2 Ti 3:1-9 Q4, QC and SG accountabiity

 4. For each of these vices in 2 Timothy 2:3-4, write down a word or phrase that describes its opposite, the trait a Christian should have:

I asked whether we felt that we might think of ourselves as being in the group with all these vices that Paul speaks of. I think we sometimes exhibit some of these traits in small measure, and we often fail to exhibit the opposite character in Christ-like fullness.

boastful (proud)	says little of own worth, self- effacing, does not feel the need to look good, authentic
proud (arrogant)	humble, does not put oneself first, prioritises others.
abusive (revilers)	encourages, reluctant to say negative things.
disobedient to parents	honouring parents and willing to submit to authority
ungrateful	grateful
unholy	pure, holy, reverent, spiritually sensitive
unloving (inhuman, without natural affection)	loving, caring, empathetic
unforgiving (irreconcilable, implacable)	Soft/open-hearted, merciful   magnanimous, gets along easily, ungrudging, quickly forgets wrongs
slanderers (malicious gossips)	speaks well of others where possible.
without self- control (profligate)	Self-controlled, restrains appetites,
brutal (fierce)	gentle, measured
haters of good things and people	Appreciating/Lovers of good, looking for the best in people and situations, appreciating blessings
treacherous	faithful, loyal
rash (reckless)	Considers things well
conceited	humble, realistic, grounded.

 What is the difference in the nuances in the Greek words translated 'proud' (alazon), 'arrogant' (hyperephanos) (v.2) and 'conceited' (typhoo) (v.4)

'Alazon' occurs in 2 places in the NT (Rom 1:30 and here). In contemporary Greek usage, there is an implication of empty pretense. The boasts do not reflect the reality.

'Hyperephanos' occurs 5 times in the NT, including Jas 4:6 and 1 Pe 5:5 ("God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble"). It means to show oneself above others, seeing oneself as pre-eminent, despising others or treating them with contempt. There is an implication of putting others down to make oneself look good.

'Typhoo' literally means to 'envelop with smoke' to inflate with self-conceit, to be puffed-up, beclouded, besotted. The word is found 3 times in the NT - all in the epistles to Timothy (1 Ti 3:6, 6:4; 2 Ti 3:4). The nuance here is that of someone who doesn't even have a grip on his real worth, who is self-deceived.

Godliness, on the other hand (v.5) is a "personal attitude towards God that results in actions that are pleasing to God" - "devotion in action".

We talked about how we can be not self-controlled and indulge ourselves in times of leisure and when this might be wrong. We said that it might be wrong if we habitually did this and if this was an indication of disordered priorities. Our consciences can guide us, but they deceive us, and can never trump the clear standards of Scripture . 

I asked us to recall what we discussed last week and said that our pleasures cannot terminate in the pleasure itself, but must terminate in God, who gives us the pleasures. So our pleasures must not be compartmentalized so that they are enjoyed apart from God, but only in Him. As a matter of practical Christian life, our appetites and desires can also change as we become increasingly mature in Christ.

We also talked about how we might be self-deceived  about the truth of our character. We did say that it was possible that some would be blind to one's own limitations and faults. Paul does ask us to 'think' (Ro 12:3) of ourselves soberly, which implies that it is possible for a Christian to indeed consider our ways. Another way to grow in understanding of who we are is when we engage with one another and lovingly point out one another's failings and faults. I shared how at least twice in my life, other concerned Christians have stepped in to speak with me about my actions and nature - something I will always appreciate.

And today, Winnie blessed us with bubble tea! Thanks, Winnie!