maddog

Gal 5:14, 17-18 tells us to love our neighbor as ourself; be lead by the spirit;and living by the spirit takes us out of the law. Legalism/legalistic and judgemental characteristics are not needed to follow Christ. They are characteristics that have the opposite effect. Those who carry themselves this way are more interested in giving the impression that they are living Holy, when they are not. Being changed starts in the heart and is not cerebral. We can be serious by living by the precepts provided, with love for Christ and our fellow workers in Christ. Love then is the core from which from which our actions and character are grounded.

The assurance that Jesus Christ continues to be an oblation for our sins. Comfort omes from knowing that we have a counselor who will never leave us or forsake us. If we say we are children of God, our lives should be reproach.

Acknowledging one's missteps and asking for forgiveness. The 9th verse provides the process to receive forgiveness. Sins are covered by our confession. Cleanliness requires righteous living. Jesus was Holy and we should be Holy. Forgiveness is asking for grace and mercy to wipe our sins away.

When A Christian walks in darkness will be judged more harshly bec ause they know better. ( 2 Peter 1. 5-7)5And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. We are fooling ourselves if we think we are fooling anyone else. We are just looking at the carnal. The result is that we are not covered by the blood of Jesus. Repent, acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and ask for forgiveness.

we claim interet in the members of the community but are reluctant to discuss our frailities. we rather keep our skeletons in the closet. we must ask the Holy Spirit for courage. we must increase our familarity to the Word as we develop a stronger faith walk and not be afraid or shameful as we share our missteps. we have all fallen short of the glory of God and none of us came to Christ squeekie clean. deepening spiritual fellowship with others helps strengthen the community of believers.

Q1. (1 Timothy 5:1-16) What responsibilities do we have to help aging family members? According to Paul, in what way is this our Christian responsibility? In what way is this a "repayment" of a debt? To what does Paul compare to those who refuse this responsibility? It's our Christian duty to minister to the needs of our Christian famlies. We express our love for God by providing for the needs of the least of them. We should not allow them to become wards of the States or a burden on the Christian community. When we don't we deny the faith we claim to have and are worse than unbelievers Mat 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me. When we couldn't care for ourselves our mother and fathers cared for us. We honor our father and mother by doing the same: our repayment is a commitment to God. Those who fail to exercise this responsibility are unfaithful and an infidel.

Q4. (1 Timothy 4:12b) Rigid, unsmiling orthodoxy can teach right doctrine, but cannot produce godliness. Why not? Why is a strong example of godliness in church leaders essential to a healthy church? The food we eat does not defile us. What defiles us is what comes out of the heart. You can do a laundry list of rituals/liturgy but, if the reason you do it is to help your way into God's promise, you have missed the boat. Jesus doesn't want us to parade around the Church just to be seen and heard. A strong example of Godliness is essential for the effective life of the Church. The members come to be fed the truth and examples of Christian living. If not they will leave. Those coming to be saved will become disinterested and leave the Church when the leaders and the members "do not walk the talk." "They are doing the same thing I am doing." The Church is a fish bowl where someone is always waiting for someone to fail.

Q3. (1 Timothy 4:7-8) How would you define "godliness"? What produces godliness in a person? How is godliness different from embracing a strict morality? Godliness is the willful commitment to follow Jesus' example. One doesn't exercise and perform to show the world their outward righteousness but conducts themselves inwardly in way pleasing to God. Godliness is knowing who God is and to whom we belong. We should live our lives according to the the gifts we have been given. God wants us to have no other God before Him and to love our neighbors as our selves. Godliness is different because it is based on a lifestyle change as worship and praise to God. Godliness is focusing on and beliving on the prmises of God. On the other hand, embracing a strict morality is no evidence of a change in body and spirit. It is more legalistic oriented than a lifestyle change created by one's belief in the Word and the promises of God.

Q2. (1 Timothy 4:3-5) Why is performance of legalistic requirements so attractive to people? What fruit does it produce in a person's life? In what ways is this emphasis so different from the true gospel? It's attractive because it shows others that you are a beliver and follower of the Law. Others will look upon you as having a closer relationship with God. As my mother would say, "the proof of the pudding is in the eating." In otherwords, saying you are does not mean anything. You must manifest your faith walk from the inside out., It produces a felling of self righteousness as you follow the law. Real change is brought about by the Holy Spirit, working on the inside.

Q1. (1 Timothy 4:1-2) Why does Paul remind Timothy (and the church) of predictions concerning widespread apostasy? What effect should this knowledge have on his ministry and the church's perception of the situation? Paul is reminding him that scripture has already foretold apostasy. He is encouraging Timothy to keep the faith, even in the midst of and being surrounded by those who are controlled by demonic spirits. Paul doesn't want Timothy to lose faith nor his zeal for the task at hand. The message is intended to strengthen Timothy and the Church to continue to stand fast and immovable, always abounding in the word of God, for the work done in the Lord is not in vain.

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they? Overseer/elders: above reproach, husband of one wife, temperate, respectable, prudent, hospitable, able to teach, not a fighter, not money hungry, good household, peaceable. not an excessive drinker, not a recent convert, good reputation with outsiders Deacons:men of dignity, don't lie, not a heavy drinker, use usury to aquire money, tested, clear conscience about his faith, one wife, and manage their own children, not much wine, must serve a probationary period. A Deacon must serve a proationary period for evaluation. A Deacon's reputation as a spiritual leader will grow as his faith grows, but an Overseer's reputation as a spiritual leader has already been established as he has gone through his probationary period and has been judged to have met the requirements.

Q3. (1 Timothy 3) Why are tendencies to anger, intimidation, force, and pride so important to consider in selecting church officers? What happens when you don't consider these factors? These character flaws wil create havoc and dissension in the body of Christ. If one is to follow Him, one has to be fair, one has to be courteous, kind hearted, accessible, a listener, goal dirrected, work with diverse groups to find common ground, and must treat their neighbors as themselves. Otherwise, frustration within grows, anger erupts, dissatisfaction pervades the Church, members leave, leaders will be removed, funds needed to do the work of the Church dwindle and affects the ministerial outreach of the church, and, but not least, the growth of the House of God withers because of the poor stewardship.

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? Paul advises them that one who has come in as a babe is not qulified to do the work. Their faith has not been tested. Their moral character must be assessed. The growth in their humility requires sufficient evaluation. They need to be spoon fed baby food" As babes they are not ready for regular food. They may also discover that this work is not what they want to do. This probationary period gives the leaders of the Chur cha chance to observe and it gives the candidate a chance to determine if this is their call.

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? Paul is establishing the character qualities required of the positions. As a servant of God one must carry themselves above reproach. The way you handle "the little things" is the same way you'd handle the spiritual requirements. Paul is not looking for those who change wives the way the do their socks. He wants someone wo will be a beacon on the hill drawing lost souls to Christ.

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? God wants all to be saved. Following false teachers and their teachings, severs the relationship one has with God. The false teachers were not teaching the Gospel in its unadulturated truth which hampered the Church's growth.

Q4. (1 Timothy 1:18-19) Why does Paul need to remind Timothy about the prophecies spoken over him? In practical terms, what does "fight the good fight" really mean? Why does Paul tell Timothy to "hold on to faith and a good conscience"? What temptation is Paul trying to counter in his prot

Q3. (1 Timothy 1:17) What do we learn about God from this doxology? What do we learn about praise? Have you ever tried speaking out a doxology in your personal prayer or praise time? What effect does a doxology have on the speaker? We learn that God is Supreme, all wise, ever present, none has seen, and the one and only true God. We learn that through our trials and tribulations we need to continue to praise and worship the Almighty. We need to praise him when we have a mountain top experience and when we are in our valley experiences. We must keep our focus on Jesus and with the help of the Holy Spirit we can make it. We'll also be able to discern between good doctrine and false doctrine. Wolves in sheep clothing. The effect of speaking a doxology in prayer or in worship for me fills my spirit and makes me more humble, makes me distinctly aware of God's greatness, and enhances my praise and my worship. I am lifting up God. I am lookig toward the hills where my help comes from, knowing that my help comes from the Lord.

Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on center? The words Paul used was designed to get their attention. He wanted them know that grace and mercy was unmerited. God's mercy and God's grace is given. The law had its place and purpose. He followed the law but was changed on the Damascus Road as he sought out those of "The Way." Jesus was the truth and the way. Through Him, alone, are we redeemed. Ths lets those of us, and I include myself, know that we need but repent and ask forgiveness for the things we have done through Jesus Christ. We will be received as was the prodigal son.

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? Those who were teaching false doctrines were not concerned with the destructive nature of their teachings. They were more concerned with self as they set themselves apart and elevated themselves above the membership. Leaders who do this affect the growth and stability of the Church, and, in many cases cause an exodus out of the Church. Membership is confused, their anchor pulls away from their strength: Jesus, and those who are lost stay lost. The mission of the Church is undermined.

The two parts are a blessing for those who following Jesus and a reward. The admonition is not to live as the religious leaders, but, to live manifesting the Fruits of the Spirit. The relationship between the Beatiudes and Fruit of the Spirit can be likened to a marriage: a marriage that has been made in Heaven. God will comfort, wipe away our tears, and enlarge our territories, when we seek His face.

We have an incredible inheritance in the promise of God. This inheritance of eternal life was given to us, not because we are soooo good, but because God loved us, His children, and sent His Son to die on the Cross for us. We should at all times and in all places give our best because that is what God wants from us. He gave us His best. So, as we go about our everyday lives we need to focus on God. We must keep our eye on the prize. He will see us through all that comes against us. Let us trust and not give up. Let us daily delve into the Word, pray, come together, and strengthen our Faith. 2 Chronicles 14 tells us just what will, I said will happen: "if my people who are called by my name, should humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." Live the life of Christ! What support, what does the non-believer have to loook forward to?

This word, predestination, is misunderstood. I can remember my confusion about predestination as a young person in Christ. I read Webster too clearly. He says: "predesdination is the doctrine that God in consequence of His foreknowlege of all events infallibly guides those who are destined to salvation. If we use a broad brushstroke for this definition, we, as I did, come away wondering about who are the chosen. And, if there are those that are chosen who will enter into the presence of God, regardless, why should we concern ourselves with any of this? But, I am so glad that God revealed to me that I was predestined to be His before I entered the womb. He loves me so much that He gives wisdom, knowledge, understanding, forgiveness, and our inheritance as heirs to the Kingdom. We are predestined, yes. but, it's what we DO for Christ that matters in the end.

We are in Christ because He has brought us a price beyond belief: He gave His life to save us and give us eternal salvation. We are the recipients of His grace and mercy. The only thing we are asked to do is to live our lifes as a testimony to Him who died for us. We can't buy, beg, sneak, or ride the coattails of anyone else to enter into the Kingdom. We must establish and maintain our, personal relationship with Him through the word and prayer/supplication.