A Few Thoughts about Luke 20:41-44

Luke 20:41-44 WEL

41 He said to them, “How can it be said that Christ is David’s son?

42 “David himself says in the book of Psalms, ‘The Lord [Hebrew Yahweh] said to my lord,’ “Sit at my right hand,

43 “Until I make your enemies your footstool [Psalm 110:1],”’

44 “Therefore, David calls him, ‘lord,’ how is he then his son?”

Jesus is speaking to the Jewish crowd in particular to the Jewish leaders—the priests, the scribes, and the influencers.

He has shown them for many months the proofs of His Messiahship authenticated by His miracles. They have rejected Him.

He asks a question of these experts in the Scriptures.

How can Messiah be David’s son? How can David’s son be David’s superior?

They never answered.

The quote is from Psalm 110:1.

The LORD is Yahweh. The lord is boss, a superior, one who has greater authority than King David. According to the context of Psalm 110, this “Lord” is greater than David.

Yahweh is saying to King David’s superior to sit at Yahweh’s right hand. This is the hand of greatest honor. The Messiah has greater honor than King David.

Messiah sits there until Messiah’s enemies submit to Messiah. Yahweh will accomplish this. Yahweh does not say how long Messiah was sit there before He begins to rule.

The greatest religious scholars of the day could not answer Jesus’s question because their method of Bible interpretation was incorrect.

In studying the context of the Psalm and Jesus’s message, it becomes clear that Psalm 110 is Messianic.

We learn

• Jesus authenticates His credentials of Messiahship but fulfilled prophecy, message, life, and deeds.

• Context is important.

• Truth is important.

• We can believe a lie or the truth. We can accept what is most reasonable or make excuses for the truth.

• We can have confidence that Jesus is Messiah.

The Jewish interpretation is here. (Note how they miss the context).

The Christians interpretation is here and here.

A Few Thoughts about Luke 20:41-44

Bible study, David’s son, Jesus

A Few Thoughts about Psalm 119_153-154

Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise. Psalms 119:153-154 NIV​​​​​​​

Two things to learn

B1 God’s blessings

C1 Come from obeying God’s law. Deuteronomy 28:2 NIV All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God.

D1 The Psalmist, as any good Jew, would know of God’s promises that are found in God’s laws. Blessings come from obedience and curses come from disobedience. So, in his plea to God, the Psalmist mentions his obedience and understands that God will help him.

D2 We learn from the Lord Jesus that obedience to His worldview, lifestyle, and rules is because we love him. John 14:23 NLT Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.

D3 We can’t expect God’s blessings unless we do what Jesus commanded by His teaching on life, rules, worldview, etc. These must be in thoughts, words, desires, and deeds in public and private. No one is sinless, but we can be blameless with God’s help.

C2 May be delayed, for example in the coming of Messiah, the deliverance of the Jews from Egypt, and the raising of Lazarus from death.

C3 God doesn’t guarantee our prayers will be answered according to our wishes. All His decisions are from wisdom, love, and holiness. He may decide to wait, or do differently.

B2 The Psalmist recognizes that true blessing comes from a standard. How can we know what is good and wonderful without an objective standard to judge it? Many have wonderful plans and visions for society, but how do we know if it is the best? Science can be manipulated, selfishness can corrupt (big business, etc.), and evil desires can override altruism.

Two things to remember

B1 God judges us by His standards. He is King of all kings and judge of all judges. Jeremiah 11:20 NIV But you, LORD Almighty, who judge righteously and test the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause.

C1 The heart is the motives of what we do. We can do what is right but for wrong reasons such as deception, manipulation, etc.

D1 Matthew 23:23 NIV Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

D2 Matthew 7:21 NIV Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

C2 The mind is the attitudes. We can do what is right but with a bad attitude.

D1 Luke 11:39 GW The Lord said to him, "You Pharisees clean the outside of cups and dishes. But inside you are full of greed and evil.

D2 Proverbs 20:6 AFV Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but a faithful man who can find?

B2 God is the only defender of our lives.

C1 Life is more than breathing. It is the essence of every human. It is our humanness.

C2 We can rest contentedly.

D1 Matthew 10:28 NIV Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

D2 Hebrews 13:5 NRSV Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you.

1 John 2:1 NRSV My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

John 14:16-17 GNB I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever. 17 He is the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God. The world cannot receive him, because it cannot see him or know him. But you know him, because he remains with you and is in you.

A Few Thoughts about Romans 12_9-13

Romans 12:9-21

This is a short list of Christian rules that must be followed. These are rules of God’s kingdom. They reflect His character, His worldview, and His lifestyle. Ephesians 5:1 NLT Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

Romans 12:9-21 WEL

9 Love must be genuine. Hate what is evil. Stick tightly to what is good.

B1 Being genuine has the idea of heartfelt love, a love that is in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. It is not a love of words only or hypocritical love (saying one thing and acting one way in public, yet saying and doing differently in private).

B2 Hate is disgust. It is emotional. It is motivating. We are to hate evil. Good is God’s ways and evil is anything else.

B3 We are to remain, to continue, to persevere in love. This cannot be abused. We are to continue in love but if there is abuse and this passage is used to manipulate, then one must leave.

10 Cherish one another with brotherly love, in showing honor, outdo one another.

B1 Cherish is to value, to treat with kindness, to love another as we love ourselves (Matthew 19:19).

B2 Instead of honoring ourselves, we honor others. Instead of complaining about someone or trying to find fault, find and think the good. Nonetheless, we must be telling the truth.

11 Don’t be apathetic in religious zeal; be zealous in spirit; be serving the Lord.

B1 Zeal has the idea of being diligent to carry out what the Lord has commanded. Zeal would be starting, doing, and finishing without delaying.

B2 So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. Ruth 2:17 NRSV

12 Be rejoicing in hope, be patient in tribulation, persevere in prayer.

B1 Hope is the expectation of a promise. Jesus is coming back is the promise. We look for Him today and every day is the hope. We rejoice that we have hope. Often, due to circumstances, hope fades, but let us look to fulfilled promises and lives of those who lived before when they trusted in God.

B2 Being patient is to endure quietly. Only by God’s grace can we do this.

C1 Job 6:11 NLT But I don't have the strength to endure. I have nothing to live for. Compare Acts 27:20.

C2 I also know that you are enduring patiently and bearing up for the sake of my name, and that you have not grown weary. Revelation 2:3 NRSV

C3 God’s promises and His fulfilled promises of the past, give us hope today. For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 NRSV

B3 We pray and pray and pray. We become discouraged. Why should I pray anymore? But! Referring the Jesus, the author of Hebrews writes, who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. Hebrews 5:7-8 NKJV

B4 Prayer is worship. It is not scripted; it is genuine communication with our Father. Let us continue to pray.

C1 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2 NLT

C2 We are to walk with God. When we walk together, we talk together. No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NLT

13 Be sharing what you have for the needs of the saints; be given to hospitality.

B1 If we can help, do. First priority is our spouse, then children, then church family, then other Christians, and lastly those who are not Christians. We don’t neglect our family to give to strangers, but strangers need help, too. Let us be discerning.

B2 “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Isaiah 58:6-7 NLT

14 Bless those who persecute you. Bless; do not curse.

B1 We need to be a witness. If we curse, the persecutor will expect that, but if we bless and pray for them, they will have a witness about God’s ways.

B2 When the trial of Sir Thomas More was ended, and he was judged guilty of death, being asked if he had anything to say, he replied: " My lords, I have but to say that, like as the blessed apostle St. Paul was present at the death of the martyr Stephen, keeping their clothes that stoned him, and yet be now both saints in heaven, and there shall continue friends for ever, so I trust, and shall therefore pray, that though your lordships have been on earth my judges, yet we may hereafter meet in heaven together, to our everlasting salvation: and God preserve you all, especially my sovereign lord the king, and grant him faithful counsellors." (H. O. Mackey.)

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

B1 There is a time to rejoice and a time to weep. Let us be wise to be good comforters.

B2 There is a need for empathy in these evil days. We can have this ministry to listen, to have compassion, and show kindness. But let us be discerning and not fall under their control or our emotions to bound with them.

16 Respect one another. Do not be inclined towards the upper class but condescend to those of lower status. Don’t be conceited in yourselves.

B1 So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised. Galatians 3:28-29 GNB. Compare Colossians 3:9-13.

B2 A quote: Be on guard because pride stops people from seeing the truth and makes people think they are something or are better than others, which is not true. Always live with humility. Boast to everyone what Christ did on that cross for us. [Source]

17 Do not return evil for evil. Have it settled in your mind to be honest in everyone’s presence.

B1 Let God judge and sentence. His decisions are in love, wisdom, and holiness. We must always anticipate the possibility of repentance in others. Yet, if abused, leave.

B2 Truth is freeing; dishonesty is slavery.

B3 Robert Burns wrote, "An honest man's the noblest work of God." He was right. A man who is honest all round, honest. towards God, and honest towards his fellow-creatures, is the noblest work of God, When urged by his wife not to allow his conscience to stand in the way of fortunes Milton said, "I am resolved to live and die an honest man," Let us say the same, "Come gain or loss, come evil report or good report, come weal or woe, I am resolved to live and die an honest man. [Source is Biblical Illustrator-New Testament]

18 As much as is possible, live in peace with everyone.

B1 Sometimes we cannot, so we must leave.

B2 There is war, and there is peace. The world’s ways are selfishness, disorder, envy, fighting, etc. Yet, God’s ways are the opposite. God wants us to be a witness of God’s ways to those who are ungodly.

19 Dearly beloved, don’t seek revenge for yourself, but give room for the wrath [of God] instead, for it is written, “’Vengeance is mine; I will repay’, says the Lord.”

B1 Only God is truly and consistently just.

B2 Consider David’s actions when given the opportunity to kill King Saul in 1 Samuel 26:9-25.

20 Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him drink, for in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head.

B1 Note the actions of Elijah in 2 Kings 6:8-23 especially When the king of Israel saw them he said to Elisha, "Father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?" He answered, "No! Did you capture with your sword and your bow those whom you want to kill? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink; and let them go to their master." So he prepared for them a great feast; after they ate and drank, he sent them on their way, and they went to their master. And the Arameans no longer came raiding into the land of Israel. 2 Kings 6:21-23 NRSV

B2 We treats others so to give them opportunity to trust in Jesus. ...so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. Matthew 5:45 NRSV

21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.

B1 The summary is to overcome evil with good. It is a witness. It is for peace in our soul. Eventually, Jesus will return and complete the destruction of the devil and his ways.

B2 This is a spiritual war.

B3 In the Epistle of Paul to the Romans: “Rendering to no man evil for evil.” (Rom 12:17) Also in the same place: “Not to be overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom 12:21) Of this same thing in the Apocalypse: “And He said unto me, Seal not the words of the prophecy of this book; because now the time is at hand. And let those who persist in hurting, hurt: and let him who is filthy, be filthy still: but let the righteous do still more righteousness: and in like manner, let him that is holy do still more holiness. Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to every man according to his deeds.” (Rev 22:10-12) [Source is The Treatises of Cyprian. Treatise XII. — Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews. Third Book. Testimonies].

The Christian is a new creation with a new citizenship, a new worldview, and a new lifestyle. God is the king, and these are some laws of His kingdom. We can apply this promise—do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NRSV

Philemon

B1 Setting (verses 1-3)

C1 Paul is in prison for being a Christian and preaching the Gospel. Most understand this to be his first imprisonment. This after his 3^rd missionary journey and his 2-year imprisonment at Caesarea on the coast. The current imprisonment was the house arrest mentioned in Acts 28 and was his first Roman imprisonment. It lasted about 2 years in the early 60’s AD. Colossians, Ephesians, and Philippians were also written during this time. If you want, there is a timeline and some more about Paul here (I don’t know anything more about that website).

C2 Paul doesn’t address himself as apostle because this letter is a personal letter.

C3 Philemon is a wealthy man probably living in Colosse. He was a convert to Jesus Christ.

C4 Onesimus is a slave. He ran away from his master, Philemon. Two articles about Roman slavery—here and here. Onesimus had run away to Rome where he heard the gospel and was converted.

C5 The church/fellowship met in the house of Apphia our sister and Archippus.

B2 Philemon’s faith (verses 4-7)

C1 Philemon’s life of love. This is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is not the general condition of humanity. Paul specifically mentions Philemon’s love for fellow believers and his faith.

C2 Paul prayed that Philemon’s Christian faith and life would increase. We are called to do good works which glorify God. See Romans 15:6-9, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Peter 2:12, etc.

C3 Philemon’s life was a ministry to Paul and the others. Paul mentions joy, encouragement, and refreshing of the others. Compare 1 Timothy 1:5 and 1 John 3:17-18.

B3 Paul pleas for Onesimus (verses 8-22)

C1 Paul makes an appeal not give an order. A principle was needed to learn when dealing with others.

C2 Barclay (use caution) writes on this verse:

It is significant to note that Paul claims that in Christ the useless person has been made useful. The last thing Christianity is designed to produce is vague, inefficient people; it produces people who are of use and can do a job better than they ever could if they did not know Christ. It was said of someone that "he was so heavenly-minded that he was no earthly use." True Christianity makes a man heavenly-minded and useful upon earth at one and the same time.

C3 God gives us and desires us to have an efficient faith. See 2 Peter 1:5-8 and James 2:14-26 (this passage does not deal with saving faith; it deals with efficient faith. This is a working faith. One can be saved but not have an efficient faith in this life instead has a neglected faith).

C4 Paul is making an appeal to not punish Onesimus, which is legal under Roman law, but rather show mercy as God has shown Philemon.

C5 Paul states that he will reimburse Philemon monetarily anything that was lost, stolen, damaged, etc. by Onesimus.

C6 Paul also makes an appeal for a place to sleep for a time.

B4 Paul’s closing words (verse 23-25)

C1 Some fellow believers send their greetings.

C2 Paul prays that God’s grace would be on Philemon’s life.

B5 We learn

C1 Making an appeal is better than an order. This is the appeal of a lesser to a greater.

C2 Faith must be practiced and lived, not just a onetime experience.

C3 There are many blessings in believing and living God’s will. Society will improve; families will improve, and individuals improve and have a better and greater peace in their lives.

Titus 3

B1 This is a list of rules that reflects God’s kingdom, worldview, plan, and lifestyle for all Christians

B2 Some rules to live by

C1 To obey secular authorities as much as possible. God must be first. Acts 5:29 NIV Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than human beings!

C2 Not to speak evil of anyone.

D1 Speak the truth. We can name names and notify others of their deeds. See 2 Timothy 4:13, 1 Timothy 1:19-20, and Matthew 12:34.

D2 The truth might be to name someone as a thief, thug, liar, narcissist, etc.

D3 We are not to lie, slander, cover up, verbally abuse, gaslight, etc.

C3 Not to be a brawler, a fighter. The opposite of a brawler is one who tries to be peaceful. The opposite of brawler does not get face to face and start yelling.

C4 To have meekness. This is not being a wimp, but rather one who yields, that is, picks their fights carefully, instead of pushing and bullying.

D1 Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. Proverbs 16:19 NLT

D2 See Matthew 5:5 (gentleness), Matthew 11:29, 1 Peter 2:21-23, etc.

B3 Our past. May have included:

C1 Foolishness—as opposed to wisely. Foolish people don't care if they sin, but good people want to be forgiven. Proverbs 14:9 GNB. See Matthew 7:26-28.

C2 Disobedience—This has the idea of refusing to be persuaded. This Lord Jesus faced this. Matthew 23:37 NIV Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.

C3 Deceived—doing foolishness or sin because of being tricked, seduced, lied to, etc. Pride will let us be deceived; see Obadiah 1:3. Persuasive speech, see Colossians 2:4.

C4 Slave to various desires and pleasures. Before trusting into Jesus, people are enslaved to sinful pleasures. They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 2 Peter 2:19 NLT

C5 Malice—this is intense ill will, wishing hurt on others.

C6 Envious

C7 Hateful—hate is in the heart then in actions and words. Consider sarcasm, verbal abuse, etc.

C8 Hating—this is the emotion, the feeling that arises towards unlikable things. People naturally do not love God or His ways. Bible Knowledge Commentary has this note:

Far from being peaceable, considerate, and humble, they were characterized by malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. Such is the brutish existence of people apart from God. While a veneer of civilization often obscures the bleak truth, the slightest crack in the surface of society reveals the reality behind the facade. The painful truth is that apart from God people degenerate into little more than animals wrangling over bones.

B4 Salvation 4-7

C1 God our Savior who shows by thoughts, desires, words, and deeds the opposite of the above.

D1 Kindness Compare Romans 2:4.

D2 Love See an example in Acts 28:2.

C2 Salvation is not what we do religiously

C3 Salvation is by HIM, by His grace

C4 Salvation by

D1 God's Grace

D2 Washing of regeneration

E1 Not baptism

E2 Being born again.

F1 Regeneration means reborn, not baptizing.

F2 Greek word means bath, not baptism

F3 It is a regeneration and renewing done by the Holy Spirit which results in salvation.

D3 Renewing by the Holy Spirit

E1 Renewing is not by us, a church, a man, a prophet, a teacher, etc.

E2 Renewing means a complete change. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

D4 Justified—just as if I'd never sinned

D5 Make heirs—joint heirs—with His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. See Romans 8:17.

D6 Given eternal life as opposed to eternal death

B5 Bearing fruit for God, verse 8. Now being saved, it is expected for us to bear fruit. God defines this—living the fruit of the Spirit:. Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.

B6 Some things to avoid, verse 9-11

C1 Stupid questions

C2 Genealogies (“I’m related to...”)

C3 Arguments

C4 Fighting over the Law—the Ten Commandments. The Jews would like to start a fight over following the Law.

C5 Heretics (verse 11)—after two times dealing with them, showing them the truth, and counseling them, disfellowship them from the church. Their actions show they are condemned. We can be a heretic in what we believe, live, or both.

D1 Convinced that wrong doctrine is true.

D2 Convinced that some sin is OK. Sins by following a lie

B7 Verse 12-13. Instructions concerning some people and the need to help them.

B8 Verse 14-doing good things that God would approve of and that would glorify Him. It is easy to get caught up in life that we often forget living the faith.

B9 Say “Hi” to all—a sign of our all being in the fellowship with the saints and God himself. 1 John 1:3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

B10 Application

• We need to get smaller, humbler, and serving God.

• It is growth.

• The Lord Jesus needs to be glorified by our lives.

• It is growth.

Titus 2

B1 Titus, all pastors and teachers, are to teach what are the truths of Christianity including lifestyle and worldview. Here, in context, it refers to character of those who are Christians. It is our standard of behavior. Even though men and women are listed separately, the characteristics apply to all.

C1 Characteristics of the elderly (over 50-60)

D1 Men

E1 Sober—instead of drunk, further, not acting like you’re drunk

E2 Grave—to have an honorable life, instead of silly and foolish life

E3 Temperate—being self-controlled

E4 Sound in faith—knowing what the truth is, living it, and teaching it

E5 Sound in love—having a real love for God and the saints, but also for the lost. It is also showing compassion.

E6 Sound in patience

D2 Women

E1 Holy behavior—holy as defined by God

E2 Not false accuser—not making up lies, twisting the truth, embellishing

E3 Not addicted to much wine—not drunk or acting like a drunk

E4 Teachers of good things—a ministry of teaching others by word and life.

C2 Young (roughly between 20-49)

D1 Men

E1 Sober minded—instead of silliness

E2 1 Peter 5:5 NCV In the same way, younger people should be willing to be under older people. And all of you should be very humble with each other. “God is against the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.

D2 Women

E1 Discreet—instead of letting passions control your life

E2 Chaste—in dress, actions, words, and thoughts

E3 Keepers at home—instead of running the countryside

E4 Willing to get along, not fight with husbands—there must be order in the family. The husband must have the same attitude.

C3 Pastor

D1 A life lived knowing that people are watching. It is living a life that others will want to imitate (living the way God wants us to live).

D2 Good works—to glorify our Father in heaven. This is our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds in public and private.

D3 Incorruptible doctrine—The Bible is our ONLY source of what is true and false. Other things may or may not be true.

D4 Grave—honorable, our word must be good and honest. What we say must be true, and what we promise, we must keep.

D5 Sincere—a type of truth. This is revealed in our lives as true compassion, true interest in helping, etc.

D6 Sound speech—instead of running at the mouth, angrily arguing, etc.

C4 Servants—even employees

D1 Following the rules and directives

D2 To please them—by doing a good job

D3 Not arguing with them to such as not to do what was requested

D4 Not embezzling

D5 Good faith—trustworthy to complete was requested

D6 The motivation for living in this manner is to glorify God and give witness to those who do not believe of God’s goodness in order for these unbelievers to be saved.

C5 Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all people.

D1 For the grace of God

E1 Grace is receiving what we DO NOT deserve.

E2 This grace comes from God.

D2 A grace that brings salvation

D3 This grace of God has appeared to all people

C6 Titus 2:11 The application of God’s grace teaches us to

D1 Deny

E1 Ungodliness

E2 Worldly lusts (Compare Galatians 5:19-21)

D2 Living

E1 Soberly—showing self-control

E2 Righteously

E3 Godly

E4 Looking for return of Lord Jesus

C7 Redemption

D1 From all iniquity

D2 To purify us

E1 A special people for being zealous to do good as God defines it and to glorify God. Glorying God is showing others how great His worldview and lifestyle is.

E2 A psalm of David. Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? 2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. 3 Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. 4 Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD, and keep their promises even when it hurts. 5 Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever. Psalm 15:1-5 NLT

E3 He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 AFV

B2 Things all believers are to look for expectantly

C1 The return of the Lord Jesus.

D1 He is God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are three persons who are one god. They are not separate gods. They are NOT one god who fills different roles. The oneness of God is nature and essence, which is the stuff that God is. There is only one in the God class—Yahweh. There are many in the spirit class. There are many in the human class. There are many in the animal class, etc. Jesus is one person. He has the nature of God and the nature of humanity. He is the Son of God and the Son of Man. See the Athanasian Creed.

D2 Jesus is the only Messiah. He always has been Messiah, is Messiah, and always be Messiah.

E1 He redeemed us. All before belief and trust in the Lord Jesus only are sold to sin. Jesus suffered for our sins. He is the voluntary, qualified substitute. Either we get the just penalty for our sins or a qualified substitute.

E2 He has a purpose for those who believe. This is to be zealous for good works, that is, a godly worldview and lifestyle.

C2 Pastors who are diligent. Paul encourages and urges Titus to continue. Pray for your pastor.

Titus 1

B1 Titus 1:2 ...in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.

C1 God cannot lie.

D1 What an awesome description. The Greek word is ἀψευδής apseudḗs and means non-lying. It is an adjective modifying the word God, so it means the non-lying God. When compared to humans—Romans 3:4, God is truly a blessing.

D2 Not only is every individual a liar, but there is satan (his hordes also)— You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you desire to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar, and the father of lies. John 8:44 EMTV

C2 We can safely live our lives. He will not change.

B2 Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

C1 These are qualifications of elders, yet are good, godly characteristics for anyone. What a better society all would have, if all thought and lived God’s way.

D1 Blameless

E1 This is not sinless. Blameless has the idea of living the lifestyle and having the worldview aligned with God’s. When we sin, we confess our sins, ask forgiveness, and He forgives, thus blameless.

E2 It is God’s desire and goal for us. Would to God more pastors would teach the Christian life. in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach before Him—Colossians 1:22 EMTV

D2 Monogamist

E1 I understand this to mean one wife at a time.

E2 Also, I understand that this does not mean that a pastor must be married.

D3 Faithful Children—these are children still at home.

D4 Blameless steward of God—steadfast and true to God’s doctrine, lifestyle, and worldview.

D5 Not self-willed—they are God-willed. Success as a pastor is not in numbers but in faithfulness to God. Noah had essentially no numbers from his ministry. Jonah had vast numbers. God judged them to be faithful. Discouraging as it might be, we should not give up because we are serving God, not committees or the need for greatness.

D6 Does quick tempered

D7 Not a drunkard

D8 Not violent—this is the abuser, sex molester, and cheat. These things are usually done in private, because they want to look good to the public for money and influence.

D9 Not greedy for money—too many pastors are, even though they appear very humble.

D10 Hospitable—this isn’t just hosting people at their home. It includes listening, giving them time when needed, and helping others in what we are able.

D11 Lover of good things (People and otherwise. Good is what God defines as good).

D12 Self-controlled

D13 Just (fair and not biased)—true justice treats all people the same.

D14 Holy—Devout, pure, following God's way.

D15 Disciplined—having time and knowing how to use it. This is also having right priorities as God first, spouse second, children third, other believers fourth, then the rest of people

D16 Holding on to the truth as one has been taught, that is, faithful to Bible teachings. Doctrine is important.

D17 Apologist for the faith—We must know what we believe and why. We must study the Scriptures and know them well. Reading and studying the Bible is more important than reading and studying theology.

C2 The need for truth—there were lots of liars, distorters, heretics who were causing all kinds of troubles in the church, the family, and in individuals. There is only one truth—the Bible.

B3 Titus 1:12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”

C1 Three things we need to avoid

D1 Lying—liars

D2 Evil beasts—acting like an animal—Rude, cruel, and brutal

D3 Lazy gluttons

C2 If we are like these Cretans or not believing and living the truth, we need to be told.

B4 Two Groups All things indeed are pure to the pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience have been defiled. They profess to know God, but in their works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. Titus 1:15-16 EMTV

C1 The pure—in heart and conscience

C2 The impure—in heart and conscience

D1 Defiled

E1 Mind (thinking, intelligence, attitude)

E2 Conscience (a poor sense of right and wrong)

E3 In body, soul, and spirit

E4 Both in public but especially in private

D2 Unbelieving—this is not believing what God says

D3 Deceived—think they know God, but don't (empty religion)

D4 False fruit (works, what they do) is

E1 Denying God—by being a hypocrite. They know, or should know, but will not think and live according to God’s rules.

E2 Abominable—shockingly vile. Compare Job 15:16.

E3 Disobedient—to God’s lifestyle, worldview, beliefs, and laws.

E5 Reprobate—this is not meeting God’s standards and thus rejected.

C3 I don't want to be like this; do you?

C4 I read this in the Biblical Illustrator: I laid aside a coin one day but did not remember just where I had put it, till one day I found it in a comer, encrusted with rust. At first, I thought it was copper, but careful examination proved it to be silver. It had lain there so long that it was tarnished and unrecognisable. Just as many Christians, alas I are so covered with the grime and filth of this world that it is no wonder that the unconverted and Christians look upon them as copper instead of being good silver.

2 Timothy 4

B1 2 Timothy 4:1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom.

C1 The words of verse 1 are leading to the desire for Timothy to continue in his ministry and what to do.

C2 The word charge is διαμαρτύρομαι diamartýromai. It has the idea of telling information in a serious tone. It means getting someone’s attention and informing them of facts they need to know to avoid poor choices and consequences.

C3 The words of verse 1 are leading to the desire for Timothy to continue.

C4 Note that the Lord Jesus is Lord (King of all kings, compare 2 Corinthians 15:24-25), Judge (Judge of all judges, judging both living and dead; compare Revelation 19:11-16), and returning to establish His kingdom (see Daniel 2:44). God does not delegate to us to establish the kingdom. Humans cannot such things flawlessly.

B2 preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all patience and teaching. For there will be a time when they will not put up with sound doctrine, but according to their own lusts, they will heap up for themselves teachers, tickling their ears, and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to myths. 2 Timothy 4:2-4 EMTV

C1 To do God’s will. We may become discouraged at the results. God wants good results, too, but even more, He was faithfulness.

C2 But Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God. Luke 9:62 NLT

C3 Preach the Word. This is both preaching the gospel and making disciples of those who have believed in both doctrine, worldview, and lifestyle.

C4 Be ready when it is easy or hard. Show boldness. Speak out.

C5 We are to

D1 Convince someone that they are wrong, that is, wrong by the standards and doctrines of the Bible.

D2 Rebuke, that is, tell someone that they cannot, must not do, and teach something taught in the Bible

D3 Exhort, that is, plead and encourage doing what is right in God's eyes.

C6 Our attitude is to be

D1 Longsuffering, that is, to put up with, be patient, don't revenge or argue

D2 Teaching, that is, to tell the truth, correction, explain God's way honestly.

C7 A prophecy about the end times, that people will not want Bible truth, but messages that only soothe. Interestingly, they heap. One teacher is not enough. They flit from one to another. Just for enjoy, I guess.

C8 A time will come, and now is, when people don't want or will listen to the truth, but will want and listen to fables—lies, false dreams, prophecies, experiences, and warm, cuddly messages. They are impressed by degrees, charisma, and stardom. In fact, experiences become the source of truth rather than the Bible.

B3 Faithfulness to death verse 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. This is to be the goal for all believers. God gives us the grace to persevere. I always keep the LORD in front of me. When he is by my side, I cannot be moved. Psalms 16:8 GW

B4 Crown of righteousness to those who are excited, want, look for, anticipate the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

B5 Some people:

C1 Demas has forsaken me, because he loves this present world. The word loved is the highest love, the love of choice, the love of God, etc. Compare Moses. It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. Hebrews 11:24-26 NLT

C2 Mark is profitable to Paul.

C3 Alexander: Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will pay him back for what he did. Watch out for him. He violently opposed what we said. 2 Timothy 4:14-15 GW

D1 A warning

E1 To Alexander about the coming judgment. Let God punish. He does a much better job than us. We might be too harsh or too lenient. God judgments are based on love, truth, wisdom, and holiness.

E2 To Timothy about an evil man name Alexander. We need to be warned by name those who are dangerous to the faith.

D2 It is OK to name names!

B6 Paul was forsaken by some, but However, the Lord stood by me and gave me strength so that I could finish spreading the Good News for all the nations to hear. I was snatched out of a lion's mouth. 2 Timothy 4:17 GW

B7 A word of faithful hope and trusting in God. This is something that is learned by experience. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18 NRSV

2 Timothy 3

B1 The last days, a time that is

C1 Perilous: that is, a time of sorrows, persecution, hate, suffering

D1 Know that God does not leave His people. See Hebrews 13:5-6.

D2 The Greek word for perilous is χαλεπός chalepós.

E1 It means hard to bear, troublesome, dangerous [Strong].

E2 It is used one other time in the NT. And when He came to the other side, to the region of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs; exceedingly violent, so that no one was able to pass by that way. Matthew 8:28 EMTV

E3 Other translations translate this word as

C2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, not loving what is good, traitors, headstrong, having been puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from these people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:2-5 EMTV

D1 People lovers of themselves, that is, “I'm number 1. I care about myself first.” This is selfish narcissism.

D2 Lovers of money, that is, they would sell their soul to the devil for money. They would hurt anyone, anywhere just for money. They would lie, cheat, steal, kill, whatever it takes for money.

D3 Boasters, that is, bragging about themselves. Another “me first” attitude.

D4 Proud, that is, think of themselves as being the greatest. This is often an unreasonable thought. Others think of them as immature.

D5 Blasphemers, that is, taking God's name in vain, not using it reverently. Also, it includes not believing God (as in interpreting the Bible), smearing His character, etc.

D6 Disobedient to parents. There is no respect, no helping them, etc.

D7 Unthankful, that is, for anything, ever, not to God or anyone else; their attitude is, “It's all about me.” “I can solve my own problems.”

D8 Unholy, that is, not doing what God wants them to, but what they want to do. There are no absolutes, no standard of right and wrong, and no accountability.

D9 Unloving, that is, only care about themselves. They want others to love them, but they will not show love to others. They use people instead of showing compassion.

D10 Unforgiving, that is, never forgive anyone anything. They will always remind someone of their fault, error, or mistake.

D11 Slanders, that is, they will lie about someone's character, in order to manipulate and control others.

D12 Without self-control

D13 Brutal, that is, mean, verbal, physical, financial abuse.

D14 Despisers of good, that is, they will hate good people, truth, God, anything good. They will want to ban good people, re-educate them, lock them down, etc.

D15 Traitors, that is, to anything, for anything. Their loyalty is to themselves.

D16 Headstrong, that is, stubborn. They are unable to be reasonable. There is no talking to them about facts. They will mock and revile.

D17 Haughty, that is, a way of carrying yourself will your chin high, thinking that everyone worships that ground you walk on.

D18 Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, that is, whatever feels good, they will do it. It makes no difference if it hurts someone or breaks laws.

D19 A form of godliness, this is, churchianity, not Christianity. They are often spiritual but do not show the fruit of the Spirit. What they appear to be in public is not what they are in private.

D20 Deny its power, that is, will not believe that being a true, Biblical Christian is to any advantage.

D21 Compare God’s Word translation: You must understand this: In the last days there will be violent periods of time. People will be selfish and love money. They will brag, be arrogant, and use abusive language. They will curse their parents, show no gratitude, have no respect for what is holy, and lack normal affection for their families. They will refuse to make peace with anyone. They will be slanderous, lack self-control, be brutal, and have no love for what is good. They will be traitors. They will be reckless and conceited. They will love pleasure rather than God. They will appear to have a godly life, but they will not let its power change them. Stay away from such people. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 GW

B2 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 2 Timothy 3:12 NIV

B3 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 GNB