DrD

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? Basically during special occasions or when entertaining special guest - common or familiar dinnerware is used everyday. . . The point Paul is making is as born again believers our character ought to be such that our best is displayed everyday and for every occasion. . . In practical terms we cleanse ourselves by repenting of and forsaking any act and all activities that are opposed or contrary to the Word of God - the will, purpose, and plan of God - and then pursuing and practicing those that please Him. . .

It is to do our best in what God has given us to do. In doing our best we must do what it takes to be our best this includes studying Gods Word with the purpose of understanding it for ourselves so that we are living in agreement with the Word / applying it in every situation and circumstance we face. . . It also applies to developing an effective prayer life and meditating in the Word of God. . . This results in us becoming better so that we in-turn do our best in service to God. . . The application is the same we must do our best to be our best so that we do our best for the Lord. . . 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (KJV) 24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

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? It

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? I feel that many churches today tend not to declare the call to endurance and suffering because we have become to accustomed to the comforts and prosperity we have today. . . I feel that there is some pride is involved in this failure also

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? This IS important because of the need for this teaching to continue beyond the four walls of the particular church building

This IS important because of the need for this teaching to continue beyond the four walls of the particular church building – and also to continue on beyond the life of that pastor or church leader. . . . In comparison to time spent in administration (which is important) and programs and then time spent in teaching and training future leaders – the time, energy and effort afforded to teaching and training future leaders should be of utmost importance and should therefore exceed the time spent in administration and programs many-fold. . .

His confident trust in Christ - His ability to not only protect and provide for him while here on earth - but also His promises that Paul - as well as all believers - will be in His presence eternally. . . Paul is trusting God to guard his life and fruit of his ministry while he labors here on earth - and to successfully continue producing fruit even after he had departed this world. . .

We must focus on Christ - who He is - what He has done for us - and what He has promised to us - this should suffice to drive out all of our fears and encourage us to boldly live and serve God as He has purposed. . . This is the method Paul chose to encourage Timothy - and this is what encourages me. . . Acts 20:24-32 (KJV) 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

There have been occasions in the past that I have repented of - and have cast out of my memory - however, in the resent past and not so distant past I have stood firmly on my fellowship and association with Christ and have taken full advantage of opportunities to share Christ with others. . . According to verse 12 the antidote for cowardice and shame is faith in God and the confidence in His promises that they will manifest in our lives - He will keep us and receive us unto Himself at His return. . . I combat the tendency to be afraid or ashamed through faith in God and in Hie Word - He promised that He would not leave or forsake me - that He would be with me always and in all situations. . . Romans 5:1-5 (KJV) 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

My advice to them would be the same advice Paul gives Timothy - rekindle the gift and use it to the glory and honor of God. . . This gift can be rekindled by picking up where you left off - getting involved again in these areas where this gift can be used and exercised. . . Prayer is a good place to start but there must also be an action or actions that correspond with what you are praying for. . .James 2:14-26 (KJV) 14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Q5. (1 Timothy 6:20-21) How can we guard the faith without becoming narrow, backward-looking people who oppose all change, and complain about "what things are coming to"? How can guards be at the same time positive, loving, and pleasant to be around? The truth is the truth

Q4. (1 Timothy 6:17-19) What kinds of actions are the best antidote for the love of money? How can we cultivate generosity so that it remains healthy, rather than let it go overboard and hurt our families? Having and maintaining a confident trust in God

How does love for money grow? By having one's mind and thoughts fixed or centered on gaining or acquiring more and more of the things of the world. . . 1 John 2:15-17 (NRSV) 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; 16 for all that is in the world--the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches--comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever. Matthew 16:24-26 (NRSV) 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? This becomes a trap because the result of such robs us of the effort, the time and delight that we should have for the Lord and put forth doing those things that contribute to our spiritual growth - which leads to a life of compromise and carnality. . . We are able to escape this deceptive trap by seeking to please Christ - by involving ourselves in those things that are conducive to spiritual growth - prayer - Bible study - meditating in the Word and applying the Word in our lives - and of course assembling ourselves with other believers. . . Hebrews 10:23-25 (NRSV) 23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

NO, this is not a wise thing to do in ALL cases - reason being, even when people purpose to do the right thing events can occur that prevents them from doing as they intended. . . Paul vouches for Onesimus to strengthen the testimony of him being born again and becoming a new and different person. Paul vouching for Onesimus to Philemon, whom Onesimus had wronged had the ability to bring reconciliation between these two brothers. . . 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (NRSV) 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Christ vouches for us through His office as Intercessor and Advocate before the Throne of God. . . We should vouch for each other for the same reasons - when it can aide reconciliation and restoration and as intercessors in our prayer life. . . Galatians 6:1-5 (NRSV) 1 My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. 4 All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor's work, will become a cause for pride. 5 For all must carry their own loads. Romans 15:1-6 (NRSV) 1 We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. 3 For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I see "CONTENTMENT" as being something that takes us beyond self-sufficiency to a place where we are confident of God's faithfulness - that He will supply our every need - and where we have become so satisfied or settled in this confident trust in Him that our efforts and energies are involved in growing closer and stronger in Him as opposed to trying to sufficient in ourselves. . . "CONTENTMENT" - God will always supply our need based on His character and attributes (Omnipotence - Omnipresence - Omniscience) - there is no outside source or circumstance that has the ability o prevent Him from doing as He has promised. . . "OUR QUEST FOR IMPROVEMENT" - there are outside sources and circumstances that can - and many time do - prevent us from acquiring what we need or retaining what we have acquired. . .

Q2. (Philemon 14) Why doesn't Paul come right out and command Philemon? Is this out of respect for his personhood or to build moral character in him -- or what? Paul doesn

Having more, or becoming wealthy seems to be the goal of so many people - even in the Church - so when told that living to specific rules or codes that can lead to wealth is a very strong temptation that is difficult tom resist. . . Teaching such as "debt is bondage" - "seed offerings always produce an overflowing harvest" - giving to a "specific" ministry increases God's favor in a person's life" - sound good but are not necessarily true. . . Jesus gave us the right ways and means for giving - 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (KJV) 6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

Q1. (Philemon 12) Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? Why is it necessary for Onesimus to do this? First of all because it is the right thing to do. . . Even though Paul may not agree with slavery

In the Gospel and according to Jesus - all are equal - basically we are all slaves in that Jesus is our Master - although we are not held against our will - we are surrendered and willingly serve Jesus. . . Paul is NOT condoning slavery - he is encouraging the Christians that might be in that situation to remain civil, and to respect their masters so that the Name of Christ - nor His teachings would not be slandered. . . Paul's motive for this is that the Church would continue to progress and grow. . .

Because there must be an inward change as well as the presence and influence of the Spirit of God to produce godliness in that person. Strong examples of godliness in Church leaders is important because people that follow certain people tend to mimic their behavior and lifestyle. . . Righteousness begats righteousness - unrighteous behavior has the same affect. . .

I think he was singled out as a means of encouragement - to help him to remain focused on calling and service to Christ - and to avoid the temptation to become complacent and to remain steadfast in the ministry of which he was assgned. . . I would say he was serving in the Church but not up to his full potential. . . maybe he is some way felt intimidated and for fear of overshadowing others he did not fully apply all of his skills and talents. . . How does he remind me of myself? Having a really strong urge to step out in faith and do all those things that I am convinced God desires I do. Many times, to get these things done there are certain protocals that have to be followed [customs and traditions of the church] - or evens the politics of the church [not having the right connections] - and because of this being somewhat reluctant to initiate the work for fear of challenging and embarassing those that should performing these services - or leading those that have the ability to get it done. . . Because of this I can understand why Paul was so insistent that his readers remained continuous in prayer for the Church. . .Understanding also that moving too quickly can shutdown the process altogether - where prayer and patience can open doors that can result in God's will being performed. . .

Formal accusations were necessary to "try" the false teachers because of the severity of the consequence if such accusations were proven to be true. Church leaders are held in esteem both by those who follow them as well as those who do not - false accusations can have a negative affect upon the leader(s) as well as the Church /Ministry thus making it extremely important that the accusers make their complaint formal - and that such ccomplaints be properly examined. . .

To take advantage of every opportunity made available by being stern enough to get the attention of those we are witnessing to but gentle enough to draw them to Christ and not push them away. . . We allow opportunities to slip by when we are ill-prepared, doubtful of our affect, fearful of supposed consequences, or possible ashamed of the Gospel. . . Our testimony or conversation being "full of grace" helps in our representation of Christ in that it makes the Gospel attractive resulting in a favorable response. . .

According to the Word of the Lord - elders that labor in the work of the Lord are entitled to compensation - especially those who direct the affairs of the Church (Pastors). . . Paul supports this with instructions and examples that are set forth in the Old Testament as well as teaching from Jesus. . .

THat opportunities for evangelism will be made more available and that he, as well as those working with him would take full advantage of those opportunities. . . It doesn't matter how long we may have been involved in preaching, teaching, or evangelizing - or how much success we may have had - we still need God's involvement to remain successful. . . Without Chtist's involvement there is no possibility for success when working for the Lord. . . Psalms 127:1 (NRSV) [b]1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. [/b]