Just Jesus
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Posts posted by Just Jesus
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Q3. (1 Timothy 4:7-8) How would you define "godliness"?
1Tim 3:16 And2532 without controversy3672 great3173 is2076 the3588 mystery3466 of godliness:2150 God2316 was manifest5319 in1722 the flesh,4561 justified1344 in1722 the Spirit,4151 seen3700 of angels,32 preached2784 unto1722 the Gentiles,1484 believed on4100 in1722 the world,2889 received up353 into1722 glory.139 and
The fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22-23)
What produces godliness in a person?
Dying to self so that the Spirit can work in and through us, not for salvation but so the unsaved world can be drawn closer to Jesus.
How is godliness different from embracing a strict morality?
Strict morality is a "form of godliness," a kind of outward religion and religious belief, but one which lacks its real essence and power (2 Timothy 3:5). It is done in the flesh,
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Q2. (1 Timothy 4:3-5) Why is performance of legalistic requirements so attractive to people?
Because people want to earn their salvation and their self-righteousness (what I can do on my own) doesn
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Q1. (1 Timothy 4:1-2) Why does Paul remind Timothy (and the church) of predictions concerning widespread apostasy?
Jesus himself had foretold this falling away in the Last Days:
"At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:10-13). The theme of this chapter is the same as the battle that Jesus had with the religious leaders: outward righteousness vs. inner godliness.
What effect should this knowledge have on his ministry and the church's perception of the situation?
Paul reminds Timothy of this prediction so that he will not be surprised or overwhelmed by the chaos he sees in the church at Ephesus. Rather than lose heart, he should be more motivated to
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Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?
Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons?
Yes, although the basics are very similar. The primary difference between elders and deacons is not in their character, though elders are expected to be more mature Christians. The difference lies in the teaching function of the elders and the administrative role of deacons.
What are they?
Overseers (1 Tim 3:2-7) and Elders (Titus 1:6-9)
hospitable (2)
able to teach (2)
disciplined (8)
blameless (6, 7)
one who loves what is good (8)
upright (8)
holy (8)
Deacons (1 Tim 3:8-12)
church administrators
trustworthy in everything
not malicious talkers
sincere
Doctrinal Fidelity
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Q2. (1 Timothy 3:6, 10) Why should leaders be observed carefully and tested before placing them in office? What should you be looking for during this period?
Q2. (1 Timothy 3:6, 10) Why should leaders be observed carefully and tested before placing them in office?
Ordination or setting an elder or deacon into office too soon can be disastrous for the church -- and for the church officer.
What Paul is saying is that in selecting church leaders you must look for the level-headed, self-controlled person who isn't "off the wall" or reactionary. This person doesn't respond primarily from emotions or prejudice, but is able to weigh issues carefully and fairly.
If you have church leaders who can't be discreet about what they say or church administrative assistants who pass gossip rather than keep secrets, then the church quickly becomes an unsafe place of distrust and competition, rather than a "society of friends" where love is the predominant motivation.
Church leaders must be truthful, straight talkers, even when people may not agree. Let your "yes" mean "yes" and your "no" mean "no" (Matthew 5:37). We can't please everybody. The sooner we figure that out, the better leaders we'll be. Our "boss" as church leaders is not the bishop or the congregation. Ultimately, it is Christ to whom we answer.
Not Intoxicated. The problem with church leaders who drink excessively is several-fold: (1) impaired judgment, (2) risk of a public binge and bringing discredit to the church, (3) a life pattern of lying and self-deceit to cover up or excuse the problem, and (4) guilt.
Not Quick-Tempered or Violent
What should you be looking for during this period?
Character and spiritual experience. When we put people into high church office who are immature emotionally or spiritually, we're just setting them up for an attack of the enemy. Better no elder than one who is too immature to handle the position. Paul suggests a waiting period for deacons to see what they're really made of. Of course their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is key. If this relationship is not sound and based on the Word, the person should be reconsidered.
Basic Character. The first quality that Paul gives for a leader is to be "above reproach" (1 Timothy 3:2). Character in a leader is primary, since everything flows from that. Too often when we select leaders in the church, we're looking for warm bodies who are willing. We don't really examine character. But we neglect this to our peril.
Selecting a leader with unanswered charges is foolish and can backfire if the charges are proven or publicized. Faithfulness, dependability, trustworthiness is a basic and indispensible character quality. Our leaders must possess it. This is someone whose personal value system is in order, loving the good and despising the evil. Too often we wink at evil or compromise with it. Sometimes we find the "perfect person" for a position, but we don't take enough time to observe them, to evaluate their spiritual maturity and their character. A recent convert placed in high position in the church can easily fall victim to pride (2 Chronicles 26:16; Proverbs 16:18; 18:12).
Hospitality. A leader who doesn't show hospitality to others is likely to lack two character qualities: (1) generosity and (2) openness towards others. Of course, in many cultures today hospitality is practiced less in the home and more in restaurants. But the attitude of generosity and help toward others must remain the same.
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Q1. (1 Timothy 3:2-12) What kind of leader do you believe Paul is indicating for us with the phrase "husband of one wife"? Why is a leader's family an important indicator of leadership potential or problems?
Q1. (1 Timothy 3:2-12) What kind of leader do you believe Paul is indicating for us with the phrase "husband of one wife"?
Most likely Paul is referring to faithfulness within the marriage bond on the part of elders and deacons. This is important for three reasons: (1) God places a high priority on faithfulness and uses the relationship between Christ and the church to describe the relationship between husband and wife, Eph 5:23. (2) They must be considered above reproach in the larger community or they will bring disrepute on the church. (3) Their example will be emulated by families in the church. 2Tim 2:22 also commands us to
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Dear friends, since this is a topic in which various Christ-loving groups disagree, let's be especially careful to state our views with Christian love and gentleness. Denomination bashing and unloving attitudes are cause for suspension of Forum privileges.
Q5. (1 Timothy 2:11-15) How should Paul's instructions about women teaching and leading in the church be applied in the twenty-first century? How do you support your view?
Q5. (1 Timothy 2:11-15) How should Paul's instructions about women teaching and leading in the church be applied in the twenty-first century?
Very carefully. We need to make a distinction between something being
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Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?
Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus?
Even today the question remains, what makes the Christian different from the rest of the world? Women (and men, for that matter) aren't to dress primarily to draw attention to themselves, but are to dress in a way that projects propriety and decency. Once again in order to consider others, i.e. where there are great differences in worldly status (wealth, position, etc.) among members of the same church, it is necessary to think twice before doing certain things
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Q2. (1 Timothy 2:5-6) In the context of the salvation of all, why do you think Paul emphasizes the roles of Mediator and Ransom? In what way did Christ fulfill both these roles?
Q2. (1 Timothy 2:5-6) In the context of the salvation of all, why do you think Paul emphasizes the roles of Mediator and Ransom?
To Jews, the mediator is the high priest and the ransom for sin was a spotless lamb. Since the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, He is the mediator (through Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth) and the ransom for sin (Heb 10:7-18). The difference being, the Jews alone were covered by the Old Testament sacrifice whereas Jesus
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Q1. (1 Timothy 2:1-4) Why does Paul emphasize salvation of
all mankind in this letter? What does this suggest about the practice of
evangelism in the Ephesus church?
Q1. (1 Timothy 2:1-4) Why does Paul emphasize salvation of all mankind in this letter?
To overcome the attitude towards the lost (2:1-7), i.e. exclusion of the Gentiles. Prayer should be made for everyone and the gospel message be taught to the Gentiles (as given in Romans 1:16), implying that that false teachers have been promoting a kind of Jewish exclusivity both in Ephesus as well as in Crete (Titus 1:10-16). By including praying for
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Q4. (1 Timothy 1:18-19) Why does Paul need to remind Timothy about the prophecies spoken over him?
Instead of being overwhelmed by the task (due to his youth), Timothy is to be aware that God's power and strength are with him, that God has fitted him to this task -
(2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
It is when we are out of our depth that we are more likely to turn to God for assistance, and it's when we humble ourselves and trust in Him alone, that miracles happen.
In practical terms, what does "fight the good fight" really mean?
"Fight the good fight of faith" (1Ti 6:12) is the crux of Christianity - defending the gospel of Jesus Christ at all costs. Jesus sacrificed His heavenly position to lay down His life for the faith (Philippians 2:6-8) and calls on us to take up our cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23)
Why does Paul tell Timothy to "hold on to faith and a good conscience"?
It's a warning not to follow in the false teachers footsteps, ignoring their conscience and denying the faith. Then of course, the two go hand in hand - faith and conscience. Because it is so important for Timothy to "keep his eye on the ball," to be focused about both his task and the purity of his own heart as he completes his mission, to be able to declare as Paul does in 2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
What temptation is Paul trying to counter in his prot
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Q3. (1 Timothy 1:17) What do we learn about God from this doxology?
His magnitude, character (integrity), omnipotence, authority - the great I AM.
What do we learn about praise?
Praise is eternal (forever and ever), God inhabits the praises of His people (Ps 22:3 & Ps 117:1)
Have you ever tried speaking out a doxology in your personal prayer or praise time?
Yes, doxologies and the promises straight from the Word - God is faithful and will bring to completion the work He has started in you. My favourite doxology is:
Jud 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jud 1:25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
What effect does a doxology have on the speaker?
Strengthens our faith in God the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit, a positive input into our lives.
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Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)?
According to verse 9, "the law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinful" (and Paul refers to himself in verse 16 as the "foremost [of sinners]"), yet God entrusted him with the "glorious gospel of the blessed God" (verse 11).
Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter?
If he qualifies for God's grace, "accompanied by faith and love that are in Christ Jesus" (verse 14), how much more do they/we.
How might sharing this help get the church back on center?
Paul says he acted out of ignorance in unbelief (verse 13), those who "wandered away into vain arguments and discussions and purposeless talk" can also through the grace of God be forgiven and follow after "the glorious gospel of the blessed God" (verse 11).
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Q1. (1 Timothy 1:3-7) What were some of the results of false doctrine in the church at Ephesus? How does doctrinal controversy hurt the spirit of a church? How does it prevent growth? How does it keep the church from its mission?
Jesus prayed in John 17:21 That they all may be one (Jesus wants His church to be unified - false doctrine/doctrinal controversy divides), [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us (with so many denominations, how are we one with our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father?), so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent me (division keeps the church from it's mission, preventing growth) (brackets added)
Q4. Example of Godliness
in 4. Setting a Godly Example (1 Timothy 4)
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