JanMary

Q1. (2 Timothy 2:20-22). When do you put your good plates and silverware on the table? When do you use your everday tableware? We use the china and silver on special holidays, occasions, for special guests, for company. For everday dinners, lunches, breakfasts we use the pottery dishes and stainless steel. (For some reason, the teaspoons to the stainless steel keep disappearing...probably in the garbage when everyone is in a hurry. More time and care is taken when setting the table and clearing up the special tableware.) What point is Paul making with this example? We are in the household of God if we are in Jesus Christ. Each one has purpose and destiny, but to be truly useful, we must cleanse ourselves through confession and repentance and separate ourselves from the contaminating and corrupting things in the world....and will then be set apart and consecrated to the Master's use and purposes, fit and ready for any good work....like the gold and silver dishes. In practical terms, how do we "cleanse ourselves" so that we might be useful and ready for the Lord's use? The only cleansing agent is the Blood of Jesus Christ who "when we confess our sins is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". I would add, according to Paul's example, we are to ask the Lord and to rely on His strenth to avoid and flee from "contamination" and to pursue righteousness rather than being relegated to the commonplace pottery in the example.

Q4. (2 Timothy 2:15) Exactly what is the analogy with a skilled workman that forms the basis for Paul's instruction to Timothy? Paul told Timothy to study and be eager to do his utmost to present himself to God approved, tested by trial, a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing, (rightly handling and skillfully teaching) the Word of Truth. The analogy is to serve in ministry with the same honed skills and integrity as that of a skilled workman who knows his job, his craft, and offers unblemished, finished work, in a timely way. How does this apply to our teaching of scripture today? In the same way, we are to study and to know the Word of God, to stand up under testing of trials, with no cause to be ashamed, able to rightly handle the Word of God with skill, able to teach others the Word of Truth with integrity. The key to teaching, is to sit long at the Master's feet listening to His heart and receiving His revelation.

Q3. (2 Timothy 2:3-7) Paul calls Timothy to endure hardship for the sake of the goal. What in the experience of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer illustrate this well? Which of these examples speaks most strongly to you? These are all excellent examples, and speak to my heart, but the soldier speaks loudest to me. I've been reading about my Dad's experience in WWI in France where he was commended for valor by General Pershing....he was a "runner" and survived though 24 others were mowed down trying to get information from one battle field to another. I read of the hardship, the perseverence, the total dedication to the goal of winning the battle, lack of food, lack of sleep, bitter cold without proper clothing, danger on all sides, and on and on. Yet, the bravery and the unity among the soldiers for the common cause of victory in defeating the enemy speaks loudly to me. Our enemy is just as fierce and deadly, and our cause is just and is our "Commander In Chief's" command to be followed. We must endure the hardship, though none as great as these brave men faced, for the common goal of spreading the Gospel to the world. We are not to be deterred by inconvenience or difficulty. Rather than medals of honor, we will be rewarded in Heaven.

Q2. Why do you think our churches tend not to declare the call to endurance and suffering? For the same reason many churches no longer teach about sin and the blood of Jesus....they offend the casual church goer, and "wider" has become more important than "deeper". Better to have a small group of sincere disciples who long for truth, than a large group of fair weather church attenders who are only interested in getting a check mark in the box of "going to church". Endurance equals sacrifice, and these days it's all about self, looking out for number one, the one with the most toys wins, and other worldly beliefs that have become a part of the church. Why did Timothy tend to shy away from it? Apparently it was due to fear and timidity...a character weakness that many of us suffer from today. As some call it "soft" and selfish, consumed with creature comforts. What is the result of a willingness to suffer for the gospel? The gospel will spread even in the face of severe persecution, as unbelievers see the zeal and even the willingness to die, if need be, in those sharing the gospel. Also, the character is developed in the sufferer. Ultimately a crown is promised to await the sufferer in Heaven.

Q1. (2 Timothy 2:2) Why is it important for pastors and church leaders to execute a strategy of mentoring teachers and elders in a congregation? This is a shared responsibility, not just a pastoral one. And it only takes one generation of not being taught, to lose the message, or for it to become watered down or lost. How much time should be devoted to this teaching of future leaders vs. the time spent in administration and programs? Teaching is the main goal Paul is stressing. Administration and programs are important but can be delegated to those who are gifted in administration and are not teaching/mentoring/training the next generation of teachers to be entrusted with the pure Gospel.

Q4. (2 Timothy 1:12) According to verse 12, what is the source of Paul's fearlessness? His absolute trust and assurance that his life and the fruit of his ministry are in the capable hands of Christ. He knows this work is the Lord's and will continue after he's gone on to glory, because the gates of hell cannot prevail against it. What does he trust God to guard for him? All that he has worked to accomplish in service for His Lord...the churches he has founded, those who have been converted to the faith, his remaining life, and the details of his impending death and the life he will live after death in Heaven.

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? Paul tries to shift Timothy's focus away from his shame, and self focus, and the possible consequences to himself or his loved ones, and to instead focus on the glorious Gospel of Christ and Timothy's calling to proclaim it to the world. Paul is acknowledging to Timothy that persecution is a "given" if we're truly living for Christ and are being a light in the darkness....He's saying embrace the privilege of experiencing the sufferings of Christ, for we are "not above our Master". How is this an antidote for shame? Shame is "all about me", the antidote is to shift the focus to the real reason for living...Jesus Christ, His birth, death and resurrection to save each one who comes to Him for forgiveness and eternal life.

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? The biggest one which comes to mind was a few years after I became a Christian. I was driving to the grocery store and had to pass the home of a family whose son had just been arrested for murdering the parents and grandfather of his homosexual lover...both boys were arrested. As I drove by, the Holy Spirit said: "Stop and tell David's parents I love them"....I noticed a truck in front of the house and decided I could do it on the way home when they didn't have company. At the store, the folks there were all talking about it and how tragic and all. On the way home, the truck was gone, but there were 2 cars in front. I was too frightened to stop. Fearful and intimidated, I went home. I prayed fervently for the young mans parents and for he and his lovers salvation. Two weeks later, the Lord gave me another nudge. He said "Call them"....I found the number and called, identified myself, and that I am a Christian, and told the Mom that I'd been disobedient in not stopping to tell them the Lord loves them. I asked her to forgive me for being a coward and withholding the message. She started to cry, and said, "It would have been wonderful, but to tell you the truth, now that everyone has stopped coming, today is when I really needed to hear those words", then she thanked me for being His messenger. I learned a lot from that situation. From testifying clearly about your faith? According to verse 12, what is the antidote for cowardice and shame? I live on the "left coast" of Calif. where we're surrounded by God hating liberals who view Christians and the Bible as stupid and "totally out of touch". We've been called fascist b.....ds for voting for Prop.8 which was to amend the constitution to say that marriage is to be between one man and one woman. It can be intimidating, to say the least, to make my views known. But I do anyway, knowing that to be obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading may bring salvation to such a one. The antidote is to trust that God has my back...and is committed to me. How then do we combat the cowardice and shame we might recognize in ourselves? I've prayed for holy boldness...to not miss opportunities, having learned from the cowardice in the old days when it was important to please people and to be liked. I've learned that the ones who give the most flack, are the ones God is after, and they come around if I'm obedient to share openly and honestly. It also helps me to remember the courage of those who stepped up and shared Christ with me when I was lost and not interested....(or didn't think I was!)

Q1. (2 Timothy 1:6) What advice would you give to a person who has let use of a spiritual gift or ministry lapse? The scripture comes to mind that "God's gifts and calling are irrevokable", so they are not completely extinguished, which is comforting for the times this has happened in my life. I would urge others to pray and to ask God to stir the embers and fan the gift into flame again, and to ask the Lord to reveal the root of the lapse, as I've done in my own life. How can a gift or ministry be rekindled? I've experienced this several times where the gifts seem to be dormant. The Lord revealed the cause to me after prayer asking for help. I was in grief and disappointment over circumstances in my life and had reverted to the childhood thought patterns I had before I knew Him...It "felt" like He had "hung me out to dry" after I'd been obedient and things didn't turn out as I thought He said they would. I felt betrayed, and let that thinking "cloud" my relationship with the Lord, and the gifts seemed to have died. When I had clarity, I asked Him to forgive my wrong thinking and to fill me with His Holy Spirit again. He spoke to me:"Dwell in Me and I will dwell in you. No branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the Vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me." John 15:4I I was no longer "abiding in and drawing from" the Vine. "Apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 Several times it's been due to heavy attacks of Satan and I've needed to do spiritual warfare. Discouragement can cause this, and requires exhortation, as Paul was giving Timothy. What might be involved in reclaiming use of such a gift? Prayer, and in some cases, repentance. Perhaps fasting and spending alone time with the Lord for a period of time. If it's due to grief or illness, healing must occur. Perhaps talking with a Pastor or elder in the church might shed some light. I don't think there is one certain solution, because the causes may be many. Self will and apathy, or fear and timidity can be a cause, as Paul told Timothy. One close to me experienced this, due to over commintment and lack of rest, resulting in burnout. It took a long recovery and much prayer for wisdom in taking on ministry responsibility. In this case, it took a long period of rest and down time to regain strength and health. A dear friend experienced this, and the Lord showed her she was "doing" ministry out of guilt and obligation rather than at His leading and in His strength and He chose not to encourage her in this and let the ministry fail. This caused her to seek Him in what she gets involved in now, rather than believing that anything she's asked to do is the Lord's will for her.

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"? Shun the godless chatter, politically correct thinking which permeates nearly all media today, and stay focused on the Word of God every day, yielding to the work of the Holy Spirit in all that we do, think, and say. Darkness is exposed and chased away by light. We are to reflect His Light through our lives so that those in the darkness can be drawn to Him. We are commanded to be salt, and salt's purpose is to preserve, protect, save, support, sustain, season. We are commanded to be light. We derive our light from His presence within us, and we are to shine so that others may see our good works and glorify God in Heaven....we have a choice then. We can lose our saltiness through becoming like the world, and we can refuse to shine, or we can be both to a dying world. Joseph was both salt and light, first to just his family, then to those at Potipher's house, in prison, and finally to the saving of his entire nation....while sustaining Egypt....because he guarded the faith and never wavered in belief in the promise God had given him. How can guards be at the same time positive, loving, and pleasant to be around? When we walk in the light, we bring Jesus to those around us....and Who is more positive, loving and pleasant to be around than Jesus? He tells us to speak the truth...in love.

Q4. (1 Timothy 6:17-19) What kinds of actions are the best antidote for the love of money? Since it is God who heals our brokeness and cleanses our sin, prayer is the first thing...confess it and ask for forgiveness and cleansing to be rid of the love of money..for the idolatry of making it "god". I've not stuggled with the love of money, but at times the fear of not having enough....the antidote for me was to give to someone who had less. One time I only had 3.00 with no more in sight and I was holding onto it for dear life.....the Lord spoke to me to give it to a woman who didn't even have 3.00. The next day, His flow started to come to me again. But I think the same thing applies to the love of money...give, give, give to the less fortunate. The blessing which comes in doing that, will replace the love of having, hoarding, grasping after money and wealth. Paul told Timothy in V. 18 "charge them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share with others"....that says it all....put the focus on God, and His desires for how we spend our time, talents, and treasure for the Kingdom. How can we cultivate generosity so that it remains healthy, rather than let it go overboard and hurt our families? In the book of James, we're told to ask for wisdom....that God wants to give it more than we want to receive it. Wisdom applies to every area of life and certainly in our giving. A surrendered life is one which relies on Him for guidance in all things. How can we give to the degree that we hurt our families if He is the one leading?

Q3. (1 Timothy 6:7-10) How does love for money grow? Through the craving to become rich, until the the pursuit becomes the focus of life. (I think of Judas who started out stealing from the money bag, until he became willing to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.) Viewing money as the means to power, position, security, self esteem, rather than that God is our security, and the One Who raises us up to whatever our destiny is, and it is in Him that we find our value as His children...not in what we do, or posess materially. How does it become a trap? The love of money leads us down a rabbit trail to believing that it is the source of our happiness...it becomes "god"....and leads to "hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction and miserable perishing." v.9.... Satan can provide wealth, as evidenced by his temptation of Jesus, and as is seen and heard today in testimonies of those he offered fame and wealth....fallen rock stars, politicians, movie stars, fallen sports legends who had it all from Satan's hand, and now are in disgrace, as they fell into what often goes with the love of money and having too much....drugs, the ability to afford steroids to enhance performance...the orgies of extravagant living and debauchery, the vainglory and pride, which Proverbs says leads to a fall. How do you escape this deceptive trap? Knowlege is key....awareness of our weaknesses and possible tendency to fall for this trap. Being honest with ourselves. Prayer to avoid it or to escape it if one is already ensnared: I personally love David's prayer: "You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart. Purify me, wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness and BE SATISFIED; Hide not your face from my sins and blot out all my guilt and iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right, persevering and steadfast spirit within me...etc." Psalm 51.

Q2. (1 Timothy 6:6) Why should we seek contentment? I've learned over the years the truth that Paul taught, that I'm content in whatever state I'm in, whether I have much or little. I've learned that contentment brings peace, and facilitates unity and harmony with those around me. When I'm content, I'm filled with gratitude to God, and am seeking more of Him instead of more of what the world has to offer. This place in life came as a result of our losing our home, car, everything, (except for our minds!) nearly 20 years ago, during a similar economy to todays. Our business could not sustain the losses and the new computer technology which was unfriendly to our type of business. We became homeless, and it was in God's amazing provision for our family that I've learned contentment. He is truly ALL that His Name proclaims Him to be: the Great Physician, our Provider, our Savior, our Holy Spirit and Comforter...and on and on. We were taken into someones home, fed, cared for, never lacked anything we needed. My husband lost his sight, and through a miraculous phone call from out of state, from someone who saw an 800 number on T.V., he received free eye surgery.... We've had no money and lots of money, but I learned that it all comes from His hand, and is always what is needed for that day. Last Christmas we had little money, but several weeks before the holiday, over 1,000.00 poured into our hands. A blessing, but we would have been content with whatever He provided because we've learned that He knows what we need...though He often gives us more than we need so that we can share with others. Doesn't contentment keep us from trying to get ahead so our families can have what they need? No, contentment keeps us from STRIVING, which is not how we are called to live as God's children. As we walk with Him and serve Him and do the work He provides to our best ability, what we need will come to us from His generous Hand. What's the balance between contentment and the quest for improvement? I think it's "Working to full capacity in a relaxed state of faith"....He brings the improvement when I'm surrendered to His Lordship, and I'm living in contentment with what He has provided.

Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? I think it's because our fallen nature is susceptible to greed and the distorted teaching appeals to our flesh, to our selfishness and that condition Solomon had, that more is never enough. The false teachers quote scripture out of context and to many, it sounds like truth, which validates the greedy desires. In our culture, money and wealth equal status and power, and is a way of measuring "worth". Those who have more are more valued, and honored as more worthy, such as rock, sports, and movie stars. Their wealth gives them a platform to proclaim their values and political views to the world, and weak minds follow after them, because after all, they're dripping with wealth and must be right. Low self esteem makes one susceptible to this teaching. As a new believer 35 years ago, who grew up dirt poor and abused, my first prayer was for a big house, thinking "then I'll be as good as other people". I've learned much over the years, and the most cherished is "God is my home and my refuge." Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? I've heard preachers on television say that God wants every believer to be rich. That all you have to do to be rich, is to send them money and support their ministry and you will get their anointing to be rich. I've heard "name what you want and claim it and you'll get it". A number of the wealth teachers, have their own personal jets, wear only the finest clothing and jewelry...they've become wealthy from those who believe the message and send sacrificially in an effort to live as they do in luxury. How do they differ from the truth? They teach that godliness is a means to financial gain. To pursue money. Paul tells us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. He said " wealth is uncertain...do not put your hope in it. Seeking wealth can lead to ruin. The pursuit of wealth keeps our focus on that dead end, instead of on the things of God...building His Kingdom, sharing our faith, walking in obedience, chasing after Him and His desires, which store up treasure in Heaven. (Sadly, an entire family or ours in Idaho, cult members, were approached by another one of their cult who was running a Ponzi scheme. They all took out loans against their homes and businesses to make "tons of money", to invest in his "stocks" and most of them have lost their homes and are in financial ruin. So very sad to see this scripture lived out today. One said, "We just thought we could have a better life if we had more money". So it's not just Christians who are duped by the false teaching.)

Q5. (1 Timothy 6:1-2) In what ways has the Gospel sown the seeds that will eventually destroy slavery? Jesus died to set men/women free from all bondage, and in Him we are all equal and one. Why does Paul seem to condone slavery in this passage? He gives guidelines for slaves behavior. It appears, taken by itself, to condone slavery, but in context, he is promoting unity. Just as we are exhorted in Rom. 13 to pray for those in authority (whether evil or good) that "It may go well with us".. What is Paul's motive? Paul's motive as shown throughout his letter to Timothy is to bring order to the church. Giving guidelines for slaves who at that time were still enslaved, was to bring order and Christian character to the forefront of their lives...until they could be legally, physically set free. The believers who were slaves, were already bondslaves of Jesus Christ and therefore "whom He sets free is free indeed".

Q4. (1 Timothy 5:22-25) Why does Paul say, "Don't be hasty in the laying on of hands"? Paul is urging Timothy to take his time in ordaining anyone...check them out, test them first, get to know them well. The amplified gives reference to "not being too hasty in reinstating expelled offenders or in ordaining questionable cases." If it's an expelled Elder, Paul would be exhorting Timothy to be certain that genuine repentance and change has occurred. The laying on of hands is a serious step, and is not to be entered into lightly. What are the dangers in doing so? Paul told Timothy he could enter into their sin. I think that would be like validating a questionable, untried Elder, and then being responsible for not vetting him/her. The danger could be in inviting a wolf in sheeps clothing into the fold! An untried person may be a chameleon, whose sins have been hidden and haven't come to light yet. Satan is always trying to infiltrate the church...as in the tares....Discernment is key. How can these dangers be lessened? I think it goes without saying that first and foremost, prayer in seeking God's choice for the position, and waiting upon the Lord until it becomes clear. Place the individual in lesser positions to see how faithful they are. Get to know them, on an intimate level. Listen to them pray. Spend time with them. Let other leaders check them out too. Sin and false doctrine can't be concealed for too long.

Q3. (1 Timothy 5:19-21) Why was it necessary to make formal accusations and "try" the false teachers? So that things were done decently and in order...to bring justice, and to protect elders from gossip or unfounded accusations. The Word of God says there must be at least 2 or 3 witnesses, and publicly if there is no repentence, they are to be given a consequence as seems fitting for their actions of ungodly living or false teaching. These were teachers....living Epistles... who were setting a bad example and teaching harmful doctrine. They had to be disciplined and stopped rather than allowing them to "ferment" the whole church with incorrect teaching. Why were the temptations to compromise and not go through with it so great? They were usually close to the Pastor and other church leaders, and human nature is such that we don't want to rock the boat, or call someone out. They may have been wealthy contributers to the church, and loss of funds might result, or they may have been influential, and walked away with some of the church who were listening to their false teaching. They may have been bold and charismatic personalities who were difficult to confront. Why is it so difficult to exercise church discipline today? I think it's worse today. People don't want to be held accountable for their actions. We live in a blaming society, where our actions can always be blamed on someone else. Many churches preach such a watered down Gospel that sin is no longer mentioned. We're a tumbleweed society...if we're offended in one place, we just go on down the road to another, blame the previous place and settle in... The church often behaves as the world does....bowing down to political correctness, and so it goes on without being confronted.

Q2. (1 Timothy 5:17-18) In what circumstances should elders be compensated financially? Especially when the Elders work is teaching and preaching in addition to looking after the affairs of the church. Paul called this practice "double honor". What is the Scriptural support for such a practice? It's basis is in the Old Testament, Lev. 19:13, Deut. 24:14,15; Deut. 25:4,

Q1. (1 Timothy 5:1-16) What responsibilities do we have to help aging family members? It IS our responsibility. They are not to be left without care when we are able to provide for them, or to ignore them and expect the church or state to provide for them. According to Paul, in what way is this our Christian responsibility? He compares it to walking in faith...or in todays vernacular "where the rubber meets the road" of our faith...."walking our talk" to love one another. In what way is this a "repayment" of a debt? Grandparents provided for their children who are the parents of these....who during their most productive years took care of the next generation. If the parents and grandparents are in need in their less productive years, the children are to help meet their needs. Returning the care they received during the growing up years and perhaps college as well. To what does Paul compare to those who refuse this responsibility? He says the one who ignores the needs of family "has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever".

Q4. (1 Timothy 4:12b) Rigid, unsmiling orthodoxy can teach right doctrine, but cannot produce godliness. Why not? Because knowledge doesn't equate to experience...rigid orthodoxy imparts information, but only the Holy Spirit indwelling and having Lordship/control in a life can produce godliness. Why is a strong example of godliness in church leaders essential to a healthy church? Leaders are examples and shepherds of the flock, and therefore must set the example to be followed. We follow Christ, but these are living examples of Him...or living patterns. We can learn by observing godly behavior. The leaders set the tone for the body of Christ. A parent who says "Do as I say, not as I do", fails, because children will inevitable "do what they see done"...

Q3. (1 Timothy 4:7-8) How would you define "godliness"? The outworking of the person of Jesus Christ's character through a life yielded to His Lordship (His wisdom, and the fruit of the Spirit...Gal. 5) What produces godliness in a person? A life which is yielded to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and which allows the Holy Spirit to have control of our bodies, minds and spirits. How is godliness different from embracing a strict morality? Embracing strict morality is outward adherance to a religious system. Godliness is the outward expression of the person of Jesus Christ living on the inside of an individual.

Q2. (1 Timothy 4:3-5) Why is performance of legalistic requirements so attractive to people? I think it's because of pride. It's a way of denying the need for God and the desire to prove one can measure up, and "get it done" without any help from anyone. All cults are based on this doctrine of demons....because it leads people away from the knowledge of surrender to the only One Who can bring salvation and eternal life, as they focus and work to accomplish all of the legalities of each religion. What fruit does it produce in a person's life? It produces works of the flesh, which the Bible calls "wood, hay and stubble" which will go up in smoke when tested at the judgement. It produces self righteousness and spiritual pride in "getting the check marks in the box", and haughtiness as one looks down the nose at those not doing as well. In what ways is this emphasis so different from the true gospel? The true gospel emphasizes relationship not religion. That of surrendering the life/will to Jesus Christ and His Lordship, then living to please Him rather than ourselves...to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit in what we do and how we live, which brings Him glory and honor, rather than drawing attention to our accomplishments. Nothing man can do on his own will ever make him holy....he may look moral and good to others, but fall short of the glory of God, since the shed blood of Christ is the only way to become holy on the inside.

Q1. (1 Timothy 4:1-2) Why does Paul remind Timothy (and the church) of predictions concerning widespread apostasy? It seems to have been to prepare him, so that he wouldn't be overwhelmed by all of the chaos or discouraged and frightened by the invasion of the false teachers. Paul was reminding Timothy that he was engaged in a spiritual battle and to stay alert, but that he was on the winning side, just as we are. What effect should this knowledge have on his ministry and the church's perception of the situation? The chaos was being introduced by the false teachers, teaching doctrines of demons. Paul was exhorting Timothy to stay focused on teaching and preaching the Word of God, to perservere and to operate in the prophetic gift he'd been given. The church's perception would be stabilized by the consistent teaching of the truth of God's Word, which exposes the false and the false teachers.

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? Yes, both in maturity and responsiblity, but all of the character values mentioned earlier must be present in both. They are both undershepherds, assisting in the pastoral care of the flock and are responsible to help the church body stay "healthy and growing", and to keep the wolves at bay. What are they? The role of Deacons is more administrative, assisting in the function of the church. (Later they were mentioned along with Bishops and Presbyters, who took communion to those not able to attend the services, distributed food to the needy, assisted the Bishops, took the offering, read the scripture during services, etc.) While the Elders are the overall leaders,more mature,and with responsiblity to teach and maintain the pure Gospel, from the apostolic teaching they received. They are to exhort, preach and rebuke, upholding the truth of scripture and to guard against false teaching and perversion of the scripture.

Q3. (1 Timothy 3) Why are tendencies to anger, intimidation, force, and pride so important to consider in selecting church officers? These tendencies reflect an individual who is walking in the flesh, rather than in and controlled by the Spirit, who "leads" out of their emotions, hair trigger reactions, immaturity and pride. What happens when you don't consider these factors? They may be set up for attacks of Satan, and fall prey to pride and other temptations. Their lack of character/ tested quality can imperil the church, and wound the flock. (I speak as one whose family suffered under the spiritual abuse and manipulation of such untried, "fleshy" leaders.) Our son has not attended church for years...shying away from further potential devastation and the rest of us have distanced ourselves from involvement for the same reason...arms length. Praying for healing from these deep wounds from trusted leaders who proved to be "untrustworthy" wolves in sheeps clothing.