Don't Say I Didn't Warn Ya! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Money

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains." (I Timothy 6:10 NRSV)

Many temptations may cross the paths of those who make the pursuit of money their first priority. The unknown author, traditionally thought to be Paul, goes on to say that having food and clothing is reason enough for gratitude, and that those who do have wealth above the necessities should not be stingy or arrogant, but must share their material things in order to gain the "life that really is life". (Verse 19)

Answer: They will condemn themselves

"Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgement on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things." (Romans 2:1 NRSV)

Paul also reminds his readers that all are sinners and judgement is reserved for God alone. He continues on to say that God shows no partiality among people, and that all will be held to the same reward or punishment, regardless of race or nationality.

Answer: They should not eat

"For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat." (II Thessalonians 3:10 NRSV)

Paul is very adamant about working and paying for necessities, and stresses that making a living is an individual's own responsibility. He also recommends that readers not associate with those who are idle, but should warn them as believers rather than treat them as enemies.

Answer: reap,sow

Concerned about controversy regarding Jewish law and the teachings of Christ, Paul reminds the reader that all sin will cause separation from God and that Christians must show love toward one another through their actions. Throughout his letters, he specifically mentions the obvious (adultery, greed, anger) but also stresses that loving one's neighbor is the most important commandment of all.

Answer: Quarrelling

"Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone." (Titus 3:1,2 NRSV)

Once again, Paul wanted church leaders to be wary of arguing and division among believers. Knowing the elders would be held accountable for their own actions by the very people they were seeking to convert, he also cautioned them against greed, arrogance, and deceit.

Answer: Getting drunk

"Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts," (Ephesians 5:18,19 NRSV)

Paul also cautions the Ephesians about foolish and idle chatter, crude joking, and immoral acts in relationships, reminding readers that any of these distractions will deter them from their primary goal-to continually seek God's will.

Answer: Division in the church

Paul addresses discord among church members and sternly reminds them that they are not to follow him or any of his individual helpers, they are to follow Christ's teachings. He also warns them about arguing, conflict, and lawsuits between believers, going on to remind them that he laid the foundation for the church but it's up to them to build it. Just as a house cannot be built with a lot of different materials just thrown together, failure to work together in harmony will result in loss of the church.

Answer: They will not inherit the kingdom of God

"Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5: 19-21 NRSV)

Once again, Paul uses specific examples to remind Christians to avoid any action that will separate them from God's will.

Answer: False prophets and philosophers

Paul warns of false prophets in several of his letters, but is specific in the book of Colossians with regard to choosing Christ's teachings over human laws and traditions.

"Therefore do not let anyone condemn you in matters of food and drink or of observing festivals, new moons, or sabbaths." (Colossians 2:16 NRSV)

In this passage, he is most likely cautioning the Gentiles about adopting Jewish customs that were in place before Jesus's earthly life, and continues on to remind them that as believers, they ceased to be Jew or Greek and became, one and all, renewed in Christ together.

Answer: Forgive one another

"And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32 NRSV)

Jesus is very clear that believers must forgive one another if they want God's forgiveness for themselves. Paul stresses this as an important part of Christian living, saying that the sun should not set on one's anger and that Christians must let go of feelings of bitterness and hostility.