After all the exhortation
that has been given by Paul the apostle to Titus we might think that
he has encouraged him enough. However, when we look at Titus chapter
two and verse fifteen we see that Paul's encouragement continues. He
wrote:
These things speak, and
exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise you.
As Paul
continues his instruction to Titus, the first charge he gives him is
“These things speak” which means to utter a voice or emit
a sound. Not only was Titus to use his actions and attitude to
demonstrate the gospel of Jesus Christ, but he was also to use his
speech. Titus was to talk about the glorious doctrine of the Kingdom
of God. He was to tell the stories of the scriptures and disclose the
teachings of the word of God with his mouth. Too often silence is the
venue used when something should be said, and Paul wanted Titus to be
assured that it was necessary for him to speak.
Next
Paul tells Titus “and exhort”. This means Titus was to
call people to his side, summon, address, admonish, entreat and
beseech those who were members of the church in Crete. The idea is
that as he came along side them in exhortation, they would respond
according to his emphasis. Some people would need to be encouraged,
and others would need comforting. Some would need instruction, and
still others would need to be strengthen to keep and do that which
they already know.
In
addition to speaking and exhorting, Paul instructs Titus to “rebuke
with all authority”. This includes conviction, refutation and
confute. It implies that Titus may be employed to expose, find fault
with, or correct certain behaviors. Sometimes he might have to
chasten or punish wrong doers, and other times he might be called
upon to reprehend severely, chide, admonish or reprove people. Both
words and deeds of people might be called into question by Titus, and
he was to implement scriptural discipline when it would be called
upon. Because this would bring potential shame upon the one rebuked,
Paul emphasized that Titus do this with “all authority”.
Titus was to understand he had a mandate, was in command, and any
injunction that he brought against a person that was against the
scripture was under his watch.
Finally,
Paul adds, “Let no man despise you.” Although Titus was
given this authority over the church at Crete, he was to implement
these doctrines and disciplines in such a way that people would not
despise him. Titus was not to be a hard ruling dictator that had
everyone under suppression, but he was to be a man of scriptural
principle that called upon those in the church's membership to follow
the word of God. He was not to think of himself as better than others
or as one who exalts himself to a higher station, but he was to
govern over the church with a compassionate, empathetic and careful
manner.
So what
about us? Do we govern over others in such a way that we speak,
exhort and rebuke with all authority? Do we have a manner about us
that others do not despise when we deliver discipline, correction or
advice? Would others find us dictator like or would they find us
compassionate governors who desire to aid in implementing
instructions? Perhaps we are on the receiving end of someone else's
authority. Do we find them judgmental or encouraging? Do we see them
as ones who exhort and rebuke in a good way or do we find them
oppressive? We would do well to meditate upon these ideas today and
view the proverbial mirror in our own lives to examine how we speak,
exhort and rebuke others with whom we have to do.
Next
time we begin a new chapter in Titus, and we will see what Paul has
to say about those in government who rule over us, so read ahead, and
we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites,
www.amazon.com
; www.barnesandnobles.com
; download
to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
No comments:
Post a Comment