Jen

Q1. (1 Timothy 4:1-2) Why does Paul remind Timothy (and the church) of predictions concerning widespread apostasy? What effect should this knowledge have on his ministry and the church's perception of the situation? Paul reminds Timothy so that he will be prepared and know the truth of what is going on. It is false doctrine and it is causing confusion in the church. Timothy should preach with boldness the truth in the scriptures. That is his duty to know the truth and then preach the truth and let the results to God. The church then has the truth to accurately see the situation for what it is. Each man's works will speak for themselves. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q3. (1 Timothy 1:17) What do we learn about God from this doxology? What do we learn about praise? Have you ever tried speaking out a doxology in your personal prayer or praise time? What effect does a doxology have on the speaker? He is eternal, immortal, invisible and the one true God. He is also our King. The Bible tells us to pray for our earthly king(s) but our heavenly King we pray to because we know He listens and cares. He knows each of us. When we made one of our moves I wondered if even God knew where I was in this little town we were living in. He did know and He knew the future and all that it held. Sometimes I also like Mary in her post feel He is so big and I am so small and He still cares. He can't be seen but He sees us. He is eternal and has given us eternal souls and has provided a way that we can be with Him in eternity. I find that doxologies make me forget me and focus on my King who is incomprehensibly great. I have forgotten this and want to do it more. It helps me relax and rest in Him. I am trying to learn to rest in Him more. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q3. (1 Timothy 3) Why are tendencies to anger, intimidation, force, and pride so important to consider in selecting church officers? What happens when you don't consider these factors? It would seem that this person is not controlled by the Holy Spirit but by his fleshly nature. The church (us) and those in charge should be controlled by the Spirit in all things. Galatians 5:16 says Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the **** of the flesh. Galatians 5:22-25 says But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. This takes much prayer and submitting to the direction of the Holy Spirit. If these things are not taken into consideration the witness of the church will be damaged and strife will also result. For us fellowship in unity will not be there and the joy we know in the Lord will be missing. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q2. (1 Timothy 3:6, 10) Why should leaders be observed carefully and tested before placing them in office? What should you be looking for during this period? Mathew Henry says in his commentary "The soundness of their judgments, their zeal for Christ and the blamelessness of their conversation, must be proven." We are a witness to the world in everything we do including those we put into positions of responsibility and authority in the church. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism? It would seem to put the emphasis on materialism and outward appearance rather than on our Lord and Savior. God looks at the heart and this doesn't seem to witness to that. Maybe by the quiet example those who truly love the Lord set in their dress and behavior. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q3. (1 Timothy 2:8). What problem among the men of the congregation is Paul referring to in this verse? What is so serious about worshipping with the opposite of love in your heart? They are going through the motions of prayer however their hearts are not pure with love for God but full of anger and infighting. Anger is a secondary emotion so perhaps there was jealousy and selfish ambition present. Anyway they were not showing unity and love for God. There can be disagreements but they should be handled gently and with love. Are we not in the danger of entering into false worship if we have hate in our hearts for our brethren, those who God loves while we worship. Some Bible verses I found on love: Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ 1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at anytime. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 1 John 4:21 And this commandment we have from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. Proverbs 10:12 Hate stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. We need to pray for each other and as always I have work to do in every area of my life. Our enemy seeks to take our minds off Christ to make us ineffective for His kingdom. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q2. (1 Timothy 2:5-6) In the context of the salvation of all, why do you think Paul emphasizes the roles of Mediator and Ransom? In what way did Christ fulfill both these roles? The Greeks believed in many gods and the Jews had several priests. Paul emphasizes again there is one God and one mediator between God and man , the man Christ Jesus. Paul reaffirms again that Christ came so that all might be saved. It seems that we are slow to learn some times. He wants the church to fully comprehend these basic truths. Christ left heaven and came as a man to become our mediator by paying the price on the cross. HE IS ABLE TO SAVE TO THE UTTERMOST BECAUSE HE IS GOD AND HE PAID THE PRICE. His precious blood ransomed us from the kingdom of darkness to His kingdom of light. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

(1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on center? Paul was so zealous for the Jewish law that he greatly persecuted the church and put Stephen to death. I believe he was saying if God could save him He can save anyone. God's grace transcends our ignorance, disbelief and wickedness. We should never give up praying for the worst of sinners. They will be trophies of His grace as am I and all of us are trophies of His grace as we all were the worst of sinners. "But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all:yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."1 Corinthians 15:10. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q1. (1 Timothy 2:1-4) Why does Paul emphasize salvation of all mankind in this letter? What does this suggest about the practice of evangelism in the Ephesus church? Paul emphasized salvation of all mankind because scripture teaches that God is not willing that any should perish so He made a way for all who will to be saved. That includes all in authority (good and bad) and common people of every tribe, tongue and nation. It suggests to me that they were not preaching salvation for all. Perhaps they were of the mind that salvation is an exclusive club open only to some. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

(1 Timothy 1:3-7) What were some of the results of false doctrine in the church at Ephesus? How does doctrinal controversy hurt the spirit of a church? How does it prevent growth? How does it keep the church from its mission? 1. Immature Christians whose faith was not built on the solid teaching that Christ's blood alone can reconcile us to God and who would therefore entertain meaningless discussions not about the knowledge of the blood of Christ shed for them. False doctrine blinds us to the glorious gospel of our Lord. 2. The spirit of the church is damaged and weakened. 3. False doctrine keeps the church stuck in meaningless controversies which keep Christ out of the minds and hearts of the people. It keeps them from growing in grace. 4. The mission of the church should be to preach the truth of the gospel, grow mature Christians who are sound in the faith and glorify God. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q4. (Romans 8:35-36) What kinds of perils were the early Roman Christians likely exposed to? What kinds of perils are Christians exposed to today? How does this passage reassure us? In what sense do we Christians "overwhelmingly conquer" (NASB) despite the obstacles we face? The early Roman Christians were exposed to terrible forms of tortorous death as are many Christians today plus banishment and other forms of punishment. Nothing nothing ever will separate us from the love of Christ. It is hard for my mind to comprehend but the Bible says it and the Holy Spirit confirms it. It is very reassuring to read those words. We are overwhelmingly conquerors if we remain in Christ in the face of all our foe can throw out at us. God will be glorified and that is our goal. Remember to tap into the source of our strength daily!! God Bless!! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q3. (Romans 8:31-32) What is the significance of the statement: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Who might our enemies be? What is the evidence presented that God is for us? How does this statement make you feel? How does it affect hope? How does it allow you to act? What might: "...graciously give us all things" refer to? This statement is telling us that nothing can be succesfully against us because God is all powerful. We are already told that God can work all things for our good if we will love Him and ask Him. When we are overwhelmed with the harshness of circumstances and people it is such a comfort to go to this verse. The Bible states that our enemies are not flesh and blood but spiritual forces of darkness whose chief is Satan himself. However we are victors in Christ who has conquered our foe. God graciously gives us all things to live righteously for Him. And I love knowing that when I am faithless He is faithful. He didn't just drop me off here and then dump me when I am not what I should be. Maybe people do but my God never has. He is with me to the end when He takes me home. God Bless! Jen Numbers6:24-26

Q2. (Romans 8:29) What does it mean to "be conformed to the likeness of his Son"? In practical terms, what does that involve in our lives? Why does Paul support this statement with ideas of our destiny? Why does he support this with ideas of brotherhood with Jesus? We are to be like Christ. We are to be like Him in holiness. It is God the Holy Spirit who can carry out the work of sanctification . We are to read the Word and pray and apply the knowledge we learn to our lives and let God grow is into who we are to be in Christ. All of us with unique personalities and gifts to be used for His purposes. We are predestined to live with Jesus forever as one of many brothers and sisters. If we are conformed to the image of Christ who is eternal we also shall live with Him for all eternity as part of our conformity. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q1. (Romans 8:28) What is the actual promise contained in verse 28? What does this promise mean? Put it in your own words. What are the two qualifications to the recipients of this promise? How does verse 28 give you hope? The promise is that God works all things for our good. "Everything that comes my way good or bad God can and will work for my good as He sees good." We must love God and be in His will. I have a powerful God who will turn sadness and disappointments into good as He sees fit. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q5. (Romans 8:18-25) In what sense do we expect to experience God's glory when Christ comes? How will the suffering creation experience God's glory? How will our mortal bodies experience God's glory? In what way will our spirits experience God's glory? I don't know if we can know some of this however I believe all creation will rejoice and we will have glorified bodies. Our spirits will be full of great joy. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q4. (Romans 8:24-25) What are the characteristics of a person who has lost hope? How does this person typically conduct his life? How does this differ from a person who holds an eager expectation of a better future? What is the "Christian hope"? How should it motivate us and affect our lives now? I thought JanMary's response was very accurate for a person who has lost hope. A person who holds an eager expectation of the better future lives life with a different perspective. For a Christian that hope is Jesus. "Too live is Christ to die is gain" Phil 1:21. Even when I feel buffeted and am recovering from life threatening injuries, have parents who are elderly and struggling every day, family members who are also struggling without jobs or have economic hardships which may get worse and like Paul face conficts without and fears within I can thank God that He is here and He is sovereign and who has given me His Word and the Holy Sprit so I can face this new time in life with grace from Him. In some ways these days seem dark and maybe that is so that His light and love will shine more brightly. So many don't know Him. I am soo blessed that He found me and "set my feet on a rock". I used to not know Him and these things would have taken me down a path of despair but now even though I feel the pain and uncertainties I know that none of these things shall move me (Acts 20:24), and in Him we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28). "Being confident of this very thing that He who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil1:6 God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q3. (Romans 8:26-27) How does the Holy Spirit act as a Helper or Mediator or Intercessor in verses 26-27? What similarities do you see between the Holy Spirit's ministry here with Jesus' teaching of the Spirit's ministry as Counselor/Comforter/Paraclete in John 14:16 and 15:26)? Why do you think we tend to take the Holy Spirit for granted or fail to understand His ministry to and through us? The Holy Spirits leads us in the way of truth. He prays for and through us with groanings which cannot be uttered. We are so often as children in prayer. We need the Holy Spirit to "make "our prayers align with God's will. He is our Comforter! Without Him we would be alone in this world not knowing the way of truth. We would forget our Savior. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is not taught in many churches. He is ignored in many sermons. He is not even acknowledged in our prayers. He is our first shield of defense against the enemy if we listen, if we learn to discern His voice. He seems to be the silent one of the Trinity however I think that is because the noise of the world is always competing for our attention. I don't believe anything gets done without the Holy Spirit. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q2. (Romans 8:17-22) In what ways was suffering Jesus' lot in life? Why do we suffer? Why does all creation seem to be suffering? What will signal the end of that downward cycle of suffering, decay, and death? Is there anything good to look forward to in this present life? Jesus suffered leaving the perfect fellowship of the Trinity and entering this dark world of sin. He suffered as a human with temptations (Luke 4:2), weariness from sinful people and the depravity of the human heart (Luke 20:23 But He perceived their craftiness). He suffered rejection from those He created (Luke 23:21). He experienced the greed and corruption of His perfect creation(Luke 20:46). He grieved (Matthew 23:37). He suffered the loss of people and he wept (John11:33). He suffered betrayal by a friend with a kiss (Luke 22:48. He experienced and saw the hatred we have towards each other (John15:17-20). We could go on for a long time describing the suffering of Christ in living and then comes the crucifiction. Once again rejection, hate, jeering, laughing, cruelty, pain, lonliness and separation from the Father. He suffered this for His Father's glory and we are the beneficiaries if you will of His sufferings. Matthew Henry says "Sin is a burden to the whole creation. There is a general outcry against the sin of man." Man's sin is the cause of the suffering of the world. In this life we look forward to being with our Lord. He is our hope. We love the Word and the fellowship of kindred minds in the Lord. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q1. In Romans 8:14-21, 28, how many times is the idea of being sons and daughters of God alluded to? What are the promises made to these sons and daughters? What do we learn about our future and our role in the future of all creation? I counted sons and daughters being alluded to about 9 times. The promises made are We are adopted as sons and heirs! We experience suffering in our present condition God's Spirit helps us in our present weakness Our future and our role Creation will no longer groan but will be as originally created. Jesus will be known as firstborn and we his brethren (brothers and sisters). "Truly amazing"!! God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q5. (Romans 7:14-25) Christians disagree about who is the "I" in Romans 7. Is Paul referring to himself or others? What is your opinion? (We won't all agree here, but we'll learn what the issues are by taking and arguing for a position -- lovingly). I believe he is referring to himself knowing that we will all have the same struggles and benefit from his words. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q4. (Romans 8:12) Do we have to sin? Are we compelled to sin? Is it possible to live for two hours of wakefulness without sinning? Four hours? One day? Two days? Where do we Christians get such a defeatist attitude towards sin? From Scripture? Before I knew the Lord I was compelled to sin. It was all I knew. Now that I am the Lord's I am compelled to obey Him. I am miserable when I feel I have disappointed Him. On my own I have no power to live a life of righteousness. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that I can live without sin. And that I must work earnestly at for Him to do it. Where do we get such a defeatist attitude towards sin? I have sin in me and must battle it everyday. How can I think I can defeat this ugly enemy without power and where else does that power come from but the Lord. If I do not plug into that source I will be defeated everytime. The Bible tells us and the enemy knows it. We need to pray for each other!! I need prayer!! Please! And I'm sure that everyone in this study needs prayer!! God Bless!! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q3. (Romans 8:9) Is it possible to be a Christian without the Holy Spirit residing in us? What is the difference (if any) between the indwelling of the Spirit and the fullness of the Spirit? How do we remain "full" of the Spirit? The Holy Spirit dwells in us the moment we put our trust is Christ. So it is not possible. We can quench the Spirit so that He can only dwell in us without our being full of the Spirit. If we want to be full of the Spirit we need to yield our bodies as instruments of His glory. We need to love Him with all our heart and soul. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q2. (Romans 8:5-6) Exactly what does it mean to set your mind on the things of the Spirit? How do you do this? How can you recognize when the things you're setting your mind on relate to your sinful nature? How much of this is deliberate? How much is habit? What part does the Holy Spirit have it this? Or is this primarily right living by force of will? Matthew Henry says the things of the Spirit are "the favour of God, the welfare of the soul, the concerns of eternity". So I think the first thing you have to do are realize what the things of the Spirit are. Am I focusing on those things? I believe we are totally dependant on the help of the Holy Spirit to set our minds on the things of the Spirit and to obey (mind)those promptings. When I am not focusing on those things my fleshly nature comes out in all its ugliness. At this point in my Christian walk it should be pretty obvious, however I find that sometimes unfortunately it still isn't apparent right away. Is it deliberate? I'm not always sure however when I realize what I am doing and have a choice to make then it is. There is a prayer by Susanna Wesley which I find applies to some of these questions. "When I am peevish and morose it is not because of religion but my want of it. Help me not be discouraged by my own failures, nor spend too much time in thinking of them, remembering that perfection is my Savior's endowment and sincerity is mine. Help me with firm faith to rely on His merits, joined with my sincere endeavor to obey Thy Whole will." As always I have a lot of work to do in these areas. We also need to pray for each other!! God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q1. (Romans 8:3-4) Why can't obedience to the law save us? What is the weak link? What then does it take to save us? We are incapable of obeying the law. The flesh (sin nature) is the weak link. In our flesh lies no good thing and the flesh can only obey its sinful nature. It takes someone who can redeem us and reconcile us to God and that is the man Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 1:3. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q4. (Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:18-20; Romans 7:24) What is the doctrine of "total depravity"? Put it in your own words. Does it mean that none of God's original goodness shows through? Then what does it mean? Why does modern man tend to believe that man is basically good? How does this differ from what the Bible teaches? Total depravity to me says evil through and through. Totally filthy and unable to help yourself. When I put it in this definition I would find it hard to say that any of God's original goodness shows through. Modern man is so accustomed to his own sin nature and the corruption of the world that he does not see this. Anyone who has "known" the holiness of God would find it hard to find any goodness left in man especially when he examines his own heart. The verses above would teach that there is no good in man on his own. The goodness that people see that is real is God in us. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26