v9 Amazed at how Paul continued onwards seeing that God had called him according to God's own purpose for him which was revealed in Christ.

v12 Paul knew whom he had believed and was persuaded that God is able to keep those things unto the heavenly Father against that day.

Application: Reminded to keep onward in persevering despite tiredness and sickness in continuing with planning for the bible reading program (Wednesday).

v1-2 reminded to be strong in the grace of God

v3-4 to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ

v21 if a man purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the master's use..

see how i need to purge myself from tendency to be tired at times.

Application: to be diligent instead of slothful, and to be wholehearted and persevering in continuing to deny myself in different preparation for some bible studies

- Reminded to truly be watchful and persevering in enduring afflictions (v5)

- see how Paul did not just teach but went himself in enduring afflictions to the extent that he eventually died (v6)

Reminded to truly be a good example of enduring afflictions and perseverance in my Bible reading

Application: to truly be persevering especially in this Bible reading

Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. [8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

-to be truly receptive to what I hear from God’s word and to take it to heart

-reminded to not resist the truth but let it sink deep down into my heart and to continue to remember it

application: to persistently keep on listening actively to God’s word, prayerfully asking God to speak to me and to keep my ears open to His word

-v16-17 shows how even though other people stood against Paul, God was with Him and strengthened Him. I can also be assured that God is with me and will deliver me. I should not be affected by what others think of me but to focus on God alone.

application: to constantly grow in my love and knowledge for God through reading the Bible more.

V14 Paul strongly urged to further themselves from people that obeyed the commandments of men that turn away from the truth

V16 that these people in their works profess that they know not God though they say they do

Application: reminded to be extremely careful about the way I conduct myself that I might not just obey commandments of men but truly have works that please God and show I know God in carrying out my applications

The first thing that stood out to me was the strict requirements for elders and bishops in the book, having to be blameless but also holding fast to God's Word so that he is able to exhort others and challenge those who oppose God's Word. Although it's a role that is very important for leaders, regular members of the church cannot leave those duties exclusively to the elders but must also strengthen their walk with God and hold fast to His truths.

The existence of false prophets has been reiterated time and time again, so it is really important for us to recognise those who oppose and twist God's Word. If we don't prioritise this, we might be deceived. If we are familiar with God's Word, we are also able to exhort and encourage other believers, e.g., encouraging someone by pointing them to biblical truths.

The second thing that stood out was the description of Cretians as liars, evil beasts, and slow bellies, which Paul himself says is accurate. The people of Crete don't seem to have a good reputation and for a good reason. Therefore, it's very important for Titus to rebuke them sharply and remind them of the truths Paul has reiterated to Titus.

If we don't prioritise studying God's Word and having a close walk with Him because we are not leaders in the church, then we are not doing our part as God's children and are just like the Cretians who ruined their testimony.

v9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

lesson 1:

-reminded to truly be blameless as the steward of God, reminded that being blameless is by the righteousness of God but see how it is because one is a steward/servant of God

-reminded to keep on having in mind that it is God that I am serving and not to take it lightly

lesson 2:

- in my bible study tomorrow that I'm leading with some older friends, to remember the most important thing is to hold fast God's word (both to teach and convince).

Application: to truly remember clearly it is the Lord I'm serving, and to serve in fear and trembling and prayerfully for camp next week

v6-9 -> qualifications for elders are listed again, reminded of the similar passage in 1 Tim and remembered what i shld strive to become as well, a man who follows after the law of God. in addition, elders were explicitly told to hold fast the Word and, using sound doctrine, to rebuke the false teachers who were deceiving the people of Crete as well. brought to mind the importance of being strongly rooted in God's Word and living it out too. it's important for us to recognize false teaching when we encounter it, and return to the Word above all, in order to stand firm instead of being deceived.

v12 -> The Cretians are also described as 'liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.' This seems to convey the impression that they are slothful men who do not prioritize the Word of God, but instead have fallen to Jewish fables and legalism in v14. Draws parallels to 1 Tim as well, where those who had been deceived viewed everything as impure, but the true problem was their corrupted mind.

v16 -> 'they profess that they know God; but in works they deny him...' reminded that our beliefs will be shown through our actions, and the importance of living out our faith

application: be wary of seemingly christian content i may see online (creds titus) as not all of it may be accurate according to the bible. i should prioritize growing in godliness too, and study God's Word as His child, both to grow in Him and eventually to be able to defend the faith from misconceptions too. really important to profess Christ in works as well as words, as we are the examples of our faith

v2 ... as becometh holiness

v14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works

• amazed at how much the text talks about the way that we should speak/conduct ourselves and why we should speak as such

• i learnt how we should speak in a way that is discreet, grave, temperate (self-controlled)

• also, that the reason why is so that it becometh holiness, sound doctrine, and showing ourselves a pattern of good works

• finally the reason why would be because of how we've been saved from our sins, and how the Lord himself has given himself for us to be a peculiar people, zealous of good works (v14)

Application: to use my words in a way that is more grave/serious, and self-controlled for the reason of how I've been saved by the Lord to be a special people for Him, and so that my general conduct in life glorifies God too and is consistent when I share His word

Application: I should grow in my faith and have my own godly conscience according to God's word. I should not be easily pressurised to follow other but to only follow God.

This chapter was a good reminder of how a Christian should live their lives, gentle and showing meekness to all men -> basically being humble and doing good to everyone regardless of whether they deserve it, so as to glorify God rather than ourselves.

The thing that stood out to me was the emphasis that this was the reason God saved us, but it wasn't because of our own good works or righteousness. I think if we try to do good works with our own strength and place our self-righteousness in those works, we tend to get burnt out very quickly.

Although good works are important, if we think of them as a mission that we have to completes so that we can be considered righteous, then we're going in with a losing mindset. Rather, Paul places the emphasis on the kindness and love of God to a helpless people (us); giving all the credit to God takes away all the credit from men and shows that we cannot do anything if not for God's grace.

I think the first and most important step to accomplishing our purpose of doing good works and glorifying God is to acknowledge that we cannot do anything on our own; we have to first acknowledge and appreciate what God has done for us.

My application is to be more appreciative of this, because many times I find myself not truly living like I trust in God's strength or appreciate what he has done for me, choosing to prioritise my own desires or doing things with my own strength. Because of that, my reasoning for doing good is pretty flimsy and I can get burnt out quite easily.

-v5 shows God's mercy and grace that has saved me, even though I am undeserving. I fall short of God's glory and was not saved by my own work's of righteousness. I should not be prideful or to be self righteous, but to always trust in God and depend on Him.

-v8 shows how those who believe in God are careful to maintain good works. Likewise, I should be more conscious of my actions and thoughts and to always try to give glory to God in everything I do.

application: be careful and be wary about my conduct, so that I can please God. And to always depend on Him because my own righteousness is insufficient

v1 to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work

• reminder of the need to be subject to principalities and powers which sometimes might be difficult because of a struggle to respect authority placed above me

v3 reminded that the reason for this conduct we show would be the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards us

• touched again by the depth of Christ's love for me and how I'm justified by the grace of God

v6 the reason for good works is the gospel truth, and the reason to be careful to maintain good works is because of how Christ has saved me

• encouraged to persevere in serving the Lord wholeheartedly because of what He has done for me (i.e. in answering some questions about Bible Study, and in doing thorough prayerful preparation for next year)

Main Application: to be ready to every good work, and to maintain good works for necessary uses that we be not unfruitful (by continuing to reply people quickly, and to maintain good work in continuing to serve faithfully in planning thoroughly because of what Christ has done for me)

V.1 - Being subject to principalities and powers, and obeying magistrates. Sometimes I can find it hard to obey those God has set over me, like my teachers, especially when they r unreasonable. I may even talk bad things about them with friends behind their back. I should always remember that God commands us to submit and to respect earthly authorities

think it reminded me of how we truly have no part in salvation; how we should not be doing good works and serving God for the sake of doing so, and eventually succumbing to either pride or legalism, but rely on the One who has saved us and given us our eternal hope. we are saved by faith alone! instead, we should seek to maintain good works; doing so is profitable to us, helping us to serve our Lord as well as show his light to man. similar to 1 Tim again as we are warned not to go after genealogies and foolish questions, which may end up diverting our attention from the things of God.

paul also mentioned how the heretics, or those who continuously spread false doctrines and lead others astray, should be rejected. brings to attention the severity of the false teachers once again, who may attempt to derail the church and people of God

v5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance

• reminded that the word that I share with others needs to not only be in power, but in the Holy Spirit, in much assurance, and through my life

• so that others may become followers of us, and of the Lord

• and it may bear lasting fruit, where the people even sounded out the word of the Lord beyond (v8)

• reminded of the reason of continual dying to myself and the way, motivation and goal of sharing God's word

Application: To truly have that in mind as I share God's word in different ways (in sharing the gospel as well with my friends)

v4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God

- reminded that the main goal of things and service is truly to please the Lord who tries our hearts, and God is witness

- but they were apostles of Christ (v6)

- the people accepted the Word as God's word, and not men's words

Application: To fix my eyes on the Lord rather than to please people in some areas of service that I struggle with this

Lesson 2: Fixing eyes on the people

v7 as a nurse cherisheth her children, v8 being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls

v11 exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children

- reminded to truly have my eyes fixed on God's sheep, in exhorting and encouraging them

- they loved the people so much that they were willing to have imparted their own souls

- constantly had God's people in hearts and minds

Application: To be faithful in praying for the children's ministry and also for teens

-v10-11 shows how Paul, Silas and Timothy have had good conduct so that the people would believe. They treated the people like how a father treats his children. I should also be a good testimony to others and to always show love. This way, I can be a witness for Christ and share the gospel.

Application: To not be afraid of sharing the gospel, and to always share the gospel to please God and not other people or myself.

v1-5 touched at the long-lasting love of Paul for the Thessalonians, that his heart was aching for them even though they were out of sight, they were in heart

• reminded to have this heart of prayer for people and LTF

• encouraged to have this heart in sharing with the dgls at camp on Monday

v10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith

• see how Paul truly longed to see them in prayer as well (and while he could not see them, he committed them to the Lord in prayer)

application: To truly be in prayer, for those I won't see at LTF camp too and also reminded of importance of prayer for people :")

I think the passage is really similar to Titus and previous books that we have discussed; one interesting thing that Paul mentions in this book is that we have been called unto holiness, and it is the entire purpose of our existence. Some people believe that being kindhearted or good to others is only applicable when it benefits them in some way or if it doesn't cause them any loss. I think this passage reiterates that being kindhearted is not something that depends on how beneficial it is to us, but rather a command given by God that we cannot neglect. We have to remember and take this into consideration when we think about how to act, having the knowledge that we have been designed by God to glorify His name and do good works for His sake, rather than our own.

Second interesting thing that Paul mentions is the coming of God and dead brethren; I think he included this part so believers would be encouraged by it and know that our faith is a real one. Despite all the trials they have to go through on this earth, death is not the end of our life but rather a hopeful ending that believers do not have to be afraid of. Although death sometimes seems afar off, I think it is also a good reminder for me to not prioritize the things of this earth too much.

• to truly fix my eyes on conducting myself as it becometh godliness to those around me especially at camp

v9 as touching brotherly love... toward all that are in Macedonia (the next country), but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more

• reminded to truly increase in brotherly love more and more

• at times I might feel like my love is great, and the Thessalonians love was all the way to Macedonia, but they were encouraged to love more and more!

Application: To let my love increase more and more for people, for LTF, for children's ministry, because the Lord's love knows no bounds

v11 to study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands...

• reminded of this kind of meekness, that is unto the Lord (just focused on doing things unto the Lord)

Application: Reminded to have this meek mindset in serving the Lord, 'quiet' and 'working with our own hands' in fixing my eyes on God not men

v17-18

• reminded to truly look towards the heavenly hope that one day we will meet the Lord in the air and be with the Lord :")

Main Application: To have this mindset and joy, hope in meeting the Lord. Fixing my eyes on the Lord and having a meek mindset, in continuing to love others through service

i also found the second part of the passage interesting on how we should not treat believers who are deceased as though they are not of the faith, as Paul reminds us that one day we will all be returned to the Lord in unity, which i think serves as an encouragement as we know that we are not alone in striving to be followers of God and that many have walked this path in the past.

Application: To remember the dangers of the sin of lust and how it can harm myself and others, as well as be encouraged whenever facing trials as we know that we have not only God but the believers who have come before us to help us to press on.

v1-8 addresses the matter of sexual purity among the believers. it is clearly stated that abstaining from fornication, or sexual immorality, is the will of God unto sanctification, another way to become set apart from the gentiles who succumb to lust easily. God is the avenger of all -> he will punish such sins. we are called unto holiness instead of uncleanness, and we should forsake sin according to the word. thus if we despise and disregard the word of god, it is equal to rejecting God himself. main thing here would be how we are to be set apart from the rest of the world, and take note of yet another sin which is prevalent today

application

• again to be set apart from others in behavior and words

• this passage details one of the sins which has befallen our world, reminder to guard against it

v9-12 speaks on having brotherly love for each other. paul noticed the love the thessalonian church members had for one another and throughout macedonia, so much so he stated that they had been 'taught' by god to do so. he exhorts them to continue to grow in love, that their love should increase. the church is commanded to study to be quiet, do their own business, and work with their own hands. i think this seems to refer to them keeping to themselves instead of being busybodies, and work hard in honest manners. this is done so that they might have a good reputation towards the unbelievers

application

• how can i show brotherly love to those around me?

• exhorted again to walk honestly towards the unbelievers

v13-18 concerns the believers who have passed on. paul exhorts them to stop grieving and being sorrowful for them, much like everyone else who mourns a loved one. instead they should be hopeful, as we have a living hope in jesus who has died for us. the next few verses detail the second coming of the lord, and what will happen as we finally meet hiim face to face.

application

• reminded of the living hope that we have! no matter what problems will beset us in our personal lives or in the world, we can be hopeful as we know the hope that we have in Christ, that we will one day be with the lord and he will make all things new

v4-5 good reminder that persecutions and tribulations are a token of God's righteous judgement

• I'm reminded through the tribulations i face, the Lord makes me mature to be counted worthy of His kingdom

Lesson 2:

v7 you who are troubled rest.. when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels...when he shall come to be glorified in his saints and to be admired in all them that believe..

• reminded of how when the Lord truly comes back again all would be made right

• and to have that concrete hope and eyes fixed on the Lord's coming back

Application: To pray the Lord would help me to keep my eyes on the concrete hope of His coming

Lesson 3:

v11-12 see how through these sufferings, Paul prayed that God would count them worthy of the calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness... and basically that God would truly show them how powerful, good He is.

Application: to pray in this way for those that I know are going through difficult times (as shared ytd at testimony time)

Was a good reminder of the beatitude that Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, and that I should be ready in the face of persecution and rely on God to bring me through

It also reminded me to respond to persecution with kindness and meekness, seeing that the Thessalonians did not retaliate but responded with patience. They trusted in God to recompense them for their disbelief in the Gospel (v.6-9), and that Jesus' second coming would take vengeance on unbelievers for their persecution. I often respond to persecution by fighting back and squabbling with my unbelieving friends. I should instead bear and endure the persecution with patience, as only then will I glorify God and please Him!

Secondly, our faith should also show itself through resilience in persecution. Although we don't face such persecution in Singapore, I think that I can apply this by being more bold in sharing the Gospel with others around me and answering tough questions. Sometimes I'm afraid of others judging me or asking me things that are difficult to answer and I realise that I'm the one constraining myself by succumbing to the fear of such minor issues (it also shows that I don't trust God enough)

The third thing that stood out to me was Paul's emphasis on the fate of those who reject Christ. It's a punishment of eternal destruction, AWAY from "the presence of our Lord Jesus". During LTF Camp, Rev. David Wong talked about the importance of ensuring our salvation through whether we have a right relationship with God, and how you don't become saved by going to church or having Christian relatives. When I look at the fate of those who are not saved, I realise that I sometimes take my relationship with God for granted. Being able to pray freely to Him, fellowship with His people is such a blessing, unlike those who reject God's Word, who will be eternally separated from Him. It's a reminder to check my own salvation and walk with God instead of becoming complacent.

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. [12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

• Reminded to love the truth and the attitude I ought to have in believing the truth

• A lot of times I’ve tended to not have that attitude towards truth

Application: to love and read God’s word slowly and truly love the truth

V14-15 since it is truly the Lord that has called to salvation, He will continue to help me to be steadfast

• to fix my eyes in the aloud that has called me and the same Lord that keeps me being steadfast

Application: to be incredibly steadfast in my service and walk with the Lord (in creating patterns of time spent with God since it’s after camp)

• encouraged that Paul's confidence was in the Lord for the Thessalonians that the Lord would establish them and keep them from evil

Application: To keep my confidence in the Lord that He takes care of His people

v8-9 neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: ...to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us

• reminded of the attitude that I ought to have in serving the Lord (to labour and travail night and day), not to be chargeable to those I serve but instead an example

• encouraged to truly have a diligent heart in serving the Lord this week (in making a comprehensive plan)

Application: To take time this week to complete my assignment + readings for next semester

v12-13 with quietness...eating their own bread...be not weary in well doing

• reminded not to be weary in well-doing in serving the Lord

Application: to truly serve with quietness (as an attitude), yet not being weary in well-doing in serving the Lord

Application 1: He asks for prayers of deliverance from the Lord and to be prayed for by the Church. This is something we can do for our friends and for others, even if it is scary to initiate a conversation w/ them.

Lesson 2: In verse 2, he is assuring the believers by reminding them of the Lord's characteristics. In his other messages like the assurances (1 Cor 10:13) He also reminds them of the Lord's faithfulness to them. Oftentimes, we may feel that trials are weighing us down and that very few people stand by us. From this passage, we are assured that God continues to stand with us while others do not.

Lesson 3: Paul tells the church to "withdraw" from men who do not walk with God and instead in a "disorderly" fashion. They are called brothers which we often use to describe our fellow Christians, yet they choose not to walk properly. Instead, he calls them to follow after others who walk correctly.

Application 2: The men he calls us to withdraw from may be our very close friends at school or even church. Despite this, if they choose not to walk in God's light even after constant reminders, we should withdraw from them such that we do not begin to follow them. Remember that no man is worth our own salvation.

Lesson 4: We are not to be laggard, but instead to labour. He calls us to make an example of ourselves to others to follow. A severe verse, verse 10 calls us to work. Linking an idea of reaping benefits to service. YOu can recall in 1 Timothy of the requirements of widows to receive help from the church, and this calls us to be of good use to the Church lest we be denied some blessing.

-v11-13 shows how certain people in the church were lazy and busybodies. Paul commands them to work and eat the fruits of their own labour. Paul also tells the others not to be weary in doing good works but to continue working hard. I should not be lazy, and expect others to provide for me. Instead, I should work hard and do my best for God. I also shouldn't feel tired when doing good work because I can draw strength from God and my motive should be to please God alone.

application: Always try to have a good conduct to be a good testimony for Christ. And to not procrastinate, but to do my best in studies and service to please God

Application: To be faithful when doing God's work to grow closer to him.

As a teenager who is very easily tired and based on what i hear from grown-ups, this will only get worse. Its not easy to not be tired, and what paul requests is not that we should do a good deed or be self-sacrificial once a week or even once a day, but that we should not tire of it.

Paul also tells us to correct other christians with kindness when we see them doing something wrong. And even when they lie or are super vicious during games, we should not count them as enemies because of their actions but correct them nicely.

Something that stood out to me from these two verses was that Paul asks the believers to pray for God's Word, that it may be glorified and spread rapidly. I think most of my prayers are quite selfish, mostly about my own struggles and walk with God, and I don't pray much about spreading God's Word to others. It's a reminder to not forget to pray for the spread of the Word of God and how I can contribute because we as Christians have been called to be a witness to others.

v6-12

Idleness is a big issue for me, especially when I don't have anything to do throughout the whole day and I just waste it by doomscrolling on social media. This section to me is a call to spend my time being productive for God. Apart from not making excuses and procrastinating my worldly duties, I should also make good use of the free time I have to stay close to God, which is something I struggle to do -> I only focus on God during weekends and whenever my inconsistent QTs occur.

v13

To not grow weary in doing good is another point that stood out to me, sometimes I feel quite burnt out from trying to do the right things that are biblically correct. A lot of the times I don't have the right motives when doing good; for example, I'll do it for praise, or because it's how other respectable people act and I want to be seen the same way. During camp discussions, Justus mentioned how we have the ability to grieve God or please Him due to our actions and that should drive our motives when we serve Him. Rather than serving ourselves and being proud of our actions, we should do good because we do not want to grieve God.

Additionally, we see how Paul "wrought with labour and travail night and day" so that he could be a model for others to imitate. Being an example for others is very important as a Christian and something I also value a lot, but I realised I want the example others follow to be "Titus", rather than "God". It's not an attitude that points others to Christ, but rather one that points to myself and glorifies myself.

My application is to pray for more humility and love for God, doing good so I please Him rather than boosting my ego -> when I serve and interact with others, I must strive diligently to be an example that points to God and not a burden to others.

application: pray more for others beside myself, especially for the spreading and taking root of the Word

v6-9, 14-15: paul's example to the church

paul writes that the evangelists have shown the believers the way to act as a member of the family of God, and withdraw from those who did not walk according to the way God has commanded them to through the apostles. doing so would attempt to correct the disobedient and urge them towards repentance. paul's example was simple; instead of taking advantage of others for his own needs, they worked with their own hands to be an example of the believers.

application: contineu to strive to be an example among the believers, as a representative of the church.

v10-17: paul's command to the church

continuing from the previous passage, paul commands the believers that, if anyone is unwilling to work, they should not reap the benefits of working. this saying was especially meant for those who were disorderly. in addition to being unwilling to work, they were busybodies, spreading rumors, taking advantage of others and causing harm to the body of Christ. instead, they should work in quietness (not being busybodies) and eat their own bread, being self-sufficient instead of expecting others to provide for them. lastly, paul commanded them to 'be not weary in well doing.' it isn't easy at all to continue to do good even with no immediate rewards, but we should aim to spend our time to do the work of God here on earth, even while we may be busier or have to sacrifice certain commitments.

application: get my priorities right; work hard as commanded by God and to do all to His glory. pray for understanding to truly grasp the love God already has for me and seek to work good works for Him.