Craig

Q2. (Galatians 1:13-16) What factors in Paul's background made him an ideal apostle to the Gentiles? How did God use his being different from others? To ponder: How has your unique background fitted you for ministry? What uniqueness has God given you? What will it take to see that uniqueness as a God-given strength rather than as an embarrassment? Factors in Paul's background that made him an ideal apostle to the Gentiles were: 1) Highly educated in Judaism, 2) Jesus' direct calling for him to the gospel ministry to the gentiles, and 3) His indepentent Christian development apart from the Christian Jews. The last factor enabled him to present the gospel without the emphasis on the law but an emphasis on Jesus Christ as Savior by grace vice legalism. Paul's dramtic conversion from Judaism to being a follower of Jesus Christ is something almost anybody could relate to. Additionally, Paul's knowledge of Old Testament scripture enabled Him to show others Jesus Christ in those scriptures.

Q1. (Galatians 1:11-12) What is the source of Paul’s gospel? How do we know that it is a true revelation? How does it conform to our other foundational sources of Christian teaching? What is the danger of taking the teaching of contemporary leaders as our doctrinal basis without checking it with the Scripture? The source of Paul's gospel was from Jesus Christ directly -- a special revelation. I think it is safe to say that Paul's revelation was a true revelation from Jesus Christ because: 1) It radically changed his life from Judiasm to Christianity, 2) Paul's gospel makes everything of God and nothing of man, and 3) It doesn't contradict apostolic teaching taught by the other apostles. Paul's gospel entails the the kind of salvation that men would not devise. All doctrinal teaching from any source must conform to apostolic teaching which was grounded in Old Testament scripture and would become New Testament scripture. That is the standard for doctrinal teaching. It doesn't depart from the Bible.

Q4. (2 Timothy 1:12) According to verse 12, what is the source of Paul's fearlessness? What does he trust God to guard for him? Paul's confidence is in the gospel and his Savior enabled him to suffer without any shame. The phrase Paul uses "whom I have believed" expresses his unshakable trust in Jesus Christ -- his Lord and Savior. Paul's phrase "what I have committed" does not refer to something Paul had done for Jesus, but to something he had entrusted to Him, like a deposit in a bank. This speaks not of Paul's confidence in himself but of Jesus' trustworthiness. Paul, as we should be, was certain that God would "keep" his deposit -- his life and the eternal rewards of his ministry. Paul was preparing for imminent death, but in spite of this he was hopeful. He had spent his time, resources, and even his life on proclaiming the gospel. His investment in Jesus Christ's kingdom would bring him an abundant reward in eternity. See Luke 19:15; I Cor. 3:10-15; and Rev. 11:15,18. God will protect us in life and in death. Jesus will not forget a life of faithful service to Him when He returns. Sometimes people are unappreciative or forgetful of the good that we do for them; however, all that we do in faithful service for our Savior will be remembered and rewarded. See Matt. 10:42.

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? Timothy is encouraged not to be ashamed or shrink back from "the testimony of our Lord." Testimony is the witness of the Lord; the Greek term is the source of the English word martyr. Church tradition says that most of the apostles died as martyrs. Paul is concerned that in the face of vehement oppostion Timothy might be afraid to witness. Paul's statement to Timothy "Share with me in the sufferings" indicates that at times a faithful witness for the Lord will involve adversity. Paul's call boldness in 2 Timothy 1:7-10 may indicate Timothy was timid. Like Timothy, every once and awhile all of us need a gentile push to be bold. Paul writes in verse 10 that the manifestation of God's plan and grace has been "revealed," or brought to light, in the "appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who abolished death..." Fear of dying might have caused some believers to shrink from testifying about their faith. The Greek term translated life is typically used concerning eternal life in the New Testament. God's life, unlike the life of humans, is immortal. He cannot die. Through their faith in Christ, believers have inherited eternal life. We have nothing to fear, not even death. Therefore we proclaim with boldness our trust in Christ. We have nothing to be ashamed of because, as Paul wrote to the Romans, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." Romans 1:16 I think that says it all.

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? From testifying clearly about your faith? According to verse 12, what is the antidote for cowardice and shame? How then do we combat the cowardice and shame we might recognize in ourselves? I cannot think of an instance in my life where I was a coward or ashamed of Jesus and the gospel. I have however had times when as a young believer I failed to share my faith in Christ because I didn't know how to approach it at the time. Paul's confidence in the gospel and his Savior Jesus Christ enabled him to suffer without any shame. The phrase, in verse 12, whom I have believed expresses Paul's unshakable trust in his Savior. This should be every believer's testimony. A vigorous personal relationship with the God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit should lead to a certainty that God will keep his promises. That God will protect the believer in life and death. God will not forget a life of faithful service to Him. See Ps. 23. The bottomline is knowing the promises of God and maintaining an intimate relationship with Him. A love relationship. That relationship, based on trust and confidence, will drive away cowardice and shame.

Q1. (2 Timothy 1:6) What advice would you give to a person who has let use of a spiritual gift or ministry lapse? How can a gift or ministry be rekindled? What might be involved in reclaiming use of such a gift? My advice to a born-again believer who has let use of a spiritual gift or ministry lapse is to remind them of their calling and it's importance to the Kingdom of God, the church, and most importantly to the people being ministered to or benefiting from their ministry. A gift or ministry can be rekindled by prayer and encouragement by fellow believers. Reclaiming a gift or ministry would entail prayer, belief and jumping in and doing it. Get moving. Motion perpetuates motion. As long as a person is still they are just going to sit. Movement begats movement and is healing.

Q5. What is the significance of the exalted Jesus walking among the lampstands? (1:12-20) What does this teach us about the church? What does it teach us about Jesus? The sigifiance of Jesus walking among the lampstands is to remind us that lampstands (representing churches), are light-bears and that we as belivers and members the church are to let our lights shine for God in a dark world. Jesus said that we are salt and light. See Matthew 5:13-16. The church is suppose to be light-bears for God. Additionally, this passage of scripture suggests as Peter wrote: "For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel?" 1 Peter 4:17 Not only is Jesus Christ our savior and friend, but Jesus Christ is God and Judge.

Q4. The vision of Christ among the lampstands (1:12-20) is much different than the Carpenter-Teacher who walked the roads of Galilee and Judea. Why? What overall emotions is this vision of Jesus among the lampstands designed to evoke in the reader? Why is this understanding of Jesus important to a balanced faith? In this vision of Christ among the lampstands, we see not the carpenter-teacher but Christ in all His perfections as supremely qualified to judge the seven churches. Later in Revelation Jesus will judge His foes, but judgment must begin at the house of God. See 1 Peter 4:17. Jesus walking among the lampstands (light-bearers), is designed to remind and reenforce to the reader that the church is called to be a light-bearer. The church is supposed to shine for God amid the darkness of this world. Each believer is called to let their light shine. The believer does not have inherent light, rather we have reflected light. As we behold the glory of the Lord, we reflect it. Jesus said: " ... let your light shine forth that men might see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." See Matthew 5:13-16 for the complete passage regarding believers being salt and light. Believers are called to be light-bearers. It is important to understand that Jesus Christ is our savior and friend, but Jesus Christ is God and will execute judgment upon humanity at His second coming. Jesus Christ is God and deserves honor, respect, worship, and awe.

Q3. In what countries are Christians presently experiencing tribulation or persecution for the faith? How can the Book of Revelation be a comfort and encouragement to them? Countries presently experiencing tribulation include: China, Burma, India, most countries throughout Asia and the Middle East, many countries in Africa who are dominated by Islam, and Cuba. Revelation can be a comfort and encouragement to Christians in those countries in that Jesus told us that the overcomers will spend eternity with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Everything is going to be okay. The good guys win. God is in control and the faithful will spend eternity with Him. The evil one, those of the world, and this world are temporal and passing away. The faithful have eternal life in Jesus Christ.

Q2. What does this tell us about the Father? The Father is the speaker here in 1:8 and in 21:6. But Jesus is the speaker in 1:17 and 22:12-13. What is the significance of this for our understanding of who Jesus is? God the Father Almighty has always been, is, and will be forever. God is eternal and everlasting. In verses 1:17 and 22:12-3, Jesus Christ is making the same claim. In understanding who Jesus is John sums it up best in John1:1-2: "In the being was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." Furthermore: "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men." John 1:3-4

Q1. Revelation is written to encourage and strengthen a church facing intense persecution. Why is the theme of testimony and witness so important to that purpose? How is Jesus as the "faithful witness" (1:5) supposed to encourage us? Why are we afraid to be clear witnesses in a culture where we aren't persecuted? Jesus' testimony and witness to the church facing intense persecution is saying I am with you and you are going to stand up against the evil one and this world system in testimony for me and as result it's going to be okay. You are going to spend eternity with me. Hang in there and overcome and you will be pillars in my Father's temple. Jesus told the disciples I will be with you always. American Christians are afraid to witness in a culture where they are not physically persecuted because they are afraid to be verbally persecuted and don't want to seem out of sink with society. Paul said to Timothy that in the end people (the church), would have a form of Godliness but not power. Many Christians just want to fit in and be good citizens. It is more important to them to fit in than to witness for Jesus Christ. They do not want to rub anyone the wrong way or not fit in with the world as reflected in American culture.

Q4. (3 John 9-10) What character flaws does Diotrephes exhibit? Can a person be a strong pastoral leader without developing these traits? If you have tendencies in yourself towards pride and a controlling spirit, how can you fight against them? Diotrephes had a exaggerated view of his own importance. He was a virtual dictator in the assembly. His sin was pride of place, an inflated ego, being a slanderer, and displaying a violent jealously for what he regarded as his own rights. He had forgotten that Jesus Christ is the head of the church. Maybe he never knew that. He had forgotten that the Holy Spirit is the Vicar or Representative of Christ in the church. No mere man has the right to take charge, to make decisions, to receive, or to refuse outside the Holy Spirit and the backing of the Body of Church. Much conduct is a dictatorship, not reflecing the Spirit of Christ, and God hates it. See Proverbs 6:16-19. A person can be a strong pastor through exercising Godly love (I Corin. 13), leadership by example, and application of the Word of God. I have found in my own capacity as a pastor that a strong pastor must be humble and walk humbly with God. These traits will fight against pride and a controlling spirit. Showing alot of grace toward others help immensely.

Q3. (3 John 5-8) What are the reasons given in these verses for supporting Christian workers in their ministry? What reward comes with becoming a "co-worker," by assisting Christian workers? How effective can Christian workers be without those who support them? Reasons given in these verses for supporting Christian workers in their ministry: Missionaries go forth deliberately to serve Christ; missionaries go for the sake of and in the name of Jesus Christ; missionaries primarily seek funds from believers vice unbelievers; and helping missionaries makes us coworkers with them in their ministry. In verse 7 a special reason is given why Gaius (and us), should be helpful to those itinerant evangelists/missionaries: "Because they went forth for His name's sake taking nothing from the Gentiles." These men looked to the Lord alone for the supply of their needs. They would not accept support from the unconverted. To do so would imply that their Master was too poor to provide for them. It might also give the unsaved a false ground of self-righteousness on which to rest. What a rebuke this is to the money-rising methods of television preachers and teachers today who take money from anyone. Most end up becoming all things to all people for money and popularity. They sell the gospel out for their own gain. John reminds us of the special obligation we have toward those servants of the Lord who go out in faith in the living God and who make their needs known to no one but the Lord. When we pray to be of service to someone, that someone is praying for a service. So the whole process of supporting missionaries in whatever call is all anwsered prayer for both the giver and the receiver of the blessing. In verse 8 John writes "We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth." To receive them means to do everything possible to help them, for when we do, we help the truth in its onward march.

Q2. (2 John 10-11) Why does the Apostle John tell his readers to refuse hospitality to the false teachers? What would refusing hospitality mean for a congregation (as opposed to an individual)? What is the border between tolerance and stupidity, when it comes to false teachers? Do the divisions of denominationalism find justification in this verse? Why or why not? These verses are the heart of this epistle. It gives us valued advice on how to deal with false teachers who come to our church doors as well as, I believe, the door to our homes. The home is part of the church. John does not refer to casual visitors but to anti-Christian propagandists. Should we invite them in? Give them a cup of coffee? Help them financially? Buy their literature? The answer is that we should not receive them or greet them. These people are enemies of Christ. To show them hospitiality is to take sides with those who are against our Savior. It is possible that sometime we might let such a person into our church or house without knowing that person denies the Lord. These verses would not apply in such a case. But when we do know a person to be a false teacher, it would be disloyal to Christ to befriend him. These verses do no apply to visitors in general. But focus on religious teachers who deny the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ. This doesn't apply to different denominations within main stream Christianity -- those churches who hold to the Apostles' Creed.

Q1. (2 John 9) What is the danger of "running ahead" of Christ's teachings to "deeper truths"? What is the danger of "running ahead" of Christ's guidance for our lives? What does it mean to "abide" or "continue" in Christ and his teachings? Why is this so important? These "deeper truths" are not of God. "Running ahead" is going beyond the boundaries of apostolic teachings of the gospel and into a distorted, false gospel which is no gospel at all. See Galatians 1. This is what cults do, they claim to have new light and teach doctrines that God has not revealed in His word. They do not stay within the bounds of the Christian revelation, or abide in the doctrine of Christ. A deviation of the teachings of Christ Himself and the Word of God. Why is this important? John emphazies in verse 9 that a cultist may claim to know God, but if he does not believe in the absolute deity and humanity of the Lord Jesus, he does not have God at all. God can only be known through His Son Jesus Christ. See John 14:6.

Q2. Paul called the Judaizers’ message as a “different gospel,” a perversion of the true gospel. How is this dangerous to the Galatian believers? How do twisted gospels (or an unbalanced interpretation of the gospel) affect Christians in our day? Any distortion of the apostolic gospel changes that gospel into something else -- a false gospel. It was dangerious and serious, then as well as now, to preach a message that results in the eternal destruction of souls. Paul was not tolerant of such false teachers and neither should we be. Paul in 1 Thess. 1:8-9 twice pronounces the solemn curse of God on anyone who preaches any other gospel. God has only one message for doomed sinners -- He offered salvation by grace through faith Jesus Christ, entirely apart from law-keeping. Those who proclaim any other way of salvation must necessarily be doomed -- a false gospel. Paul says an angel from heaven, not angel from God. An angel from heaven could conceivably bring a false message, but an angel from God could not. Language could not express more clearly the uniqueness of the gospel. It is the only way of salvation. Self-effort or human merit have no part. The gospel alone offers salvation withour money or price. Whereas the law has a curse for those who fail to keep it, the gospel has a curse for those who seek to change it. See John 14. False, distorted gospels end in death and destruction. .

Q1. (Galatians 1:4) According to verse 4, for what purpose did Jesus give himself? How does Jesus rescue people today? How does he keep people from falling back into their old ways? Jesus give Himself up to deliver humanity from this present evil age according the will of God and our Father. See John 3:16-17. Jesus rescues people today who put their faith and trust in Him like He has been doing for two thousand years. Jesus died on the cross for the universal atonement of human sin and as Paul has stated in other epistles -- especially for those who believe in Him. Whomever calls upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved. Today like yesterday Jesus saves people the same way -- "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Free from what? Freedom from the moral and political corruption of this age; freedom from the religious world which mixes rituals and ceremonies with faith in Christ; freedom from false religion; freedom from demonic control and influences; freedom from self; and most importantly freedom from death. Jesus said that he was the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that nobodys gets to the Father but through Him. See John 14:6 Jesus keeps people from falling back into their olds ways through a personal relationship with Him and the filling presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer's being. We are sealed in the Holy Spirit. However, it up to people to stay the course with Christ. We are not puppets on a string even though humanity is very easily influenced by "whatever." It is in a saving, trusting, dynamic relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that we become new creations in Christ and the old way passes away.

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"? How can guards be at the same time positive, loving, and pleasant to be around? I don't believe guarding the doctrines of the faith can ever be narrow or backward. Truth is truth. God's truth applies to all generations and is contemporary to each generation. It is a matter of staying faithful to the Word of God. Not compromising with the world is not narrow or backward-looking. Change mentioned in the question is a broad idea. It needs to be better defined as to what change? Are we talking about homosexual priests, same sex marriage, the nature of Jesus the Christ, etc. This is too board to answer correctly. The bottom line is the believer maintains the truth of the gospel with love and patience. But, the believer stays the apostolic course.

Q4. (1 Timothy 6:17-19) What kinds of actions are the best antidote for the love of money? How can we cultivate generosity so that it remains healthy, rather than let it go overboard and hurt our families? I think the first part of this question can be answered by the instructions Paul gave the Thessalonians in 1 Thess. 4:11-12: "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." I think the second part of this question can be answered by the the instructions John gave to the church in 1 John 3:16-18: "This is how we know Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. As believers we provide aide to those in need as is required and as the Holy Spirit leads. When we follow the lead of the Holy spirit we will not go overboard in the flesh.

Q3. (1 Timothy 6:7-10) How does love for money grow? How does it become a trap? How do you escape this deceptive trap? The love for money grows by feeling that love. The desire for money brings with it cares and fears, which entangle the soul. People who determine to become wealthy fall into many foolish ... lusts. There is the desire to "keep up with the Joneses." In order ro maintain a social level in the community, they are often driven to sacrifice some the really worthwhile values in life, including having a meaningful relationship with God. Desiring to be rich leads a person into temptation. In order to achieve their goal, people are enticed to use dishonest and often violent methods. Such methods include gambling, speculation, fraud, perjury, therft, and even murder. Such people fall into snares or traps. The desire becomes so strong that they cannot deliver themselves from it. Eventually, when wealth is gotten, it is never enough. Greed for wealth causes people to endanger their health and jeopardize their souls. Indeed, that is the end toward which they are drifting. They become so occupied with material things that they become drowned in destruction and perdition. In their ceaseless quest for wealth, they neglect their souls.

Q2. (1 Timothy 6:6) Why should we seek contentment? Doesn't contentment keep us from trying to get ahead so our families can have what they need? What's the balance between contentment and the quest for improvement? Paul is speaking of contentment with one's circumstances. One cannot always change one's circumstances. So, to be godly and be content with one's circumstance is to live and serve God fully within that circumstance with complete focus. If one cannot focus where one is at then one cannot be effective in the service of God. Circumstances change throughout time due to career advancements, or set backs, new ministry assignments, pay raises -- normal changes in life. Natural advancement is a part of life that comes with hard work, prayer, and persistence. It shouldn't be our obessession because that causes one to turn their eyes away from God. Natural career or job progression is a part of taking care of one's family. However, it should be a part of our relationship with God and in our mission to serve and honor Him. Our vocational advancement should be partnership with God's plan for our life. God does bless them that serve Him in order for them to carry out one's service to God, which includes providing for a family. The balance is that a Christian seeks first the Kingdom of God and everything else will fall into place. That is what Jesus Christ taught.

Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? Most people love money. If there is any chance that a cercern belief or practice will make them rich or increase their earnings they will take it hook, line, and sinker. People have a difficult time being content. A couple of prosperity teachings that bother me are: It is true that God blesses a generous giver as Paul put it, however that should not be the motivation for giving. Purity of motive is one of the things that define a Christian and will be discussed with the Christian at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Having a relationship with God is about honoring God and becoming a Christ-like complete human being not a rich human being. God is not our investment broker. A teaching today claims that by tithing and giving, God will give you back a great return. Some prosperity Christians make God out to a stock broker. This really isn't taught in the Bible. Jesus certainly did not teach this distortion of scripture to his followers. This is not an Apostolic teaching. This is a western democratic capitalistic philosophy attached to Christian doctrine to distort into a form of heresy. Wealth is a sign of God's blessing upon the Christian. What about all the opposed and poor Christians throughout the world where their faith puts them at odds with the political power or dominate religion that abounds. Are they not blessed and loved by God too? Many Christiansw intentionally forsake material wealth to serve God or to set an example of living simply and giving genrously to serve and honor God. Most importantly, to stay focused on the Kingdom of God. Many if not most Christians don't have a relationship with God like they should because they are focused more in time and sensuality than heavenly things. They are more about the world than the Kingdom of God. Jesus taught us to store our treasure in Heaven not here on earth where they rust and rot away. The love of money is the root of all evil and corrupts the minds of people. In pursue of money most people, even Christians, can justify poor actions.

Q5. (1 Timothy 6:1-2) In what ways has the Gospel sown the seeds that will eventually destroy slavery? Why does Paul seem to condone slavery in this passage? What is Paul's motive? The Christian belief and statement reflected in Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." The love, unity, and the elevation in the treatment of all humanity reflected in the teachings of Jesus Christ sown the seeds that would eventually destroy slavery. Paul isn't condoing slavery in this passage. What he is saying is that the slave should count their own masters worthy of all honor. This means that they should give them due respect, work obediently and faithfully, and in general seek to be a help rather than a hinderance. The great motive for such diligent service is that the the testimony for Christ is involved. If a Christian slave where to act rudely or rebelliously, then the master would blaspheme the name of God and the Christian faith. He would conclude that believers were a worthless lot. The history of the early church reveals that Christian slaves generally commanded a higher price on the slave market than unbelievers. If a master knew that a certain slave on the auction block was a Christian, he would generally be willing to pay more for that slave, since he knew that slave would serve him faithfully and well. This is high tribute to the Christian faith. These verses remind us that no matter how low a person's position my be on the social scale, they still have every opportunity for witnessing for Jesus Christ and bringing glory to His name.

Q4. (1 Timothy 5:22-25) Why does Paul say, "Don't be hasty in the laying on of hands"? What are the dangers in doing so? How can these dangers be lessened? Before commissioning a person to church office the Senior Pastor and the church must have a knowledge of the person as to their qualifcations and call to office/ministry, lifestyle, doctrinal beliefs, family life, etc. as that there no surprises after placed into the office or ministry. Therefore in testing and evaluating a person prior to commissioning lessens the dangers of failure and embarassment and causing harm to the church and/or ministry.

Q3. (1 Timothy 5:19-21) Why was it necessary to make formal accusations and "try" the false teachers? Why were the temptations to compromise and not go through with it so great? Why is it so difficult to exercise church discipline today? Formal accusations and a trial are necessary in order to flesh out the truth from heresy and so the church can witness the proceedings. Misconduct must also be brought become the church in order to maintain godliness, standards, and order as set forth in scripture. In dealing with matters of discipline in the local church, there are two dangers to be avoided. The first is prejudice and the other is partiality. It is easy to be unfavorably prejudiced against a person and thus to prejudice the case. Also, it is all too easy to show partiality toward a person because of their wealth, position in community, or personality. So, Paul solemnly charges Timothy in the sight of God and the Lord Jesus Christ and also in the sight of the elect angels, that he should obey these instructions without judging a matter before all the facts are known or without showing favor toward a person simply because they are a friend or well known. Church discipline is unpleasant so it is easy to avoid it. It is heavy and serious, therefore most in the church don't want to participate so it is ignored even to the point of divided, ineffective churches. In fact, most church members don't follow Jesus Christ, so they don't want to try or judge these matters because they walk in darkness rather than light. They have a form of Godliness, but not authority or power. In fact people cannot exercise what they don't have so church discipline is avoided because righteousness and godliness is getting rarer in the church. Godliness and standards are being replaced with the standards of the world.