Commissioned

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? Paul emphasized salvation for all mankind in this letter because the false teachers were misleading the people and pushing an exclusive Jewish salvation. It suggested that the Gentiles were being ignored. God's purpose in sending Jesus Christ to earth is that all mankind would be saved. Salvation for all!

[]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? From this doxology God is described as king, eternal, immortal, invisible, and he is to be honor and given glory for ever and ever. During personal prayer time speaking a doxology bring a flood of emotions as you reflect on this enormous God that has given you the opportunity to enter into His presence and to praise Him. In this place you are caught up in the moment and desire to remain in such sweet experience as God embraces you and reminds you of His ever presence.

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? Paul commented on his own life after the paragraph on the law because he wanted to teach what the true gospel does in the life of an individual. When the truth of the gospel is taught and you testify of it power to save and keep you saved you begin to trust God to do the same in you.

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? Some of the effects of these false doctrines in the church at Ephesus were crisis among the leadership and elders. Some of them were false teachers who were regurgitating what other false teachers were feeding them. There were those who sought after wealth and became selfish to the point of causing division among them. These false teachings were stripping the people of their faith and causing confusion and controversy that disturbed the peach and unity of the church. Doctrinal controversy hurt the spirit of a church by bringing doubt and distrust in minds of the congregants. When false doctrine perpetuate those in the congregation that know the pure unadulterated gospel will leave and a once thriving church will find itself struggling with few members. The church soon find that it has strayed from its mission because its false doctrine in in conflict with the mission of the church of Jesus Christ.

Q1. (2:15-16) In what way is God's glory dependent upon us living submissive, obedient lives? How is God hurt when we get rebellious? God's glory is dependent upon us living submissive, obedient lives because we reflect Christ to the world. When we are rebellious we hurt God by being disobedient. The world relate to God based on our relation to them. As someone said, 'the only Jesus some may ever see is the Jesus in me and you'. To shouw Jesus as uncaring and rebellious is not bring glory to Him and the world does not see Him in all of His glory through us.

Q5. (2:12) How can the good deeds we commit by living openly as Christians increase God's praise. How does our "blending in" detract from God's praise? The good deeds we commit by living as Christians increase God's praise as those before whom we live see the power of God working in us. There will be many who will immediately ascribe to God's mercy and grace at work in us. But for those who are blind to this grace we must continue being a witness to the world that it is only by God's grace that we exist and are empowered to do good. When we point others to God, we bring Him honor. Our "blending in" detract from God's praise when we allow his empowerment to be lumped together with that of the flesh, man's doing. We must live so that the world knows that the Spirit that dwells in us is His Holy Spirit and it is the Spirit of God that work in us to do good.

Q4. (2:11) Read 1 Peter 2:11 carefully. The world tells us (1) to conform and (2) that sin won't hurt us. What does Peter tell us to combat these lies? How can this reminder help us? To combat these lies, Peter tells us to stay away from sinful desires, which war against your soul. This reminder helps us to see the trickery of the enemy for what it is. Surrendering to sinful desires could cause one to lose his salvation. Satan's war is for the soul of man and he will entice you in that which appeases you.

Q3. (2:9) What actions and attitudes should this idea of being part of God's own people inspire in us? This idea should inspire us to see each other, our brothers and sisters in Christ, as all being a part of the same family. We are one, in Christ and we should love and treat each other as we do ourselves.

Q2. (2:5) If your praise is primarily for God's benefit, not your own, how should you be offering praise? Our praise should be unceasing.

Q1. (2.5) Christians often look at their relation to God as consumers, delighting in what God does for them. What is the mindset of a priest towards God? What actions does this mindset inspire in you? The mindset of a priest toward God is that of a servant in waiting; always in a position that when the Master calls for active duty he's available. Our mindset toward God should be that of a humble servant diligent in carrying out His commandments and waiting every opportunity to do that which will glorify Our Lord. Such a mindset inspires me to seek the Lord more earnestly and do the work He's call me to do.

Q4. (1:18-19) Have you ever felt you were of no worth or of no value? What does 1 Peter 1:18-19 say about your worth? What does it say about God's love for you? What does it indicate about the long-term value of your balance sheet and financial assets? What are your true long-term investments? Why? No I have never felt I was of no worth or value. We must always feel that we are of value, precious in God's sight, because we have been brought with a price - the blood of the Lamb. God loved us so much that he sent his son, Jesus Christ himself to redeemed us. My balance sheet is in the black, it is showing a profit that life in Christ Jesus has redeemed us so that our true long-term investment is secured.

Q3. (1:17) Why are people in our culture so upset when they sense they are being judged by someone else? How do you reconcile final judgment with God's love for the world? Why must final judgment be at the core of the Good News of Jesus Christ? What happens to the Gospel when final judgment is left out or ignored? People become upset when judged by others because they do not want others to show them their faults, even though one do turn things around after being told about it. As opposed to people judging you, who may be harsh, God's judgement will be just with grace. This judgement must come as the gospel speaks to the righteousness of God. Judgment cannot be ignored, there is a standard that must be upheld any thing else must be judged.

Q2. (1:15-16) In your own words, how would you define "holiness"? In what sense are you (by definition) holy now? In what sense must you be obedient in order to become holy? What is your biggest struggle with holiness? "Holiness" is being set apart to serve God. By definition I have committed my life to serve God. To become holy you must walk in righteousness according to precepts given in the Word of God. My biggest struggle with holiness is the complete submission. Not that I'm walking in sin but, there are times when I can apply my self more to prayer and study of the Word.

Q1. (1:13) What about Christ's coming should get our undivided attention? Why should it inspire hope? Why should it inspire self-control and soberness? What happens in our lives when we don't really expect Christ to come soon? Christ's comining should get our undivided attention and cause us to persistently strive to live holy. We struggle and fight a battle to live holy, but it is a joy to know that our hope in Christ is not in vain. So we live with the hope of Christ's return and do our best to live a live that bring honor, glory and praise to our God. When we live as if we don't expect the soon return of Our Lord, we sometimes get lax and don't labor in the field to bring in the harvest. There are souls out there to be saved.

Q5. (1:8-9) According to 1 Peter 1:8-9, what is the basis of Christian joy that is "inexpressible and glorious"? The basis of Christian joy that is "inexpressible and glorious is the emotions that we experience when we reflect on the work of Christ and the omnipotent power of a loving God. How does this joy interplay with human emotions? Is it essentially emotional? The joy that we experience is manifested in our emotions, it is in the emotions that we display the expression of our spirit. While it is not altogether emotional, we express our joy through our emotions. How does it differ from what is generally regarded as the pursuit of "happiness"? Extra Credit: How can you tell the genuine article of joy from the counterfeit? It differs in that this joy which brings happiness is eternal, whereas the pursuit of "happiness" if not in Gof will fade away. Genuine article of joy is eternal and honors God.

Q4. (1:6-7) Can you remember any instances in which God used difficult circumstances to refine and purify your faith? What did God accomplish in your life? How, exactly, does genuine, tested faith bring glory to Jesus? I do remember instances when God used difficult circumstances to refine and purify my faith. In these times I am drawn into the embraced of His love and the assurance that He is ALWAYS there to protect and see me through brings me to a place of peace and JOY in Him. Genuine, tested faith brings glory to Jesus as we testify of His goodness and power to sustain us. The trials or tests of our faith are God's way of forming Christ in us and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Q3. (1:5) According to 1 Peter 1:5, what is God's part in securing your salvation? What is your part? According to 1 Peter 1:5, in securing your salvation God's part is to protect us, to guard us as we through faith continue to serve and worship God until the coming of our Savior.

Q2. (1:2) Why do forgiveness (sprinkling) and obedience come together as a package? Forgiveness (sprinkling) and obedience come together as a package because for one to receive forgiveness they must walk in obedience. Obedience to the Word of God and belief in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Why is it deceptive to think you can have one without the other? It is deceptive to think you can have one without the other because in order to have forgiveness you must first obey the command and follow the instructions required to receive forgiveness. Extra credit: If true faith requires obedience, how can we say that we are saved by grace rather than works? (Ephesians 2:8-10) We can say that we are saved by grace rather than works because it is God that does the choosing, we have only to obey. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves it is purely by grace.

Q1. (1:1) How would you describe the behavior of a Christian who identifies more with his present homeland than his heavenly one? A Christian who identifies more with his present homeland than his heavenly one is not fully walking in the light of God's Word. He is still clinging to the world not realizing that as a Christian he is just a pilgrim passing through. Have you ever caught yourself doing this? We find ourselves in this predicament when we allow the world to dictate to us how we should relate to social and economic conditions. Yes, I sometimes lapse into this state. I pray that the power of the Holy Spirit within us would keep our heart fully captured by what lies ahead in that heavenly home. What has to happen to get our spiritual priorities straight? We must keep our mind stayed on Jesus and His righteousness. Having the mind of Christ, who even though He was in the world did not allow the world to be in Him.

Q4. (Matthew 7:24-27) Does Jesus require obedience of his disciples? (John 15:14). Is there a kind of true Christian who believes, but does not obey? How do you justify Jesus' requirement of obedience with Paul's teaching that salvation is a gift, not because of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-10)? Jesus requires all disciples to be obedient. A true Christian believes in the Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God. We obey because we have given our live over to serving God and following His commands.

Q3. (Matthew 7:21-23) How is it possible to deceive yourself, so that you presume that you are "doing" when you are only "hearing"? (see James 1:22-25). You deceive yourself, so that you presume that you are "doing" when you are only "hearing," knowing what to do and not do it is deceptive. How might it be possible to prophesy, drive out demons, and perform miracles in Jesus' name and not enter the Kingdom of heaven? We know them by the "fruit" that they bear.

Q2. (Matthew 7:15-20) Jesus says that one's inner self will eventually become apparent (Matthew 12:34). What kinds of "fruit" might be clues to a false prophet? The kind of "fruit" that a false prophet might exhibit are: Strange or somewhat perverted teachings Dominant character flaws Actions and attitudes that don't conform to what you expect of a Christian leader.

Q1. (Matthew 7:13-14) If Jesus' teaching about the narrow gate and the narrow road to life is to be believed, what change would this make in how you conduct your life? Jesus' teaching about the narrow gate and the narrow road to life is to be believed. His teaching tells us that the path to life is the path with the fewest travellers. It is not the path that the masses are clamoring to travel, this tells us, that our path to eternal life is not a popular one. What difference would it make to how you witness to your neighbors? In witnessing to our neighbours, they must be told that being a Christian will not be popular. They will find themselves in situations where they will feel ostracized, even by family, but, the rewards for travelling the other path is destruction. How might it affect your acceptance of Universalism? Universalism teaches that many paths lead to Christ. This teaching clearly teaches against that myth. There is only one way to eternal life, and that way is the narrow way - Jesus Christ.

Q4. (Matthew 7:12) In what way does the "Golden Rule" capsulize the message of the law and the prophets? The "Golden Rule" capsulizes the message of the law and the prophets as we are to treat others as we would like to be treated. This is a moral law that is emphasized in every teaching of the gospel. This seems like a different "summary" of the law and the prophets than Jesus indicated in Matthew 22:37-39. How are they the same? How are they different? The law is the same as from the very beginning we are told to love each other. In Matthew we are also commanded to love God with all our hear, mind and soul and at the same time we are to love our meighbor.