1 Timothy 4:6-10

So, you will be a good servant of Jesus if you put these things before the brothers. The NASB says "... pointing out these things...", so I guess it's referring to those falling away that Paul was just referring to. By doing that would also imply that you're being trained in the words of faith and of the good doctrine you have followed. Looking at it the other way, one is of good faith and of good doctrine is one who points these things out to the brothers.

An instruction is given to not have anything to do with irreverent, silly myths. Instead of that, training for godliness is what you are to do. This training is compared to bodily training. Paul isn't denying that bodily training is useful, but training for godliness is of greater value. It is valuable for this life and the next, whereas bodily training is only useful for this life. There is hope in the life to come, which is the reason for which we work and suffer through it. We have our hope in God, who is also the savior of all, especially those believe. What I don't get is how God is the savior of all. Clearly we know from the bible that not everyone will be saved. Perhaps this is teaching of the fact that God sent Jesus because he loved the world and not just his love for the believers. However, this implies some sort of benefit for those who are not believers, since it is especially for believers. Perhaps it has to do with the common grace we all receive. The sun rises for both the saved and the unsaved.

1 Timothy 4:1-5

In the later times people will depart from the faith. They seem to be lead away by deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. Their being led away by them is what can be seen as them devoting themselves to these things. In addition, this devotion is through the insincerity of liars. So they are devoted to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons because of liars who are insincere with them. How could these liars be so insensitive to be insincere and lie, leading others to depart from the faith? Well, apparently their consciences are seared as a hot iron sears. Well, what ends up happening is that these people do things like forbid marriages and require abstinence from foods; Paul teaches the opposite to these things in some of his letters. These things that are forbidden are things created by God, intended to be accepted with thanksgiving. Clearly they are in the wrong because things created by God are good and should not be rejected if accepted with thanksgiving.

Philemon

Paul writes to Philemon and he begins with thanksgivings for Philemon, talking about Philemon's walk as a follower of Christ. Paul's writing to him for Onesimus' sake. Onesimus is a slave of Philemon and had run away. However, he met Paul in prison and became a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. So, Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon, even though Onesimus would have been of benefit to Paul. He is still a slave of Philemon so he should remain a slave and not run from that. Paul mentions how he could command instead of appeal to Philemon. However, he wishes for love's sake to appeal on Philemon. Paul even asks to charge anything owed by Onesimus to Paul's account. Paul isn't a rich guy, but he's willing to put his own money on the line for the sake of their relationship with one another. Paul continues to place confidence in Philemon that he will do what Paul says and he also intends to meet him sometime; he asks for him to prepare a guest room for him.

Hebrews 12:7-11

The reason for these enduring trials is for discipline. We receive this discipline as God treats us as sons and daughters. The attention is directed towards earthly fathers as a way to understand the type of discipline we receive from God. Discipline is widely understood as something given from a father to his children. If this does not occur, the child is treated as an illegitimate child. So, if we understood the discipline of earthly fathers, why do we not understand the discipline of our heavenly father? It may be painful for the time, but eventually it yields fruit. He knows what's best for us and does things for our good.

watch out the deceivers, even those who claim to be Christian

"For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds." 2 Corinthians 11

"They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us." 1 John 2:19

Hebrews 12:4

I've been thinking much about discipline of a father. This is because I shared about a couple of things at my dad's big birthday, one of which was about a father's discipline. There are actually a number of different passages in Proverbs. The main passage in Proverbs that I looked at was 13:24. However, it was mainly, as the title reveals, from Hebrews 12. It was actually a bit cool how this morning Pastor Kai preached a sermon on Hebrews 12:1-3. It was about shame and it was interesting that he commented about how he has never heard a sermon on shame. Regardless, the passage moves on to talk about struggle with sin and moving that idea along from Christ and what he suffered. This struggle with sin that we face is then related to God's discipline. Discipline is explained and it is also related to the discipline a child receives from his father. Though if I could step back for a second, I think verse 4 is very interesting. I struggle with sin as we all do and as I read this verse, I think back to the many times where I've failed and sinned. I don't think there was one instance where I resisted against sin to the point of shedding my blood. It is such a good reminder of our savior who we are to look to. He died on the cross and he never sinned. He certainly was tempted and as the one whom we follow we look to his example. He resisted sin even as he was up on the cross. Then I look to myself and I think, "What a joke". I fall so easily, it's really sad. Look to him and realize what he went through. He resisted sin to the point of death, and seeing that it encourages me to resist sin, making my silly shortcomings such a little matter in light of what he went through.

I remember looking at this passage before and thinking it so simple to just look to Jesus. However, I didn't really know what it meant, even though I thought I did. I was probably too stupid to actually read the whole passage and look at the context. I even had verses 1-3 memorized not even bothering to look into what it actually meant. I probably still don't know what it means. However, it also shows how God's word is living and active. It is alive and it's not necessarily the same each time you read it.

I guess I changed my mind midway through this. Perhaps next time I'll actually look into what I originally intended to look into.

1 Timothy 3

Paul discusses overseers and deacons and lists their qualifications. It is good to want to be an overseer. They are to be above reproach, meaning above even accusations or rebuke that may be thrown against someone. Husband of one wife is a one woman man, not necessarily a man married to a single woman. In the previous section Paul says that women are not allowed to teach, so would the requirement of being able to teach restrict women from being an overseer? Different churches hold different stances on this matter.

Another requirement is that he must be able to manage his household well. Naturally, if he cannot manage his own household, how could he even manage the church? In addition, he must not be a new convert and hold a reputation among those outside the church. There are a number of other requirements listed here as well, mainly holding to this person being a man of character and a man of God.

With regards to the requirements for a deacon, they are fairly similar to that of an overseer. However, among a few differences is the lack of a requirement of the ability to teach. If one holds fast to the requirement that overseers cannot be women in light of the fact that they must be able to teach, then since deacons don't have that requirement they must also allow women to be deacons.

Paul now explains the reason for writing this letter. First of all, he hopes to come to them soon, but he may be delayed. As a result, he writes to them so that they may know how a person should conduct himself in the church.

1 Timothy 1-2

1 Timothy is a pastoral epistle written to Timothy. Paul and Silas picked up Timothy when they went to Derbe and Lystra in Acts 16. He was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium and was born to a Greek father and a Jewish mother. In 2 Timothy we read about how he had a mother and grandmother who were firm in their faith.

Once again Paul needs to deal with people who are teaching a different doctrine. It's interesting how easily or often there is a tenancy to change or alter the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These people spend their time discussing about myths and genealogies that are not for the purpose of more important things, like stewardship. In addition, Paul wants to make it clear that he says this because of love, not because he wants to boast about himself or bring them down.

One of the ways in which Paul wishes to correct them is with respect to the law. The law is good if one uses it lawfully. This implies that it can be used unlawfully. The law was set for the lawless and not for the righteous. The law or the setting of the law was in accordance with the gospel, which Paul goes on to talk about. Though Paul used to be a bad guy, it is God's grace which saved him through the sending of Jesus Christ into this world to save sinners. In doing so, Jesus' perfect patience is displayed.

Now to Timothy, Paul encourages him to wage a good warfare in light of the prophecies previously made about him. Apparently there had been prophecies made about him and with this he is encouraging Timothy. Rejecting faith and a good conscience is not what should be done, as has been done by Hymenaeus and Alexander. Paul brings them up to remind Timothy and show him an example of what may happen.

Next there is an urge to pray for everybody. I guess it's natural for people to pray for their friends and family, but it would be somewhat unnatural to pray for people who you do not know. Praying for everyone is a good thing since God desire all men to be saved. Here we see and know that though there certainly are people who will not be saved and are not saved, God desires everyone to be saved. There is no distinction, and it's not as if there is more than one way to be saved. There is one way to be saved and that is through Jesus Christ.

Men are to pray everywhere without anger or quarreling. In addition, women are to dress modestly with self-control. Women are to learn quietly with submissiveness. They are not allowed to teach or exercise authority over a man. The reasoning given is that Eve was formed after Adam and that she will be saved through childbearing. I guess back then it was a largely male dominated society. It doesn't change the truth of the scripture, but it's important to keep in mind.

Ephesians 6:10-24

We are instructed to be strong in the Lord, having the ability to stand against the devil's schemes. Preparing oneself for this is explained as wearing the full armor of God. The reason for this is because of our enemy, which is not merely of flesh and blood. The armor begins with the belt of truth, which is not the Word of God, for that is described as the sword of the Spirit which is described later on. Instead, this is truthfulness and honesty. One who does not have the belt of truth not only lies as one telling a fib, but lives a lie. They may do things like acting a certain way but not actually being or wanting to do such a thing. This may manifest itself in a person who does things for show, like pretending to be a super spiritual Christian when in reality they are lukewarm.

The breastplate of righteousness is the next piece of armor. This protects your torso, which is fairly important for it contains your heart and other important organs. This is not our own righteousness, for we all sin and fall short of God's glory. Instead, this is Jesus' imputed righteousness on us. The swap that takes place on the cross when God unleashes his wrath deserved to use onto Jesus is one where Jesus bears our sins and in return we receive Jesus' perfect life. His righteousness is the righteousness of this breastplate described in the armor of God.

The shoes or the sandals of the readiness of the gospel are naturally worn on the feet. This is of course symbolic, but it has in mind feet which are used to walk and run. We must be ready to share the gospel with others as a person is ready to go somewhere having their shoes already on. If you're caught with your shoes off, you are not ready to go somewhere, but if you're already wearing them then you're ready to go already. Be ready to share the gospel with others as a person is already ready to go somewhere since they are wearing their shoes.

The shield of faith is used to extinguish the flaming arrows or darts of the enemy. Suiting up like a soldier implies that one would act like a soldier. Soldiers naturally are involved in wars or battles. In battles, the enemy attacks and thus one wears protective equipment. The shield is used to defend against these arrows or darts which are probably being shot from afar. This shield is the shield of faith, so these attacks are defended by faith. What is the opposite of faith then? Unbelief or doubts are opposites of faith, and so this shield defends against things like doubt.

The helmet of salvation protects your head, which is fairly important. Salvation is our means of being saved and if you are a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, then you have salvation. However, whether you have salvation doesn't mean you actually wear this piece of armor. You can own a hockey helmet, but it doesn't mean that you wear it all the time or even wear it every time you skate. Just because you're saved doesn't mean you're always wearing the helmet of salvation. Now, I don't mean to say that just because you're not wearing the helmet doesn't mean you aren't saved. Wearing this helmet means protecting yourself against the enemy who is seeking to bring you down rather than stand. Don't get beat down by his attacks. Remember that you are saved and are a child of God. Remember and hold fast Jesus and your salvation, not allowing his schemes to get best of you.

The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. This is revealed to us through the bible, which is an awesome thing that God gave it to us and allows us to read and study. This is the only offensive piece of this armor described here in Ephesians 6. Jesus used the sword in fighting against temptation when he was tempted in the desert. Why would we stand there while the devil continuously attacks us? We should fight back instead of helplessly lying there allowing him to attack us. Use his word and study it so that you know how to use it. Soldiers practice the use of their weapons so they can use it in war. We are in a war, should we not learn and properly use our sword? If we do not, we'll helplessly flail it around or accidentally drop it when we need it.

So wear this armor. It doesn't end there either, since we are instructed to pray at all times in the Spirit. This sounds similar to pray without ceasing or pray continuously as Paul says in 1 Thessalonians. Be bold to proclaim the gospel. It's interesting how Paul describes himself as an ambassador in chains. Paul is at the time in chains and thus this letter is written from prison. This brings to light the idea of being a slave to Christ. Paul is commissioned by Christ and obligated to others to tell them about this good news of the gospel. As he mentioned earlier, both a slave and a master are both slaves to God.

Tychicus is being sent to them by Paul. He will give them an update about Paul and hopefully encourage the believers in Ephesus.

Watch Out False Teacher

"And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds." - 2 Cor. 11:14-15

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world." - 1 John 4:1-3

"I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false." - Revelation 2:2

"As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm" 1 Timothy 1:3-7

"These are the things you are to teach and insist on. If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain." 1 Timothy 6:4-5

Be very careful

Ephesians 6:1-9

When husbands and wives get together, they typically make babies. These children are to honor their father and mother, this being the first commandment with a promise. The idea is not to restrain you and cause you pain, but for your wellbeing. Since they are to obey, father should raise them properly in the Lord, not provoking them to anger.

Another relation that exists is the relationship between slaves and their masters. Just because slaves are free in Christ doesn't mean they can just disobey their masters now. They are to obey their masters and to do so with an honest heart. The opposite of this would be doing so grudgingly or merely for show and not from a sincere desire. Slaves are to obey their masters and so masters should also act accordingly, not being harsh with them. Apparently, good done to others will be received back from the Lord, so slaves should treat their masters well and masters should treat their slaves well in light of this fact. Regardless of your position, both masters and slaves are slaves to God.

Ephesians 5

The idea of putting off the old self and putting on the new self is continued. Not only do we stop our past evil deeds, but we put on the new self, imitating God. Love is what we should walk in, following the way in which Jesus lead us. Continuing to put off the old self, those things of the past are described as not being named among you. They should be no longer part of you in such a way that it cannot be even remotely mentioned of you. There are further instructions with respect to this, such as not associating with the sons of disobedience, since the followers of Christ are light in the Lord. Instead, expose their evil deeds in the same way that light exposes darkness. All this is continuing to enforce the idea of removing the filthy evil deeds and putting on the new self in Christ.

Paul moves on to talk about wives and husbands. Wives are to be submissive to their husbands in the same way in which they are submissive to the Lord. The reason for this is because the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church. There is this imagery of marriage that is similar to this image of Christ and the church. This is a weighty responsibility placed upon the husbands, which makes the previous chapters describing the manner of walking seemingly necessary. Husbands are instructed to love their wives in the same way in which Christ loved the church. We see the love of Christ his act of sacrifice for the church as he bore our sins on the cross. Husbands love your wives with this kind of love, which is yet another weighty instruction placed upon husbands.

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

remember this

"the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining." 1 john 2

Ephesians 4

This chapter begins similar to the way chapter 3 began. However, Paul doesn't seem to move on to talk about something different this time. We are urged to walk in a certain way, that way being worthy of this gospel. For we have been called to this gospel, thus we should live in a way worthy of this privilege. There are a number of qualities we must exemplify, but Paul goes on to describe more fully this idea of unity of the Spirit. Some may have been mistaken in thinking that there are multiple bodies and multiple spirits, thinking that the body of Christ is divided. However, there is oneness in the body of Christ, for there is one body and one Spirit. In addition, we were called to a singular hope serving one Lord having one faith and one baptism.

Though there is unity and oneness in the body of Christ, there are still uniqueness and differences among people. Grace is given according to Christ's gift. Some are given to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and some teachers. The purpose for this is the equipping for the ministry and building up of the body of Christ. There is a building up to maturity, growing in Christ so that we may not be easily swayed by the wind of false doctrine.

There is a call to walk not as the Gentiles do. They are ignorant and don't understand God. They are calloused and have given themselves to impurity, but this is different from the way the followers of Christ learned Christ. They are to continue in that manner, putting off their old self and putting on the new self. This means putting away falsehood and giving the devil no opportunities. No longer steal and put away all bitterness. This seems to be a call to putting away all sinfulness.

Ephesians 3

Paul begins to say something, but doesn't finish what he's saying and moves on to talk about something else. He goes on to talk about a mystery. This mystery was made known to him by the Spirit. This mystery was not made known to people previously, but has been made known to the Apostles and prophets. The mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs of the promise in Jesus Christ through the gospel. God is not just the God of the Jews and salvation is not just for them alone, but is also made available to the Gentiles.

This mystery has been revealed to Paul and he is now a carrier of this mystery and gospel. He is to preach this message to the Gentiles, bringing to light this mystery that God's wisdom may be made known. This plan was also part of God's purpose and plan.

Paul then goes on to lift up prayer for them. He asks for them to be strengthened with payer, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith. He desires for them to have the strength to understand the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge. Also, he says that they may be filled with the fullness of God. Then Paul gives a doxology kind of thing, even though the letter has yet to come to an end. I've actually heard this one quite a few times in church and it mentions how he is able.

Ephesians 2:11-22

Addressing the Gentiles, Paul points out that they used to be separated from God though the Jews had access to God. This is following the beginning half of the chapter when Paul was speaking about being dead in trespasses and sins but God saving us through Jesus Christ. Not only were they dead, but they were separated but now through Jesus Christ they can be brought near to God and share in the covenant promises of God. There used to be a separation of Jews and Gentiles, but now the wall that separated them has been broken by Jesus. Now both are one and both have access to God.

Revelation: The 7 Churches

Jesus wrote the 7 letters to the 7 churches through John telling us that what He really wants from us as a true Christian, and what He holds against us. He gave us advise to repent and the warnings if we don't turn our way. At the end of all letters, He also encouraged us by promising a few things to those who are victorious and hold fast His name til the end.

By looking through the broader picture of the 7 churches, we gained a better understanding of what God likes and hates and His unchanging characters. Following are the pointers the Bible Study group made on Tuesday.

p.s. Thanks Winston for taking all the notes from the wall for me :)

Go to this link and it is free to edit to public.

---- Whoever has ears ----

---- let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches ----

He Said "I AM"

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”"" (1:8)

"When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid.

I am the First and the Last.

I am the Living One;

I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!

And I hold the keys of death and Hades." (1:17)

"I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds." (2:23)

"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen,

the faithful

and true witness,

the ruler of God’s creation" (3:14)

"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me" (3:19-20)

---- Whoever has ears ----

---- let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches ----

What God wants from us as a true believer

"I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance.

I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.

You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name,

and have not grown weary." (2:2-3)

"Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her (Jezebel) teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come." (2:24)

"But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans[2], which I also hate" (2:6)

"I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan." (2:9)

"I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name.

You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives."

(2:13)

"Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their (the majority of the Church in Sardis) clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy." (3:4)

"I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." (3:8)

"Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth" (3:10)

---- Whoever has ears ----

---- let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches ----

What God holds against us and His advise to us, or else...

"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. " (2:4)

"Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam[1], who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans[2]. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." (2:14)

"Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel[3], who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead." (2:20-22)

I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. (3:1-3)

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. (3:15-18)

---- Whoever has ears ----

---- let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches ----

He Promised to those who is victorious

"To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." (2:7)

"The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death" (2:11)

"To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it." (2:17)

"To the one who is victorious AND does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’—just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give that one the morning star." (2:26)

"The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels." (3:5)

"The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name." (3:12)

"To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. " (3:21)

---- Whoever has ears ----

---- let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches ----

More to discover in your own time

- What have the Nocolaitian done that God hates so much (God doesn't hate the people)? Reflect our own life.

- Eating of food sacrificed to idols, and committed sexual immorality have been mentioned a few times when Jesus rebuked the church. This tells us that this is what God really, really, really hates. No doubt. Think deeper how these two reflects on our culture these day that Christians might have fallen.

- What does it mean when Jesus discripte himself as "the words of the Amen"? (3:14)

- What is the the paradise of God means in 2:7?

- The hidden manner and the new name on the white stone have mentioned two times from 2:17 and 3:12 for those who is victorious. Discern the meaning of it.

---- Whoever has ears ----

---- let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches ----

-----------------

[1] Balaam was hired by Balak to pronounce a curse on Israelities. Balaam refused at first to do it, but an offer of money made him willing (Num 22-24). Later Balaam influenced the Israelities to turn to idol worship (Num 31).

[2] The Nicolaitans were believers who compromised their faith in order to enjoy some of the sinful practices of society (NLT life application study bible commentary)

Ephesians 2:1-10

Wow, Ephesians 2 is so good. The entire bible is so good, but certain parts are what James Macdonald describes as diamonds in a mountain of gold. Or it was something like that, I don't quite remember. Regardless, Paul begins speaking of our previous state. We used to follow Satan, being dead in our sins. This state of not being alive is what we used to do and is just like the rest of the world. However, the amazingly reassuring and comforting words of "But God" in the ESV enunciate a stark change in this paragraph. It all seems bleak in the first few verses, but God is rich in mercy. How amazing is that? It's not just that God is merciful, but he is rich in mercy. He is abundant in mercy. He has so much of it. Not only that, but he loves us. This is described as great love. "Normal" love is not enough to describe the kind of love that God has. He is the one who has made us alive even though we were dead. We are made alive together with Christ. It is through Christ that we are saved. As Christ was raised up by God, God will also raise us up. Not only that, but we will be seated with him. Jesus reigns and as he sits reigning, we will sit with him.

Wow, so there you have it. God is good and we have been saved. This saving is not by works but it is by grace through faith. Thus, we don't earn it or do anything to merit this salvation but are offered it freely as a gift. Not only that, but there is this notion of works for which we are created in Christ Jesus. So we are not saved by works, but they are something we were created for.

Random thought on suffering

"‎The fact is, we can't escape from suffering, but it's a big deal whether you suffer for the Truth or from the consequences of living in lies."

Jonathan Lam, March 17, 2011

Ephesians 1:15-23

Now Paul is thankful for them. Thanksgiving is typical in the beginning of a letter of Paul. He is thankful for them and prays for them. He asks for wisdom and revelation of knowledge for them that they may know the hope that they've been called to. He goes on talking about God and how great God is. This is very Christ centered, talking about him being raised from the dead and him being given authority over all things.

Ephesians 1:1-14

I'm jumping around between books because I am once again behind in my readings. Hopefully it'll be better this week. Paul begins this book with his standard greetings. Paul is speaks saying blessed by God who has blessed us. The blessing is through Jesus Christ of course and there is this notion of choosing and predestination which he does. It is in Jesus and by his blood that we are redeemed. There are just so many good things that Paul talks about loaded up in this first chapter. God certainly is good and Jesus certainly is good and the Holy Spirit certainly is good.

Romans 1:24-32

As described earlier, these people know God, yet exchange the glory of God for something that is less. As a result, there are these things that God gives them over to. They are given over to lusts of their heart. What they have exchanged for is described as a lie instead of the truth of God. The other thing that is described as being given over to is dishonorable passions. This goes into detail about homosexual acts which men commit with men and women commit with women. Lastly, God gives them over to a debased mind. They are given over to these things and now that they are given over to a debased mind, they are filled with all sorts of "bad" things which Paul lists out. What's worse is that Paul ends of by saying that these people give approval to those who practice such things. It's bad enough that they themselves are doing these things, but they are also assisting or approving of other people participating in these acts.

Romans 1:16-23

Paul just mentioned his obligation to preach the gospel to essentially all people. He is in fact eager to preach. He is not ashamed of it, explaining it as the power of God. He also adds this notion of God's righteousness and of the righteous who live by faith.

There is a revealing of God's wrath. God's wrath is against ungodly and unrighteous people. In addition, they suppress the truth. The truth they suppress is about God, for they go about believing and worshiping false gods instead of the one true God. It's not as if they didn't see God, but his attributes have been clearly perceived. Since it has been made clear to them, they don't have an excuse for their actions.

Romans 1:8-15

Paul wants to go to Rome. He wants to strengthen them spiritually, but he is not meaning to say that he's some high and mighty apostle for which they must all bow down in inferiority to. It's not as if he's coming to help them and they need him. Instead, though he may help them, he knows that his coming to them will be mutually encouraging. He ends this paragraph by mentioning his obligation to everyone, preaching the gospel to them.

Romans 1:1-7

This letter begins as per usual of a letter of Paul. Paul introduces himself and even goes into detail about the fact that he's an apostle and set apart for the gospel. He talks about the gospel and about Jesus. There are no assumptions being made it seems and he's being very clear about who he is and what he's about. This is also clearly addressed to the followers of Christ who are in Rome.

1 Corinthians 16

Paul goes on to talk about the offering he's going around collecting. He doesn't want to have to go around collecting it when he arrives, but he wants them to set aside an amount weekly so that it's already ready by the time he gets there. It's simple enough and makes sense.

Now Paul tells his readers about his travelling plans. He desires to come to them and stay a while. He does not want to meet them in passing. This is of course as the Lord permits, for Paul is of course under the will of God. Later in 2 Corinthians, Paul describes his feelings about this. He wanted to come visit them, but he was unable to. Sure, he made it aware to them his intentions, but just because he didn't come doesn't mean he didn't want to come. Rather, his trustworthiness and his word though seemingly wavering according to what he says about his desire to visit them have actually always been "yes" in the Lord. He is at the mercy of God and his plans change according to God's will.

Here Paul also reveals where he is at the time of writing this letter. He is in Ephesus and desires to say in Ephesus until Pentecost. Paul also once again mentions Timothy who he has sent to them.

Paul also mentions Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus. These have met with Paul, probably giving him news of the church in Corinth and delivering this very letter to the church in Corinth.

Finally, the letter ends of with final greetings of himself and Aquila and Prisca. These two were the couple who were with him at the time and were also tent makers. Finally the last that is mentioned is about love. Curse upon those who do not have it and his love to them in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Paul has been talking about spiritual bodies. There is this idea of the imperishable and the perishable. If the perishable cannot inherit the kingdom of God, flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God either. However, Paul goes on to seemingly say the opposite. He says that this perishable body will put on the perishable. Well, he's already established different bodies and is making a different point. This is followed by this quote from Isaiah where death's victory and sting is not found. For the perishable not to receive its end is for death to receive no victory. This victory over death is attributed to God through our Lord Jesus Christ who of course conquered death. We who are perishable will receive new life and victory over death through Jesus, which is what Paul was getting at earlier.

1 Corinthians 5:1-5

Similar to 1 Timothy 1:20, there is a handing over to Satan here in 1 Corinthians 5. This person who has his father's wife is to be removed from among them. Those at the Corinthian church were proud though they should have been mourning. Now the purpose of casting the man out is for the purpose of saving him. Somehow in some way the "handing him over to Satan" is for the end goal of his salvation. This means that if he is not handed over to Satan, then he will not be saved. One thing that may occur as a result of this is the destruction of the flesh. This could possibly mean sinful nature, but it probably points to something physical. Regardless, the church needs to act in situations such as these and not simply be proud and let it be. Clearly this is unrepentant, otherwise he would have not continued in this. He "has" his father's wife; it doesn't say "had". This is continual and it has gone on long enough for Paul to hear about it and respond to it in a letter.

1 Timothy 1:18-20

Faith and a good conscience are what Paul encourages Timothy to hold fast to. In contrast, there are two people who Paul names who have made shipwreck of the faith. Timothy is to hold fast to faith and a good conscience and not be like Hymenaeus and Alexander. They have rejected the faith and thus made shipwreck of it. As a result, Paul tells Timothy that he has handed them over to Satan. This is an odd phrase but it is also found in 1 Corinthians 5 when Paul talks about the man who has his father's wife. This probably means some form of excommunication. It is not a handing over to physical pain specifically, but rather into the world, which is Satan's realm. The purpose stated here is so that they may learn not to blaspheme. There is some sort of teaching or learning that is supposed to occur. As far as 1 Corinthians 5 is concerned, it is for the destruction of the flesh so that he may be saved. Whatever it means, it may seem cruel at first but the goal is goes beyond the temporal discomfort that may be felt. This is not just to be mean but Hymenaeus and Alexander are meant to learn from it. The man who has his father's wife is cast out so that he may be possibly saved.

1 Corinthians 5:6-8

Listening to a sermon by John MacArthur on 1 Corinthians 5 gave light to an interesting thing. He went into detail describing what leaven was. Apparently, when making bread, a portion of the lump of dough is set aside. This piece that is set aside is rolled into a ball and placed in water where it would eventually sour. This piece is used as a starter for the next lump of dough, working through the entire dough. I used to think of leaven only as yeast. I don't know much about baking, but it seems to be something that though it is such a small amount, it can work itself through an entire lump of dough. However, leaven has the idea of something from the past. Not only is Paul referring to a small amount working through the entire dough, but this is also something that comes from the past. We have new life in Christ, why should we carry along this old sour dough of our past life? I guess this idea of old and new is even mentioned in verse 8, but I never caught it. Cool, God is good and the bible is good.

1 Corinthians 15:35-49

The question is raised with respect to the type of body people will have when raised. The body when raised will be different from the current body. This is similar to how a seed that is sown is different from when it is harvested. In addition, the glory is different for both the earthly body and the heavenly body. Similarly, there is a different glory for the sun, the moon and the stars.

There are a number of differences that Paul lists out. The body that is sown is perishable, dishonorable, weak and natural. However, the body that is raised is imperishable, raised in glory, raised in power and is spiritual. The contrast is also made between Adam and Jesus. Adam was from earth and of the dust, but Jesus is from heaven. We begin bearing the image of Adam, but there will come a time when we will bear the image of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:1-34

Paul reminds his readers of the gospel; it is most important. Jesus died for our sins, was buried and was raised on the third day. These things occurred according to what was written in the scriptures. He appeared to many and lastly he appeared to Paul. Grace was shown to Paul in the way that he was called and saved, being a persecutor of the church beforehand.

Paul goes on to defend the resurrection of the dead. Some have raised this question and believe that there is no such thing. First of all, if there is no resurrection, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, there are serious implications to them and their faith. Their preaching is in vain and Paul describes them as of all people most to be pitied.

Christ has been raised and it in him that people are made alive. This is contrasted by Adam, through whom all die. Christ is alive and people are alive through him. He lives, he rules and he reigns. Speaking of end times, we read that He will destroy every rule, authority and power. All things will be put in subjection under his feet. Though all will be in subjection to Christ, Christ will also be in subjection to God.

People are baptized in the name of Jesus, but why would they be baptized in his name if Jesus is dead? Jesus is not dead but is alive. If Jesus has not been raised, why is Paul putting his life on the line? If he has not been raised, then we might as well indulge in the pleasures of this life, enjoying life while it lasts.

1 Corinthians 14:26-40

Paul provides a few more logical guidelines for orderly worship in the church. With respect to speaking in tongues, it should be done in turn and two or three people at most. Also, there must be an interpreter; if there is no interpreter, they should refrain from speaking in tongues. Similarly, prophecies should be done in turn and two or three at most. Those hearing should weigh what is said. With regards to these things, it is all to be done for building up one another. In addition, things should be done in order, not in confusion.

Paul also adds this notion that women are to keep silent in the church. They are to remain in submission in this respect. If they wish to learn something, they should do so by asking their husbands at home.

1 Corinthians 14:1-25

It seems that those at the church in Corinth had a few issues with respect to prophecy and speaking in tongues. Paul felt the need to address these issues and he speaks about the ways in which they are to go about using these gifts. He has already established the necessity for love and with that in mind he goes on to tell them about the way in which they are to prophecy and speak in tongues. First of all, they should desire to prophecy. Prophecy is for building up the church, but one who speaks in tongues speaks to God and others do not understand him. He doesn't mean that he doesn't want them to speak on tongues, but he's simply showing his preference and why it is such.

It is important that everyone understand one another, but if a person speaks in a different language, others cannot understand him. With the gift of tongues it is important to have one who can interpret. Also, those speaking in tongues may not necessarily be speaking with their mind. Paul would suggest them to speak with their minds rather than speak in tongues.

Another example that Paul gives is that prophecy is a sign for believers while tongues is a sign for unbelievers. If an unbeliever sees the church speaking in tongues, he would thing that they are all crazy. However, if an unbeliever hears the church prophesying, he may be convicted of his sins and repent.

1 Corinthians 13

It doesn't really matter what you have if you don't have love. Paul gives a few examples here. You could have the gift of gab, prophetic powers or humble sacrifice but it all doesn't matter if you don't have love.

Well, if love is so important, what is love? Paul goes on to describe love in this popular passage. What's interesting is that the next paragraph starts by saying that "love never ends", but that is sometimes included in a quote of this passage without the rest of that paragraph. I guess it's nice to end off with the fact that love never fails, but what about the rest of the paragraph? There are a number of other things that are presented that will pass away, but love will not pass away. We know and prophecy in part, but they will pass away when the perfect comes. Paul describes this by talking about a child who grows up into a man. A man puts off his childish ways. Similarly, this is similar to seeing dimly in a mirror, but later seeing clearly face to face. All this to describe how love will not pass away and how love is good. As Paul said in the beginning of this chapter, it really doesn't matter if you can do this or that if you don't have love.

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

The believers are being compared to a body. There are different parts to a body representing the different people who follow Jesus. Though different parts, we are all parts of the same body. We are all also different, just like a body that is made up of different parts and not all the same. If a body were made up of all the same part, it would be missing something and wouldn't really be much of a body. In addition, parts cannot simply be dismissed as unnecessary or unimportant. Instead, those that seem less important are in fact extremely important.

Paul gives a few specific examples of different things that people are. Some are teachers and some have gifts of healing. With respect to these, not everyone is a teacher. There are different gifts just like there are different parts of a body and we all are a part of the body of Christ for those who are saved. He also adds that we should desire the greater gifts. It's as if there is a hierarchy to the gifts. In addition, he seems to number them when listing them. Yet, he follows it saying that there is a better way or the best way that he will show them. Something seems to trump all. If you peaked ahead to chapter 13, you probably already know that he's going to be talking about love. That is the "most excellent way" that he's referring to.