nerraw20
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Posts posted by nerraw20
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Q4. (2 Timothy 4:21a) Why is it important to Paul for Timothy to come before winter? What happens if Timothy delays? Do you think Timothy dropped everything and came to Paul's side? Would you, if you were Timothy?
Timothy was wanted before winter because travel was delayed for months in the winter. Paul may hve wanted his coat before the cold weather hit.
Unless the spiritual priorities were greater where he was Timothy probably went. If he didn't I'm sure the pull was strong to want to comfort his father in the faith. If there was an open door I would hope I would go but that is easier said than done.
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Q3. (2 Timothy 4:9-12) Why is it so difficult when trusted friends desert us? Why is it so difficult when they move away or die? Is it better to trust no one? Who remains with Paul besides Luke? (Hint: see verse 17a).
We loose a source of encouragement when friends leave us. They in a sense become a part of us and when they leave it can feel as if something is missing. It challenges our faith. We must keep God our main source He will never leave us.
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Q2. (2 Timothy 4:8) What does the "crown of righteousness" represent? To whom is it given? On what basis is it awarded?
The righteousness awarded to those who kept the faith, that was earned by Jesus when He sacrificed Himself. The perfect righteousness needed to satisfy the Fathers requirement to enter His Kingdom.
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Q1. (2 Timothy 4:6-7) What does it mean to have "fought the good fight" or "run the good race"? What does it take to "finish the race(course)" God has designed for you? What does it mean to "keep the faith"?
To fight the good fight is to speak the truth to the end in the midst of many lies, temptations, and persecutions from false teachers.
It takes daily communion through prayer and meditation of His word. Continually humbling ourselves before His throne.
To keep the faith means to trust completely in Gods grace to the end.
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Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief
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Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief
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Q1. (Luke 23:34) Who was most responsible for killing Jesus? What responsibility do you and I bear in this? In what sense was Jesus praying for us?
Supprisingly it is God who is most responsible. Jesus was slain before the foundation of the world. Jesus was sent by the Father to die for our sins. We gave plenty of reason for the need of a redeemer.
Jesus was praying for us in that when we sin we dont really understand what we are doing. We are in a sense doing violence to God.
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Q4. (2 Timothy 4:5) Why does Paul command Timothy to "discharge all the duties of your ministry"? What is the work of an evangelist that Timothy is to do? What does the command in verse 5 mean to you personally?
To be well rounded in teaching and correction. Timothy is to teach about salvation and train in righteousness.
To work hard at fullfiling the service God has for me.
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Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2? Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient? What problem is Paul trying to overcome here? How do these verses speak to you in particular?
It's easy to get off message and drift from the word. We have to be committed to serving any time the opportunity presents itself. Paul wantss to keep the reason we gather to be edifying in Christ. It seems that we shoud be careful to be diligent not to become just a social outlet as a church, but to be building each other up in Christ.
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Q2. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) In what ways does Scripture equip a Christian for ministry? In what different ways can the Scriptures function, according to verse 16?
The scripture shows us God's will for our life. It corrects us when we get off track. It teaches, corrects, rebukes, and trains us in what righteousness is all about.
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Q2. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) In what ways does Scripture equip a Christian for ministry? In what different ways can the Scriptures function, according to verse 16?
The scripture shows us God's will for our life. It corrects us when we get off track. It teaches, corrects, rebukes, and trains us in what righteousness is all about.
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Q1. (2 Timothy 3:16) What does inspiration of Scripture mean? What does the term "God-breathed" tell us about the source and authority of Scripture? Why is the doctrine of inspiration of Scripture important?
Inspiration means God breathed, which is a supernatural influence from the Holy Spirit. The doctrine of inspiration is important because it sets it apart from just being the opinion or knowledge of man.
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Q4. (2 Timothy 3:10-12) How does a failure to accept the inevitability of persecution hinder our witness? Just what does it mean to "take up his cross daily" (Luke 9:23) and to "carry his cross" (Luke 14:27)? Is Jesus talking about persecution -- or something else?
Failure to accept the inevitability of persecution will cause one to be silent or lose heart when it comes.
The cross stands for the life lived in obedience to Christ. Walking in humility, laboring for Him, and eventually persecution.
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Q3. (2 Timothy 3:5) Why is it so easy to become a hypocrite? How can we prevent our faith from degenerating into "a form of religion" without the power?
Pride is powerful and we don't want people to know when we are weak so we whitewash our lives with religeon. Instead of humble dependance upon God we put on a self sufficient act. The love of self, money, and pleasure distract us from a love of God.
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Q2. (2 Timothy 2:24-25) In your own words, explain the various characteristics that enable a Christian teacher to correct opponents. How does the lack of any of these hinder the task?
The various characteristics are gentle, not quarrelsome, respectful, humble, and skilllful in teaching. It is God that works in the heart of the hearers. If we lack these qualities then we distract from what God is doing, communication breaks down.
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Q1. (2 Timothy 2:20-22). When do you put your good plates and silverware on the table? When do you use your everyday tableware? What point is Paul making with this example? In practical terms, how do we "cleanse ourselves" so that we might be useful and ready for the Lord's use?
We like to use our good plates when its a special occassion. We use our everyday plates so our good ones are preserved both in condition and appreciation. When we rid ourselves of evil desires and pursue godliness we make ourselves ready for God to use us in His special service. We have a choice everyday as to what we will put on and what we put away, in regards to our attitudes and desires, as stated in Colossians. In Gods house we can either be a good example, or a horrible warning.
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Q4. (2 Timothy 2:15) Exactly what is the analogy with a skilled workman that forms the basis for Paul's instruction to Timothy? How does this apply to our teaching of scripture today?
The craftsman works long and carefully to get it right just as one who practises the Christian walk. We are to study well.
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Q3. (2 Timothy 2:3-7) Paul calls Timothy to endure hardship for the sake of the goal. What in the experience of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer illustrate this well? Which of these examples speaks most strongly to you?
A soldier gives up comfort to live on the battlefield.
An athlete trains using many different exercises.
A farmer puts in long hours and then has to wait for the harvest.
The soldier example speaks the most to me because I struggle with giving up comforts.
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Q2. Why do you think our churches tend not to declare the call to endurance and suffering? Why did Timothy tend to shy away from it? What is the result of a willingness to suffer for the gospel?
One reason is that we naturally tend to shy away from suffering and hardship. Some are not able to endure. The promise is that we will reign with Him if we endure.
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Q2. Why do you think our churches tend not to declare the call to endurance and suffering? Why did Timothy tend to shy away from it? What is the result of a willingness to suffer for the gospel?
One reason is that we naturally tend to shy away from suffering and hardship. Some are not able to endure. The promise is that we will reign with Him if we endure.
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Q1. (2 Timothy 2:2) Why is it important for pastors and church leaders to execute a strategy of mentoring teachers and elders in a congregation? How much time should be devoted to this teaching of future leaders vs. the time spent in administration and programs?
To multiply what can get done, both now and in future generations. A stategy will help recognize who is ready to invest valuable time into.
It seems to me that Jesus invested most of his time in teaching. I don't know of any programs that Jesus started, someone tell me if He did.
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Q4. (2 Timothy 1:12) According to verse 12, what is the source of Paul's fearlessness? What does he trust God to guard for him?
His knowledge and relationship to Christ.
The fruit of his ministry and his very life.
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Q3. (2 Timothy 1:8-10) Paul is writing to encourage timid Timothy. How is Paul's focus on Christ and the gospel designed to encourage Timothy? How is this an antidote for shame?
To get Timothy to see the victory and coming reward. It makes one realize that compared to whats coming are pain is nothing.
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This is a difficult question. I imagine fear...or fear of losing my job--but most of all coming across as self-righteous.
I need to remember Who is in charge & know my belief is in the Ruler of the Universe. I need to get my eyes off myself & onto Jesus--really having a burden for & a heart for others.
It's interesting that I have the same fear you mentionted, about coming across as self righteous. As I thought about it, I think that sharing our own weakness or dependence of Gods sufficiency would help dispell that. Though discernment is needed since some probably would not appreciate the "pearls".
Q6. It Is Finished (John 19:30)
in Seven Last Words of Christ from the Cross
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