The Blue Church

How do we apply these principles?  

1. Do we take grace for granted? We are so used

to "grace" that we may miss its necessity and reality in everyday life. What are the implications of Paul telling Timothy to be "strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus"? What are some other "resources" for strength? That is, where do we turn for strength when we don’t look to His grace? Ephesians 1:3-14

2. Do we outsource discipleship? Before following Jesus became "Christianity" and all of its institutions,

churches were training centers for leaders, pastors, and teachers. Why aren’t they now? Why do we assume that Bible colleges and seminaries should do all of the training for men in ministry? What are some advantages to church-based training? How can these institutions partner with local churches in mutually beneficial, meaningful ways?

3. What about these three images? Paul uses the analogies of soldiering, farming, and athletic competition

in helping Timothy to relate to his tasks. List at least two implications of each of these pictures for leaders and would-be leaders.

4. God’s Sovereignty or Man’s Responsibility?

We tend to make these mutually exclusive categories, but Paul works hard so that "the elect" might be saved! Why is it so important to believe and apply BOTH? And how do God’s CERTAIN glory and plan motivate us to be faithful and responsible? Lownes Free Church Bible Study Notes

    How do we apply these principles?  

1. Saints and Sinners Humans tend either to worship their leaders or demonize them. Paul calls for leaders to be both honored and held accountable, but that requires a ruthless objectivity which is often cast aside under pressure or intimidation. Why is it so difficult for people to be objective about leaders? How do these guidelines dovetail with elder qualifications listed in 3:1-6? What might tempt a church just to cover up the sin of its leaders? What happens when it does? What does it imply that some sins appear quickly, others over time? Why does choosing leaders take time?

 

2. Honor and Double Honor What does “double honor” imply? How does Paul use the Old Testament quotations in v. 18? Some have suggested that to support a pastor (elder) monetarily is wrong because it places him above the people as privileged. How would you answer them? Why are some elders “paid” and other not? How can this privilege be abused? 1 Peter 5:1-5

 

3. Slaves and Masters As we study the book of Philemon, along with the rest of the New Testament, it is clear that the kind of slavery referenced is quite different from that of the USA in pre-Civil War days. How would you paraphrase Paul’s message to slaves? How does that principle apply to employees today? Why is there an implied message to masters as well? How would you paraphrase it for today? Why the reminder that our faith must extend to the marketplace? Col. 3:22–4:1

How do we apply these principles?  

• Me? A Role Model? Paul urged Timothy to be a good role model. Who are some of your role models/mentors and why did you look up to them? What are some ways that you can be a better role model today?

 

• Run from suffering or run to suffering? Suffering is uncomfortable and you probably try to avoid it. However, being a Christian is an invitation to suffer for the gospel. What should you remember as you persevere through suffering? What is the fruit of suffering?

 

• Who’s your companion? Companionship is not just for church leaders, even though they are to model it. How

can church leaders demonstrate the importance of relationships in the body of Christ? How have people encouraged and refreshed you? What is the danger of not having a companion?   “God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”