Be Careful to Maintain Good Works Titus 3:8 - Equipped for Battle

 

If we have learned anything from Paul the apostle as he has instructed Titus, we have learned that Paul is very interested in the membership of the church at Crete. Over and over we have seen Paul give Titus instruction for those who attend the church, and because their behavior and attitudes are direct reflections of the gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine in their lives. In chapter three and verse eight, Paul maintains his emphasis upon the glorious salvation that has been provided by Jesus Christ and how constantly affirming that the church members maintain good works is important. He wrote:

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that you affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Paul first shares “this is a faithful saying” which means that it is worthy of trust. The words preceding this phrase are important to the membership at Crete. They should be given attention by Titus as he presides over the church. There should be no lack for the teaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the salvation and promise of eternal life that is offered by Him.

Paul adds, “and these things I will that you affirm constantly.” In other words they should be repeated regularly before the people. Sometimes it may seem that some lessons are redundant, and if they are not carefully attended to they can become mundane, however, Paul shares with Titus that the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how His salvation was not provided by any works of righteousness that we have done but rather by His Sovereign actions was a lesson worth affirming “constantly.” There is a tendency within people to lean toward their own good works as justification for salvation, and the repetitive message of the grace of God being the reason puts those ideas at bay.

Paul next gives the reason that Titus is to constantly affirm these things. He wrote: “that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.” When there is a constant affirming of these things, people will be prone to continue in good works. They no longer work “for” their salvation, but they work “from” their salvation. The idea is that there is no one who can work for their salvation. God has given the provision for this through Jesus Christ. However, after a person has accepted Jesus as his or her personal savior, their attitudes and actions become a reflection of the relationship they have with Jesus Christ. Others are watching them, and if we have accepted Jesus as our Savior and Lord, they are watching us as well.

Paul ends this verse with the benefit to maintaining good works, “These things are good and profitable unto men.” When Titus constantly affirms these doctrines and the people of the church in Crete respond to them by maintaining good works, others are affected. These maintained works are “good” for people, and they are “profitable” to them. In other words, other people benefit because they note the good works that the Christians are doing. Many times the Christian's life is the only Bible that some will ever read, and when they see them doing and maintaining good works, the attitudes and actions they read may lead them to a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Next time we will continue our study by looking at some things with which Titus should not be involved, 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

Hope of Eternal Life Titus 3:7 - Equipped for Battle

How many times have we wondered why God would desire to save us? We might suppose that anyone who has thought about it long enough would come to the conclusion that God is getting the raw end of this deal with us. However, this is the desire of God: that He would have a relationship with us by way of His Son Jesus Christ, and that this relationship would last eternally. Paul the apostle has been sharing the importance of living in a manner that does not bring reproach to the gospel of Jesus Christ with Titus who is the pastor of the church located in the island of Crete. Now after establishing that we were once like those who do not believe in Jesus, Paul affirms that it was God who is rich in mercy who saved us, and today in Titus chapter three and verse seven Paul adds:

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Paul begins by writing, “That being justified by his grace.” The best way to understand the idea of being “justified” is to break the word down into parts: “Just if I'd” or rather “just as if I'd never sinned”. In other words, the grace or “unmerited favor” of God is so complete that it is as if believers in Him have never sinned. This is not possible except by way of God's work, and there is no one who may justify him or herself other than Jesus. We have noted over the last couple verses that it was not by our works of righteousness, but rather the work of God which He shed upon us abundantly through Jesus Christ that we have this relationship with God. We who know Jesus as our personal Savior realize that the work of justification was completed wholly by Jesus, and our part is simply to believe He did.

Paul adds, “we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” This is the part of the verse that should amaze all who will take the time to read it. Paul states to Titus that the reason He justified us was to make us “heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” In other words God was doing this fantastic work of justification in everyone who will believe in Jesus Christ so they will have the hope to live forever with God. Salvation from our sins is one beautiful thing, but then to have “the hope of eternal life” added to it is all the greater.

However, there is a key element within this verse that is vitally and eternally important. That is in the word “we”. Paul's declaration is for all who read these words to believe that Jesus died for their sins in order for this justification to be applied. “We” includes the group of believers, not unbelievers. The important role placed upon each person is given by way of choice. No one has to believe, but faith is offered to all. No one is forced to trust in Jesus as their Savior, however those who do are promised justification and hope of eternal life. Those who do not believe that Jesus died for their sins are left to themselves and will find themselves without hope of either one.

Next time we will continue to read Paul's exhortation to Titus and notice a review in his words, 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

Abundantly through Jesus Christ Titus 3:6 - Equipped for Battle

In our study through the book of Titus we have learned much from Paul the apostle about the importance of how we act before others. We have realized that when we behave according to righteous ways we have an impact upon how others perceive the gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the most important instructions from Paul came when he had Titus understand that we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived and serving different desires, and then Jesus came to save us by His mercy. Paul continues his thoughts on the mercy of Jesus in chapter three and verse six where he wrote:

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

God is in the saving business. He also is in the relationship business, and He has done everything necessary for all who will believe to have a relationship with Him. Paul wrote, “He shed on us abundantly” which refers to the work He did in our last verse - “he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” This blessing was “abundantly” or richly poured out upon both Paul and Titus, and it is the promise we have today. God is lavish in His sharing of salvation, and when we have the privilege to share Him with others either by word, behavior or attitudes we must keep in mind that God is ready to abundantly pour out upon them too.

Paul notes that all of this is possible “through Jesus Christ our Saviour”. Jesus is the key component. Without Jesus there is no salvation. He is our only Savior. Jesus is the only one worthy to pay the price for our sins as Peter said in the book of Acts chapter four and verse twelve:

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Jesus Himself said in the book of John in chapter three and verse thirty-six:

He that believes the Son has everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him.

He also said in John chapter fourteen and verse six:

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes unto the Father but by me.

Paul the apostle also added in First Corinthians chapter three and verse eleven:

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

And finally Paul wrote to Timothy in First Timothy chapter two and verse five:

For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Suffice it to say that it was “through Jesus Christ our Savior” that we may have a relationship and fellowship with God. This fellowship is available to whosoever, that means anyone, who will believe on God's Son Jesus Christ, no matter how wicked, evil, disobedient, or deceived they are. God's love through Jesus Christ is available to all.

Next time we will talk about what it means to be justified by God and an heir to Him, 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

 

Not By Us But By Him Titus 3:5 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle has been teaching Titus the manner in which members of the church in Crete should be treating one another. He also instructed Titus on the importance of conducting themselves in a Godly manner before people in the world who have not followed Jesus Christ as their Savior as yet, and Titus was to remember that he too was once as those unbelievers are. Paul expands that idea in chapter three and verse five where he wrote:

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

It may be the tendency of some to believe that their works will get them into Heaven. According to Paul the apostle this is not so. Paul declares, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done.” Before anyone begins to boast about their accomplishments in right doings, Paul insures that Titus understands that the righteousness that has been done was not by he nor Titus. The work to bring Paul, Titus and us to Salvation was not because they nor we have earned it.

Paul adds, “but according to his mercy he saved us.” It was God who saved Paul and Titus, and it was according to His mercy and not because of their works. Paul wrote in the book of Ephesians chapter four and verses four through seven:

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Paul desires that Titus know that it was the work of God, and God's mercy was the reason they were saved.

Paul continues, “by the washing of regeneration” which means they were washed or bathed in new birth, reproduction, and renewal. Their lives were radically changed with a mind for the better, and now they were aligned with their Creator the way God originally designed it to be. The idea is that they were restored to the state in which God desired when they went astray from Him.

Paul not only desires that Titus understand that it was not by their works, by God's mercy, and through God's new birth process, and by the “renewing of the Holy Ghost;” God's Holy Spirit did the work in Paul the apostle and in Titus. There was a renewing of their minds, thoughts, ways and desires. They were radically changed because the Holy Spirit did His work. Jesus said of the Holy Spirit in the book of John in chapter sixteen and verse eight:

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

By God's Spirit, both Paul and Titus were drawn into a relationship with Jesus Christ. It was God who drew them, God who had mercy upon them, and God who saved them Their only part was to believe and receive the wonderful gift of His Son Jesus. There was nothing neither Paul nor Titus could do to save themselves. No, rather, it was the gift of God Almighty whose desire was to be in a relationship not only with them, but also with everyone in the world who will receive Him.

Next time we will continue to look at Paul's words to Titus and see even more clearly to whom the credit for salvation of our souls is due, 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

 

The Kindness and Love of God Titus 3:4 - Equipped for Battle

As we have been studying the words of Paul the apostle to Titus, we have learned a lot about ourselves as well. When we consider ourselves and our lives before Christ, we will have a different outlook upon those who do not have a relationship with the Lord Jesus as yet. Paul noted in verse three of chapter three that he and Titus were “were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another,” and today Paul shares with us what made the difference in their lives in verse four of the same chapter. He wrote:

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Paul begins this verse with the word, “But” which is a disassociate conjunction which notes that the words that are about to be shared are greater than those before. In other words, Paul says, we used to be “this”, “But” then this happened which is greater. We do well to pay close attention to what is next.

Paul says, “after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.” Foolishness was bound in our hearts. Disobedience was a way of life. Living in deception was part of our being, and serving different lust and pleasures was part of who we were. It was nothing for us to live with malice, envy and hatefulness, “But” God our Savior's kindness and love toward us appeared. Paul wrote in the book of Romans in chapter two and verse four:

Or do you despise the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Paul says it was the kindness and love of God that lead both he and Titus to a relationship with God. It is imperative that Titus keep this perspective as he ministers among the people of Crete. To do so would make Titus a more effective teacher, a more compassionate pastor, and as one who knows what it means to be out of fellowship with God.

Note too that Paul writes, “toward man appeared.” It wasn't simply the revelation toward Paul and Titus that the kindness and love of God appeared. No, it was also “toward man.” God desires that everyone have a personal relationship with Him. The past ways and attitudes of a person is not a barrier to fellowship with God. God already knew how we were, and He knew our attitudes in the world when He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. He has done the same for those who have not surrendered their lives to Him as yet.

So how are we when it comes to those who do not know the Lord Jesus as their Savior yet? Are we understanding toward their wicked and foolish ways? Does their speech offend us to the point that we tend to think ourselves better? Do we have a true understanding in our hearts and minds that we must remember that we were once that way too? Perhaps we should consider exhibiting the kindness and love of God toward others even when it appears that they are prime examples of what we used to be.

Next time we will continue to study what Paul says really happened when we came to know Jesus as our Savior, 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

 

We Can Relate Titus 3:3 - Equipped for Battle

Isn't it interesting how it is so easy to give instruction to others and so difficult to receive instruction ourselves? Usually the difference is perceived whenever the instructor can relate to those he or she is instructing. We have been studying Paul's words to Titus and learning of the doctrine that he is giving him to share with the church in Crete. Now Paul identifies with those who will receive the instruction by including himself and Titus in their group. He wrote in chapter three and verse three:

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

Paul begins by saying, “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish.” If we recall yesterday's verse we note that Paul's desire was that the church members “speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, [but] gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.” He gives the reason for this gentle meek behavior by stating that he and Titus were once the way they are too - “Foolish.” In other words, they too were unintelligible, not understanding, and unwise. So often when others are taught the teacher forgets that they too were unlearned at one time. Paul reminds Titus of these former traits so he will relate to his church members.

Paul next says they were “disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures”. They were not compliant, contumacious, and resistant to obey. They were led astray from the right way, wanderers who were led into error and sin, and they followed after different desires and pleasures that were according to whatever direction they wanted for their lives. In other words, they were ungodly in their ways.

Paul continues, “living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.” The natural way for Paul and Titus to live was to live with malice or ill-will. They had a desire to injure others, and wickedness and depravity were as common to them as anyone else. Evil and trouble in their lives aligned with their hatred and detestation of others, and they justified themselves in doing so. Let's just say that Paul declares that he and Titus were among those who were considered a very bad group.

When we consider some of the traits listed by Paul, we may easily understand why he would have acquired the idea of a meek and gentle spirit. It was much easier to speak to people when Paul realized that their wayward standpoint is one in which he also has stood at one time. We can learn from these teachings when we encounter others who are ungodly in our lives. It is much easier to relate to others when we do not think ourselves any better than they, and the words we share with them are as though those words are directed toward ourselves. We profit in our conversations with others when we know ourselves to have been they way they are, and then the change in our behavior becomes the hope that they too will be witnesses of the wonderful altering love of Jesus Christ.

Next time we will discover what Paul says made the difference in he and Titus' life, 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

 

Gentle, Showing All Meekness Titus 3:2 - Equipped for Battle

We have been learning proper behaviors and attitudes from Paul the apostle as he instructs Titus for the church located at Crete. In yesterday's verse we discovered how we must be subject to those who are leaders in authority over us, and today we are instructed as to our behavior toward others. As we look at chapter three and verse two let us remember that our behavior is a direct reflection of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote:

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, [but] gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.

As members of the church those under Titus' pastorate must learn to be subject to authorities and also “to speak evil of no man.” Paul knows the tendency within most people is to target others as subjects of evil speaking. It seems so easy to begin talking badly about other people when we have differences from them, and this is especially true if they have wronged us in some way. However, Paul says, “speak evil of no man.” In other words, a church member was to be different than the natural person, and when they are, others will take notice particularly in this area.

Next Paul exhorts that church members “be no brawlers” which means to not act like they are invincible. These church members should not be contentious, and they should abstain from fighting. Jesus said in the book of John in chapter thirteen and verse fifty-five:

By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.

When church members fight and argue and are otherwise known as “brawlers” it brings a reproach upon the gospel message. Church members should love one another not be fighting.

Paul turns his instruction to a positive note by saying they should rather be “gentle”. The idea mentioned here is that they have suitable, equitable, fair and mild behavior toward others. Rather than fighting, they should be people who support and help one another in their Christian walks.

Paul finishes this verse by stating that the church members should be “showing all meekness unto all men.” Meekness is strength under control, and even though there may be places where one party or the other is in the right, they are not to exploit their positions. Notice too the group to whom this exhortation is towards, “all men” which includes everyone. There is no one exempt from this benefit, and even though it may appear that some do not deserve it, Paul includes them all.

So how do we treat others? Do we speak evil of them? Do we brawl with them? Are we gentle and meek with all people? Perhaps as we consider these things we will have names or faces come to mind where we have violated this principle. We must remember that we are representatives for the Kingdom of God, and people are watching how we treat those we know and those we don't. What will they see when they examine our behavior toward others?

Next time we will continue to look Paul's instruction for ways to treat others, and in doing so may hold the mirror toward ourselves, 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