Pastor Ralph Posted January 9, 2009 Report Share Posted January 9, 2009 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iam4-1god Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 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? Because there are false prophets that are lying to the church, and causing strife and division. This, in turn, causes many to turn away from the truth. It should cause them to want to dig for the truth that can be found in The Bible. If we study the Word like we're suppose to, then we will know when someone is lying, and we will be able to avoid the pitfall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pastornpw Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 I think that one reason could be so that Timothy and others would not be taken by surprise when evil comes into their church. God is preparing them in advance and telling them to be prepared, this is not a case of "it might happen" but rather a case of "this will happen so get ready". And the way to get ready is to be constantly in God's word. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elwood C O'Dell Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 So that he will not be surprised or overwhelmed by the chaos he sees in the church at Ephesus. It should help him realize that this has been and is a constant battle that Satan causes, however, victory is assured to the child of God who walks in loving obedience with Him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 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? He knows that there will be those who try to pervert the truth and that Timothy as a leader of the church needs to be reminded so that he can remind others. The only way to remember the truth is to be reminded when lies and deciet come at them and to keep speaking the truth in love. The effect would be to led them know that it is a serious warning that they are being given and that the Holy Spirit will help them descern the truth but they as Christians must not give in to believing the lies being spread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
intercessor1 Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 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? To prepare him and his people to be vigilant of false teachings and to stay strong with the true ONE. Knowing this strengthened them not to go off to wrong paths. The church should remain united even in times of trials and tribulations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brhodes Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Why does Paul remind Timothy (& the church) of predictions concerning widespread apostasy? Jesus commanded that we should make disciples of all nations teaching them to observe and to do the things that He taught us. Paul was not only obeying Jesus' command of the great commision but he was also instructing Timothy via prophecy spoken by Jesus Himself as Jesus warned that false prophets were coming to deceive many. Where there is false prophecy there is sure to be apostasy. Where there is apostasy there is sure to be wars and rumors of wars. What effect should this knowledge have on his ministry and the church's perception of the situation. There was a study done that showed it takes an average convert 6 to 7 times of hearing the gospel message for them to convert. Generally, our faithfulness is what sends the message that what we believe is what we believe. If Timothy remains steadfast in his teachings he will ultimately reach the lost even if they've been duped to believe the lies that false prophets are teaching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masika Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 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? Timothy was to put the church constantly in remembrance of the great apostasy which was to occur, and to guard them against the doctrines which would be inculcated under that apostasy We are to watch against the errors and false doctrines of seducers, lest we, being led away thereby, do fall from our own stedfastness in the faith of the gospel. It ought to be our care not only to be sound in the faith, but stedfast in the faith; and, that we may be so, we are here directed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia A Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 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 wanted to remind Timothy to be aware of apostasy which was to occur. This knowledge would make Timothy constantly sensitive to false teachings which may come about and we need to constant evaluate what is happening in the church as to whether it is true to God's Word. Satan wants us to be deceived and is sly. We need to stay close to God and be constantly alert. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHARLENE G. Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 4:1-2) Why does Paul remind Timothy (and the church) of predictions concerning widespread apostasy? The deciples thought that Jesus would return at any moment, so all the warnings that Jesus gave them regarding the end times applied to them and they had a sense of urgency about warning everyone. I imagine that just like today there were "fads". False prophets that said "do this or don't do that" to get to heaven. As humans, it's so easy for us get off track. We all have a problem keeping the main thing important. Like that Jesus came to earth, died for our sins and rose again in three days. And that through his grace we are saved. Not in doing certain works or not eating certain foods. So then we have satan trying to use God's grace to seduce us into believing we can do whatever we want and still get to heaven. Today we have different groups that have tried to seduce believers into believing that their choice of lifestyle is ok with God. Those of us who stand firm on biblical principals are considered Intolerant, judgemental and evil. What effect should this knowledge have on his ministry and the church's perception of the situation? I think that it was important to be aware of and to warn everyone that Satan is constantly out to decieve. If you are expecting an attack you're more likely to prepare for one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustJeff Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 False doctrine and the teaching of it creates religion. Religion doesn't work and as a result people who have been taught to be ignorant of the truth blame God for their disappointment. For this reason many have fallen away from God and Christianity. Warnings by the Holy Spirit would have caused Timothy to stay on the straight and narrow and allowed him to use the power to help the congregation do the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turkey1020 Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 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 wanted to remind Timothy and the church that people are still able to be influenced by false teachings, and that it has been predicted that this would happen. He wants to remind us to stay strong, follow our faith and do what we know is right. Timothy and the church leaders should remind people that there are false teachers out there and that it is coming the time when they will be everywhere and people need to be able to stand strong against these people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raider Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Paul is reminding Timothy of the predictions so he won't be surprised by the chaos he sees in the church. I feel that this should make Timothy's ministry grow i feel it should cause the church to to want to know the truth and the truth is the word we shouldn't abandon the truth or be led away by false teachings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moses 4 Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 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? Let us remind us: 2 Thess. 2:3, NASB). "Let no one in any way deceive you, for it [Jesus' return] will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction," Apostasy means to fall away from the truth. Therefore, an apostate is someone who has once believed and then rejected the truth of God. Paul believes, Apostasy is a rebellion against God because it is a rebellion against the truth. In the Old Testament God warned the Jewish people about their idolatry and their lack of trust in Him? In the New Testament the epistles of Paul warn us about not falling away from the truth. Because Paul sees it as a is a very real and dangerous threat to his community, Hence his warning to Timothy. Pax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charisbarak Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 Paul reminded Timothy because Paul was discipling him & in the discipling is always a getting back to the Word--to remember. One operates differently when they are on the lookout for predictions--since all of Jesus' predictions will come to pass--we need to be ready & to help others get ready too. Paul spoke as though apostasy was really coming--not that it "might" come. He wanted Timothy to prepare the believers to be able to discern when deceivers were close by. Paul wanted him grounded in the Word to be able to guard his flock--even at his young age! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenny Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 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? He reminds Timothy and the church so that they can be on their guard against such teaching and prepare themselves. This knowledge forewarns the church and lets them prepare a defense by studying the word of God. It also reminds them to test that what is taught and make sure it is in accordance with Gods will. Sometimes we to easily accept what we are taught, without question trusting and believing those in authority. This can lead to our demise so we should be on constant guard and test the spirits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snaps Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 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? We can better prepare when we are ready, armed with foreknowledge, for events, than when we have never anticipated a thing. An army has to anticipate every possibility when dealing with the enemy, and we, no less, need the boy scouts motto, "Be prepared". The untidy event can then unite us in action, rather than divide us in reaction, and be used by God to make us even stronger because we have been made aware. We are then re-assured that God is in full control, and only gain in confidence in all He has shown us. We; can proceed in strength, rather than falter along in weakness. Had God not forewarned us in this way, we would perhaps have become baffled by events and succumb to the mindset of those who are selling out on Jesus. Being spiritually forewarned, timothy will not be overly dismayed by such events, knowing that they had to come, but will be strengthened in His confidence that God is able to anticipate every situation, and tell His ministers, so that they will simply become stronger in their faith and continue to do their work in spiritual might and power. Had there been no warning, the church might be shaken to its core when these things begin to happen. I need to say something about verse 2, even though the question has not be put concerning this verse. People who have known the truth and then turned from it are in the sin of apostasy. This is a state far worse than those who have not asked Jesus into their lives and are living in ignorance. To have known the truth and turned from it is a special kind of evil wherein all morality is lost. I question whether it is not what psychiatry calls personality disorder, where the patient cannot discern truth from lie or right from wrong, but lives solely within their own personally devised framework, unable to see any other logic at all. I have seen this kind of thing many times, and it is very frightening. Many of these people are still holding up a presence within the church, and some are elders etc. Their lives outside the church do not match the calling at all. They have no conscience towards any body, but only do what brings them the notoriety they require. We should speak up about such behaviour and not let it pass unattended and without consequence. Let us get serious about church, and demand the Timothy standards of those who hold nay responsibility, even church membership should be above this low level of behaviour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heart for God Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 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 warns Timothy about the widespread apostasy because it was going to happen. I believe that God showed Paul that it would happen. It saddens me to know that it is still happening today. In churches people are required to live by the rules and laws made by man and not those of our Lord. They make these laws to control their people rather teaching them to live "free" in Christ. Whom the Son has set free is free indeed. I believe these are leaders who were placed in positions of authority without have to deal with issues from their past which still affect the way they treat others. This is truly a falling away as they do not show the Love of Jesus... unconditional love. In the end times it says that people will be lovers of themselves. I believe that this is where people begin to fall away. They have lost their first Love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanks Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 Q1. (1Timothy 4:1-2) Why does Paul remind Timothy (and the church) of predictions concerning widespread apostasy? Paul reminded Timothy of the apostasy that Jesus Christ had foretold; this was to equip him to identify it and to deal with it. False teachers were a threat to the church and Timothy was to guard against these teachings that cause believers to dilute or reject any aspect of their faith. This firm warning may at least keep potential victims from the disastrous results of apostasy that Paul described. What effect should this knowledge have on his ministry and the church's perception of the situation? If Timothy did not take this warning to heart it could have disastrous effects on the church. False teachings operate like gangrene in the body. Leadership must spring from a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith; and if his bad elders didn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choice Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 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 of this prediction so that he recognizing it as truth at that the prediction has come to be. Knowing this, the church should recongnize the false teachings as being of the devil and should seek the truth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ignited Soul Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 I think Paul wrote Timothy concerning the predictions of widespread apostasy so that Timothy would know that the apostasy presently being experienced in Ephesus was no surprise, neither was it cause for discouragement. The knowledge that such attacks came from satan should help Timothy to be encouraged, and help the Church expect difficulty and opposition to be daily occurrences in the process of spreading the gospel until the consummation of all things under the headship of Christ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 Paul reminds Timothy and the church of predictions concerning widespread apostasy so that they will be prepared for when it happens and not be overwhelmed by the chaos it will produce. It could effect Timothy's ministry by him sticking even closer to the Word of God and not being distracted by any false prophets. The same applies to the true church. God bless Love Greta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanMary Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanks Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Q1. (1Timothy 4:1-2) Why does Paul remind Timothy (and the church) of predictions concerning widespread apostasy? Paul reminded Timothy of the apostasy that Jesus Christ had foretold; this was to equip him to identify it and to deal with it. False teachers were a threat to the church and Timothy was to guard against these teachings that cause believers to dilute or reject any aspect of their faith. This firm warning may at least keep potential victims from the disastrous results of apostasy that Paul described. What effect should this knowledge have on his ministry and the church's perception of the situation? If Timothy did not take this warning to heart it could have disastrous effects on the church. False teachings operate like gangrene in the body. Leadership must spring from a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith; and if his bad elders didn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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