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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? Because it’s God’s desire that all men be saved. Paul includes Kings and others who are in authority over the people of Ephesus and Asia Minor. He’s looking at all people, whether they are for or against the Christians, as potential believers in Jesus Christ. That God desires everyone to come to repentance and follow Jesus. It gets back to when Jesus was healing and preaching, saying,“the kingdom of heaven is near.” Many of the people thought it was a political movement, but it wasn’t; it’s always been a spiritual movement, not a political overthrow of Roman rule but a spiritual movement of repentance and salvation for all of God’s people, threw Christ and Him alone. From the king to the beggars on the street.

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 protégé? Timothy is coming into a less than ideal situation. He is very young and inexperienced and this is maybe the first time that he’s in charge on his own. Remembering the prophecies spoken over him is like saying, “Timothy, this is who God says you are, walk confidently in His strength and fulfill His calling for you.” Be confident in God and who He says you are and step forward in faith, doing the next right this. Preach the words of truth, “Christ crucified for the sins of the world.”To put our faith, hope and trust in Him alone for our salvation. And to continue to deal with the false teachers. Because not doing so leaves you open to false teachings and temptations that will severely damage your faith and ability to lead. He mentions Hymenaeus and Alexander in verse 20 as an example. Hymenaeus in 2 Timothy 2:17-18 is described as a false teacher. I assume the Paul is referring to the temptation of succumbing to the temptation of false teaching/blasphemy.

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? That He is the King eternal, that He is immortal, invisible and is the only God. That Paul through his words, reveres Him greatly. That when referring to God praise is most definitely appropriate. And our language can’t fully describe the awesome greatness of God. “Hallowed be thy name.” Yes I have and it always feels appropriate; but hard to stop once you get started. Because the magnificent magnitude of God is hard to put into words and one word leads to the next, a so on. It draws the speaker into an attitude of awed reverence and appreciation for God, the very creator of all things known and unknown. He not only created everything but in doing so He conceptualized everything we see, hear, touch and experience. Air, water, light, dark, mountains, snow, ice, humans, animals, insects, the universe and faith, hope, and love. To name a few. To God be all glory, honor and praise!

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? I think that his statements are make to show the difference between him and other false teacher at Ephesus and in Asia Minor. That being, Paul was called into service by God. Being strengthened and considered worthy for service. The false teacher wanted to be teachers but didn’t understand what they were saying. Ill equipped and hadn’t received God’s calling. False teachers were a big problem in Ephesus and other churches in Asia Minor. And that Paul’s authority came from God and Timothy’s authority comes from God through Paul commissioning him. Important for Timothy and the church to hear those facts. The threat of false teachers is exposed before they can do anymore damage misleading the congregation. And Timothy can come in and major on preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ instead of pointless things that lead to arguments and dissension.

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? The main result of these false doctrines is that they drew people away from the truth of the gospel. That we put our faith, hope and trust in Christ alone for our salvation. These false teaching were hindering the truth. The spirit of a church should be a common love for the Lord and for one another. These false teachings caused arguments and separated the church members. People followed mere men instead of Christ. People who either know the Lord or are earnestly seeking Him will not stay in a church wracked with turmoil and dissension. And visitors will notice the lack of love there and move on. It keeps the church from focusing on the main points of the gospel. That we are all sinners in dire need of a savior. And that Jesus Christ is that Savior.

Q36. (Luke 14:25-32) Are Jesus' demands of his disciples too uncompromising? Are we too compromising with the world's demands? What do you need to completely surrender so Jesus has all of you? No, I don’t think that they are. Jesus gave His all, everything to us and for us unto death. If we are to be effective as disciples and experience the abundant life promised in the Bible, we need to be all in. Probably so; we are in the world, but not supposed to be of it. It’s easy for that line to be blurred and to get on the wrong side of it. It will be a constant struggle: the world, the flesh and the devil. Obedient and fearless.

Q60. (Matthew 13:51-52) What is the "old" that the householder brings out of his treasure box? What is the "new." In what way must we disciples be "cross-trained" as scribes of the Kingdom? The “old” is living under the Law and works. Never being able to keep it and constantly having to give a sacrifice when the Law is broken. The “new” is living by grace. That Jesus has done it all by giving His life on a cross for our sins. No more do, because Christ has already done it. Because they have the very difficult job of getting people to let go of the Law and to embrace grace. To declare that the new treasure is inherently much more valuable than the old treasure. “By letting your light shine before men in such a way that they see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Q59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? What is a bland witness to Jesus? How do we stay "salty"? Why are people tempted to hide their "light" or witness? What does Jesus say about that? Because it’s clear, strong and appealing and shows your audience that you truly believe what your saying. Salt creates thirst, the witness should create a thirst to hear more. Halfhearted, uninspired and weak. We stay salty by staying in God’s Word and by being lifted up and inspired by what we are reading. Allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us the words we are reading. By attending and being involved in a Bible teaching church. To be willing to allow God to work through us as He sees fit. I think that it is generally rooted in fear. It has with me. Jesus says to let your light shine for all to see so that they may give glory to God in heaven.

Q58. (Matthew 9:37-38; John 4:35-38) Where in your region does the harvest seem most ripe, that is, where people are most receptive to the gospel? Do you see yourself mainly as a sower or a reaper? Why is there such a shortage of reapers? Would you be willing to be a reaper, if Jesus helps you? I work at my church’s food bank and often get to take the food to people’s cars. I get to greet the people and often have the opportunity to check in with them to pray for them. Rarely has anyone not wanted prayers; of course this isn’t the gospel message. But I believe that the harvest is ripe among the poor and those that have great need. Covid has greatly increased poverty in the area that I live in. I would say that I’m more of a sower than a reaper. Or I have done more sowing than reaping. I believe that ultimately Jesus is the reaper; that we are just there witnessing when they come to Christ. God does all the heavy lifting. It’s a miracle when someone comes from death into life. But it’s still necessary for someone to be there to share with them the gospel message. It’s risky, we feel inadequate, we fear rejection or loss of friendship/relationship. Fear is almost always involved. Yes

Q57. (Matthew 9:36) Why is Jesus' heartbroken over lost sheep? Who are the lost sheep of your community? Of the mission fields that you know about? What is your attitude toward them? Because Jesus is the Good Shepherd and we are like His sheep. When one of us is lost He leaves the herd to find the one and return it to the fold. He loves us so much that He would give His own life to save us. Anyone who doesn’t know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Anyone who doesn’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Jesus loves them and is searching for them. I should do likewise. One at a time.

Q56. (Matthew 9:13; Hosea 6:6) What does Jesus mean when he tells his disciples, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice"? What attitude did the Pharisees have towards sinners? What attitude did Jesus have toward sinners? What attitude do you have toward sinners? What is the role of a spiritual doctor? It means that Jesus was telling the Pharisees that it’s more important for them to love/be merciful to the sinner than it is to bring in into the Temple a sacrifice to God. They seemingly hated them and looked down their noses at them. Avoided them. Jesus went to them knowing that they needed to hear the good news of salvation. He loved them. I am one of them and by God’s grace go I. I needed salvation and so does everyone else. To love them and share the good news of salvation with them.

Q55. (Luke 10:30-37) Why does Jesus contrast a Jewish priest and Levite with a hated Samaritan? According to the parable, how do you think Jesus would define "neighbor," that is, someone we have a responsibility toward? How much does compassion move you to go out of your way and comfort zone to care for those in need? To illustrate that even the hated Samaritan was a neighbor to injured man. That the Priest and Levite should have helped him, with the Samaritan being the only one who had a reason not to help, but he was obedient. Anyone, and especially anyone that is in need, that we have the power to help. I think that compassion is the biggest motivation. But if it isn’t, obedience to God’s will is. Once we get involved in helping someone, even if it’s out of obedience to God, He can do a work in us that gives us true compassion for those we are serving. Our love for Him brings us into a loving relationship with our neighbors. Gives us an entirely different perspective: by the grace of God go I.

Q54. (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-27) Why did Jesus give his disciples the Parables of the Talents and Minas? How are you using the "talents" Jesus has given you? What causes people to "bury" the talents they once used for the Lord? If it is not salvation itself, what is the reward for faithfulness? Why does God expect more of greatly gifted people? So His disciples would understand that God expected them to share the gift of salvation with others while using the other gifts they have received to share it. I pray for opportunities to witness to other and am in a position to do so regularly. And try to do my best to share the talent and treasure God has given me to bless others. But there is always room for improvement. Many things I’m sure, at least with me that has been the case But I think that it’s mostly related to fear: of failing, not doing it right, not doing it good enough, rejection, self conscious, etc. This relates to sharing your faith. With other gifts; often times people don’t know that they have them, or how to use them, other brothers/sisters may see theirs gifts and tell them, pride, possibly not being rightly related to God. Eternal life and crowns received that we can lay at the feet of Christ. Because it’s all about Him. He has called us to love Him and to love our neighbors. We love both Him and our neighbor if we use the gifts He has given us to bless others. The more we are gifted the greater our capacity to share/gift/bless others He puts in our lives.

Q53. (John 13:4-17) In what way is Jesus washing the disciples' feet a parable? Why did this act of washing their feet feel so shocking to the disciples? In what sense is this a parable of cleansing? In what way is it a rebuke of pride and competition? In what way is it a parable of humble service? In what areas of your life do you need to implement its teaching? He illustrated to them the importance of service to one another. And to not let pride get in the way of getting down on your knees and serving someone’s needs. That Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah would lay aside His garments, grab a towel and wash His disciples feet. This would be a servants job and an humiliation for Jesus to perform. Jesus says to Peter that whoever bathes is clean except for his feet and that all of the disciples are clean except one. He was speaking of a spiritual cleanliness and that Judas wasn’t clean. Well if a person is willing to do the lowest job in God’s kingdom then he/she is not competing with anyone or feeling to prideful. Well once again a person doesn’t consider any service, (aka foot washing) beneath their dignity. I would think that in the type of service that Mother Teresa did in Calcutta. I watched a documentary movie on her life and she was willing to serve wherever God placed her. Under truly horrendous circumstances; an amazing Godly woman.

Q52. (Luke 11:5-10; 18:1-8) What is the similarity between Jesus' Parables of the Friend at Midnight and the Unjust Judge? What does this persistence look like in your life? What will persistence in prayer do to develop you as a disciple? The persistence of the friend and the widow. As I consider it right now it doesn’t look very good. I have a number of longstanding prayers but my consistency in verbally expressing them to God is not good. It’s like I’m expecting Him to read my mind or get it by osmosis. Good lesson for me to be diligent and consistent in praying for those people and situations that have haven’t changed yet, over time. Great parable on consistent prayer! It will bring you into a closer relationship/walk with the Lord. It will deepen you love relationship with Him and grow you as a disciple.

Q51. (Matthew 7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13) Why did Jesus give his disciples the Parable of Asking a Father for Bread? What misconception was he seeking to correct? Possibly two misconceptions; first is to ask, that nothing is too small or too large to ask of your Heavenly Father. You can approach His throne of grace with confidence. Secondly, Jesus was telling them that only good comes from the Father. The good that He gives is so much better than the good we give our kids as they ask us. I like the way Jesus establishes sonship in this parable: our relationship with our sons and God as our Heavenly Father.

Q50. (Matthew 6:25-34) How does the Parable of the Birds and the Lilies teach us not to worry? What does Jesus teach about worrying about the future? Rather than worrying, what does Jesus instruct his disciples to do? What does obeying verse 33 look like in your life? It says that He meets all the needs of the Birds and Lilies so why wouldn’t He meet our needs as well. He values us over both of them. Worrying does nothing positive for us; it doesn’t add quality or length to our lives. He says, “to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” To trust in, rely upon and cling to Jesus for all our needs. To take all my fears and worries to God in prayer and to trust Him for the outcome. Micah 6:8-He has shown you, O man, what is good;And what does the Lord require of youBut to do justly,To love mercy,And to walk humbly with your God?

Q49. (Luke 16:13) What are the very subtle ways that we can begin to serve Money rather than God? How can we detect these temptations in our hearts? Why did Jesus tell his disciples the Parable of the Two Masters? Well there many ways that this can happen. And you don’t have to be wealthy to experience it. As a retired person living on a mostly fixed budget, it’s not hard for me to be depending on my retirement income to be sufficient to meet my needs as well as my loved ones. Instead I should be relying on God to meet those needs, it all belongs to Him anyway. To trust in, rely upon and cling to Jesus to meet all those needs as well as my salvation. If I fix my eyes on Him I won’t be worried or stressed when unplanned expenditures come up. When we begin to obsess about acquiring something we could do without because of the status that goes with it. Or when we are willing to compromise or make bad choices when the end game is all about more money. I think that both of these choices can cause stress and conviction in our spirits. Because He didn’t want them to ever get caught up in this situation where wealth could come between them and God. How devastating it would be.

Q48. (Luke 12:16-21) Is being wealthy a sin for a Christian? What was the rich man's actual sin or sinful attitude? How do you sometimes see greed in the people in your neighborhood or social circle? Christians aren't immune. In what ways might greed influence a Christian's behaviors and values? No, but loving money in competition with loving God is a sin. Pride; the pride of life and the pride of all I have accomplished and accumulated. And leaving God out of his life, thinking, I’ve got it made. All his treasures were of this world and none laid up for heaven. Sure and in myself as well. The Bible says that you cannot love both God and money. They are not compatible in competition with one another. Greed will most definitely influence a Christian’s values. It will draw him/her away from their faith in God.

Q47. (Luke 6:1-13) In what way is the dishonest steward supposed to be a positive example to disciples? How does one "lay up treasures in heaven"? Why is the quality of our work of very small things so important to God? What is he waiting to see in us? What happens to people in the church who are promoted beyond their spiritual growth? Well first of all, not because of his dishonesty, but for shrewdness in his business dealings with his master’s debtors. He was able to secure significant payment for debts owed his master as well as ingratiate himself to the same debtors for future favors for himself. Thus padding his unemployment. I guess that there are many thing I could list to do, but if you truly love God and your neighbor, your proactive in your faith, God will produce in you good fruit that will last and will become treasures in heaven. If we are attentive and diligent in the small things then we will be likewise in the larger things. Our track record. That we are committed to Him, His trustworthy servant. Some times they fail in the capacity in which they were placed. Often times a person sees something in them that’s not fully there or they believe that God can equip and grow them into that position. And often times God does if they are fully relying on God’s strength an not their own.

Q46. (Matthew 7:15-20; Luke 6:43-45) From Jesus' images of wolves in sheep's clothing, good and bad fruit, and the treasure chest of the heart, how does he teach us to discern false leaders? Why is this so important in our churches? Why must we distinguish flawed Christian leaders from dangerous false prophets? Jesus says you will know them by their fruit: a good tree (man) can’t produce bad fruit and a bad tree (man) can’t produce good fruit. Jesus says a good heart produces what is good and evil heart produces what is bad. Discern false teachers by their fruit. It makes me think of Galatians 5:22, the good fruits are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:19 lists the bad fruits: immortality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness and carousing. To go back to a parable: it’s like the yeast of the Pharisees’s. False teaching, if accepted by some, can work its way throughout the entire congregation and send it in an Unbiblical direction that may take years to correct, if at all. Harming many people along the way. One leader is flawed and not the right person for leadership, the other is working for Satan and is only there to destroy a church or denomination by false prophecy or teaching.

Q45. (John 6:53-58) What does the metaphor of "eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood," mean in practical terms? To extend the same metaphor, what do you think might be the difference between nibbling the Bread of Life rather than actually making a meal of it? How does "eating his flesh" relate to abiding in Jesus? Why do you think Jesus uses this offensive analogy that resulted in many disciples leaving him? It means to trust in, rely upon and cling to Jesus for your salvation, that leads to eternal life. And to Him alone; no Jesus and…. Only Jesus! Nibbling on it means that I might want certain areas of my life to be private from God. Like I got this part God. I like some of what you’re offering but not sure about the rest. I’m with you and will obey you in the other parts of my life but I’m not going to allow You access into this area. (sin) Not all in, serving two masters. I just think of it as Christ in us. As children of God and believers in Christ as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit lives in us. It seems as though Christ was separating the wheat from the chaff. From those that were interested to those who possibly had other motives.

Q44. (John 15:4-5) What does it mean "to abide"? What does abiding have to do with "mutual indwelling"? With a "personal relationship"? What does Jesus mean when he says, "Apart from me you can do nothing"? What is the value of things done without Christ? What is the final end of things done without Christ? To stay connected to; to keep Christ’s commandments. To stay connected to, to share the same mindset, to be in step with. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus means that apart from Him I can’t do or produce anything of value for His Kingdom. They have no value and are worthless. They get burned up. 1Corinthians 13:11-15

Q43. (John 15:1-3) How does skillful pruning increase the fruitfulness of a grapevine? How are we pruned or cleansed by exposure and obedience to Jesus' words? According to John 8:31-32, how does obeying Jesus' teaching bring cleansing and freedom from sin? It is a skill and not done in a haphazard manner. It’s done in a manner to instill good health to the grapevine and the maximum yield of healthy grapes. The actions/habits in our lives that don’t produce fruit are pruned by the Lord. We learn about what these actions and habits are by praying and reading God’s word. God brings conviction to us about things in our life that don’t line up with His word and will. Jesus says, “If you love me you will obey my commandments.” John 14:15 Obeying Jesus, (confession of sins)gives us all we need to be free of sin, forgiven of sin and cleansed from sin. 1John 1:9 Trust and obey.

Q42. (Luke 12:1; Matthew 16:11-12) Why is hypocrisy easy to detect in others, but difficult to detect in ourselves? Why is hypocrisy so deadly to spiritual growth? To witness? To obedience? To being a disciple? What is the antidote for hypocrisy? It reminds me of the saying, “We want to be judged our intentions but want to judge others by theirs actions.” We can see it in others but we’d have to dig deep, pray, and be introspective to find it in ourselves. It doesn’t matter how much you serve, pray or know God’s word, if you’re living a life of hypocrisy you’re not moving towards God but away from Him. People trust your actions more than your words. So if your actions don’t match the words of your mouth, your witness as as follower of Jesus Christ suffers. And it’s have to repair. You can’t love God if you have a foot in the world and a foot in faith. Been there and done that; it doesn’t work; it’s got to be all in with God. And the same goes with being a disciple. Can’t live a double life. Instead of looking at the splinter in your brother’s eye, take care of the log in your own eye first. In fact, take stock of your own walk with the Lord and don’t worry so much about what others are doing. Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. Be thankful and humble for the love and grace God has shown you. And pray for those that you see that maybe struggling, not judging them but realizing that their struggles could one day be your own. By God’s grace go I.