Delivered

Q3. (1 Timothy 3) Why are tendencies to anger, intimidation, force, and pride so important to consider in selecting church officers? These are not signs of a regenerated person, a blameless person, a new creation in Christ. These tendencies would be ones satan would like to have as a leader in the church. These tendencies are the ones Christ came to change, not to be placed in the seat of leadership. What happens when you don't consider these factors? False teaching is one of the things that would happen to the church. False teaching brings disaster, not just to the body, but, for each individual; our war is with the powers that are out to deceive and destroy the work of the cross. We must remember, there are wolves out there in sheeps clothing, they pretend to be what they are not, they are out to fleece the flock, to bring glory to themselves. We must put them to the test, how long? I don't know, but I do believe we must be in prayer and following the leading of the Holy Spirit, not just in this decision, but in all decisions we have to make, day by day.

Q2. (1 Timothy 3:6, 10) Why should leaders be observed carefully and tested before placing them in office? Timothey prooved to be a man of good report Act 16:2 - He did much to bring truth to the church, where false teaching was being taught. There were many people who claimed to know God, but their actions proved that they didn't, giving way to satan. Even more important today, we have men of faith, tested by God, to be our leaders, for there are many false teachings going forth today, many who do not teach - we are to be holy, for God is holy. What should you be looking for during this period? They, as well as the church today, should be looking for - a man of "faith" - a man who speaks and lives the same thing - a man who is not a drunkard - a man who is willing to serve - a man who is kind - a man who loves his family - a man who does not have the love of money - a man who loves God and God's Son, Yeshua - a man who believes that God who raised Yeshua from the dead, will also raise those who put their trust in the Messiah, Yeshua.

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"? I think it means what it says - He should be married to only one wife at a time. We can take a lesson from Solomon. (it doesn't say how many concubines? Only kidding) Why is a leader's family an important indicator of leadership potential or problems? God has placed man in authority over his household, and has given to him rules to follow, to help him lead the family, helping his family to avoid problems that will come their way. If he does well with this responsibility, he should be more able to be a good leader for the church, helping them to face the problems ahead of them. Both responsibilities take much wisdom, patience, love, faithfulness, loyalty, trustiness. For man to do this well, he must depend on the Holy Spirit to lead him, and he must be a man found on his knees in prayer. God has placed a greater responsibilty over our men. During the counseling period, before the two become one, I hope the pastors out there are bringing this to their attention.

Q5. (1 Timothy 2:11-15) How should Paul's instructions about women teaching and leading in the church be applied in the twenty-first century? I don't read Paul's teaching to be, all women, at all times, are never to teach. Remember, God is the one that puts the calling upon us. How do you support your view? I remember Paul commending Priscilla, a co-worker, for teaching Apollos, the great preacher - Acts 18:24-26 Paul mentioned many other women who held positions of responsibility in the church, so, I believe paul was prohibiting the Ephesian women, at this time, for this reason. In the first century Jewish culture, women in general, were not allowed to study, therefore they did not have the knowledge or experience to teach. The church already had a big problem - false teaching being taught - this is a important reason Paul would not let the women to teach; instead, he instructed them to study, something they did not do, so they would not be deceived by false teaching. (good advice for us today) Today, women have every opportunity to study God's word, to prepare for the ministry. If God puts His calling on a person, being man, or women, that person should take the calling seriously. I would go so far as warning any pastor to think twice before saying no to that person. And for those called, remember, there is great responsibility that goes with teaching or preaching God's word. Each one will be held accountable for what they teach.

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? Our outward appearance is a reflection of our inward being. The women who were dressing as those of the world, outwardly it appeares as if self was still in control. To me it isn't the clothing in itself, but, the prupose for why they were dressing like that. How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism? When I was first saved, the church taught me a legalistic form of holiness, to be holy, you are not to wear jewelry, wear make up, etc. - As I grew up in the Lord, I saw holiness in a different light; God's desire for me, is for me to put on the garment of righteousness, the garment Christ gave me to put on, let this be my adornment.

Q3. (1 Timothy 2:8). What problem among the men of the congregation is Paul referring to in this verse? Wrath and doubt. What is so serious about worshipping with the opposite of love in your heart? For men to lift up hands to God, is referring to the Jewish custom of washing their hands before prayer; to signify they had put away all sin, and purposed to live a holy life. Wrath is the opposite of love, and doubting is the opposite of faith. Our hands lifted in praise to God, should be, because we have purposed to live holy lives. When we lift our hands before God, the desire of our hearts should be with hearts circumcised with love, and faith; Hearts thankful to God, for sending to us our savour, Jesus. Jesus sound teaching to us is that we live lives according to godliness. God is holy and we must worship Him in holiness. Our loving one another is a sign of godliness. Love is God's gift to us, we must put it to practice, a habit that will be a light to those around us, of the wonders of God's love, and its changing power.

Q2. (1 Timothy 2:5-6) In the context of the salvation of all, why do you think Paul emphasizes the roles of Mediator and Ransom? It must be emphasized because of the awesome gift given, and the awesome price paid. This question takes me back to Gen 22:14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah

I have to make a correction to what you said about Timothy being a Gentile. According to Jewish law, if your mother was Jewish, you were Jewish. Timothy's mother was a Jew and he was raised a Jew.

Q1. (1 Timothy 2:1-4) Why does Paul emphasize salvation of all mankind in this letter? Pau,l a Jew, knew the Torah and the One and only God, Jehovah Isa 45:15 Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.---- Paul came to understand what God meant, through Jesus, God's Son, the mystery is revealed Eph 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Eph 3:8- 9 Unto me, Paul, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, Jehovah, who created all things by Jesus Christ, (the Messiah.) Jesus is diety, He is God's Son. Eph 3:14-17 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father (God) of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his (God's) glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, Mat 12:48-50 But he (Jesus) answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father, God, which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. What does this suggest about the practice of evangelism in the Ephesus church? Confusion was seen in the church about the truth - Evangelism has come to the World, the Gentiles are grafted into God's covenant; For God so loved the World, He gave His only begotten Son. Many Gentiles came to believe, Jesus is God's Son, the Messiah, God's promise to the world. -- I see the same confusion in the church today. Rom 11:1 I Paul, say then, Hath God cast away his people, Israel? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. Rom 11:6-11 If by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. Rom 11:30-34 For as ye, Gentiles, in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their, Israel's, unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He, God, might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Who can know the love of God, to know His love for us, that He would send His Son, and who can know the love of the Son, who came to give life to us, who came to do the will of the Father? This love I want to grow in my life. ,

I for one loved the poem. It brought tears to my soul, for that is the desire for my life., to live each day with one desire, to bring glory to His name. Thank you for adding it.

Q4. (1 Timothy 1:18-19) Why does Paul need to remind Timothy about the prophecies spoken over him? For the same reason we must be reminded, our doctrine must be on solid ground, or, the door would be opened to those ministers who bring questions, bringing doubt. We know the law is good, when man uses it lawfully, with circumcised hearts of love. - Timothy knew the holy scriptures, being a good Jewish young man, who loved God; God's word would make one wise unto salvation through Faith, which is in the Messiah, Jesus. In practical terms, what does "fight the good fight" really mean? For me it means - "staying in faith" - I must put on the WHOLE armour of God. Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Why does Paul tell Timothy to "hold on to faith and a good conscience"? 1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. With the help of the Holy Spirit -- 2Cor4:2 we renounce dishonesty, no longer walking in craftiness, nor do we handle the word of God deceitfull; but we manifest the truth, having a good conscience in the sight of God 2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, (God's likeness, statue, representation, resemblance) should shine unto them. What temptation is Paul trying to counter in his prot

For us to be saved, we have to believe "Jesus is the Son of God." We believe there is one God, Psalm 10: 16 The Lord is King forever and ever. He is the Lord of heaven and earth, the God of Israel. In Genesis 24:2 Abraham had his servant swear (take an oath by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth. The oaths were to be taken = Deut. 6:13 You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him, and shall take oaths in his name. Paul, when he was in Athen's, he could not speak of the Son of God, for they did not belive in One God, so he taught them, the unknown god they made an idol for, was God, the only true God, Acts 17:23-24 The one whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is lord of heaven and earth. Christ himself gave praise Luke 10:19 I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father. (God reveals Himself only through Jesus. To know God, one must know His Son, Jesus) Jesus teaches us what the greatest commandment in the law is, Deu 6:4-5 Listen, Israel! The LORD our God is the only true God! So love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. - Mat 22:37 Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Mat 22:38 This is the first and most important commandment. For us to be saved by, we must believe that Jesus is the Son of God: The God Christ tells us, we are to love with all our hearts. In Revelation 4:8-9 we read, And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. and when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, Rev 4:11 Rev 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? Rev 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. Rev 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Rev 5:7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. This is why I believe the King is God the Father. In the Love of Christ I send this.

Q3. (1 Timothy 1:17) What do we learn about God from this doxology? God is King of ages, ruler of the universe. God is immortal, imperishable. God is invisible, unseen. God is the God of Israel, Yahweh, the one true God; The God that Christ Jesus reconciled us to, the God Christ taught us how to pray to, the God that Jesus rent the veil to, that we may go into His throne room. The God that loved us, He sent His Son. What do we learn about praise? Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, to God who sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Let us never cease to offer up to God the sacrifice of praise, for His mercy and grace sent to us. I have learned - my praise should never cease to be. Have you ever tried speaking out a doxology in your personal prayer or praise time? Praise to God is always on my lips and in my heart. What effect does a doxology have on the speaker? If I speak the doxology from my heart, the effect should be seen, living a life of praise, honor, and glory to God.

Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Paul, a Pharisee, studied the law - before he knew Christ, the law was a bondage to him, for even though he who was under the law he found himself a blasphemer, a persecutor: But, now that he has found Christ, God's mercy sent to us, Paul no longers finds the law to be so, it is no longer a means of servitude, instead, it is a means of loving God. It is a means to restrain us from walking the road of sin. Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? Timothy is under the authority, authorship of Paul, to teach the people the truth. Paul spoke of his own experience, established in truth, and it is the calling from God, that the church's foundation be on solid doctrine. How might sharing this help get the church back on center? Paul knew the scriptures as he studied God's word found in Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Jer 31:32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith Jehovah. Jer 31:33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people: God's law is to be established on LOVE.

Q1. (1 Timothy 1:3-7) What were some of the results of false doctrine in the church at Ephesus? Empty, senseless talk, can lead to discourse in the church. How does doctrinal controversy hurt the spirit of a church? It can put ones FAITH to a test, causing confusion. How does it prevent growth? Faith produces LOVE, the church will grow only with unfeigned faith, complete confidence in God; therefore, it is important the church stay away from empty talk that leads not to unfeigned FAITH - faith that God anables each of us to grow by. How does it keep the church from its mission? The churches' mission is to preach God's word, for there is power in the Word of God.

Q4. (Romans 8:35-36 What will separate us from the love Christ has for us? Can trouble, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or violent death separate us from his love? As Scripture says: "We are being killed all day long because of you. We are thought of as sheep to be slaughtered.") What kinds of perils were the early Roman Christians likely exposed to? God's chosen people have been persecuted throughout history. They were enslaved in Egypt, deported by the Assyrians, attacked by Nebuchadnezzar, nearly purged by Haman, and oppressed by Roman rule. Persecution continued with the death of Christ, the greatest rabbi of all times; Then it was Steven who was filled with the Holy Spirit. Steven, who's love for God and for Christ, was evident in his last words spoken, "forgive them for they know not what they do." We see the early Christians peril continuing with the Jewish believers in the Messiah, tortured, there are no words to describe such hatred. We do know where hatred comes from, Satan. Persecution continued with the disciples, who were all killed except for one. Persecution of God's chosen people continued with the Jewish people being portrayed as Christ killers, plague carriers, demons, children of the devil, bloodthirsty pagans. It is very hard to say but, Persecution continued with the pulpit propaganda of the early church fathers; Eusebius of Caesarea, Cyril, Chrysostome, Augustine, Origen, Justin, and Jerome. God has called us to put on Christ, to love one another, you will know them by their FRUITS. What kinds of perils are Christians exposed to today? Gal 3:29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants and heirs, as God promised. We believe in the God of Abraham, that God sent His Son, the Son died for the sins of mankind and that God raised Christ from the dead, giving life to those who have the FAITH to believe, and Christ was seated at the right hand of God the Father. That in itself is worth facing any perils that I, a Christian might have to face, for it is worth it all. I already see the writing on the wall for the Christian, as our rights are being taken away, and persecution taking its place. How does this passage reassure us? In what sense do we Christians "overwhelmingly conquer" (NASB) despite the obstacles we face? We who run the race to the end, will have life everlasting with our God, with our Bridegroom, and with each other - that is reassuring to me.

Q3. (Romans 8:31-32) What is the significance of the statement: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Rom 8:31 what can we say about all of this? If God is for us, who can be against us? About all this the following chapters, Paul’s teaching to the Gentiles, who have been invited into God's covenant with Israel, the importance for the believer to live righteous lives. God's love laws have been written on their hearts, and the Holy Spirit has been given to them, as it was given to the disciples on Pentecost; We too can know God, we have been adopted into the family, for Israel is God's first born. Who can be against us, no one can, and we are part of God's family too. Who might our enemies be? I think the worst enemy would be ourselves, but, God gives to us instructions, a warning of what we must do. Eph 6:10-13Finally, receive your power from the Lord and from his mighty strength. Put on all the armor that God supplies. In this way you can take a stand against the devil's strategies. This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world. For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground. What is the evidence presented that God is for us? The evidence is seen in God's Son. How does this statement make you feel? Loved How does it affect hope? Eph 2:11-13 Remember, once you were not Jewish physically. Those who called themselves “the circumcised" because of what they had done to their bodies called you "the uncircumcised." Also, at that time you were without Christ. You were excluded from citizenship in Israel, and the pledges God made in his promise were foreign to you. You had no hope and were in the world without God. But now through Christ Jesus you, who were once far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Q2. (Romans 8:29) What does it mean to "be conformed to the likeness of his Son"? In practical terms, what does that involve in our lives? It means we are to be living holy lives. God is holy and there are angels around God's throne who are constantly saying, "holy, holy, holy." - Christ is the image of the Father, so if we are to conform to the likeness of God's Son, we are to live lives that would give honor to God, showing to others, we are children of the Most High God, we are reflecting the image of the Son = righteousness. Why does Paul support this statement with ideas of our destiny? Why does he support this with ideas of brotherhood with Jesus? God didn't predestine us to continue to live in sin. God predestined us to live righteous lives, that is why He predestined Christ to the Cross, for it is there for whoever believes, to find God's saving grace, finding power of the Spirit, to help us to live lives we were predestined to live.

Q1. (Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.) What is the actual promise contained in verse 28? What does this promise mean? Put it in your own words. I a believer, called according to God's purpose, as I read in V27 the Spirit searches our hearts, I am called not to grieve the holy Spirit - instead, I am called to follow His leading; I am called to put away bitterness, wrath, anger, evil speaking. I am called according to God's purpose, to be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God for Christ's sake has forgiven us - It is then that God will work all things for my good. What are the two qualifications to the recipients of this promise How does verse 28 give you hope? We are to love God and we are to be obedient to the calling of God. God tells us, "if you love me, keep my commandments."

Q2. (Romans 8:17-22) In what ways was suffering Jesus' lot in life? Jesus had to be tested as man, because Adam brought sin into the world and he gave dominion to the Serpent. Christ had to take back the dominion that was lost, and for Him to do so, it included suffering, that is what SIN is! Christ was willing to do so for an other reason, so He could speak to the Father on our behalf. Christ had to take our sin, for the soul has been suffering from the void of our not having God's presence in its life. As I am remembering all the physical pain, and the shame Christ endured, called "SIN" --- I see SIN for what it is! I no longer see it as fun that is fleeting, but, I see SIN and the suffering SIN brings to ones life, separating us from God. Christ suffered for us, He had to take our SIN, sin is horrible in God's eye! Can we not see why God hates SIN? All we have to do is remember the Cross and what Christ did for us. Why do we suffer? There are many reasons why we suffer, most of it is because of our own doings. I know God tells us, He disciplines those He loves, it is for our good and that It would hurt for only a while. As we endure suffering and we stand firm on our faith, we will find growth in our lives, we are becoming more like Christ. -- Another reason is - the Powers that rule are out to kill and destroy our faith in the Almighty God, and as he brought suffering to Adam, and to us, should we be surprised that God's people suffer? Satan will do all he can to come against those who are called by God. Why does all creation seem to be suffering? What will signal the end of that downward cycle of suffering, decay, and death? We must remember - who is at this time the ruler of the world? Satan is his name, but, I know in the near future, there is a WAR and a Wedding FEAST coming. Christ, the stone that the builders rejected, will soon crush the head of Satan, and will sit on the throne of David - in Zion. Suffering will have been defeated. Is there anything good to look forward to in this present life? Oh yes! I find many wonderful things to enjoy. God has given to us the mountains, the oceans, our families; I could go on, and on, and on, with all the things God has blessed us with. How do we say "thank you?" We can live lives that are pleasing to Him, that would speak to the Father saying, " thank you for giving to us Your Son, and the sweet Holy Spirit."

Q5. (Romans 8:13-14) What does it mean to "mortify" or "put to death" the deeds of the body by the Spirit? Mortify is what we have to do, it is up to us. I have to thank God for giving to us the Holy Spirit, we are under the Spirit's influence, the Spirit is helping us to subdue those deeds that brought death. What would it look like to watch a person do this?What does it mean to be "led" by the Spirit? What does this look like in actual practice? We would see a person changing, we would see a person who is in prayer, in the word, having fellowship with other believers, changing the friends we once had, if necessary. We must practice righteousness, practice takes discipline, but the results are woth it, as we see righteousness replacing those deeds that once held us in its grip, remember, practice makes perfect. How do "putting to death" and being "led" by the Spirit fit together? How much of this is the Spirit and how much is us? It all begins with the Spirit who draws us to Christ, but, it is up to us, it is our choice, do we follow the drawing of the Holy Spirit or do we not? His influence is strong, however, He will never make us follow Him, it is our choice. I am thankful He drew me and that I chose to follow His lead, for I found life in Christ Jesus. Now that I have God's Spirit residing in my being, He who is a strong and mighty influence on me, but it is still my choice, do I follow Him or not. It is I who must put to death those deeds that once had its hold on me, for they do not bring glory to God. It takes discipline, prayer, fasting, reading the word and listening to the small voice of the Spirit that lives in me, convicting me when I need it; But it is still up to me, do I have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying, the heart that is thankful for this new life it has found, the love for God to be obedient to His commands, the desire to subdue those deeds? It is still my choice, yes - I have made my choice, Holy Spirit, lead me on the path of righteousness, I want to mortify those deeds that once had its hold on me.

Q3. (Romans 8:9) Is it possible to be a Christian without the Holy Spirit residing in us? No, it is not possible. What is the difference (if any) between the indwelling of the Spirit and the fullness of the Spirit? I believe there is a difference between the two. When we except Christ as the Son of God, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling, abiding in us; however, the fullness of the Spirit is our yeilding to His leading, the results being seen in lives full of Power, a people of good reputation. How do we remain "full" of the Spirit? Peter, filled with the Spirit spoke boldly and was very wise; however, even though he was filled with the Spirit on Pentecost, Peter knew he had to continually be filled, that is, if he were to stand up against the adversity that was coming against him, as We read in Act 4:31 When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. We must also be in prayer, we must be in the word, and we must walk in obedience. To be filled with God's Spirit isn't a one time experience, we need to be filled with the Spirit on a daily bases, that is, if we want to be bold for the Lord.