Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction

 2 Timothy 4:1-22

 I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Death is close to Paul. He can face it without fear: he has run the course and kept the faith. The Olympic victor's wreath, the sovereign's award for faithful service is in prospect, not just for him but for all who have loved the Lord and long for his return.

He has the last charge for Timothy: go on declaring God's message, 'press ti home in season, out of season', come what may. The time will come when people prefer to follow their own whims, choosing fable and legend in preference to the truth.

Personal news is left until last. Paul's fellow missionaries - Titus. Tychicus, Trophimus - are all away. One is ill, and one has defected. At the first stage of his trial Paul, like Jesus, stood alone. All his friends deserted him, and his enemies were not slow to make capital. Now winter is coming and he wants his books and papers, and his thick cloak. He has only Luke's presence, and the faithful Christian in Rome, to warm his heart and the hope that Timothy and Mark will reach him in time.

Why?

Paul knew his life is close to end and encouraged Timothy to preach the gospel in season and out the season. 

Paul has finished the race, and he has kept the faith. It is truth and he is a good example to all Christians.

Our life is like race, all of us want the crown of life from the Lord.

Correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction, this is the mission to us, Christian.

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將來有危險的日子來到，他們都有敬虔的外貌，卻沒有真義，甚至抵擋真理。

1.勸勉提摩太專心傳道：無論得時不得時，無論人是否想聽的時候。不想聽還是要講，用百般忍耐教導、責備人。人必厭煩真理，想聽自己認為需要的，自己認為重要的部份。要付代價的也不想聽。預言就是虛無飄渺的話。純正的道理： 十字架的道理等人都不愛聽，我們不是要討人的喜歡。

2.提到公義冠冕，好像要對提摩太說再見。不僅為保羅存留，也為所有為主盡心盡力的基督徒保留的。我們曉得我們的目標是什麼?我們就知道現在該做什麼?

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How?

Follow the way of Paul and God's word to get the crown of life of the Lord at that day.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

 2 Timothy 3:1-17

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Paul describes in detail the character of the final age of turmoil. We can see something of it in our own time, indeed in every age. He warns that, as the time for Chris's return draws near, evil will intensify - even within the church. Those who are true to Christ will endure persecution. For his part, Timothy must stand firm in the truths taught him from the scriptures. in them lies wisdom and the way to salvation in Chris. They are 'God-breathed': the breath of life for all who seek to walk in God's ways.

Why?

This world is getting worse, be aware of everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. So be strong and like the soldier fight for the righteouness.

We are learned from scripture and have become convinced of, so we have known the Holy Spirit, we knew the Bible is able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

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1.注意末後危險的日子：是指道德墮落的危險。有20項從為自己到不愛神。問題都是來自自己之私。一家不一定視，親也不一定一家。專譬顧自己

2.信仰表面化：因為愛自己，不僅非基督徒，在教會可能也是如此，挑自己喜歡的做。敬虔的外貌希望得到別人的稱讚，滿足自己的虛榮心。最危險是不知道有危險。只認識在教會裏的他，不知道他在教會外面，不知道他內心，只看到他一面，沒有看到另外一面。這就是無知，為什麼說女人，因為女人容易相信這些人。常常學習卻不明白真道：要看她們重視什麼?是否也重視外表。愛世界：專顧自己、眼目的情慾、今生的驕傲。課程不能不叫人成長，只是為人提供方法，一條路。重要是我們要走上這條路

3.把真道存在心中：所學習的要存在心裏。無偽的信心來自他母親及外婆。相對的是敬虔外貌，卻沒有敬虔的內心。聖經的具體目的：經文還是教導人一條路。

How?

Keep our faith in Jesus Chris, never give up for we have hope from Jesus Christ.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved

 2 Timothy 2:1-26

Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

 “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

No one knew better than Paul what it costs to be a Christian. 'From the soldier, Timothy must learn endurance, from the athlete discipline and from the farmer perseverance'. The theme of Paul's gospel is Jesus Christ, risen from the dead: it is for this he has suffered. He offers Timothy a lifeline to hold onto, in the lines of a hymn. He must stick to the true gospel, not be side tracked into empty chatter, wild speculation for fruitless, divisive argument. The true servant of Christ is kind, not quarrelsome, a good teacher, tolerant, and gentle with those who need discipline.

Why?

Be s soldier of Jesus Christ to fight until getting the medal of victory.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved for my life is saved by the Lord. God is my master and I am God's servant.

Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, this is the target of my life have to do.

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神賜我們剛強壯膽的心，所以我們可以剛強起來，不是靠自己的能力。

為選民凡事忍耐

死裏復活，所以是神的兒子，違反當時世俗的規則，特別猶太人反對，所以他們逼迫保羅。保羅則為此真理委身，像戰士、農夫一樣。我們若能夠忍耐，必能得冠冕。

作無愧的工人: 按著正意分解真理的道。不要討人喜歡的說。

人若自潔，脫離卑賤的事：卑賤的事就是和人爭論爭一口氣，贏得爭論，失去關係，好口舌之快，怕輸，以自我為中心這是私慾

主的僕人不可爭競，用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人。使人願意來聽我們的話語。以為自己有真理想搏倒別人，大家都嚇跑了，如何建造教會呢?

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How?

Be a good servant of the Lord and knowing what I am doing to honor the name of the Lord.

Because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day

 2 Timothy 1:1-18

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

Deep thankfulness fills Paul's heart as he thinks of Timothy. And he longs for this man of many fears, as well as real faith, to share his own confidence. he urges Timothy to hold to the truth he has taught him, and not be ashamed of the gospel or of Paul. The secret of Paul's confidence is knowing Christ. God's grace is sufficient; he will give the needed strength to endure in the face of opposition and suffering.

Why?

The sincere faith is seen in Timothy's mother and grandmother. Paul is glad that he has this faithful son, Timothy.

We have to fan into flame the gift of God, let us have power, love, and self-discipline, for there are may trick and desires on the world to attract us.

Do not shame the gospel, the Gospel is the grace of the Lord, suffering as Paul did is not shame but it is an honor. for the mission of God is come upon Paul, so Paul brave to go forward for his mission from the Lord.

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1.問安：自稱蒙召做使徒，根據永恆生命的確應許，本身是祝福，不是重擔。勉勵提摩太，寫信給兒子提摩太。後書直接說兒子，心中早已認定了。

2.勉勵：不要忘記恩典，主早賜下剛強、仁愛、謹守的心。所有的事都在神手中。

這恩典是萬古之先，在基督耶穌裡賜給我們的，不要因為目前教會的難處而氣餒，這些都是主要我們經歷的。

善道，你要靠著那住在我們裡面的聖靈牢牢的守著，雖然艱難，因為有愛而甘之如甘飴。也有人因為保羅受的苦而離開了，但是也有阿尼色弗一家人積極的找尋，幫助保羅，不怕被牽連。這些生活上的幫助與讀聖經、學問、職位、工作都沒有關係、不是使徒、沒有建立教會。這樣的人值得保羅寫在聖經當中。整個教會發展好像沒有顯赫的人，卻有效許多像阿尼色弗這樣的人。求主常提醒我們，牢牢守住善道。

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How?

Be strong, for the Lord gives us confidence and faith and Jesus Christ has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light to us.

Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

 1 Timothy 6:1-23

Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

V1-2: as Christians, slaves are free people - but they are not to drag Christ's name in the mud by turning on their masters.

v3-21 Fight the good fight of faith: The subject of false teaching comes up yet again V3-5 gives us a none-too-happy picture of what Timothy had to contend within the church: questions, arguments, and endless disputes. The superior 'knowledge' claimed by these people soon grew into the full-scale heresy of 'Gnosticism', whose initiates felt free to discard some of the cardinal Christian truths, including the fact that Christ was truly human.

Some see religion as a road to riches. And Christians are rich - though not in money. Money is not wrong in itself, but the craving for money leads to all kinds of evil. "Rich Christians" count their wealth in terms of generous sharing, and well done to others.

As someone 'dedicated to God', Timothy will steer clear of the pitfalls of money. Faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness are his goals in the 'good fight of faith'. One day Jesus will return in glory; life is to be lived in the light of that fact.

Why?

To be a Christian is not to get more money, but because of the faith and blessing from the Lord, Christians could be live better than others for we are pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 

How?

Keep our faith in Jesus Christ and be godliness with contentment is great gain.

In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

 1 Timothy 5:1-25

Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.”

I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

5:1-2: Paul's advice is sound. Treat other people as if they were your own family.

5:3-6: Widows who have no means of support deserve special consideration. Their lot was unenviable. There was a grain dole in Rome and some other places, but no other state welfare in Paul's day. The church was quick to realize and accept its responsibility to help. It soon had a sizeable problem, and not all of the cases were equally deserving. Paul's rule is that the church should reserve its help for those who are really destitute. It should take on to its books only older widows of good Christian character, and committed to Christian work. The younger ones should remarry. And wherever possible widows should be cared for by their own relatives. In the city where the goddess Diana was served by a host of prostitutes, the reputation of those who serve Christ must be beyond reproach.

5:17-22: elders must be carefully chosen, treated with respect, and paid for their work. They are especially open to false charges against them. Timothy must take care to deal fairly in such cases.

V 23 is in parenthesis, a personal note. Timothy is clearly not strong. He needs to take care of himself.

Why?

Treat everyone like our family with honor and respect. This is a character to a Christian.

And treat our relative should our obligation either.

Don't worry about the unfair matter, for good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

Workers like elders should be supported by the church, their wage, their family.

How?

Obey the teaching from the Lord and do the right things will be honored before the Lord!

Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity

 1 Timothy 4;1-16

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

The ultimate source of false teaching is Satan, the Enemy, himself. It is promoted by those who are dead to conscience. They ban marriage and lay down rigid rules about diet - things God has designed for our good. They claim that their thinking is super-Christian. In fact it is sub-Christian.

Timothy, as a true teacher, has to make this clear. And this does not stop at words. His whole life must bear out what he teaches others. So he has to let the truth mould his own life; he has to keep spiritually fit. He has always to watch himself, and watch his teaching. Those who are older will not recognize his authority because he is young. Christian character commands authority at any age.

Why?

Be aware, there are many teaching abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. It depends on the effort of human, like other religious teachings.

Everything God created is good, with thanksgiving to received it.

Do good witness among people in speech, conduct, love, faith and in purity. Speech: word, conduct with love, faith: do not affect by the world, purity: without deceit.

How?

Reject false teaching and follow the truth from God's word.

God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth

 1 Timothy 3:1-16

Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.

In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

If I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit.

It was Paul's practice to appoint several elders to take charge of each church. 'Overseeing' what went on was one of the functions of the elders' role. These, in turn, were assisted by 'helpers'

Paul's list of qualifications for these leaders makes sound sense. They must be men who can control themselves and their families, who have proved to be stable Christians, and who have the respect of the outside world. Timothy was not a naturally forceful character. To have Paul's written authority was the next best thing to having the apostle with him.

Why?

The overseers and deacons conditions, it is the rule to all Christians either.

The church is the house of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

To be an overseer and deacons should have a good reputation inside the church and outside.

Women to be worthy of respect, do not malicious talkers but temperate. It is easy to cause may distress and turbulence in the church.

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1.做監督和執事的條件：監督是教會或團體的負責人，總決策的角色，執事比較著重在執行的角色。聖經如果沒有提到細節組織，就是不是很重要，所提到的多是原則性及生命的見證。這些標準提及的多是道德層面，與一般基督徒要求一樣的，一般人也是如此要求的準則。有生命的見證就可以做這職份。然而這也是每個基督徒該有的生命表現。

善於教導與恩賜有關。初入教會的人不適任，因為生命不成熟，恐怕他自高自大。教會付予職份是要服務人，把人帶到基督面前。管理的地方是神的家。我們跟隨的不是任何人，而是耶穌基督。

2.教會要成為真理的堡壘、根基，為真理爭辯的地方，抵擋異端，抵擋世俗的地方。我們負責的是把人帶到基督面前。

2.

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How?

The church is God's symbol, to be a good God's household.

I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing

 1 Timothy 2:1-15

First of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.

Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 

For Adam was formed first, then Eve.  But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

Prayer is of prime importance. That means prayer for the authorities if Christians are to lead the kind of peaceable lives which allow them to concentrate on making the Good news known to everyone, as God intends.

In the assembly, the men are to pray without anger or argument. Christian women are to be conduct-conscious, not clothes-mad, and must not lord it over the men. The Christian message upgraded the status of women. Men and women are equal in his sight, but their toles are not identical. Paul is not singling women out for special censure here. He is evenhanded, correcting abuses in worship, both by grumbling men and usurping and untrained women.

Why?

As a Christian have to pray, not only pray for us, but for all people, the kings, and all those in authority.

There is not one between God and us, except the Jesus Christ only. Our Savior wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For God is love.

There were some false teaching and lie to lead people to turn to them, instead of the truth.

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為萬人禱告：祝福與感謝。我們比較少為別人祝福。可以擴展自己的心胸，更符合神的心意。因為願意萬人得救！關心神所關心的事，是神所喜悅的。耶穌的死是為世界上所有的人。在屬靈的觀點比政府看的更高更遠來為政府禱告。不是為某些事不合我們的意禱告，其實是為自己喜好禱告。

男人與女人的次序： 男人喜歡當帶頭者，當提出不同意見時，就是在當領袖。私下的評論也是。當人如此也會去評論教會，此造成不好的酵。當舉起聖潔的手來禱告。

不許女人講道引起爭論。應該連後面這句話加起來的。我不許女人講道，也不許他轄管男人。這裏是指不允許女人指導男人，管轄男人。保羅沒有說不准女人講道。男人是站在指導，教導的地位，女人是站在順服、幫助丈夫的角色。當時可能女人一直想要當帶頭的角色。一些帶頭的責任、位份是弟兄應該摃起的責任。不要想說太太可以擔當而輕視自己該承擔的責任。

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How?

Knowing the truth and identify the false teaching by the truth, God's word.

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

 1 Timothy 1:1-20

To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 

We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious...and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.

There had been a tremendous response to Paul's preaching in and around Ephesus. A great many Christian groups had sprung up almost overnight. And Paul was quick to realize how vulnerable they were to wrong teaching. Ten years later his fears had materialized. Apocryphal Jewish legends and family trees were being made the basis of strange teaching. This was a wrong approach to the Old Testament law, and Timothy must stop it spreading. The Christian message should result in faith and love and a clear conscience - not idle speculation.  It has always seemed more exciting to argue over abstruse topics than to live the Christian life.

Why?

Paul told his son in faith about the dangers of false teaching, and what is the true command. It is love, comes from a pure heart and a good conscience, and a sincere faith.

Keeping with the prophecies once made about Timothy, and Paul hopes he may fight the battle well. The way is holding on to faith and a good conscience.

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保羅在主裏與提摩太情同父子。

有人在教會教無窮的家譜，荒渺無憑的語言的人，所傳的並不榮耀神，對人也沒有益處。要為此打美好的仗，即要傳講真理，傳講是出於愛，也為了愛。律法的總綱是愛人，愛神。

愛是從1)清潔的心：有人想要彰顯自己。和2)無虧的良心： 沒有對不起人，3)無偽的信心：按自己實際的信心，不是虛偽的。

聽了道如果沒有愛，這篇道對我就沒有意義。

疫情發生後，開始有人開始說預言，大家很稀奇，想要聽，但是聽了之後沒有更愛主、更愛人。瘟疫其實聖經早就講了，人卻喜愛聽預言。

律法不是為義人設立，律法不能救贖人，扭轉人。人有律法雖然好，但是人更需要福音。人如果沒有福音，只有律法，只會逼迫人，讓人驕傲。

無窮的家譜，讓人知道祖先是神。家譜叫人謙卑，人在生命的洪流中微不足道。但是今天卻因為有顯赫身世而驕傲，身世不好的人自卑。所以教導者要傳揚愛，使人更愛神，更愛人。

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How?

Keep our faith and love and conscience of love from the Lord to fight against false command on the world.

The people grieved for Benjamin, because the Lord had made a gap in the tribes of Israel.

 Judges 21:1-25

The people went to Bethel, where they sat before God until evening, raising their voices and weeping bitterly.  “Lord, God of Israel,” they cried, “why has this happened to Israel? Why should one tribe be missing from Israel today?”

Early the next day the people built an altar and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings.

The people grieved for Benjamin, because the Lord had made a gap in the tribes of Israel.

They discovered that no one from Jabesh Gilead had come to the camp for the assembly. 

They found among the people living in Jabesh Gilead four hundred young women who had never slept with a man, and they took them to the camp at Shiloh in Canaan.

Then the whole assembly sent an offer of peace to the Benjamites at the rock of Rimmon. So the Benjamites returned at that time and were given the women of Jabesh Gilead who had been spared. But there were not enough for all of them.

So they instructed the Benjamites, saying, “Go and hide in the vineyards and watch. When the young women of Shiloh come out to join in the dancing, rush from the vineyards and each of you seize one of them to be your wife. Then return to the land of Benjamin. When their fathers or brothers complain to us, we will say to them, ‘Do us the favor of helping them, because we did not get wives for them during the war. You will not be guilty of breaking your oath because you did not give your daughters to them.’”

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

The lengths to which the tribes go to circumvent the rash oath made at Mizpah. 

The writer has no need to point a moral. The simple statement of verse 25 is sufficient. The whole ook makes plain the disastrous consequences of the breakdown of authority, when people become a law unto themselves, setting their own standards of permissiveness.

Why?

The consequence of the civil war left the Benjamites missing from the tribes of Israelite. But Israelite has made an oath before the Lord,  so they have to find a way to help them.

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit, it the problem of Israelite.

Even they build an altar for the Lord, but their heart has no God, no king, no law.

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以色列人在士羅抓人的女子為妻，等於眾人凌辱眾人，當初是眾人凌辱一名女子，一樣殘忍。

減掉一族，結果發現傷到自己。教會中也是把不該是敵人的當做敵人，造成自己的傷害。

自己被自己的誓言套住無法解套，反而還要殺更多人。21節起的誓言是合神心意的，本身就有問題。因為自己的錯誤要別人去施恩給別人，強迫第三方來彌補損失。不打破誓言卻強迫別人付代價。自己造成的破口，卻要挖別人的牆，補自己牆的破口。唯一辦法是認罪、悔改。

一方面與便雅閔人說和諧的話即要合一，卻又不願意將自己的孩子和便雅閔人結婚，這不是真心要合一。自己犯錯誤，還要別人來補償錯誤。

士師記停下來，在沒有王，各人任意行，人沒有盼望，沒有秩序的，好像需要一個王。接下來的路得記讓人看到了亮光。

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How?

God's way is my way and God's word is my foundation. May God guides my way forward.

They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord

 Judges 20:18-48

Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the Lord. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord.  And the Israelites inquired of the Lord. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, with Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, ministering before it.) They asked, “Shall we go up again to fight against the Benjamites, our fellow Israelites, or not?”

The Lord responded, “Go, for tomorrow I will give them into your hands.”

On that day twenty-five thousand Benjamite swordsmen fell, all of them valiant fighters. But six hundred of them turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed four months. The men of Israel went back to Benjamin and put all the towns to the sword, including the animals and everything else they found. All the towns they came across they set on fire.

When the Benjamites refuse to hand over their fellow tribesmen the men of Gibeah civil war results. The outcome is the near-extinction of Benjamin and great national grief.

Why?

Even Israelite are numerous, four hundred thousand swordsmen. Benjamite has twenty-six thousand swordsmen from their towns and seven hundred able young men from those living in Gibeah. The victory is not the number or strength of swordsmen. But belong to those who honor the name of the Lord.

The victory got after Israelite fasted them the whole day and present burnt offerings and the fellowship offerings to the Lord.

For both of them forget the Lord for a while. So a little event induced civil war.

_-----------

第一次問誰去？沒問使否能去？妾是猶大人。自以為正義之師，被神修剪

第二次可以去，還是打敗。可以行不表示神同在。

第三次非尼哈與約櫃在，以色列人悔改，這時可以成為正義之師。神說當去。是神吩咐他們去。

內鬥自以為義，攻擊別人，先傷到自己。

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How?

Victory belongs to those who honor the name of the Lord!

But the Benjamites would not listen to their fellow Israelites

 Judges 20:1-17

Then all Israel from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came together as one and assembled before the Lord in Mizpah. The leaders of all the people of the tribes of Israel took their places in the assembly of God’s people, four hundred thousand men armed with swords.

Then, when the army arrives at Gibeah in Benjamin, it can give them what they deserve for this outrageous act done in Israel.” So all the Israelites got together and united as one against the city.

The tribes of Israel sent messengers throughout the tribe of Benjamin, saying, “What about this awful crime that was committed among you? Now turn those wicked men of Gibeah over to us so that we may put them to death and purge the evil from Israel.

But the Benjamites would not listen to their fellow Israelites. From their towns, they came together at Gibeah to fight against the Israelites. At once the Benjamites mobilized twenty-six thousand swordsmen from their towns, in addition to seven hundred able young men from those living in Gibeah.

So, in a second terrible atrocity, her husband uses the pieces of her body to summon the 12 tribes to avenge her. When the Benjamites refuse to hand over their fellow tribesmen (the men of Gibeah) civil war results. The outcome is the near-extinction of Benjamin and the great national grieg.

Why?

All of the Israelite tribes come together and united as one against the city. Everyone hates the evil thing.

The tribe of Benjamin was worse, even protected their evildoer men. So tragedy happened to them.

This Levite using his own mind stir the civil war in Israel.

——————-

刑事案件變成內戰。

如同ㄧ人出現兩次，如此合一。不是面對外敵而是面對自己人，用在內鬥。

內鬥內行，外鬥外行。因爲他們忘記自己是誰？是神的選民。

今天有些基督徒也是如此，教會不合一比外來逼迫更可怕。

解決之道是謙卑，反省。

雙方準備大打一仗，便雅憫人可以交出匪徒就解決了，卻也不願交出這些匪徒。當然以色列11支派也不該撿到槍，就開始報復。約瑟，但以理，耶蘇也是被冤枉，但是卻沒有報復人。

讀士師記時讓我們不是指責他人，而是查驗我們自己。

———————

How?

When there is no God there are many tragic things.

We must do something! So speak up!

 Judges 19:22-30

While they were enjoying themselves, some of the wicked men of the city surrounded the house. Pounding on the door, they shouted to the old man who owned the house, “Bring out the man who came to your house so we can have sex with him.”

The owner of the house went outside and said to them, “No, my friends, don’t be so vile. Since this man is my guest, don’t do this outrageous thing."

But the men would not listen to him. So the man took his concubine and sent her outside to them, and they raped her and abused her throughout the night, and at dawn they let her go. At daybreak the woman went back to the house where her master was staying, fell down at the door and lay there until daylight.

When he reached home, he took a knife and cut up his concubine, limb by limb, into twelve parts and sent them into all the areas of Israel. Everyone who saw it was saying to one another, “Such a thing has never been seen or done, not since the day the Israelites came up out of Egypt. Just imagine! We must do something! So speak up!”

There too, weighted against the duty to an honored guest, a woman counted for little. But in this case, no angelic presence saves the concubine from horrible gangrape. So, in a second terrible atrocity, her husband uses the pieces of her body to summon the 12 tribes to avenge her.

Why?

There were homosexual activities at the time. 

Not only have not mercy and love to treat the travelers but dishonor and hurt the guest is worse behavior.

This Levite is cruel and uses his concubine dead body to revenge this blood.

When there is no God there is a terrible society.

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老年人的處理方式令人費解?為何保護客人卻犧牲客人的妾及女兒。當時被認為合理。在沒有神的情況下，只憑當時社會標準，令人不 ，我們以為做好事，卻殘忍。

利未人居然把他的妾拉出去交給匪徒。他大老遠來帶妾回家，好像愛她的妾，怎麼會把他的妾推出去。跑回娘家4個月後再去接妾回家，這是愛自己，還是愛妾呢?

這個利未人似乎沒有關心昨晚發生的事，打開準備回家。只說起來我們走吧！沒有一點哀傷，憤怒，好像昨晚都沒有發生似的。趕快結束小老婆的事回家！

切成塊的動詞只用在祭物牲畜切成塊。竟然可以把妾切成這樣子。我們推定此利未人沒用

雖然說這妾似乎犯奸淫，更早的古抄本，是指兩人爭吵，以致妾回娘家。顯然他也怪他的妾，同時要別人為他報仇。如此宗教、道德敗壞不是短時間造成的。這利未人好像在發義怒，要人報仇，打內仗。這事真的不對嗎？還是不合自己的意，私慾！求神幫助我們去評論、判斷對錯時，不要用自己的想法，喜好來判斷。

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How?

People have to bear their own responsibility.

Now I am going to the house of the Lord

 Judges 19:1-21

Now a Levite who lived in a remote area in the hill country of Ephraim took a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah.

His master replied, “No. We won’t go into any city whose people are not Israelites. We will go on to Gibeah.” 

He answered, “We are on our way from Bethlehem in Judah to a remote area in the hill country of Ephraim where I live. I have been to Bethlehem in Judah and now I am going to the house of the Lord. No one has taken me in for the night. We have both straw and fodder for our donkeys and bread and wine for ourselves your servants—me, the woman and the young man with us. We don’t need anything.”

The warm traditional hospitality of the concubine's father contrasts with the lack of it at Gibeah. The eventual kindness of the old man and what follows is very like the story of Lor and the men of Sodom.

Why?

The society of Israelite is lost the love of the Lord, only the family of the concubine were kind to treat their guest. But in Gibeah, Ephraim people lost the traditional love to the traveler.

It is acceptable having a concubine in Israelite at that time, but it is not the way of the Lord. Only the wife has the right in Israelite's home, but most people hope they have more children to do the labor work at home. 

This Levite is going to the house of the Lord. He knows he belongs to the Lord.

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17-18章：講宗教上的混亂

19章起：道德上的混亂與敗壞

利未人娶妾，沒有做好榜樣。沒有寫出這人名字，表示很普遍。對神所設立的婚姻扭曲了。還好利未人還在意這個家。耶布斯即耶路撒冷。基比亞是便雅閔人的地方。基比亞無人接他們住宿，人與人冷漠。寄居的以法蓮老人反而接待他們。基比亞人怎麼可以讓他們在街頭。在這樣混亂的世代中，仍然看到一絲亮光，有位按主報導行的人。這證明神沒有離開他們。雖然世風敗壞，婚前性行為，同婚的事，好像神不管，但是即使在萬般黑暗中，神還是留有一些敬虔的神子民，神沒有離棄他的百姓，存留一條道路，一線光。

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How?

When a society lost the faith in the Lord, there are many unbelievable things happened.

They continued to use the idol Micah had made, all the time the house of God was in Shiloh

 Judges 18:11-31

They answered him, “Be quiet! Don’t say a word. Come with us, and be our father and priest. Isn’t it better that you serve a tribe and clan in Israel as priest rather than just one man’s household?” The priest was very pleased. He took the ephod, the household gods and the idol and went along with the people. Putting their little children, their livestock and their possessions in front of them, they turned away and left.

Then they took what Micah had made, and his priest, and went on to Laish, against a people at peace and secure. They attacked them with the sword and burned down their city. There was no one to rescue them because they lived a long way from Sidon and had no relationship with anyone else. The city was in a valley near Beth Rehob.

They continued to use the idol Micah had made, all the time the house of God was in Shiloh.

The Levites were given cities to live in, yet here is one 'looking for somewhere to live'. He sells his service to Micah, then robs him of his sacred objects and transfers to the tribe of Dan, who set up a new shrine in the north, to rival Shilon, the true religious center of Israel at this time.

Why?

There was not God Dan do what they want to do.

Dan to be a robber and turn their heart to the idol, they away from their ancestor's God.

It is not the promised land to Dan, for people of Laish is not worship the gods, it is not included in the Canaanite.

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但人偷米迦家裏的神像。他們到底有沒有信仰。我們今天也會問，那人到底有沒有得救?

這很像民間信仰的神!但人和以迦一樣都是拜多神。這神像不能保護自己，任人擺佈，人拜這些神像表示也不能保護他們，只是照他們想要的拜。他們拜耶和華和拜迦南其他神一樣！我們的敬拜是否在滿足於自己的習慣?不是說不能本地化。我們是按神的心意敬拜神，還是按照自己的喜好，習慣來敬拜，要滿足神，不是滿足自己，不是自己的發洩，否則得到的不是祝福。

我們所敬拜的是誰?

跟我們走吧“使一家的祭司，不如做一個支派的祭司，我們會讓你做牧師。你是做一百人教會的牧師，還是做千人教會的牧師。當然千人牧師比較好的比較。我們看牧師是否也以此看人。是否大教會的主任牧師是整個地區的領袖。不是說牧師有問題，不是媒體不對，而是我們旁邊這些人的觀點。我們常會很在意某個大教會牧師的言語?這樣子的祭司服事神看重什麼? 是否看重頭銜、而不看重言論的內容?

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How?

When people's hearts turn selfish, their behavior is worse as enemies of the Lord.  

Laish had no relationship with anyone else

 Judges 18:1-10

And in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking a place of their own where they might settle, because they had not yet come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. 

So the five men left and came to Laish, where they saw that the people were living in safety, like the Sidonians, at peace and secure. And since their land lacked nothing, they were prosperous. Also, they lived a long way from the Sidonians and had no relationship with anyone else.

They answered, “Come on, let’s attack them! We have seen the land, and it is very good. Aren’t you going to do something? Don’t hesitate to go there and take it over. When you get there, you will find an unsuspecting people and a spacious land that God has put into your hands, a land that lacks nothing whatever.”

Why?

1:34 The Amorites confined the Danites to the hill country, not allowing them to come down into the plain.

Danites were forced by Amorites to the hill country, they did not take their own land, but went north to get the easy land, Laish.

This Levite did not follow the word of  Moses to serve the Lord in the right place but serve to a private home. He replied to the Danites five persons  “Go in peace. Your journey has the Lord’s approval.”. Which is his own words, it is not the word of the Lord.

So it is the time of no king, no God. people do what they like to do.

How?

When there is no God, and no ruler, and is a disaster and mess place.

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit

 17:01-13

 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

A young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, who had been living within the clan of Judah, left that town in search of some other place to stay. On his way he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim.

Then Micah said to him, “Live with me and be my father and priest, and I’ll give you ten shekels of silver a year, your clothes and your food.” So the Levite agreed to live with him, and the young man became like one of his sons to him. Then Micah installed the Levite, and the young man became his priest and lived in his house. And Micah said, “Now I know that the Lord will be good to me, since this Levite has become my priest.”

This is the closing section that differs from the rest of  Judges. The writer turns from Israel's heroes to two incidents that illustrate the low state of religion and morality in the lawless days when Israel had no central government and everyone 'did as they saw fit.'

This story relates to the time when Philistine pressure on their southern territory led to the mass migration of the Danites to the far north of Isreal. The image set up by Micah was strictly forbidden by the law that the Levites were supposed to administer.

Why?

There is not God in Israelites in that period. everyone did as they saw fit. And there had no king either.

Micah was the thief in his home and they made an idol is against the law. 

A Levite went out and no place to stay means people do not come to the Temple to devote sacrifice to the Lord. The Israelites were lost their spirit and their God.

How?

Do we like these men to do what we saw fit? No, I will follow the command of the Lord.