Satan's Sifting (COD 5, RE 9; Luke 22:32)

Satan is the accuser and adversary against the Lord. Satan seeks to undermine Christ's work and the church. Peter warns us that Satan prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Peter seems to know a lot about Satan's power. We might be tempted to be afraid. We might be tempted to doubt whether the Lord can prevail against such an adversary. However, Christ gives the assurance that he prays for Peter. We also know that Christ prays for us in the heavenly temple. So, we learn about the power of prayer, and in particular Christ's prayer for us to persevere.

Exhorted from Paul’s Purpose (1 Timothy 1:12-20)

There seems to be tension between Paul and Timothy.  The root of this tension is that Timothy has most likely requested to go to Macedonia to meet with Paul, but Paul wants him to stay in Ephesus.  We can see that one reason for Paul to write this letter is for Timothy to stay in Ephesus.  Why is Paul telling Timothy to stay?  Is this just a church that Paul does not want to put in order?  Is Paul merely making Timothy do something that Paul does not want to do?  Is Paul reminding Timothy that Timothy does not have enough clout because he is merely a preacher and not an apostle?