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Lots of questions!!!!! Just addressing one today. I believe we all have the ability to make choices but as Paul outlines in Romans 7 those choices are, even with godly intent, effected by the flesh. So in Paul's words "the thing I want to do -I don't do, and the things I don't want to do- I do! oh wretched man that I am who will save me..." God warned Cain that he must master sin or else he would be mastered by sin...he spoke of sin in a way that it was a living entity with the desire to rule over people, this same picture comes to the fore in Rom 6, the great news is we as believers are told that sin's lordship has been broken for those who by faith have been united to Jesus! but Paul tells us that sin still can try and call for our alligiance...and that we must "reckon ourselves dead to sin but alive to God" and that we must choose to keep presenting our bodies (the whole us) to God for acts of righteousness. Then in Romans 8 it speaks about the work of the Holy Spirit in a believers life, the Spirit, God's empowering presence , helps us and leads us and works within us supernaturally so that we can choose to live with sexual purity (and with purity in every area of our lives) . Of course we live in a fallen world and will never be perfect this side of eternity BUT we are being transformed and renewed, and being conformed to Christ's image...incrementally byt the power of the HOLY Spirit!!! God promised long ago His wonderful work could change our hearts of stone...to hearts of flesh (ie help us move from being stubborn to obedient) Ezekiel 36:26-27 NIV [26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4) What does it mean to be "sanctified"? In what sense are we "holy" now? In what sense are we in the process of becoming "holy"? What does holiness have to do with our sexuality? We are holy now in the sense that we have been set apart from the world and set apart to God, we belong to God. We have in trusting Jesus been joined to Him (Rom 6) and so we are “in Christ” and this means not only forgiveness for our sins but that His righteousness has been conveyed to us, we are holy in God’s sight, belonging to Him, set apart for Him, and cleansed by Him. Romans 6 breaks down well how being made holy in this way, means living new lives, lives characterized by holiness in our thinking, attitudes, behaviour and actions. We are to become experientially what we are positionally. So we have been joined to Christ (Rom 6:1-10) and this means we are no longer slaves to sin, Christ is now our Lord and calls the shots in our lives...we are under His grace. Because of this we must choose to live holy lives (Rom 6:11-13), Peter agrees saying because we belong now to a Holy God we should live holy lives (1 Pet 1:13-16) Paul reminds of this same truth in Rom 12, we have presented ourselves as living sacrifices to God and so we should not be conformed to the world... God’s Holy nature is reflected in His instructions to us in the Bible, they are not arbitrary rules, or even social norms, but are God’s ways, and teach us what holiness looks like in practice. One area God has shown His holy ways for us is in the arena of sexuality. As far as I am aware Jesus and the apostles used the word porneia in the same way their Jewish contemporaries were using it (and didn't see any need to redefine or amend how this term was used by them) ie for any sexual practice outside a heterosexual marriage context ie adultery, prostitution, homosexuality, sex before marriage, ********** etc. Jesus uses this broad term to address broad sexual infidelity in marriage (although there is another word that Jesus used in the very same passage that is specifically referring to adultery) Mat 19:8-9 (cf Mat 5:32) Paul uses this term to describe what might be incest- or at the very least a step son having sex with his step mother (1 Cor 5). Paul again insinuates that sex outside marriage is porneia 1 Cor 7:2 The council of Elders establishing God’s grace in the church for Jew and gentiles add instruction abstain from porneia for all believer under grace (Acts 15) Although not often mentioning porneia directly with homosexuality (although Jude 7 implies it) it is clear that the NT condemns this sexual practice (see rom 1 etc). All these uses seem to find harmony with how the word porneia was being used by Jewish contemporaries and in keeping with the OT instructions. This also fits in with God’s design for humanity seen right back in genesis, God designed human beings and sanctioned heterosexual marriage as the only context for sex. For sex to be holy it must be according to God’s intent and unholy sexual practice is condemned and puts a sinful barrier between us and the lord (Isaiah 59:2) and Paul warns that if we live in an unholy way in this area- we sin against our own body (1 Cor 6:18) So yes God's holiness and His command of Holiness has implications in all aspects of life, including sexuality!!!

Week 3 Thessalonians Q1. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2) What is the difference between (1) conducting our lives by rules and (2) conducting our lives trying to please our God? I think one way is relational and the other isn't. We may keep rules for all kinds of reasons, to earn favour, keep the peace, to feel self righteous....but to live in a way that pleases God is relational, it is done out of a loving heart of gratitude "those who love Me will keep My word" John 14. From outside observation two lives may look very similar- but God sees whether someone is obeying Christ out of some slavish fear in order to impress God and procure His approval or whether someone is obeying Jesus because they love Him and are grateful for His love. On whose authority does Paul bring these commands? Paul as an Apostle brings instruction from Jesus, as one of the Apostles he is unique (they had a special role in giving the teaching of Jesus we have now contained in the NT, see John 14, Eph 3:8-9, acts 2:42 re the apostles teaching, and bringing the word of the Lord 1 Thes 2:13 etc) he is one who is sent and one who can bring instruction in the authority of Jesus of course we can in a secondary sense but Paul and the other Apostles had a unique role (see 2 Pet 3) Galatians 1:11-12 NIV [11] I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. [12] I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 NIV [1] As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. [2] For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

Week 2 Thessalonians Q1. (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20) How can we justify a desire for rewards for our labor in light of God's free gift of salvation and our love for him? What does Christ reward? What doesn't he reward? Why should showing accountability to our Master bring us pleasure? How does it motivate us? These are very though provoking questions! And I agree with Dr Ralph that we evangelicals are somewhat "embarrassed" by then notion of rewards and have often ignored the thought of them. I am probably not going to answer those questions directly...and my thoughts will probably be a bit scatterbrained but below are some ponderings about this I. A wee section out of Wayne Grudem's systematic Theology is worth considering. (p1144) But we must guard against misunderstanding here: Even though there will be degrees of reward in heaven, the joy of each person will be full and complete for eternity. If we ask how this can be when there are different degrees of reward, it simply shows that our perception of happiness is based on the assumption that happiness depends on what we possess or the status or power that we have. In actuality, however, our true happiness consists in delighting in God and rejoicing in the status and recognition that he has given us. The foolishness of thinking that only those who have been highly rewarded and given great status will be fully happy in heaven is seen when we realize that no matter how great a reward we are given, there will always be those with greater rewards, or who have higher status and authority, including the apostles, the heavenly creatures, and Jesus Christ and God himself. Therefore if highest status were essential for people to be fully happy, no one but God would be fully happy in heaven, which is certainly an incorrect idea. Moreover, those with greater reward and honor in heaven, those nearest the throne of God, delight not in their status but only in the privilege of falling down before God’s throne to worship him (see Rev. 4:10–11). II. I think 1 Cor 3 (see below) shows clearly a differentiation between rewards for our works and rewards of salvation* I know this whole concept of degrees of reward is debated (Fee not seeing a reward for works , Fee 1 Cor NICNT 142-143) Its an interesting subject leon morris says The test in fire will determine whether or not a man will receive a ‘wage’ (misthos, see on v. 8; here it is the wage of the building worker whose work is approved; cf. Luke 19:16–19; Rev. 22:12). All those considered here are saved, for they have built on the one foundation, Jesus Christ. Even of the one whose work is burnt up it is said that he himself will be saved. The distinction is not between the lost and the saved, but among the saved between those who have built well and those who have built poorly david prior states No doubt every Christian’s work is mixed in quality; no doubt we all shall have the awesome sadness of seeing much of our work burned up BST III. Of course the rewards of our salvation are based on what Christ has done for us-He has procured for us a glorious future, a future we could have never worked for (see Paul's insistence of receiving this salvation through Christ not by our earning it by keeping the law) Then having been saved by faith in Christ we "then" as new creatures with new priorities do good works (this is a natural consequence of having true faith in Christ...see James) which God prepared before hand that we should walk in them (eph 2:5-10) These works are not to earn salvation...but because we are working out our salvation, because we want to please our wonderful God, and because God's Spirit is guiding and empowering us, helping us to surrender to the Lordship of Christ. For this kingdom work we do- there is reward beyond the regular rewards of salvation Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each man’s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. (1 Cor. 3:12–15) 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 NIV [19] For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? [20] Indeed, you are our glory and joy. * Re these regular rewards of salvation ( I know "regular" is a weird choice of word seeing they are so wonderful!!) A resurrection body Heaven/Paradise - a place where all thing will be made new! -a place where only righteousness dwells ie no sin present (inward or outward) -a place with : no enemies, no pain, no death, no suffering etc, -a place where we will dwell in the very presence of God see Rev 21 and Eph 1:18- and Phil 3, 2 Pet 3, and 1 Cor 15 etc I really appreciate Dr Ralph's touching on rewards: Reward" in 1 Corinthians 3:14 is misthos, literally, "remuneration for work done, pay, wages," then by extension, "recognition (mostly by God) for the moral quality of an action, recompense." While the word can be used in an unfavorable sense as "requital" for the wicked, it usually positive, referring to our rewards in heaven.[83] For example, Jesus says, "great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:12), a "reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1), "a righteous man's reward" (Matthew 10:41), a reward for labor in church planting (1 Corinthians 3:8, 14), "rewarded fully" for a conscientious Christian life (2 John 8). The rewards are distributed at Christ's coming, "rewarding your servants the prophets" (Revelation 11:18), probably at the "judgment seat of Christ."

Q5. (1 Thessalonians 2:13) What is the role of the Word of God in molding disciples' lives? Does it have a power of its own? How does that seem to operate? What are the implications for disciplers of this powerful action of the Word? Obviously the word of God plays a key role in a disciples life! In Mat 28:19-20 we see part of the great commission is teaching disciples to "obey everything" Jesus commanded, Paul often reminds Timothy of his need of the word (1 tim 4, 2 tim 3 etc) Peter also in his 2nd epistle reminds of the need to remember the words of the OT and Apostles, if they want to grow in the grace and knowledge of God John chapter 8 spells out Jesus' thoughts on this relationship between discipleship and the word- "truly you are My disciples...if you abide in my word...and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free" This truth renews our minds and the result is transformation (Rom 12:1-3) In one sense the word of God is inherently powerful (Is 55, Genesis 1-2, Heb 1:3) BUT in another sense we see it must be received and believed on in 1 Thes 2:13 if it is to work powerfully within us. This is seen also in 1 Thes 1:5 where the gospel came with power, conviction, and the Holy Spirit. It was more than words. And Paul add that the Good news is the power of God unto salvation- to everyone who believes 1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV [13] And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12) Why are "fatherly" roles so important to making disciples? How effectively do you think women can adopt these traits? 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 NIV [11] For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, [12] encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. Gordon Mcdonald said years back that the greatest need of the church is "fathers". Alongside the nurturing like a mom Paul urged like a dad...both of these are critical, balance is necessary! The urging gives direction and ooomph! I believe that God enables us to be disciplers...we are all lacking qualities but if we will yield to His Spirit we will see His provision whether through us or from another believer. So can a bloke show motherly nurturing? and can a chick urge like a dad?...YES!

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 2:6b-8) Why are "motherly" nurturing qualities so important to growing disciples? How effectively can male disciplers adopt some of these traits? Paul uses these two (maybe three if verse 7 speaks of "children" rather than "gentle" as some translations do) analogies to speak of his ministry relationship with the Thessalonians. This discipling was not some cold hearted, class room experience but a rational and relational experience. I think the generalisations we make of men and women- men are logical (task driven etc)....women are emotional (more caring, sharing more, more relational)...are truly generalisations. Yes they often ring true but there are many exceptions and also there are many people at differing points on the continuum - some extremely caring some not and lots in between Of course some people are extreme with the father/mother discipling traits (its an "either or") and then some are balanced (having a "both and" approach) and some are natural and some have to work at developing. Obviously Paul was balanced, both caring and exhorting the new believers. And we should emulate his discipling example. Therefore I think other male disciplers can effectively branch out with these qualities too. 1 Thessalonians 2:6-8 NIV [6] We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. [7] Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, [8] so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6) Which of the character flaws mentioned in these verses is the greatest problem in the church? Why do you say that? How can you prevent one of these character flaws from overtaking you? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1219 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 NIV [3] For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. [4] On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. [5] You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed---God is our witness. [6] We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Ok Paul rattles out some ways that..he did not share the gospel ( ie make his appeal v2)..so he Shared with pure motives not Impure motives Shared truth not Error Shared to bless not to trick Shared to please God not People Shared without manipulating Flattery Shared not for the Praise of man Paul ministers as one who has been entrusted a special work, and knows that God will not only test his work (1 cor 3:11-15) but also his motivation...ie He " tests our hearts" Today ( as in Paul's day) many minister out of selfish motivation or in error ( phil 1:17). I suppose i find it hard to narrow down- ie which one is the greatest challenge today...because they all do...I think though, if we like Paul have hearts that truly want to please God...then all the other bits will eventually get sorted!! (maybe thats a bit naive) . I suppose what I am saying is that man pleasing (rather than God pleasing) leads to compromise, flattery, selfishness, manipulation, trickery...whereas a heart that want to please God will minister with integrity...and I think a heart like that will be mouldable (so open to correction from error).

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 2:2) 1 Thessalonians 2:2 NIV [2] We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. Why is personal courage such an important character trait for a disciple -- and for a discipler? How does lack of courage prevent evangelism? How does lack of courage prevent a congregation from being healthy? What is God calling you to do that will require courage on your part? Good questions!!!! Interesting to think about what would have happened "if" Paul had (after Phillipi) shied away...of course the word of God wouldn't have got to the believers at Thessalonica...they knew that...(of course God's purposes for them would not have been thwarted Est 4:14 Acts 13:48) And of course we see they themselves modelled to other believers a community of faith who were daring (in the midst of trials) to "go and make disciples..." So Paul modelled this daring evangelistic heart (that the Lord had shown) and they followed suit... 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 NIV [6] You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. [7] And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. [8] The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia---your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, therefore there is a key connection between discipler and disciple...passing on not just knowledge but an evangelistic heart I think its fair to say we have lost this (broad generalisation) in the 1/3rd word and the church has suffered because of it...we seem paralysed by fear...and need God's help to move us to a bit more daring!!

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 1:10) What does verse 10 teach us about the Christian faith? Which of these elements are most important? Which are less important? Which are underemphasized by the church in our day Christ's death Ressurection Ascention His return Judgement I think when it talks of rescuing us from the "wrath" to come we see an aspect of the faith that is sometimes neglected 1 Thessalonians 1:10 NIV [10] and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead---Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 1:5b-6a) How important is imitation in the formation of a new Christian’s spiritual life? What kinds of ministry are most conducive to imitation? Why is the character of the mentor or leader so important to the health of the church? How well do people grow in Christ who aren’t part of a Christian community? In what way is your character important to your family and spiritual children? These are really good questions...we intentionally do a lot of teaching and this of course is right...but intentionally modelling ...well as I begin to ponder this I am struck just how important this is too. So In Dr Ralph's lesson he talks about Paul's relationship with Silas and Timothy...and of course they learned their craft as apprentices ...Paul being an example to them. we see this clearly in Paul's relationship with Timothy as we have these personal letters. So ... 2 Timothy 3:10-11 NIV [10] You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, [11] persecutions, sufferings---what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. Paul shared his life with Timothy and as a result Timothy could represent Paul in a way that no one else could...that is the power of mentoring...and as Dr R implies in the question, it shows the need of community!!!! Philippians 2:19-23 NIV [19] I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. [20] I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. [21] For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. [22] But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. [23] I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 1 Corinthians 4:16-17 NIV [16] Therefore I urge you to imitate me. [17] For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church. As I think about this...what a responsibility!!!!! to say to others follow my example means that you are confident that you are following Christ's example!!!! 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV [1] Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. Philippians 3:17 NIV [17] Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. Hebrews tells us twice to imitate the faith of godly people. This is a huge challenge, Jesus said of the Pharisee's that we should do as they teach but not as they practiced...Paul is showing that Christian leadership need integrity between the two...and that sharing our lives, and ministering together, is so important

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5) Why is the Holy Spirit's working so necessary to effective ministry? What happens when the main power behind our ministry is will-power? What is the role of miracles in Paul's evangelism? What would happen if we saw miracles in evangelism in our day? What is hindering this? Jesus told His disciples that apart from Him, we can do nothing...now of course we can and do all kinds of things in our own strength but Jesus was speaking of things of kingdom value...its interesting that even with the best training possible (i.e. from Jesus for three years, practical and theoretical) that Jesus would say they still needed something more...so they waited for the promise of the Father...and then when the Holy Spirit was poured out their witnesses was immensely powerful...of course this was not the last time they would need to be filled (see Peter and co in Acts 4:31) and in this subsequent filling we see again new power to witness boldly. What is hindering this today The late Dr. A. W. Tozer, author and pastor, said, “If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference.” people like em bounds and Leonard ravenhil would say our lack of power is due to our lack of prayer

Q1. (Acts 17:1-10) Why do you think there was so much strong opposition to Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica? Verse 5 speaks of the reason being- jealousy. Jealousy of the success of the Paul's ministry efforts (see verse 4) in the power of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Thes 1:5) Why do you think Paul keeps preaching the gospel, even though there is often a violent reaction against him? I think a snippet of Paul's own words in Acts 20 sum it up well Acts 20:24 NIV [24] However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me---the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Does a violent reaction to our ministry necessarily mean we should stop? Not if Jesus, Paul, Peter et al are our examples!!! each of these faced horrific reactions, Jesus warned that we would, yet all faithfully were doing God's work, and God was pleased with them for persevering through these trials. If these had given up because of the persecution and agitation there would be no salvation, and there would be no message of salvation...thank God they did not stop!!!!!!

Q1. (4:1-3) Is God against pleasure? What wrong in living to increase one's pleasure? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=64&t=291 I don

Q2. (3:7-8) Read Matthew 12:34 and 15:18. In light of these verses, why is the tongue untamable? What has to happen before it can be tamed? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=64&t=288 34