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CHRISTIANITY OASIS
DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL
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PUTTING THE CHURCH IN ORDER
THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO TITUS
CHAPTER 3
Great to have you
back to share another slice of Daily Bread. So far in our study of Paul’s
letter to Titus, we’ve learned that Paul has given Titus the challenging
task of being pastor of the church at Crete. This letter is Paul’s advice to
Titus about the elders that he should appoint to oversee the work of the
church and the doctrine that he should teach.
The elders aren’t
the only ones who need to have godly characteristics though. Paul explains
that each member of the Church has important roles if they intend to
represent the body of Christ.
We’ve been putting
ourselves in Titus’ shoes, to get an idea of what it would be like to be
assigned such a feat, because in essence, we are. In the first chapter, Paul
warns that there are many people who are disruptive, and deceivers, who talk
badly about the Faith, and we find that to be the case today as well.
Nevertheless, Paul
encourages us with zeal to hold fast (be dedicated and determined) in our
Faith, and be examples of the goodness of the Lord by our lifestyle. Now
let’s read the conclusion of Paul’s letter.
Teach the people
to be subject (obedient) to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates
(judicial authorities), to be fruitful in every good work, to speak evil of
no one, not to be violent, but gentle, showing meekness to all people.
Let’s grab a
little Daily Bread Crumb here. What is a principality? Well, there are two
completely different definitions, so be sure and understand this. Different
countries have different forms of leadership, and different regions that are
under their authority. The office, territory or jurisdiction of a prince is
called a principality. The other definition of principality is: an angel of
the third lowest rank. Paul is referring to the first definition in
this letter.
So, Paul is
saying, be respectful to the leaders and be meek to all, then he adds,
because we also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, slaves to
different desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy (jealousy),
hateful, and hating one another.
But after that, the kindness and love of God our Savior
toward man appeared. Not because of any 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,
which He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that
being cleared of all guilt by His
Grace, we should be
made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
I emphasize this paragraph, because all too often we
don’t read these passages with the passion that Paul wrote them. We were
fools, he says, and then because God loved us so very much, He sent Jesus to
us. Not because of anything great that we did, but because of His great
mercy, He saved us. And He washed our sins away, and sent us the Holy Ghost
to renew us, which He generously gave us through Christ, so that being
purified by His Grace, we are now heirs of eternal life. So we shouldn't
judge others that are lost and/or new in the Faith because they ... Are lost
JUST like we were.
This is a faithful
saying (the TRUTH), and I hope that you emphasize these things constantly,
that those who believe in God might be careful (be sure) to maintain good
works. These things are good and profitable to people.
But avoid foolish questions, and stories, and
contentions, and strivings (debate or opposition) about the law; because
they are unprofitable and vain.
Reject anyone who
is an heretic (seeking to divide) AFTER the first and second warning,
knowing that he who behaves this way is subverted (turned away), and sins,
being condemned of himself.
When I send
Artemas to you, or Tychicus (accompanied Paul into Asia in the book of
Acts), be sure to visit me in Nicopolis, because I have decided to spend the
winter there. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with love,
and supply them all their needs. (Paul first met Apollos in Ephesus where he
was enthusiastically spreading the Gospel.)
And let our people
also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses (profess honest trades
for urgent needs), that they won’t be unfruitful. (In other words, Paul is
urging Titus to urge the people to do work that benefits other believers,
not something that is useless to other Christians.) All who are with me send
their best. Greet those who love us in the Faith. God’s Grace be with you
all. Amen.
Many good pointers
for us to follow are included in this letter from Paul to Titus. Don’t ever
forget that we’re all really in the same position as Titus, setting the
Church in order for our Lord and Savior. Any advice from a spiritual giant
like Paul is welcome and revered, so keep his advice in mind as you continue
your walk of Faith, and in your spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to
potential and fellow Christians.
Come on back soon
and join in our next study of The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Philemon.
You can always find what you need to enrich your faith and deepen your
understanding, right here at Daily Bread.
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