Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:17-6:21

Scripture: Luke 18:14-43, Passive infants are brought to Jesus so He can touch them. There is nothing in a child that merits God's forgiveness. They are not innocent but very self-centered and demanding. By Jesus offering grace to the infant, it shows the the width and depth of God's grace. Babies can only receive. They are totally dependent. We must become like a child to enter the kingdom of God. The rich ruler asks Jesus what to do to inherit eternal life. This interesting dialog is examined concluded by Jesus saying none can get into the Kingdom of God by human effort, but with God all things are possible. Jesus promises blessing in the the age to come if we practice evangelical poverty. Jesus then predicts His suffering and death -- the way eternal life is given to us by God. A blind man "sees" what the disciples do not see is introduced.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:9 - 6:2, We learn about the "Office of Widow," where there are certain qualifications. She is to be the wife of one husband, and at least 60 years of age. The Church would then support them in their office of good works and faithfulness. However, when family is present it would fall to them to support the widow so as not to burden the church. The other vocations of Pastor, Elder, Husband and Wife, Boss and Employer, and Slave and Master are discussed. In summary, we are to live out our vocations with honor, because we are serving Christ in all things.

Scripture: Luke 17:20-18:14, We learn from the teaching of Jesus what the Kingdom of God is like and what it means for believers of Jesus. Eternal life is defined and discussion from questions result. The parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge is examined and similarities between Jesus and the unjust judge are given. One similarity is that both act on account of their namesakes. Finally the prayer of the Pharisee that says "thank you God that I am better than everyone else" is shown to lack the humility for God to exalt him. The Pharisee's prayer is contrasted with the humble tax collector's prayer. Everybody in creation is one of these two men.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-5:9, Paul now warns Timothy that some will depart from the faith, through the lies of deceitful spirits and the teaching of demons. There are those that will stray from the Gospel by forbidding marriage and certain foods etc. All things created by God are good, and we are to receive these gifts with thanksgiving. When we meet at the communion rail, we are among the company of all believers, in heaven and earth, and rather than looking back to the deeds of our life, we are to look forward to the promise of heaven.

Scripture: Luke 17:7-30 Luke 12:35, Because last week's lesson was NOT recorded, a 20-minute longer review begins this lesson covering the narrative by Jesus on the Rich Man and Lazarus as well as the parable of the mustard seed (Luke 16:19 to 17:6). Then Jesus directs us to pray in His will which simply is that all would come to Him for salvation. Jesus then defines what a servant is and that He wants us to humble ourselves so that He can exalt us on the Last Day. Luke 12:35 says we are to stay dressed for action and keep the lamps burning. Blessed are those who are awake at that time. On the Last Day, Jesus will flip roles with us and humble Himself and serve believers. Finally, Jesus heals ten lepers physically of which only one, a Samaritan, returns to Jesus to receive salvation. The preaching in the days of Noah is compared in an interesting way to the preaching of Jesus and His Church.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:10 - 3:8, The roles of the clergy, and of men and women, who are believers in Christ Jesus, are clearly set out in these verses. We are to pray for all people, including people in high positions and ourselves that we might lead a quiet and peaceful lives, godly and dignified in every way. We are reminded that the first incident of God's people going against Him was in the Garden. Adam made his wife an overseer, by following her advice, and of course destruction followed. When we allow current day culture to dictate our roles and responsibilities, we go against God.

Scripture: Luke 16:19-17:6, The narrative of the Rich Man and Lazarus is told by Jesus in the context of how wealth is to be used in this world.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:3-2:12, Today we hear Paul reaffirm that Christ Jesus came to save sinners, and foremost among sinners he names himself. Over and over Paul tells us that he received mercy without merit, because he had been ignorant of Christ and the gift of salvation. Further, God would have all men saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. The role of men and women in the Church are outlined in Chapter 2. Men should pray without anger and quarreling, and women should display modesty and clothe themselves in good works.

Scripture: Luke 16:9-18