Delivered

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 Scriptures are our helps, teaching us God's truths, bringing to us God's conviction, His correction, His training, an important process for us, not just for the ministry to others, but, instructions for us to live a righteous life; Proving to others the power of God's Word.

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine? It is God

Q4. (2 Timothy 3:10-12) How does a failure to accept the inevitability of persecution hinder our witness? The failure to accept whatever may come our way as a Christian, is a failure to except this free gift of eternal life with God. We are called to live godly lives, and when we deny following after Christ, we become as the rest of the world, self is ruling. Following after Christ is an honor, the world cannot give. 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? Because of the atonement of Christ, we are called to deny self. Physical persecution certainly could play a big part in a Christian's life. The believer may face punishment of various sorts for believing in the living God and His laws. Looking at the disciples, they faced death for their faith. Look at history with the torture and death given to the Jewish people, all because of their faith in the one true God, the God we have been reconciled to. Look at the death and punishments given to the true believers in the Messiah, the Son of God, history is full of believers persecuted for their faith. Look out for false teaching, those who preach only a bless me God message, for I deserve it. Look for those who teach, to follow after God, you may have a cross to carry, but, the reward is eternal life with the Father, a life of righteousness. Today, we see God's name taken in vain and immorality flowing freely in the world, with no care about God's righteous laws, His laws that are to be written on our hearts. Yes, if we are not willing to take up our cross, we might hear Christ say, "I don't know you."

Q3. (2 Timothy 3:5) Why is it so easy to become a hypocrite? Hypocrisy can become alive in us, IF, we misplace our hearts of love for God and what the Son has done for us, and replace it with a heart

Q2. (2 Timothy 2:24-25) In your own words, explain the various characteristics that enable a Christian teacher to correct opponents. Study God

Q1. (2 Timothy 2:20-22). When do you put your good plates and silverware on the table? Good plates and silverware for most of the time, is put out for special occasions. When do you use your everyday tableware? I set them out for our common Everyday meals. What point is Paul making with this example? We are to set ourselves out daily, as vessels of gold, tested by fire, to be pure. We are to be dedicated to the holy God, to be used for His glory, not to be put to common use, as a vessel not of value: For we are vessels of honor, being formed out of clay by the Potter, to give honor, for the gift given to us God's Son, Jesus; God's vessel of honor, my salvation, and to Him I say, "worthy is the Lamb"

Q4. (2 Timothy 1:12) According to verse 12, what is the source of Paul's fearlessness? Paul's fearlessness comes from Paul's faith, entrusted in the anointed One, the Messiah, Johoshua, the Son of God Almighty. What does he trust God to guard for him? To guard the gospel, that God so loved the world, (the Gentiles also) that He sent His Son, Johoshua, to all who will believe that Christ is the anointed One, was sent by God to give life, to reconcile mankind with the Father. That life is found in Jesus, Johoshua, and in the Holy Spirit that is given, to give to us power, power to go forth to live and preach God's Word. Keep this in my heart forever.

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? The ceremonial law is what leads us to Christ, and because the law is God's law, it is holy, and because man cannot keep it, it condemns us to death; however, Christ came to fulfill the law, to give to us the Holy Spirit, to instruct us on the law, to write it on our hearts; and once written on our hearts, how can we not but be bold for Christ, for we have boldness, power, living in us? Shame is what I once felt, when I was an unholy, defiled person. I believe Timothy understood the need for him to be bold, but, in times of tribulation and testing's, each of us, as it was for Timothy, must be reminded and encouraged to stay in faith, to be reminded who we are in Christ. Take up our cross and follow Him, be bold. For Timothy, he may have to face being stoned or thrown in jail, if there was a time to stand firm on "faith" it was at this time. I wonder, how would we stand under the same conditions, if we at times cannot stand up against peer pressure, or political correctness of our day. Yes, we must encourage each other to stay in FAITH, be bold, for if we ever need to be encouraged, it is today, for Satan knows his time is short, and he is out about as a roaring lion.

Q2. (2 Timothy 1:7-8, 12) Can you give examples of how cowardice and shame may have kept you from identifying yourself as a Christian on occasion? No, to be honest with you, I can

Q1. (2 Timothy 1:6) What advice would you give to a person who has let use of a spiritual gift or ministry lapse? I would have to remind them, the gift they have is from God, and the importance of the gift being used. I would encourage the person, and would pray about the situation. How can a gift or ministry be rekindled? The Holy Spirit rekindles that desire to be used of God. He will bring conviction to the heart, it is up to the person, do they have an ear to hear?

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"? First, the scripture tells me that the gate of salvation is narrow, and to many it appears as backward, not very scientific, but my faith tells me different. The best way I can guard my stand on the faith, is to stay in God's word. Faith is found in the word, and the more I read and study the word, the more I see faith building up in me, ready to put faith into action. I know there are many people who do not believe in the rapture, many do not believe in the flood, many do not believe in the resurrection, etc. Our children are being taught in our schools the theory of evolution, trying to disprove our faith that God Almighty created the heavens and the earth; As we parents try to teach our children the truth, society is there trying to make us out as a backward, ignorant people. Stay in the word, stay in faith is very important, very important indeed. How can guards be at the same time positive, loving, and pleasant to be around? I do not give ground to those who want to argue God's word. If they are hungry, I love discussing God's word with them, even if we see things differently. Well, I will have to be honest with you, I have become bold in the Lord and I am tired of all the progress Satan has made in this world, with his lies and deception; to some, I may not come across to the world as pleasant, or loving, as I stand FIRM on God's word: For those who believe a lie, do not like to hear the truth. I think we have been too concerned with not appearing to be a loving people as we stand firm on the word of God, and therefore, we have allowed Satan to take ground in our country. We need to be more like Christ, when he threw the money changers out of the Temple.

Q4. (1 Timothy 6:17-19) What kinds of actions is the best antidote for the love of money? The best antidote for the love of money is OUR LOVE FOR GOD, for our hope is in Him. Fruit is seen as a result, with love for others as being one of the actions. How can we cultivate generosity so that it remains healthy, rather than let it go overboard and hurt our families? I like the word

Q3. (1 Timothy 6:7-10) How does love for money grow? The more we get, the more we want. We are humans, and God has given to us many wonderful things to see and to do in this world, and they do bring happiness, However, to enjoy many of the pleasures of this world, it takes hard work and money; so it is very easy for this love to grow. How does it become a trap? The trap is seen in what is rooted in our hearts, the love of THINGS, or the love of GOD? How do you escape this deceptive trap? We can escape this trap Satan has set out for us by following the First Commandment, to love God with all our being, and then the pleasures of this world will fall in its proper order in our lives.

Q2. (1 Timothy 6:6) Why should we seek contentment? Contentment to me is an after effect of godliness and its fruits, seen in a person whose trust is not in the things of this world, nor is it in oneself, true contentment is found in a life trusting in God, and what Christ has done for us. Doesn't contentment keep us from trying to get ahead so our families can have what they need? True contentment has nothing to do with the goals, dreams, love of family and their needs. True contentment is following your dreams, but, with the main purpose, of putting God first in one

Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? It is because of their ignorance, and naivete that they are susceptible to false teaching.' I don't think all people who fall prey for this distorted bible teaching, are all bad, greedy, people. Why do people come into the church? But to hear the teachings of God, and when they are taught teachings that hold some truth, in their ignorance they are easy prey to believe. Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? There have been many, but I heard a man on TV say,"God told him this was the year of 7" and he used God's great word to explain why we are to give $70.00 - It made me sick to hear such distortion, with the main reason being, there are lost people out there, who are in need spiritually, financially, family problems, who want to find God, and when they decide to put their trust in the message given, are lead astray. I do not want to be in the shoes of that man who gave the distorted Gospel! How do they differ from the truth? The truth is, God does like to bless His people, the truth is, He will bless abudantly, the truth is, He will bless financially, the truth is, He will bless spiritually; But, what is the reason we are giving, is it to get, is it all about me, OR is it all about God, is it all about others finding life eternal?? That is the true blessing. For too long I was one of those taken in, thinking I was following what the word teaches, until one day, I got so sick of it all, it was all about me, when all along, my heart was telling me, NO, it is all about Him.

Q5. (1 Timothy 6:1-2) In what ways has the Gospel sown the seeds that will eventually destroy slavery? Because I don

Q4. (1 Timothy 5:22-25) Why does Paul say, "Don't be hasty in the laying on of hands"? and What are the dangers in doing so? We know the saying, "haste makes waste" He must be proved and tested, is he a godly man, a man who has the grace of God in him? I think the second part of the verse 22 makes it very clear - why we should not be hasty and its dangers! = neither be partaker of other men's sins takes us to 2 John 1:9-11 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed. For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. How can these dangers be lessened? By taking God's laws to heart and be obedient to them. God's laws pertaining to the rules the church leadership must do and be followed, are not suggestions; even if it takes time, so be it; The importance of doing so is urgent, we must never take our eyes off of the fact, there are powers out to deceive the flock, and this must not be! This is why he must be put to the test, is he a man of sound faith, is it seen in his life, is it a life displaying godly leadership? By being careful to follow God's law, the leadership will not partake of his evil deeds, if a false teacher should come in.

Q3. (1 Timothy 5:19-21) Why was it necessary to make formal accusations and "try" the false teachers? So that the church does not give heed to seducing spirits. The responsibility Timothy had for a young man was great, for it is God the Father he is going to account to for the way the church is run. Yes, false teachers must not be allowed to lead the flock astray. Why were the temptations to compromise and not go through with it so great? First, great trials and persecution was coming against the church. Timothy's age could have been a deterrent, politics and wealthy people could have been a deterrent to Timothy - but, I believe Timothy understood what the cost would be if he did not follow God's direction and his need to be bold for God. Paul had already set an example of following God, Paul would do what ever it took to be obedient to God, even if it cost him his life. Timothy had this same love for God, and for Christ, and the message of the cross. He understood how serious it is to be a follower of Christ, and more important, to be a leader in the church. The more responsibility God gives to a person, the more He demands from that person. Why is it so difficult to exercise church discipline today? It becomes difficult to exercise church discipline, if one takes their heart and mind off of the fact, it is God they have to account to. Many in the church have lost their "fear" of God, and have taken the work of the cross too lightly. Many church's today have become big business, and that could be a deterrent to church leaders, not to exercise discipline when needed.

Q2. (1 Timothy 5:17-18) In what circumstances should elders be compensated financially? An elder who rules his household and the church well is one who has studied, labored in God's word, so that he can feed the flock on sound doctrine; He is a man who works hard, not slacking in his responsibility to God and the church, he is worthy to be compensated with a higher compensation, so he may go forth with the calling of God. What is the Scriptural support for such a practice? Lev 19:13 Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning. Luk 10:7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Q1. (1 Timothy 5:1-16) What responsibilities do we have to help aging family members? We are to be care givers. I find it very disturbing that today many children are abusing their parents, instead of giving them honor. According to Paul, in what way is this our Christian responsibility? In all the ways deemed necessary, being financial, health, love, etc; so the church does not have to take on an added responsibility, which God deemed to the family. In what way is this a "repayment" of a debt? God cared for us, He sent His Son, so we may become part of God's family - we also are to repay this love by carrying for our family, by following the example set before us, to love one another, and it begins in the home. Love seen in our obedience is the repayment we owe to our parents who cared for us. To what does Paul compare to those who refuse this responsibility? Faith demands works and fruit. If a believer is one who refuse to take care of one's family, they are denying the sound doctrine of faith - if the heathen are taught to take care of their aged parents and do it, we who believe and do not do as we say, are worse, we are infidels. Show me your works and I will see your faith.

Q4. (1 Timothy 4:12b Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. ) Rigid, unsmiling orthodoxy can teach right doctrine, but cannot produce godliness. Why not? Because its foundation, its true reason is missing, God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Godliness is found in them, given through them. Why is a strong example of godliness in church leaders essential to a healthy church? Action speaks louder than words.

Q3. (1 Timothy 4:7-8) How would you define "godliness"? Godliness is seen in a person who is fleeing from sin. Godliness is defined in a life obedient to God, following after the things that please Him, a life exercising the things of righteousness, faith, and love. What produces godliness in a person? Godliness for me is, having a heart that desires to please God, the more I aim to please God, the more I am able to discern between good and evil. As I put to practice godliness, putting to practice this new life Christ has given to me, I find I am loving this newness of life I found, in living a godly life. I cannot leave out the need for the Holy Spirits power to help me be a faithful bride, for I know Satan is out to destroy this new life Christ has given to me, to live and love God by. I have found the more I strive to live a life pleasing to God, the more the pleasures of the flesh is waning. How is godliness different from embracing a strict morality? True godliness comes from ones soul desire to love and please God by; Following a set of rules for rules sake, does not have a lasting love effect on a person. I think it would be harder to follow strict moral rules, if there was no true reason for doing so.

Q2. (1 Timothy 4:3-5 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. ) Why is performance of legalistic requirements so attractive to people? It can become a means for man to continue living in the flesh, while at the same time, it appears to others, as being a religious person. Legalism in itself is a means of being deceived by Satan, man thinking he is pleasing God, when it is the praise of man he seeks. God gave orders to His chosen people Israel, to be holy, to consecrate themselves; God made a distinction between the unclean and the clean, kosher and non kosher animals. The dietary laws were part of God's call of separation to the Jewish people - Jesus taught the law is to observed, but, not as those who were teaching them - to be seen by man, in the form of legalism. The law is to be a light before our path, a means for us to love God - with ones heart! (Mat 23:23) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. What fruit does it produce in a person's life? The fruit produced should be seen in our love to God, "if you love me, keep my commandments." and a means by which we can "love each other" In what ways is this emphasis so different from the true gospel? Not sure if I understand the question? Jesus taught us in Luke 11:27-28 that they who keep the "word," which includes the Torah and its mitzvot, are blessed. God's promise to Israel, and to us, the law will be written on our hearts, a means to love each other and God by.

Q1. (1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron) Why does Paul remind Timothy (and the church) of predictions concerning widespread apostasy? Apostasy will lead us away from sound doctrine; We will become insensitive, heartless, loveless, to the things of God. What effect should this knowledge have on his ministry and the church's perception of the situation? In the latter times - and I believe we are living in the latter times, as did they, during the times Paul was living in: I have to ask myself, has the church today, become insensitive to the things of God and to each other? Sound doctrine is - Christ is coming for his faithful bride - Rev 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Rev 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Sound doctrine is teaching us, to always be on the watch, for there is one, Satan, who is out to kill and destroy, to sear our conscience, making us insensitive to the things of God., leaving One who's garments would no longer be clean, instead they would stand naked, in sin, not looking and waiting for, the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they? Spiritual qualifications are likewise, men full of faith and of good character, men who are willing to follow the Holy Spirits leading, and willing to follow the outlined qualifications of the position they desire. The elders main responsibility is teaching sound doctirne, he is in charge of spiritual leadership, a shepherd of the flock, one who will exhort when needed and encourage when needed. An elder who is setting a good example for the flock, not just teaching what God desires of mankind, but by living the life of faith, teaching them what it means to put your trust in Christ Jesus; Making the desire of an elder, a good work. The deacon is to be a man who desires to serve the flock, so the elders can teach the things of God, establishing the church on solid ground. There were so many demands on the church, and so many needs to be met. To be a deacon was not a menial position, the men were to be of the highest moral standards, men of good reputation, men that could be trusted; Stephen and Phillip both set the example to be followed - as a servant of God. Mat 20:26 But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, Mat 20:28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." I think we have all been called to be elders, teachers, and deacons, servants, to those we come in contact with. We are to be living example of the changing power of the cross, and not just talking about what Christ can do.