Salute, Greet and Grace Titus 3:15 - Equipped for Battle

We have come to the final words from Paul the apostle to Titus who is the pastor of the church located in Crete. Often the final words are some of the most important when a letter is written, and although there are many valuable words within this three chapter book we have the privilege of studying these final ones from Paul. He wrote in chapter three and verse fifteen:

All that are with me salute you. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace [be] with you all. Amen.

Over and over again we have discovered Paul's care for Titus and the church he pastored, and now he shares the first of three caring phrases with Titus. The first is, "All that are with me salute you." We learn from this phrase that there was at least a few people who joined Paul when he wrote these words. Most of the time Paul dictated his letters and perhaps there were a few people involved in his sharing. Nonetheless those who were with Paul desired that they be noted as concerned for Titus as well.

Next Paul sends his greeting to those who were with Titus. He wrote, "Greet them that love us in the faith." Paul desired that people who were with Titus know that he was concerned for them as well. In each of these two instances there were those who were gathered with each man as they ministered the gospel. It seems that the most effective ministers are those with whom God has blessed with a team of people to share in the Kingdom work.

Finally Paul writes, "Grace be with you all. Amen." The unmerited favor of God is employed as a final benediction to Titus and all who were with him. In all the ministry activities that may be done it is important to remember the wonderful blessing of the grace of God. It is by God's grace we are saved. It is by God's grace we even know the Lord, and it is certainly by God's grace that we are able to minister for Him in our churches.

"Amen" means, "so be it", and thus we read the final word of Paul's short but dynamic letter to Titus. May we all consider the wonderful words of Paul and allow the Lord Jesus to reign in our lives in such a manner as this. Amen!

Next time we will begin a new book from the Old Testament named "Ruth", 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

 

Good Works for Necessary Uses Titus 3:14 - Equipped for Battle

As we close in on the final two verses of the book of Titus, Paul the apostle is mentioning a few people who have been instrumental in helping him share the gospel. Thus far we have read about Artemas, Tychicus, Zenas and Apollos, and Paul encouraged Titus not only to bring them with him when he visits, but also to take care of their necessary needs. Today Paul continues his instruction in caring for ministers with the following words found in chapter three and verse fourteen:

And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

Paul begins this verse with, “And let ours learn”. In order for a person to learn, he or she must first learn to want to learn. Titus has been given several instructions for the membership of the Church located in Crete. One of the principles with which Paul ends this book is support for ministers, and Paul knows that in addition to all the other doctrine he has given, this one is important as well.

Paul writes to let our learn, “to maintain good works for necessary uses”. Not only was Titus to be involved in the care for those with whom the gospel was trusted, but also the members of the church were to be involved. In other words, Paul desired that the church members learn how to care for the necessary needs of ministers. Artemas, Tychicus, Zenas and Apollos were involved in the ministry, and they certainly had need of necessary items such as food, drink, clothing, shelter and travel money if they were going to be effective in their work. Titus was to teach the church how to care for ministers and missionaries such as these.

The question could be asked, “Why should the church learn to do this?” The answer is found in Paul's next phrase, “that they be not unfruitful.” In other words there is a direct tie to the fruitfulness of church members when they support those within the ministry. If they provide support for ministers, they too participate in the fruit of the work of those supported. They become a part of the ministry by helping to give sustenance to those who share the gospel.

Not everyone is called to be a preacher, teacher or missionary as a Christian, however, everyone who believes in Jesus Christ is to be involved in the ministry. Sometimes this means supporting those who choose to share the gospel as a profession. In doing so, those who support participate in the fruit of the ministry. Jesus said this to His disciples in the gospel of John in chapter fifteen and verse sixteen:

You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Jesus desired that His disciples have fruit in their lives, and He desired that they have fruit that remained. Whenever we involve ourselves in the support of those who spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are in direct obedience to Jesus Himself, and whenever there is success in their ministry, we also are credited with participation. May we all evermore learn the importance of learning “to maintain good works for necessary uses,” and then be busy about putting actions to what we have learned.

Next time we will finish the book of Titus with the last verse with Paul's three short desires, 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

 

More Friends Zenas and Apollo - Titus 3:13 - Equipped for Battle

While studying the letter of Paul the apostle to Titus, we have learned much about leadership, behavior, attitudes and church ministry. We also have learned the importance of these to further the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now in the benediction of this wonderful book, we are learning the value of others helping in the ministry. Paul continues his list of helpful friends in chapter three and verse thirteen. He wrote:

Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

Paul first lists “Zenas the lawyer” in his writing. The word Zenas is the contracted form of Zenordorus and means “Zues”. Interestingly enough, here is a man who was named after a Roman god who was a teacher of Jewish law or a scribe. It is only conjecture but it is quite possible that Zenas was a civil lawyer who when he converted to Jesus Christ he became a scribe of the Jewish law and therefore retained the title of lawyer. Nonetheless, Paul felt him important enough to have Titus bring him on their journey.

Next Paul mentions “Apollos”. Apollos whose name means “came from Apollos” which was another Roman god was spoken of several times in the scriptures. He became a Christian and was a mighty teacher of Christianity. He was from Alexandria, and he was well learned in the scriptures and an eloquent speaker. Paul deemed Apollos valuable and even the doctor Luke wrote of him in the book of Acts chapter eighteen and verses twenty-four thru twenty-eight:

And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, [and] mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto [them], and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, [and that] publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Apollos is mentioned in the book of Corinthians over and over again, and he is of no doubt valuable to Paul in his ministry. Their friendship was possibly a delightful one because of their knowledge of Hebrew scriptures, and we might suppose they had some wonderful conversations about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Finally Paul wrote to Titus concerning Zenas and Apollos, “that nothing be wanting unto them.” In other words Titus was to minister to their needs and provide for their travels. Not only does Paul demonstrate his desire to see his friends, but is also concerned for their welfare on their journey. Friends within the ministry should be taken care of well, and those who are valuable to us especially when it concerns the gospel must be provided for and should not lack for any necessity. This was Paul's position of those he deemed to be friends of the ministry.

We are closing in on the final two verses of the letter written to Titus where we shall discover Paul's final words 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

Friends in the Ministry Titus 3:12 - Equipped for Battle

A conductor of a huge orchestra was asked, “What instrument among all those played in an orchestra is the most difficult to have someone play?” His answer was simple, “Second violin.” Whenever there is a minister who is effective among people he or she usually has a team of people behind the scenes who are helping that ministry be successful. Such is the case with Paul the apostle, and as we close the book of Titus we will discover some of those people who were beneficial to Paul. He wrote in chapter three and verse twelve:

When I shall send Artemas unto you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.

Paul begins his benediction to Titus by mentioning, “when I shall send Artemas unto you.” This is the only place that Artemas is mentioned in the Bible. He is said to have been the bishop of Lystra, but there is no other mention of him which brings us to an interesting point. Sometimes people are used behind the scenes who are not well known by others. Their ministry is in the shadows or in secret, and although the one they serve may receive the attention and limelight, these faithful ministers are well-known by God who uses all who are willing well.

Paul next mentions, “Tychicus” who was employed by Paul on a couple occasions to deliver his letters to various churches such as Ephesus, Colosse, and to deliver a personal letter to Timothy. Again Tychicus is another faithful minister to Paul, and his work along side of Paul helped to make the ministry effective. Tychicus was known traditionally to be the successor to Titus in Crete, and he was also subsequently bishop of Chalcedon in Bithynia.

The next phrase offered by Paul to Titus was, “be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis, for I have determined there to winter.” Nicopolis means “the city of victory” and in Paul's travels this city became one he enjoyed in the wintertime. The book of Titus was probably written from Corinth in the autumn, and Paul's plans for winter were to have Titus join him in Nicopolis for a visit. There is nothing like having those who are fellow-ministers join together for mutual strength and encouragement as they share in the responsibilities of the gospel.

So what can we learn from these verses? First, who are those people behind the scenes in our lives? Who are the men and women that give us support and confidence to continue in our work? Secondly, to whom are we in support of in the ministry? Are we their friends behind the scenes and although we are not as much in the limelight as they, do we continue to help them shine? Perhaps we would all do well to consider those to whom the Lord Jesus has put within our lives in either of those positions, and if we are wise we will continue to discover other venues by which we are blessed and being a blessing in this way..

Next time we will continue to look at those who involved themselves in Paul's 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

Subverted, Sins and Being Condemned Titus 3:11 - Equipped for Battle

As we come to the close of this fantastic book written to Titus by the apostle Paul, we are studying what Paul said to do with a heretic. Heretics were those who were causing division, believing false doctrine, and causing schisms within the body of Christ located in Crete. We learned in our last verse that Titus was to warn heretics twice and then reject them. We see Paul's reason in today's verse located in chapter three and verse eleven where he wrote:

Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sins, being condemned of himself.

Paul gives the first reason for the heretic's behavior, “he that is such is subverted.” He or she is twisted, torn up or inverted in their thinking. The idea is they have perverted or corrupt thoughts. Whenever a person is left to themselves or another wayward teacher who does not study the word of God, they contrive all sorts of strange ideas. This imagination here and that imagination there convinces them they are right, and then when they believe themselves to be so, they promote these ideas to others. Rather than turn people toward a relationship with God, they usually turn them either toward themselves or toward some strange thoughts or behaviors. Paul knows their tendencies, and he desires that Titus not only be aware of them, but also to deal properly with them when they arrive.

Secondly, Paul writes, “and sins” when referring to the heretic. They “miss the mark”, wander from the path of righteousness and honor, and stray from God's law. They generally become a law to themselves, and they dictate their behavior by whatever their own minds contrive. In this, they sin and violate the law of God.

Finally, Paul concludes the heretic is “being condemned of himself.” In other words, by his or her own thoughts and actions he or she is self-condemned. They put themselves in a place where they are convicted, doomed and directed toward judgment. Whenever a person takes it upon themselves to foster ideas that are contrary to the teachings of the scripture and sound doctrine, they put themselves in the position of a heretic which condemns them before God. This is why it is so important to stay close to the scriptures in our studies. Strayed ideas can lead a person into self-condemnation, and the end of that path is not one to be desired.

A subverter, a sinner, and one who is condemned doesn't sound like a label any of us would desire to wear. May we all consider the traits of a heretic and be ready to act accordingly should we find one dividing the church. Let us also be sure we are not among those who follow these self-condemning ways and forget the very scriptures which keep us from being so.

Next time we will begin the salutations that conclude the book of Titus, 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

 

What to Do with a Heretic Titus 3:10 - Equipped for Battle

We have been studying the book of Titus together for some time now and have realized the importance of church members following sound doctrine. Proper behaviors and attitudes within a church help to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ rather than deter from it. After being warned of the vanity and unprofitableness of answering foolish questions, genealogies, contentions and strivings about the law, Paul the apostle exhorts Titus about what to do with someone who is causing schisms and following heretical doctrine. Paul writes in chapter three and verse ten:

A man that is a heretic after the first and second admonition reject;

Paul directs Titus' attention toward “a man that is a heretic.” This refers to a person who causes schisms and divisions within the church. They are doubters, naysayers and the like, and their presence among believers is damaging. They cause factions and when people are learning sound doctrine, they sow in lies and pernicious teachings. Titus is not to ignore them, but rather pay them particular attention.

Paul continues, “after the first and second admonition reject.” Notice first that Titus is to warn these heretics. He is not to pretend they are absent, but when he is notified of their presence, he is to address them. Also look at the fact that he is to give them a couple chances: “first and second admonition.” If they fail to adhere with one warning, another should be employed. Sometimes those who have derelict behaviors and attitudes who cause division must be confronted to stop their behavior. If once doesn't stop it, Titus is to engage them again.

Finally Paul exhorts Titus to “reject” them if they will not listen and obey the first and second admonition. This may seem harsh upon first glance, but we must remember that Titus is to be the overseer of the church members in Crete. Titus is like a shepherd to the flock that is in the church located in Crete, and if ravening wolves enter in among the sheep, Titus is to ward them off. Those who will not believe the gospel and desire to stay in a fellowship will only cause divisions, strifes, wrangling and separations within the body of Christ that is there. Titus is to guard against this.

Have we ever encountered a “heretic”? What have we done about him or her? Could we wage the battle against them if we knew their behavior and attitudes were going to affect the others within our church? As students of the scriptures we must be able to discern confused individuals with wrong and heretical doctrines who are only in our fellowships to promote their own ideas. Paul instructed Titus in this manner, and if we are listening we will hear him as well.

Next time we will discover why the heretic is the way that he or she is, 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

Avoid Foolish Questions and More Titus 3:9 - Equipped for Battle

After much instruction about how Titus is to instruct the members of the church at Crete concerning their behavior and attitudes, Paul the apostle now turns his attention toward specific behaviors for Titus himself as the overseer of the church. Paul desires that Titus attend to the people there, however there are a few things that Titus is to avoid. Paul wrote in chapter three and verse nine:

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

One of the first things Titus is to avoid are “foolish questions.” There are many questions that are asked that do not have gaining of information in mind. They are designed rather for debate, semantical battles, and argument. Examples of these would be, “If God is so big, how come He cannot make a rock that He can't pick up?” or “How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” Sometimes people do not have good intentions when they ask questions. Their motive is simply raw engagement, and they only seek conflict and verbal war. Paul instructs Titus to avoid these type of questions.

Next Paul instructs Titus to avoid “genealogies” which are records of descent or lineage. This idea involves strata and social ranking as though one group of people is better than another. Sometimes people become interested and domineering about their heritage and their supposed value from a certain line or group. Paul advises Titus to keep away from these also.

In addition to foolish questions and genealogies, Titus is to stay clear of “contentions”. These have the idea of strivings or wrangling. Some people just simply like to argue, and they will confront Titus just to wage a war of words with him. Paul tells Titus to avoid these contentions, and whenever Titus encounters them, bypass the person who is starting them.

To conclude Paul's list he adds that Titus should circumvent “strivings about the law”. “Should we eat meat or should we not eat meat?” “Which day is more Holy, the Sabbath day or any other day of the week?” “How far can a person travel on a Sabbath day before he or she violates the law?” and such questions like these are to be guarded against. Once again there are individuals who like to fight, and those who deem themselves “spiritual” will often resort to the scriptures as their basis for being right. Titus is to watch out for these engagements as there is not a pure motive behind their conversations. They are dishonest in their desire to know, they are frankly nothing other than antagonistic.

Finally Paul gives the reason that Titus is to avoid these traits, “for they are unprofitable and vain.” When people ask and engage in these type of questions and ideas, the questions and statements are valueless, and no one is benefited by them. These battles are not meant to edify, but rather to battle. They are devoid of truth, success and purpose, and they are useless for Titus to engage. They take up valuable time that may be used for ministering to others who sincerely desire to know the truth. Titus is to fend off anyone who brings these altercations before him.

What about us? Are we honest in our desire for knowledge of the scriptures, spiritual questions, and the law of God? Do we engage others in conversations simply to battle with them? Are we as those who begin dialog just to prove our point or score in intellectual superiority? Would Titus avoid us or be happy to have a conversation with us? Perhaps today our questions should be directed at a mirror, and the we may discover whether we are of those who easily argue for argument's sake or of those who really desire to know more about God and His ways.

Next time we will find out what Paul has to say about heretics, 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