Robin D

Desires, any type of seeing and wanting, and being prideful of our possessions or status. This may be difficult to discern in ourselves because we feel we have worked hard for the things that we have and to get where we are. Worldliness is harmful to our future because it takes our focus and our minds away from God.

The world is anything we partake of that keeps us from God. Love of the world could mean riches, possessions, hobbies, sports, activities, people, anything secular that takes our focus from God.

John takes time to encourage so people will remain stedfast and faithful. He encourages them by reminding them that they know Christ, are strong, and have overcome the wicked one.

We are blinded by darkness because we are clinging to these offences. They keep us from God and his blessings. We come into the light by praying for forgiveness for our own sins, and for those who have wronged us.

We should seek contentment so we can be at peace. We don't need to "get ahead" for our families. God has promised to provide our needs, not our wants. The balance is a relationship with God. I believe He will keep us grounded. Our quest for improvement should be spiritual, not financial.

People are susceptible to distorted teaching concerning financial gain because so much of society is driven by money and material things. Many people seem to think that money is the answer to all their problems and that money will make them happy. One scripture I have heard distorted is about receiving double. These verses given to not refer to financial gain or financial prosperity.

Christ sees everyone equally. Paul seems to condone slavery because he gives instructions to slaves. However, those instructions apply to anyone. His motive is that everyone can receive Christ. We should set an example by being respectful to our brethern, regardless of our lot in life.

Paul says we should wait so that we will know more about the person. The dangers are you might put someone into office that doesn't belong there. These dangers can be lessened by waiting to see what this person is really like, and by praying to God about the matter.

It was necessary to make formal accusations so that others could be warned and be made aware that action would be taken. It was tempting to not follow through with discipline because of wealthy or influential elders. It is difficult to exercise church discipline today because there are very few who will hold someone accountable. I also believe discipline is contingent upon the sin. Many wrongs of leaders in the church are overlooked. There is no sin today in society. Everything is acceptable, and I believe that mindset is starting to infiltrate many of today's churches.

Elders that do their job of teaching and preaching well. Elders that have devoted their lives to teaching and preaching and are solely dependent on the church should be well compensated. 1 Timothy 5:18 states the laborer is worthy of his reward.

We have responsibilities to make sure our aging family members are cared for. As Christians, we are to honor our father and our mother. Also, I believe caring for aging people extends beyond our own family members. This is like a repayment for all they have done for us in our lives. Paul says those who refuse this responibility have denied their faith and are worse than an infidel.

Godliness comes from the heart, from seeking and loving God. I also believe that in striving for godliness, we should enjoy our lives. A strong example of godliness is essential in leaders in order to be a good role model, to be an encouragement to others, and to lead the lost to Christ.

Godliness is living a life where everything you say and do should honor and glorify God. Practicing a life style where you try to please God, asking for forgiveness and being led by the Holy Spitit produces godliness. A strict morality is being disciplined to do something. In your mind, you rationalize what you believe and it results in outward actions. Godliness is living out what is in your heart, and following through becuase you love God.

Performance of legalistic requirements is attractive to people because it makes people feel good about themselves and provides a means to show their works. It also gives people a false sense of power that they must be good or worthy because of the rituals they practice. It produces pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness. This emphasis is so different from the true gospel because there is nothing we can do of ourselves that makes us worthy to God. No act we can do will make us godly. Only the Holy Spirit dwelling inside us can create new beings in us.

Paul reminds Timothy of predictions of apostasy to keep him grounded. Timothy knows these things will come about, yet he must continue in fatih, being a good minister of Christ using sound doctrine.