upon them “some of the spirit” that was upon Moses. God appoints 70 elders (a large, full number) to assist in Moses’ prophetic work. Though their “ordination” is temporary, they are a sign that God’s leadership will endure even beyond Moses. God’s spirit goes where it wills! When the Holy Spirit came upon the seventy elders they prophesied. Spiritual leadership is a grave responsibility, and God holds leaders to a higher standard (James 3:1). The seventy elders of Israel were granted wonderful privileges, but they also carried weighty responsibilities. When God entrusts us with spiritual leadership, we must remain humble, faithful, and obedient so that we will one day hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master!” (Matthew 25:23). Why does Moses long for the Spirit to come upon all God's people? ANSWER: The people needed a power that worked from the inside-out. They needed new hearts, with God’s law written on the heart. So Moses longed for a day when “all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD would put (poured out) His Spirit on them!” This longing became the great hope of the Old Testament prophets longing and expectation for the coming Messianic age. Jesus told His followers to gather together and wait for God to send His Holy Spirit to them. Then, when the Holy Spirit came down upon them, they all started prophesying and speaking in different languages! God was moving and He was doing a new thing! He was raising up leaders and elders to bring the people of the world back to Himself. In protest, Joshua cried out, “Moses, make them stop!” Moses replies to Joshua: “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them all!” (Numbers 11:29). In other words: Do not quench the Spirit of God. Do not block the moving of the Lord. Do not silence the prophetic voices. Instead, may we always respond as Moses, not as Joshua, and make room for those prophetic voices that God is raising up in a new generation. An important lesson for leaders of God’s people today. When God is doing a new thing, when He is moving in a new way, do not try to shut it down. When God is raising up new leaders and prophets for His Church, do not silence their voices. But when God’s Spirit is moving among His people, woe on us if we try to shut it down! Shame on us if we get in God’s way. Shame on us when we try to silence those who are speaking hard truths in the name of the Lord. While there is much to glean from Moses's life, we can take away four primary lessons: God cares for His people; To lead wisely, you need to listen to and obey God; God will equip you by His power; and Moses’s life ultimately points us to Jesus. These four lessons are just a small glimpse into what Moses’s life teaches us. Moses’s life and his story not only impacts us but points to Jesus.

Q1. Each Beatitude consists of two parts. What are these parts? ANSWER: Each Beatitude consists of two phrases: the condition and the result. The Beatitudes are blessings declared by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount from the Gospel of Matthew. Eight blessings are found in the Gospel of Matthew while four blessings and woes are found in the Gospel of Luke. Why do you think Jesus made each Beatitude a paradox? ANSWER: The Beatitudes, the paradoxical promises, offer freedom from sin. Free, the Spirit blesses us, with grace upon grace. Secured by divine Love, the Beatitudes produce rightful happiness. This happiness far exceeds any earthly blessing because we behold the author of all blessings, Jesus Christ. He wants to bless us with his presence, securing us in his heart. To do this, Jesus inverts earthly blessings and replaces them with the Divine Beatitudes. The Divine Beatitudes unveil the paradoxical promises of the heavenly kingdom. These paradoxes contradict because wealth does not bring happiness, poverty does. Perfection produces paradoxes because they create contradictions. Paradoxes are counter-cultural, anti-conventional. The paradox becomes apparent when life is anything but perfect. Following our own heart’s desires leads to the greatest sorrow and sadness, whereas following the heart of Christ leads to fulfillment, the perfection of our person. This is the great Christian paradox. What is the relationship between the Beatitudes to the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)? ANSWER: The relationship between the Beatitudes to the fruit of the Spirit is that the “Beatitudes” have to do with the qualities of one's heart, whereas the “Fruit of The Spirit” deals with the actions one does when they are guided by the Holy Spirit. It is the intent of these associations to help you focus on becoming more like Jesus—and become the kind of person that God will BLESS! The “Fruits Of The Beatitudes” associates “The Beatitudes” and the “fruit of the Spirit” in the Bible. It is intended to help you develop the attitudes of Jesus and produce the character of Jesus in you. The following are the ‘associations’ that connect the particular “fruit of the Spirit” that most closely relates to the intent of each “Beatitude”: THE BEATITUDES FRUIT OF SPIRIT (Attitudes) (Character) PURE IN HEART………… LOVE POOR IN SPIRIT………… JOY MOURNING………………. PEACE PERSECUTED…………… PATIENCE MERCIFUL……………….. KINDNESS RIGHTEOUSNESS……… GOODNESS PEACEMAKER………….. FAITHFULNESS MEEKNESS……………… GENTLENESS INSULTED……………….. SELF-CONTROL

Q1. (1 Samuel 16:13; Psalm 51:11) What is the primary purpose of God putting His Spirit upon selected individuals in the Old Testament? ANSWER: The primary purpose of God putting the Holy Spirit to come upon select individuals is to empower them to do God's work and to know God intimately. The result of God pouring His Spirit on them will be that the people will recognize that they are the Lord's and will be called by His name (Pouring Out Ruah: Isaiah 44:1-5) The function of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: the Spirit came upon and empowered God's prophets, priests, and kings in special ways, gifting them for service. Prophets preached God's word, the priests interceded for God's people, and kings were anointed to lead Israel against God's enemies (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Chronicles 24:20; 1 Samuel 16:13). As the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit’s nature is consistent in the Old and New Testaments. His role was only slightly different under the two covenants. He enabled believers to trust God, live holy lives, and serve the Lord in power. There are ten roles of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. The Spirit … : 1. Created and Sustained Life; 2. Spoke God’s Words; 3. Promoted Holiness; 4. Addressed Evil; 5. Regenerated; 6. Indwelled; 7. Empowered; 8. Taught and Led; 9. Granted Special Skills; and 10. Pointed to the Messiah. What effect does the Spirit seem to have upon their relationship with God? ANSWER: In the Old Testament, the Spirit came upon only a relatively few individuals to empower them for a particular task. In the Old Testament it seems that only people upon whom the Spirit rests are able to form deep, meaningful relationship with God and to really get to know Him. The Holy Spirit plays an essential role in taking the raw materials of gospel potential and turning them into the sweet fruit of gospel impact. We see this throughout the Scriptures but perhaps nowhere more clearly than in the life of Peter, especially in Acts 2. The effect on Peter was pretty amazing. May that be our story as well. Five Effects of the Holy Spirit …: 1. The presence of the Holy Spirit leads to confidence and courage, even in the face of opposition. 2. The presence of the Holy Spirit leads to dependence on Scripture. 3. The presence of the Holy Spirit leads to holy forgetfulness. 4. The presence of the Holy Spirit leads to a focus on Christ and the gospel. 5. The presence of the Holy Spirit leads to fruit in ministry. Always depend on the Spirit, ultimately the effect of the Holy Spirit is to take all that God has given us, our gifts, experiences, passions, and knowledge, and set them to work, bringing glory to Christ in the church and in the world.

Q4. (2 Timothy 4:21a) Why is it important to Paul for Timothy to come before winter? ANSWER: Why before winter? Travel became more difficult in winter. Because of storms, the Mediterranean was closed to shipping between November and March and ships would winter over in safe harbors (Acts 27:9-12) The weather at that time of the year, so severe as to make it risky for ships to venture out. And so if Timothy did not come to Rome before winter, then he would not be able to catch a ship to Rome until the spring, and the spring would be too late, because you see, Paul, has a premonition. He knows that he’s going to die. He senses that he will not survive the winter. What happens if Timothy delays? ANSWER: if Timothy did not come to Rome before winter, then he would not be able to catch a ship to Rome until the spring, and the spring would be too late, because you see, Paul, has a premonition. He knows that he's going to die. He senses that he will not survive the winter. While Paul hopes to see Timothy in person soon, he is unsure of what the future holds. Rather than wait, Paul wants to be sure Timothy has complete instructions on how to encourage the healthy function of the local church. If Timothy was to get to Rome, he would have to leave quickly or he would lose the opportunity forever to assist Paul in the last days before his execution. Do you think Timothy dropped everything and came to Paul's side? ANSWER: Timothy immediately begins packing his bags to go and be with his mentor, father, and friend. We do not know if Timothy made it in time. But we do know Timothy followed the faithful example of his mentor. Timothy is again urged to come before winter. The winter storms will make travel almost impossible and it is not even certain that Paul will be alive that long. He is to make all possible speed to come to Paul now. And yet Paul’s final words are not pointed at himself but are spent ministering to his beloved son in the faith. He prays for the Lord to be with Timothy’s spirit, for God did not give Timothy a spirit of cowardice but of power, love, and disciple (2:7). This is a prayer for Timothy to fight the good fight, finish the course, and keep the faith in the power of the Lord. This is a prayer for Timothy to remain faithful as he trusts fully and only in the power of Christ. The final four words, grace be with you, state so much in so little space. This is a blessing as well as a charge. If the grace or favor (χάρις) of God is to be with Timothy, it implies that God shows His grace to Timothy. On the one hand, it is a blessing that reminds Timothy that his very life is a gracious gift from the Almighty by His grace. On the other hand, it is a charge to conduct the remainder of his life and ministry in a right standing with God as a true recipient of this grace. Paul is ever the minster, ever the encourager, and ever the preacher. Doubtlessly these words were read through tears as Timothy immediately begins packing his bags to go and be with his mentor, father, and friend. We do not know if Timothy made it in time. But we do know Timothy followed the faithful example of his mentor. Paul with his dying breath calls Timothy to emulate his ministry. Ministry Continues until the Lord Returns (vv. 19-22) Care for Those Who Remain Never Desert the Faithful and Proceed in the Strength and Grace of the Lord Timothy also served at least some time in jail for his faith and was later released, though the timing of this event is uncertain (Hebrews 13:23). Date: Approximately AD 65—67, just prior to Paul's death under the Roman emperor Nero. And Timothy with his dying breath proved to be like his mentor Paul and like his Master Christ. May we be found just as faithful. Would you, if you were Timothy, dropped everything and go to Paul's side? ANSWER: The answer to the question a resounding ”YES!” And the reason is that Paul was instrumental in Timothy learning how to be a spiritual person. A discipleship relationship is found between the apostle Paul and Timothy. Timothy joined Paul on his journeys, and their relationship grew to the point that Paul called Timothy “my true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). Discipleship Is Intentional … In Acts 16, Paul intentionally chose Timothy to travel with him to help Timothy grow in his faith. Discipleship Is Focused … Paul encouraged Timothy to continue learning from God’s Word to stay equipped for good works (2 Timothy 3:14-17). Discipleship Is Reproducible … Paul challenged Timothy to teach others what he learned from him. That way, discipleship could continue (2 Timothy 2:1-2).

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:9-12) Why is it so difficult when trusted friends desert us? ANSWER: it's so hard to build trust and deep connection. Sometimes people want to connect with us and get to know us and then they vanish into thin air leaving us feeling sad, lost, and vulnerable Genuine friends refresh us, energize us, and give us what we need to keep going strong, they can be rare and difficult to find. Not everyone is meant to stay in our lives forever. Some friendships naturally grow apart. As the saying goes, friends come into your life either for a reason, a season or a lifetime. The best relationship we will ever have is the one we have with ourselves. When a friend turns against you, it may feel like the end of the world, especially if this person is who you would normally turn to during times of need. Coping with friends who turn against you requires compassionate attention to your own emotions as well as closely considering the status of the current relationship and moving forward accordingly. Learn how to care for your hurt feelings and handle a disloyal friend, too. Dealing with Hurt Feelings: Acknowledge the pain of disloyalty. It hurts to have someone turn against you or to find out someone you thought was a close friend may not really be who you thought. It's normal to be upset and there is no need to hide the fact that you are hurt. Take time to reflect. Friendships can benefit from time apart. Take this break to think about any major choices like confronting the friends or completely ending the friendships. Practice regular self-care. Before you can even think about rebuilding trust with your friends, you have to first take care of you. Denying yourself time to care for your own needs does not lend itself to creating long-term, healthy friendships. Be the bigger person. Don’t entertain urges to get revenge or hold grudges. Try to forgive those that do you wrong, if only so you don’t have to carry the burden of anger. Hang out with fun and supportive friends and family. It can be extremely comforting after betrayal to surround yourself with positive people who want nothing but the best for you. This not only helps you process and cope with a betrayal, but it also reaffirms your value as a person and a friend. Why is it so difficult when they (trusted friends) move away or die? ANSWER: The reason it is difficult when trusted friends moves away: … When you are so much attached, emotionally to a person. It is pretty normal to feel that you won’t be able to live a happy life without that person’s presence. And your heart breaks down into infinite pieces on the mere thought of parting. It’s always best to always remember this, each and every person that comes to your life comes with a purpose (obviously decided by the Almighty) and leaves, once that intended purpose is served. Moreover, if the almighty creates some void in your life, it is just because he wants to fill that void with something more beautiful. So, trust Him and His plan for you. And keep smiling. When a close friend moves away, be happy for your friend especially if they’re moving away for a better life. The reason it is so difficult when a trusted friend dies: … Although it’s often overlooked, the loss of a friend is just as devastating as that of any other loved one. It comes with the same force and it quickly takes you through a whirlwind of emotions before it throws you at grief’s mercy. Expect to be shocked, angry, confused and deeply disturbed as you try to make sense of it and adapt to its demands. The deep emotional connection and shared experiences can make it difficult to let go and move on. Friendships often involve a level of trust and vulnerability, which intensifies the emotional pain when they end. Regardless of whether your trusted friend is moving away or dies, your grief is just as important and you need to give it the full attention it demands. Listen to it and be prepared to deal with the sudden burst of emotions, confusion and anger. You may feel guilty about past arguments or regret some of the things you remember saying and doing. Is it better to trust no one? ANSWER: TRUST is a five letter word that is the foundation of relationships. You may have heard the admonition to “Trust No One”, but that is not practical for daily living, nor desirable. When we don't trust people, we have a more difficult time forming relationships with others. And when other people sense that we don't trust them, they are often more likely to respond to us in negative ways. You may have heard the admonition to “Trust No One”, but that is not practical for daily living, nor desirable. When we don't trust people, we have a more difficult time forming relationships with others. And when other people sense that we don't trust them, they are often more likely to respond to us in negative ways. When you don’t trust others you are depriving yourself of human connection and authentic living. Perhaps you relate to the inherent difficulty of letting someone in. Maybe you used to feel safe sharing your hopes, dreams, and demons, but not anymore. Most of us have been burned after letting our guard down. Some recover by shaking off the dust and moving on. Others push so far in the opposite direction, they practically run over those who could be their strongest allies. Who remains with Paul besides Luke? (Hint: see verse 17a). ANSWER: In 2 Timothy 4:17a tells us that He (Jesus) will stand with us and give us strength. No matter how bad it seems He will never leave our side. He will see us through and give us the strength we need to keep standing. Whatever you are going through, know this, that the Lord will be your support, the Lord will stand by your side, he will strengthen you and by his grace he will bring you through it all.