1 Timothy 3

Paul provides Timothy with the necessary qualification for bishops, deacons and their wives. The expectations for these men were to portray outstanding christian character inside and outside of home (especially within the household) as well as to know sound doctrine. When Paul writes that young converts might "fall into the same condemnation as the devil" he refers to Satans failure to acknowledge his position thus losing his honour and authority in Gods kingdom. Because of this, for the sake of not putting a new convert in opportune position of temptation into pride, Paul demands that leaders should be chosen from spiritually mature men of the congregation. Men who have not just been christian for no short of time but who have actually been seasoned in the faith, being able to discern their doctrine and their lives in accordance to scriptural standards. Paul's explains his purpose for writing as it was to give Timothy in his leadership position practical counsel on how to run things in the Ephesian Church. Paul refers to the Church of God the "pillar and ground of truth", it is important to note that Paul was not calling the Church (a group of people) as the highest authority but rather the Church makes Jesus the truth (the real highest authority) known so that the world can witness. A church should never be acknowledged when God's truth isn't exalted or plain. Paul then closes the letter with an early church hymn.

1. God was manifested in the flesh
Christ displayed the invisible God to mankind in human form
2. Justified in the spirit
Christs sinless spiritual righteousness , or it could refer to his vindication by the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:4)
3. Seen by angels
Seen by both fallen and elect angels
4. Preached among the Gentiles
The gospel message to be spread to across the nations
5. Received up in glory
Christ ascension and exaltation was proof that his Father was pleased and accepted his work

Out of all the books in the bible, it was God using the book of Timothy that changed my life. When I first read this in late 2017 it didn't make me feel overwhelmed, but it did give me the realisation that I wasn't a true Christian and that if I didn't repent I would go to hell. 

Prayer/response:
- examine myself agains't scripture not just for the sake of progressive spiritual maturity but also that I not stumble those I love inside and outside the Church
- Thank you that Jason, Silvia, Danger and Minnie have come back safely to Sydney
- Please bless Charles and Claires marriage. Let them encourage each other to read their bibles diligently 

- Us a a congregation to train and raise up future elders for the kingdom

1 Timothy 2

Paul once again exhorts Timothy to embrace that all supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks to be made for all men (key words “ALL MEN”). We are to give thanks for all men including those in authority because God has ordained them to keep order. We can honour our governments by being good civilians living peacefully and holy, this is pleasing to God and can bear witness to others. There is only one mediator to God, not the Saints, not higher confidence and neither the study of knowledge but only through King Jesus (John 14:6). He voluntarily offered himself for ransom for Jews and Gentiles alike, this was the message Paul was ordained to preach.

Paul then addresses the women who were disruptive in service. Womens role in the Church was an unlikely concept back in the Ephesus culture as they were not held in high esteem in the hierarchical order. According to macaruthur study notes, what is possible is that these women might have been motivated from the cultural denigration they had suffered and over reacted by seeking dominant positions. However, the message is clear that women are not to have the role of teaching authority within the congregation as well as of the home. Women are to be silent by not teaching, they are to demonstrate submissiveness by not troubling the authority of the pastors or elders as God has ordained men as the head of the authority and responsibility. Paul then reminds them that Adam was created first and was thus given original authority on earth before being provided with his helper Eve. Eve was the first to be deceived and Adam soon followed but she will be saved in childbearing if they live in approval to God. It is important to note here that Paul is not advocating that women do not achieve salvation through children, but that it is women through childbearing who can remove the stigma of being the initial sinner by raising Godly children.

Two things I took away from this:

1.The Oscars were held yesterday, celebs love to talk crap about Donald Trump just as much as we Australians are vocally distasteful of Scott Morrison. We Christians meme about it, admittedly it is funny. But here Paul urges believers to pray that leaders may repent of their secular living to embrace Jesus. In the context of this chapter the Ephesians should even pray for salvation madman Emperor Nero, a persecutor of the faith. The Ephesians are to literally love Nero, be sorrowful for him, be concerned for him.
2. Men and women are equal, but different. While they aren't to have teaching authority in Church Paul is not prohibiting them from teaching in appropriate conditions and circumstances, Acts 18:26 and Titus 2:2-4. I'm glad we don't have deacons in Cheil yet, we're too young of a congregation and before we start talking about leadership roles we should focus on getting people to love Jesus first.

Prayer/response
- Thank you Lord that I go to a Church in which the female leaders love you and submit under you
- Please instil continual prayer in our congregation for men that will love you over their girlfriends, careers and social status. Also for us to pray and support our married couples
- May we pray and be concerned for the salvation of our world leaders
- Thank you for being good and faithful

1 Timothy 1

Paul leaves for Macedonia and leaves Timothy in charge of affairs at Ephesus as his own personal representative, the intention of this letter was encouragement to Timothy. Paul warns that although some people want to teach, they shouldn't obtain the position since they don't know what they are teaching or have lack of sound doctrine. This could be gnostic teaching that was a popular heresy in early church history, but the most likely scenario is the Jewish legalism that was being taught since Paul uses the word "genealogy". While these teachings were popular, they didn't build up biblical fruit in the body of Christ. Paul further condemns legalism while also stating that sound doctrine and right conduct are connected and are essential for the Christian life. He then goes onto flex God's ability to change a him despite his violent history, he was the chief of all sinners but grace was stronger. Paul then encourages Timothy to stay true to his prophetic calling of missional living, unlike the fallen leaders Alexander and Hymenaeus. These leaders had ignored their conscience and as a result suffered spiritual error and they Paul calls them out by name. For their sake they need to learn not to blaspheme and so are excommunicated thus ending their influence within the Church. Maybe God would show them grace, but it had to be for them outside of communion/fellowship as evangelistic work could not go on with the doctrinal purity of the Church at stake.

So far we know nothing of Alexander and Hymenaeus as they are only mentioned in this book. 

Prayer/response:
- defend and be invested in biblical theology be diligent in devotional reading, no shortcuts. don't rush
- defeat sexual thoughts, run to Jesus
- Help me love daniel viana that self righteous asshole. Humble me, remind me of my self righteous youth.
- Give Peter kim the strength to confide in you. He seems lonely without his boys, help him be a continuous witness to them Lord.
- Thank you for Gloria. Thank you that I can see my lack of zeal from her love for newcomers, move me to repentance Lord.

2 Thessalonians 3

Paul asks for prayer that the gospel message may continue to grow despite persecution from evil ones. Additionally he requests that the Thessalonians be attentive to God so their hearts may be directed to His love and give them the patience for Jesus return. Paul also warns that the church that they should withdraw themselves from those walking in disorderly fashion aka not striving or living according to the way Jesus did. From what I know, I reckon this is best achieved when Church membership is put in place. Also, Paul financially supported himself for multiple reasons such as not wanting to be associated with con-artists (2 Corinthians 11) but also to not be a burden to those he preached to, the gospel is a message free of charge. This gave him credibility of not just being genuine but also being able to create Christian integrity from the view of non-christians. This is why he says that those who do not work shouldn't eat as apparently these "busy bodies" were being a burden to the church, maybe even going so far as to taking advantage of christian generosity. They should labour in quietness, earning their own food through their own work, because God cares about good stewardship. Paul again commands that the Church should not keep in company those who do not obey the words of this chapter for the purpose of them being ashamed, and hopefully be moved to repentance. They are not enemies but rather brothers and sisters in need of counselling/discipline, or even a potential mission field! Paul ends this chapter by praying for them, and then confirmed that he had written the letter himself by using his own hand. This is proof of the letters authenticity.

Prayer/response:
- Help Jiwoong know you
- Please comfort the families and friends of Antony and Sienna Abdallah. Please comfort them in their loss, may they know you and run to you. May Samuel Davis also come to know you and run to you as he awaits trial.
- Help me make time for prayer today 

BOOK SUMMARY
Book was written around 52-54AD, several months after his first letter. The purpose of this letter was to combat the lie some Thessalonians had fallen into was that Jesus had in fact returned and abandoned his Church. Paul highlights the great hope in Jesus return and commends the church for their perseverance in persecution. God will punish those who persecute His people and so he will give them what they want, a relational distance from him (ch1:8-9). In the final 2 chapters Paul talks about the antichrist and that the Holy Spirit will restrain him from exercising his power too soon. Before the antichrist comes to power, all believers will be taken away to God. Paul then closes this book by encouraging them to pray and serve in Christlikeness (ch3:5).

This book reminded me of Harold Camping, the Christian Radio host who incorrectly predicted Jesus return on May 21st 2011, even went so far as to spend a crap ton of money to spread the message. A year later he humbly apologised owned up to his mistake. He put his money and effort where his mouth was, he was mistaken but at the same time a seemingly genuine Christian. 

2 Thessalonians 2

Paul encouraged the Church to not be stressed or worried about Jesus return, not to be misled by false reports that Jesus had already come which apparently some members were convinced of. God will come back when the sin and depravity of man is in its most unsubtle and exposed state, a great falling away. I will need to research this more but verse 3-4 I assume this is a reference to the antichrist???? as Paul writes that the man of sin would exalt himself above everything godly and will be worshipped and even claim to be God. He will be in accordance with Satan's work which include false miracles etc. God will make them delusional in order for them to fall into the lies and will condemn them for not believing what is true and pursing evil. Christ will overthrow this successful deceiver by his arrival. Paul closes the letter by reminding the church to always return their thanks to God because He predestined them to be follow Him and grow in sanctification through the Holy Spirit. Paul hopes they stay true to his teachings of the gospel. Paul then prays for them and that they will continue to be blessed from God regarding grace, comforting their hearts and to labour in good deed and mouth.

I found some verses confronting regarding the fact that God will literally send a lie to make people delusional, but Romans 1 points out that God may give up a man to the depravity of his heart, to indulge in his attractive unrighteousness. He is perfectly righteous to do this. 

Prayer/response:
- Thank you that James Kim is saved. Please help him grow in sanctification and use him to preach the gospel
- Please help Erin, instil in her a pursuit for you in your word.
- Please help Charles witness to Claire. Please bless their marriage and grow their hearts to love you more than each other
- Please save Kevin Wang. Do not forsake him. If you would be merciful enough, pls have him in prison so he'll have more opportunities to reflect on his life and repent.
- God I know you can achieve the impossible. Pls help me love my fucking lifegroup