Sasquatch

Q4. (Romans 6:17b) How does good doctrine affect the way we live? Why should we honor good doctrine? If we shouldn't look down on doctrine itself, what kind of teaching should we be avoiding? Good doctrine is the basis of our inner beliefs which guide our behavior. We honor good doctrine or sound teaching as it is God's word in the Bible. We should avoid watered down doctrine or false teachers (1 Timothy and 2 Timothy).

Q3. (Romans 6:15-18). What does obedience have to do with slavery? We are slaves to God or to sin............whomever we obey is our master. In what way does doing acts of righteousness demonstrate your slavery to God? My father used to tell me it is not what you say but what you do that tells the truth about your character. Our actions or righteous acts reflect who is our master. In the Bible, it says we cannot serve "two masters" ......we will love one and hate the other. We must come down on one side of the net or the other. In what ways does doing bad things demonstrate a slavery to sin? We all sin; however, continued bad deeds or trend sin demonstrate slavery to sin. How is such a slavery or bondage broken? We must obey the form of teaching to which we have been entrusted. Through God's grace and our inner desire to seek and obey Christ's teaching, we can be set free. What part does obedience have in breaking this bondage? We must obey Christ or Satan...........we must obedient to Christ not sin. In what areas is God speaking to you about a fresh obedience in your life? I can get off track due to my responsibilities to my work. Long hours of research and production lead inevitably to placing God in a secondary position. I go to Sunday School and church, but my daily spiritual life is strained. Due to time pressure, I neglect my daily spiritual life, my relationship with God. This behaviour, of course, leads to feelings of guilt. On a positive note, I am certain God has placed me in the position I work in for his purpose and glory. I have prayed about it. Through prayer and scripture, it has come to me that if I am to work in this world, what I do, I do for Him. I have met and deal daily with many wonderful people of course, yet there is so much corruption, treachery and duplicity in the work world that it takes all I have to let God's light shine in my work. But with God's help, I press on. This lesson on obedience or being a slave of righteousness resonates strongly through me. Yes, I think God is speaking to me about a fresh obedience.

Q1. What kinds of circumstances in modern life can you think of where a single person acts for an entire group? In what ways are members of the group tied to this person? The leader of a country such as the President of the United States or the leader of Iran acts for the people or the entire group. The decisions and policy of this leader should be that of the people; however, sometimes issues such as abortion, gay marriage, and the holocaust do not represent a large part of the constituency. For instance, the current US President is highly pro-abortion (killing the unborn) which is diametrically opposed to many Americans who believe in the sacredness of human life. Another instance is the leader of Iran does not believe the holocaust occurred. Strong beliefs on moral issues or immoral beliefs are difficult to bear for members (Americans) tied to the United States.

What does Jesus' Fourth Word from the cross teach us about faith? Jesus' cry at his darkest hour on the cross is the ultimate example for us all. Even when forsaken by God, Jesus cries out in faith. I estimate nearly all of us have cried out to God in our darkest hours. Jesus' cry is the ultimate example of faith. About commitment? Jesus knew what was to happen. In the Garden of GethsemaneYet, Jesus prayed, 'Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.' In spite of the coming struggle and great loss, Jesus fulfilled his commitment. About love? "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34b) teaches us about how much the Jesus and God love us. They love us so much that that they severed for a time their love for each other. The crucifixion on the cross separates them apart and for a short time places them on opposite sides -- as enemies. What effect should this understanding have on our lives? Perhaps that nothing.........not even certain death should challenge our faith. God is our refuge even in the darkest hour, even when we do not feel him or even when contact may not be discernible. In our weakest, human moments, God is there.

Why is the thief's faith so astounding in this situation? The key is faith; the criminal or thief is bursting with faith. All of the disciples have fled, but despite the wood, the nails, and the pain of the cross, the thief believes in Jesus as the Messiah. The thief refuses to abandon his faith in God in this time of utter hopelessness and pain. The thief has more faith that day than anyone witnessing this gruesome event. What did the thief receive that day? The thief recognizes the just punishment he is getting for his sins, but he believes so strongly (like the Centurion) that he asks Jesus to remember him. He was with Jesus in paradise that day. What do you think this meant to Jesus? The thief is an encourager........a special companion, a follower, a believer of the Messiah and teacher Jesus Christ. His profound belief must have been a great comfort to the Teacher in his hour of need. Jesus did not die alone.

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? It is important to Paul for Timothy to come before winter as travel became more difficult in winter due to storms that basically closed the Mediterranean. Ships wintered in safe harbors between November and March. If Timothy delays he may lose any opportunity to help Paul or see Paul in his last days before his execution. We do not know based on scripture but I think Timothy would and so would I.

Why is it so difficult when trusted friends desert us? We feel betrayed or mistreated when trusted friends abandon us. For me, the relationships with my true friends are forged by both good times and bad. These trusted relationships have been tried by fire and fights. The bond created or shared between brothers and sisters in this situation is strong. It just hurts when this dies or goes away. Why is it so difficult when they move away or die? A good example is losing a family member or friend who was the person you went to in tough times. One feels an emptiness that is simply tough to handle. I lost my father at an age where I had a very difficult time handling his passing. The world becomes much less without them. Is it better to trust no one? No, but trust is not given easily. For whatever reason, people can be cruel. I have learned that the one constant and source of my strength is the Word. If I trust in the Word, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. One of the ladies in my Sunday School class who is 75 told me "Put your trust in the Word, not the minister, not the deacons, not the elders, nor anyone person. Put your trust in God, she said, as God does not change." Who remains with Paul besides Luke? (Hint: see verse 17a). The One who said

What does the "crown of righteousness" represent? It is not a kingly coronet, but like the olive wreath that was stored up to be placed on the heads of victors at an athletic event such as the Olympics. It is a crown that consists of righteousness to honor and express appreciation for a sense of civic and communal responsibility. The crown was purchased at a great cost with the blood of Christ. To whom is it given? It is given to Paul and all those who long for his coming, who love the Lord, and who hold him in high esteem. On what basis is it awarded? Like the athlete, it is awarded to the athlete who has run the good race, who has fought the good fight, and who has kept the faith.

1. What does it mean to have "fought the good fight" or "run the good race"? Like an athlete, Paul has endured the hardship and suffering of training for the gospel. He has

Why does Paul command Timothy to "discharge all the duties of your ministry"? Perhaps Paul feels Timothy has lost his drive. His

In what ways does Scripture equip a Christian for ministry? The scripture is the truth and inerrant; therefore it is authoritative in describing how a Christian should live his/her life. The Scripture makes one wise so we gain the faith to believe and be blessed with salvation. In what different ways can the Scriptures function, according to verse 16? God breathed Scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness..........so all may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Q2. (2 Timothy 2:24-25) In your own words, explain the various characteristics that enable a Christian teacher to correct opponents. We should teachwith a pure heart and with a clear spirit. Our job is to teach with kindness (no anger and no points scored), to teach with skill (finesse in the face of opposition), to teach without resentfulness (don't be resentful in the face of opposition), to teach with humility (no ego in the face of opposition) and to teach in the hope that God will grant them repentence (our agency is through his Word). How does the lack of any of these hinder the task? Too often I find myself considering people to be on the other side of the net. If I remember that Jesus met people where they were..........then I must follow. I tend to reflect other's attitudes back to them. Instead, the qualities above allow one to teach from a position of strength in God's Word. If I reflect the positive attributes then I obey; If I do not reflect the positive attributes above, I will fail.

When do you put your good plates and silverware on the table? The good china and special silverware are for special occasions. When do you use your everyday tableware? On a daily basis. What point is Paul making with this example? In God's house (a large house), there are articles of gold, silver, wood and clay. This analogy represents the unique designs of man that God has created. We all are different but some are noble and some are ignoble. In practical terms, how do we "cleanse ourselves" so that we might be useful and ready for the Lord's use? If we cleanse ourselves whether we be of wood, clay, gold or silver, we will be an instrument for noble purposes and useful to our Master. Daily prayer and reading the Word......confession of our sins.........forgiving others and ourselves......help us to fulfill our purpose.

How does a failure to accept the inevitability of persecution hinder our witness? In 3 Timothy 10-12, Paul gives examples of his persecution and explains that everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted. As it is scripture, it hinders our witness if we do not accept the Word, believe it, and put into action in our lives. Fear of persecution or suffering is a me thing. My wife reminds me in a wonderful way when we talk about our problems/persecutions "Honey, it is not about you". Just what does it mean to "take up his cross daily" (Luke 9:23) and to "carry his cross" (Luke 14:27)? It keeps me on track to think that God made me with a specific design for his purpose. If I am carrying the mail for the Lord, no external elements can harm me. This is a very difficult time in our world. People are losing their jobs, their homes, and their confidence in our leaders. It is easy to fall into bad thought patterns. In my negative or dark times, I jump out of bed in the morning and slap my hands together and shout "What a great day to go out and serve the Lord!" It gets me going. Is Jesus talking about persecution -- or something else? Paul writes, "no servant is greater than his master". Christ died to give us eternal life. Paul was stoned and left for dead. We each bear our own cross and undergo persecution for our belief in God with a servant's heart. Helen Keller once said "True happiness is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." Fidelity to our purpose in life is the best medicine.