Doctrine for Aged Men Titus 2:2 - Equipped for Battle

For several days and verses now we have been observing Paul the apostle's words to Titus who is Paul's young protege' pastor over the church located in the island of Crete. Paul has been instructing Titus about the characteristics that an elder or overseer must have, and as Paul has completed his list, he is now teaching Titus the sound doctrine that he must share with the church himself. Paul begins with instruction toward “aged” men in chapter two and verse two where he wrote:

That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

The idea of an “aged” man is an older man or one well-seasoned in years. Maturity should be gained at this point in life, and yet, there are some men who are older who continue to need sound teaching toward their attitudes and behavior.

Paul first instructs Titus to teach aged men to be “sober” which means temperate, abstaining from wine, either entirely or at least from it immoderate use. There is nothing worse that someone who is so given over to wine that their entire judgment is altered. Aged men should be level-headed and not have their minds altered by chemical influences.

Paul adds, “grave” which denotes august, venerable, and honorable. Aged men must be those who have a high regard for the things of God, and they should not be undignified, irreligious and disrespectful. They must remember that younger people are watching their lives and whenever there is opportunity for reverence to the things of God they must be aware of their attitudes and behaviors.

Paul continues that they aged men must be “temperate”. This means that they must be of a sound mind, sane, and in one's senses. They must be self-controlled, and not given over to selfish impulses. Too many people have been affected in their faith by seeing an older man in the church act with no self-control at all, and the harm done by one aged man who is supposed to be respected can last a lifetime for the onlooker.

The aged men, Paul adds, must be “sound in faith” which means he must be healthy in his conviction of truth. He must be a person of strong belief relating to God, Jesus Christ, and the religious beliefs of Christians. Aged men must not be wavering from one doctrine to another and one teaching to another without any solid belief. The greatest of aged men are those who immerse themselves in the word of God and live lives that are in accordance with the Bible's teaching.

Aged men are also to be sound in “charity.” Aged men are to be filled with love. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church in the First book of Corinthians in chapter thirteen and verse one:

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

Regardless of an aged man's works and words, if he is not a man of “charity” or “agape” love, his words and actions are in vain. This love toward God and others must be a pure love that is affectionate, good willed, benevolent, and filled with brotherly love.

Finally Paul says the aged men must be sound in “patience.” In other words they must be steadfast, constant and enduring. They must be ones who are sustaining and filled with perseverance. Quitting is not an option, and although many people give up when the going gets tough, these aged men must be ones who last.

If we think about this list long enough, we will discover that Titus has his work cut out for him. These are quite the qualities aren't they? Perhaps it will help us to think about those “aged” men in our lives who exude these traits. Do we know anyone who is sound in these areas: “sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience?” If we do, we are blessed, and if not, maybe after meditating upon these characteristics we too will seek God's face and ask Him to make them a part of our lives as well.

Next time we will study Paul's instruction for “aged” women, 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

 

Sound Doctrine Titus 2:1 - Equipped for Battle

We begin a new chapter of study today in Titus chapter two. After being instructed to be aware of false teachers who would take advantage of church members for profit, Paul now instructs Titus as to what he should be teaching. Paul begins in verse one by writing,

But you speak the things which become sound doctrine:

Whenever we see the word “but” it implies a contrast. The word “But” is what is known as a dissociative conjunction. It infers that what is about to be said has greater significance than what was previously said. Let's apply this in our verse: Paul was writing about the false prophets, “But” now he desires that Titus be in contrast, act superior, perform at a greater measure than they.

Paul desires that Titus “speak the things which become sound doctrine:” The implication is that the words of those Paul was previously speaking about were not “sound doctrine.” Let's first look at the word “sound”. The idea is of good health or to be well. The teachings that Titus should be sharing will be ones that strengthen his church members. They should have the purpose of edifying the believers who sit under him. Paul wrote to Timothy in Second Timothy chapter three and verses sixteen and seventeen:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

There is no greater health or profit for the spiritual aspect to a human being than the word of God, and nothing else is more sound than this.

Paul continues with the word “doctrine” which means instruction or teaching. Titus was to be busy about teaching ideas that were beneficial for his membership. Remember we are contrasting people whom Paul previously spoke about who were teaching to benefit themselves. Titus was to emphasize care for his parishioners by purposing to teach the things which become “sound doctrine.”

If we were questioned about our thoughts and ideas, would they be found to be “Sound”. When we share with others, do our thoughts and words have the other person in mind or ourselves. It is quite easy to stand back in judgment against another person and rather difficult to examine ourselves sometimes. However, if we are to truly imbibe the marrow of the scriptures we must hold the mirror of them up to our own lives and measure. What do we see? What do we hear when we listen to ourselves? Let us be encouraged with Paul's words to Titus today by hearing his plea for us to be about and teach “sound doctrine”.

Next time we begin a series of specific examples of “sound doctrine” that Paul gives to 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

 

Professing God but Denying Him Titus 1:16 - Equipped for Battle

We have been discovering from Paul the apostle the requirements and qualifications that he has been sharing with Titus who is the pastor of an island called Crete. Along with these traits, Paul warns Titus that there are false prophets who pontificate certain Jewish fables and doctrines which are meant for nothing more than their personal profit by either position or monetary gain. Paul adds to his description of them in chapter one and verse sixteen where he wrote:

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

“Saying one thing and doing something completely opposite” seems to be the theme of Paul in this verse. There are many who “profess that they know God” but live completely different than what they say. It is not unusual to hear people say, “I know God”, but when their lives are examined, there is no proof that they do. There is no distinction between them and others who do not profess Jesus at all. Paul is warning Titus to look out for these “God professors”, and Titus is to determine by their actions their true beliefs.

Paul adds, “but in works they deny him”. What they do speaks so loudly that no one can hear a word they are saying. Those who have studied the scriptures for very long know that we are saved by grace, and that our works will never save us. However, our works are an outpouring of what we really believe, and when these false teachers were observed by Paul, he discovered that what they really believed was revealed by their actions. Titus was warned.

Paul continues, “being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” These of whom Paul wrote were detestable and non-compliant. They were as those not approved, unfit, and spurious. In other words when the true test of their relationship with God came along, they failed in every good work. There was no proof. It has been asked, “If they were put on trial for their faith in God would there be enough evidence to convict them?” These pernicious individuals loved the title and association with being ones who professed God, but they did not desire to live in a manner which corresponded to their profession.

So what about us? If we were to face examination for the way we live our lives would people say without a doubt their profession is confirmed by the way they live? Would they have enough evidence to prove us guilty of loving God? Would they find that we say one thing and do another? Maybe as we consider these who were false teachers in Paul's day we should take a look at our own lives to determine whether Paul would have been writing about us. May we all live according to our profession, and may we all come closer and closer in our relationship with the Heavenly Father.

Next time we will begin chapter two and discover what Paul desired for Titus to do, 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

 

Purity versus Defiled Titus 1:15 - Equipped for Battle

Sometimes there are verses in the Bible that stand out as more challenging than others. Today we study one of those verses. Paul has been giving reasons that Titus should be sure there are good qualifications in elders within the church at Crete. Because of many false teachers and prophets who were taking advantage of others by their doctrine, Paul desired that Titus first of all be aware of them, but then also address these who were causing trouble. In chapter one and verse fifteen Paul wrote:

Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

Paul alludes to the very core of human beings when he wrote, “Unto the pure, all things are pure.” The idea of purity is clean, the use of which is not forbidden, imparts no uncleanness, like a vine which is pruned to bear fruit. It is free from corrupt desire, sin and guilt, blameless, without fault or any mixture of falsehood, and not only sincerely genuine, but also without guilt of anything. Paul sets this as the standard of measurement by which to determine the motives of those who would do damage to others within the church. Titus was to determine whether those with whom he engaged were pure.

In contrast to purity, Paul writes, “but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure;” The idea behind the word “defiled” is “to dye with another color, to stain, pollute, sully, contaminate or soil”. It is to “defile with sins.” In other words it is the very core of a person that determines how their entire outlook will be. To put it in simple terms, if they are rotten inside, they will be rotten outside as well. These are not only defiled but also “unbelieving”. They are without faith and trust in God, and therefore their behavior follows their beliefs. Notice that the description does not stop here.

Paul adds, “but even their mind and conscience is defiled.” These with whom Paul speaks are defile in their minds and consciences as well. They have no way of truly determining what is morally good or bad because they do not think in pure ways. Paul wrote of this same idea in the book of First Timothy in chapter four and verse two:

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Those whose minds and consciences are defiled are in a medical sense like cauterized flesh that has no sensitivity or awareness to impending attacks. In other words, they are so defiled that they are not even aware of how bad they are.

Now for the tough questions: Are we pure? If we were to be measured by a scale of purity that ranked one to ten, how would we measure up? Would we be a seven? An eight? Maybe some might think themselves a nine? Does anyone think themselves “defiled”? Perhaps a three? Or a two? Maybe some think themselves a one? How do we rank? If those attempting this exercise are anything like this writer, they are desiring a savior right now, and yes, the Savior Jesus is right here. Jesus is pure. Jesus lived in a pure manner. Jesus demonstrated what it means to have an undefiled mind and conscience. When we feel some anxiety over our lack in the area of purity, the best thing we can do is to turn to Jesus. No one else can better display a life that was pure than He, and when we cling to Him with all our might, His purity is enough to make the most defiled among us clean.

Next time we will finish the first chapter of Titus by looking at the professions of these to whom Paul is referring, 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

 

Jewish Fables and Commandments of Men Titus 1:14 - Equipped for Battle

Can we believe everything we hear? Of course we cannot, but it is amazing how many times people can be misled when they are involved in spiritual matters. Because they have no standard or basis to draw from, one belief is as good as another to them. However, there really is “truth”, and whether a person believes it or not does not change the fact that it is truth. This is one of the factors that Paul the apostle is managing with Titus and the people of Crete whom Titus oversees as a pastor. Some false teachers and prophets were spreading ideas that were not true and Paul makes reference to them in chapter one and verse fourteen where he wrote:

Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

We studied in earlier verses where these false prophets were profiting off the people because of their doctrine. This has Paul's concern, and now we see one of the ways they did so. There was a group of people called the “Judaizers” during Paul's time on Earth who would mix the law and grace together as doctrine. They would say things such as, “Yes, Jesus is good, but you must also follow the law.” By using stories known as “Jewish fables” they would convince the people of their thoughts, and put people under bondage and guilt once again for failure to keep the commandments.

In addition to the bondage of “Jewish fables” they also taught “commandments of men” which were not from God at all. They made rules for the distance one could travel on the sabbath day without it constituting a “burden” and created other laws that had little to do with freeing people but a lot to do with keeping them bound.

Notice the effect that Paul says these Jewish fables and commandments of men have: “that turn from the truth.” This is why Paul addresses these ideas so adamantly. When people are turned from the truth toward the teachings and doctrine of men, leadership should be attentive. Paul gives warning to Titus that these practices are among the people of Crete, and as a pastor of the church in Crete, Paul must direct his attention toward these false individuals and set them straight.

What do we believe? Are our beliefs based upon the Bible or the fables and commandments of men? Where did we receive the belief system we have, and does it call for examination? If we are wise, before we rest our total belief system upon doctrines that came from fables and laws of men, we will measure them by the Holy Word of God, the Bible, and only then have confidence that what we believe is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Next time we will see what Paul has to say about purity as it relates to what we believe, 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

 

Sharp Rebuke for Sound Faith Titus 1:13 - Equipped for Battle

If we encounter someone who is pontificating false doctrine for personal gain within the church, what are we to do? If a leader within the church finds someone like this, what is he or she to do? Paul the apostle knew that as long as there would be an effort to reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ there would also be opposition. Therefore while instructing Titus, Paul first insures that Titus is aware there are such people, and then instructs him as to how to handle them. Paul wrote in Titus chapter one and verse thirteen:

This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

Paul first addresses the validity of what he has heard, “This witness is true.” Everything someone tells us about another person is not always true. Especially when referring to spiritual matters, there must be some sort of verification of the statements made. Remember Paul just wrote in chapter one verse twelve,

One of themselves, [even] a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians [are] alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

Now Paul declares that this statement is true, and therefore this person and people like him are to be dealt with quickly.

Paul adds, “Wherefore rebuke them sharply,” which means to convict, refute or confute them abruptly. According to Paul, since this was a true statement, Titus was not to delay in his correction of this person. Titus was to reprehend them severely, admonish them completely, and do so sharply. In the book of Proverbs in chapter twenty-seven and verse five it says,

Open rebuke is better than secret love.

And one of the most loving acts that Paul could employ is to confront this person. Titus doing so leads us to the final part of the verse.

Paul wrote, “that they may be sound in the faith.” This idea first insinuates care for the person who is in error. Titus was to care about their position in the faith. It was important that Titus take personal interest in his congregation, and when they were off-base in their thinking, he was to be concerned for them. Paul wanted Titus to do what was necessary for them to be well, in good health, and without any mixture of error and strong in the faith of Jesus Christ. Sometimes for us to be aligned appropriately with the teachings of the Bible, our positions must be altered. Otherwise we too might continue in error.

One of the great benefits to reading and studying the Bible is that we have the privilege of finding God's ways for our lives. Sometimes we find our thinking in direct opposition to God's, and when we do, we should move our positions. The Bible has an interesting way of rebuking us and bringing us in alignment with God's thoughts and ways. Sometimes our alignment will come through preaching, and sometimes through a loved one or friend. The question is, “How do we respond when we are openly rebuked so that we will be sound in the faith?” Our initial reaction may be to resist, but if we are wise we will denote what it is that God is speaking to us, and as we humbly submit, we will find ourselves sound in the faith once again.

Next time we will see particular thoughts that have persuaded people away from sound doctrine, 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

 

Liars, Evil Beasts, and Slow Bellies Titus 1:12 - Equipped for Battle

One of the most disappointing parts of being among people is when they are unkind to one another. Sometimes they label one another, and try to debase each other by calling them names. Paul the apostle had encountered this in the island of Crete where he has left Titus to be the pastor of a church. Because Paul is attempting to warn Titus of false teachers and prophets who would take advantage of his church members, Paul mentions one person who conducted himself according to this unkind profile. Paul wrote in Titus chapter one and verse twelve:

One of themselves, [even] a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians [are] alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

A lot can be discovered about a person by the words of his or her mouth. In this case, we have a specific example of one person to whom Paul is referring. Paul wrote, “One of themselves” which refers to the false teachers he mentioned in verse eleven, “even a prophet of their own” which denotes that he was a person who taught them and had some sense of authority, “said,” (This is where we should pay particularly close attention because even as Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34.) “The Cretians are always liars,” As we studied earlier in this book, the people of Crete had a reputation, and unfortunately it was not a good one. Now although it may have been true that there were those among the Cretians who were liars, this doesn't mean that they could not be changed. For anyone to declare that they are “always” liars does not build them up in the least, and it certainly underestimates the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to change people.

Paul continues with this prophet saying the Cretians are “evil beasts” which means they were troublesome, injurious, pernicious, destructive or baneful, and they were much like savage, brutal beast who were nothing more than ferocious animals. In other words this prophet saw the Cretians as worthless human beings, and with this description, he must have thought them beyond salvation.

In addition to always liars and evil beasts, Paul writes that this prophet says the Cretians are “slow bellies” which means lazy, shunning labor which one should perform, and he described them as nothing more than gluttons who were gormandizers or big fat hogs as if they were all stomach. What a description this prophet gives these people. Not only were the Cretians liars, but they were evil beasts, and now their description is greedy, lazy hogs? Looks like Titus had his work cut out for him if this was true.

When we look at this description of the Cretians, do we think of a particular group of people who we label as though they could not be saved? Are there characteristics which some of them employ which causes us to cast the entire group into an evil category? We must remember, as this prophet of which Paul speaks did not, that no matter what they find out about mankind, they will never discover that he or she cannot be saved. No matter how difficult or demeaning a group of people may be, the gospel of Jesus Christ can save them. It does not matter how mean they are, how much they lie, how evil they are or even how lazy or greedy they are, they can be change. This is the glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The vilest sinner can be saved, and their reputation before salvation does not impede the power of the Holy Spirit of God in any manner.

We must be careful how we label people, especially when it comes to the idea of salvation. This prophet was in error, and Paul wanted Titus to know about him. We can learn a lot from Paul and this prophet when we think about others whom we may have previously labeled. And after this verse, we should now have understanding that they are merely candidates to know the savior Jesus as we do.

Next time we will discover what Paul says to do with this prophet, 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