Paul's Letter to Titus

Titus 3:3-5

            In this portion of his letter, Paul reminds Titus that they were once just like any other unsaved person. Being misled by the enemy of their soul, they became slaves to the lusts and pleasures that seek to lure us all away from the one eternal truth. Their lives, just like the lives of Crete’s converts, had been evil, envious and full of hatred towards others. When the gospel broke thru their wall of sin and showered them with loving-kindness they were redeemed; cleansed of every sinful act. It had nothing to do with any good deed or righteous motivation; it was the result of God’s undeserved favor. 

            It should be pointed out that Paul specifically mentions all 3 members of the Holy Trinity in these particular verses. He does that because all 3 are involved in salvation. The Son does the redemptive work, The Father forgives us and the Holy Spirit washes away all our sins, plus is continuously renewing us. 

            God alone has the power and authority to cleanse our sins, declare us holy and righteous and give us the hope and confidence of a future home with him. This is only possible by surrendering your will over to God and allows him by his Holy Spirit to lead you down the path he has for you. 

            All of this that has been said to the Cretans applies of the believers of today. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever and so are his word and his promises. Rely on the Lord for all your needs and allow him to direct your plans from now on. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible.

Word for the Day

Paul's Letter to Titus

Titus 3:1-2

                  “Increasing nationalistic sentiment in Judea had made some prone to revolt; a revolt would break out in AD 66 and lead to Jerusalem’s destruction in 70. Paul, however, wants to avoid any association of the young and still-fragile Christian movement with sedition.” This is the pulse of the area culturally at the time of this writing. Paul was taking precautions so as to side step a potential spark that would ignite the church on Crete with rebellious thoughts, which could lead to actions. 

            The Cretans would be cautioned that in spite of what others may deem as the right course of action, they should always submit to government officials. They should be obedient to God’s word and be good by godly standards. Being ‘good’ is a relative term. By whose rules would we be following to maintain ‘good’ behavior? It would have to be the One who knows men’s hearts. It could only be the Creator of the Universe.

            Paul tells Titus as a means of caution to tell the church to never slander or quarrel with the brethren. Instead, gentleness and humility should rule the day. Gossip, slander and quarrelling are continual sins that infiltrate the church to this day. This ought not to be my brothers and sisters. Shed such behavior as a snake sheds its skin. Have nothing to do with it. Walk away and never look back at your past behavior. Focus on that which is pleasing to our Lord. Remember, because of God’s grace none of us are defined by our past sins! Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

Paul's Letter to Titus

Titus 2:11-15

            It’s already been made clear that the Cretans were a sinful people. Even those who accepted Paul’s teaching were still involved in certain sinful practices. In vv. 11-15 we find Paul explaining that the period of God’s grace is upon them, presenting salvation to all people. Even though the world is evil Titus was to instruct the church in Crete to live with “wisdom, righteousness and devotion to God”. They could not do it on their own. This is only possible by the power of the Holy Spirit.          

            Just in case they were weary of the spiritual battle they were fighting on a daily basis, Titus was to encourage them to look forward with hope while living in the midst of evil. The hope is the revealing of Jesus Christ on the day of his return. Though a futuristic event, it is coming just as sure as the sun will rise in the morning. The redemption they have experienced cleansed from all their sins and freed them from the bondage there of. There were now children of God and should act like it. One way was for them to totally commit themselves to doing good deeds.

            It is easy to see how these truths would apply to us today. We too live in an evil age. We too have a spiritual battle to fight daily. We have the same hope that they were expecting, which was and is Christ’s Return. We are to be open to the teaching of the Holy Scriptures and be encouraged to live a life that is pleasing to God and not to man. 

            Paul’s last instruction to Titus in this 2^ndchapter is to not let anyone disregard what he is telling them. Though Titus cannot force anyone to obey what they have been taught or even remember his teaching for that matter, those who are serious about their new life in Christ will take heed and live out what they have been taught. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

Word for the Day

Paul's Letter to Titus

          Paul tells Titus in vv. 6-8 that men should teach those younger to live wisely and be an example. When you attend a church for the first time or a prayer group or bible study or home group you may tend to click with a particular person. That person makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Going forward you continue to gravitate toward that person. Whether you realize it or not the way they go about their life will have an influence on you, either for the good or the bad. This is exactly what Paul is speaking about.    

          We all have areas of influence in our neighborhood, our workplace, our school and elsewhere. We leave an impression of ourselves wherever we go. We shouldn’t necessarily look to premeditate our actions so as to become stilted and phony. We are to act in a way that should have become natural to us over time. It’s what comes from imitating Christ. Always remember we are Christ’s representatives in a cruel and evil world. Live what you believe. Be Christ to those around you. As a dedicated believer it will become natural to live in a godly way. 

            It is God we are to please, not this world. Seek each day to be a blessing to someone. Show them what being a follower of Christ truly means. We may never be perfect this side of heaven, but nonetheless, striving for perfection should be our ultimate goal. Take Paul’s advice to Titus and be a positive, godly example to your wife, to your kids, to your coworkers, to your schoolmates … to everyone you come in contact with. You may never know the impact you’ve had on others till you reach heaven. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.

Paul's Letter to Titus

          Titus 2:3-5 speaks of the woman’s responsibility regarding what they are to teach younger women. They are to live a life that honors God. No slander should come out of their mouth. They mustn’t be heavy drinkers. They should instead teach other women how to live a godly life. The older women are to teach younger women to love their husbands and children, work in their homes, live wisely, be pure and submit to their husbands, who are supposed to be the Spiritual leaders of the family.

            What impact do these instructions have on the modern day Christian woman? Paul’s advice would be for all women down thru the ages with certain caveats given. When it comes to women submitting to their husbands, it should be in response to Ephesians 5:24, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her …”. How much easier it is to submit to a loving, godly husband who loves, honors and respects his wife?

            What about women working outside the home? While verse 5 says specifically for them to work in their own homes, yet I believe that to be due to the culture of that time in Crete. It’s pretty easy to connect the dots and assume that it wasn’t only the men of Crete who were the rowdy, rebellious ones. Today it is financially necessary for the wife to supplement the husband’s income. It isn’t necessarily to maintain an opulent lifestyle, but rather to simply keep their head above water, figuratively speaking. High property taxes, plus high fuel and food prices can put families quickly in a bind. Then there are always the single mothers. Culturally speaking, it has become necessary to leave the home and work. 

            Although this isn’t God’s perfect plan, if our hearts motivation is pure then God will bless it. Working outside the home in no way removes the importance of feeding your spirit. That should always be of paramount importance in any believer’s life. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.

Paul's Letter to Titus

            As we move on to chapter 2, we find in the first two verses guidance in the teaching of older men.  Paul’s emphasis is on “wholesome teaching”.  This type of teaching would be that which is found in scripture and keeps Christ at the center. The result of such teaching would be consistently godly behavior that promotes spiritual health in others and ourselves. 

            Titus is to caution older believers to exercise self-control. In other words, keep your own will in check. Don’t allow your feelings, emotions, actions and reactions to run amok. Use restraint. These men will be worthy of respect if they exhibit sound faith, along with love and patience.

            I think it’s pretty obvious how we can utilize this lesson in our lives today. If we are serious about living our life for God in Christ’s name we MUST be grounded in the Word of God. There is no other way to avoid the disceptive power of false teachers. If we become stagnate in our faith we will be susceptible to the lure of such heresies, which still exist today. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.

            

Paul's Letter to Titus

 In Titus 1:15-16 Paul essentially tells Titus whatever people fill their minds with will influence their thoughts, words and actions. Those who are pure in heart, namely those who have given Christ control over their lives, will see only good in an evil world. Unbelievers will see evil everywhere for they are under the influence of the evil one. This is another reason to stay plugged into God’s Word. Feeding your spirit will affect your thoughts, words and actions in a positive, godly way. 

            In The Living Translation, Paul uses the word “corrupt”to describe the minds and hearts of unbelievers. A corruptmind is one that is immoral, perverse and dishonest by definition.  To put it in physical terms, a rotten piece of food would be considered corrupt. It would be inedible and therefore good for nothing but to be thrown out. The same goes with a piece of metal. If it were rusty and pitted it would be of very little, if any, use. It would be considered corrupt.

            How does all this relate to us today?  I consider the above to be a universal and incorruptable truth, meaning it is always true no matter what time period we apply it to. If you fill your mind with ungodly things then that is what will have primary influence over you. Conversely, if you fill your mind with godly things you will provide growth for your spirit. To not do so would cause spiritual stagnation. Keep your mind on the things of God and you will have a prosperous soul.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.

Random Thoughts

          One should never allow their circumstances to determine their mood. The Lord is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He favors no man over another. The situation you find yourself in has been either caused or allowed by the Lord for your ultimate benefit. Spiritual growth is vital to a Christian’s maturation process. Without trials to challenge our faith we would begin to stagnate. 

           Learn to be unflappable in the face of opposition; remain calm regardless of what befalls you. Stay anchored in the hope of all his promises. Do not let the enemy get the better of you. He is a defeated foe. To repeat, whatever happens to you in this life the Lord has either caused or allowed to take place. Rest in the fact that God is in complete control of all things.. You cannot fail when you follow God and live according to his standards found in scripture. Until next time walk with the King and be a blessing. rlkeller

Word of the Day

Word for the Day

Paul’s Letter to Titus

          In our opening writing regarding the letter to Titus, the people of Crete were described rather negatively by Paul. In Titus 1:12 he quotes prophet Epimenides of Knossos*having said about them, “The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons.”Paul chimes in by adding, “This is true.”The Cretans are deceitful in all their dealings and gluttonous in their pursuit of pleasure … and that was the church members as well as the non-believers … obviously old habits die-hard. In verse 13 Paul tells Titus to reprimand these folks sternly that they may grow strong in their faith. Apparently some were still practicing that which they had previously done, while others entertained that which was being taught regarding the continued viability of the Law. This in spite Christ’s blood being shed for the remission of all sin.

            People, both then and now, that maintained a pure heart towards the things of God would live a life that is pleasing to the Lord.  Those, who are what I refer to as CINOs or “Christians in Name Only”, still have corrupt minds for they entertain that which is untrue. As Paul says in verse 16, “Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live.”

            Do you know any “believers”like that? If someone claims to believe in God yet exhibits no fruit, they are probably a CINO. Titus 3:10 tells us, “If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.” 2 Timothy 3:5 echoes that sentiment: “They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” Those who follow a decidedly different path in God’s name must be avoided lest we fall away due to false teachings. Paul was keenly aware of this danger and that is why he stressed how Titus needed to handle it.

            Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource:www.biblehub.com; www.biblegateway.com; The Life Application Study Bible.

*Knossos is a port city on the northern coast of the island of Crete.

Word for the Day

Paul’s Letter to Titus

            As we pick up with verse 10 of Chapter 1 we find Paul referencing a common foe to the church of that day. It was none other than the Judaizers.  These false teachers intermingled with Christian churches spreading their version of the Gospel, which was a mixture of grace thru Christ and works thru keeping the Law. Christ satisfied the requirements of the Law once for all time when he shed his blood on the cross. His blood sacrifice didn’t just cover up the peoples sins for a year, but cleansed them or washed them away as if they never existed. The false doctrine of the Judaizers is strongly condemned in Acts 15 and Paul’s Letter to the church in Galatia. 

            The reference Paul makes to the Judaizers, though not mentioned by name, is in verses 10 & 11. A false teaching left unchecked within the house of truth will breed mass confusion. Neither Jew, nor Gentile must still follow the Law of Moses if they have embraced the truth presented in the Gospel of Christ. Paul’s forceful statement in verse 11 leaves us no doubt where he stands and what Titus must do. “They must be silenced …”. The last thing any church needs is conflicting doctrines being presented. 

            How does this minister to us in this present day? There are many false doctrines floating about, which is why a believer in Christ must read the Word of God regularly and attend a Bible believing church. How else would they keep their spirit man strong and vibrant? If you have any doubt as to what church to attend, ask the Lord to reveal where he wants you to go, so that you can grow spiritually and in turn be a blessing to others. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

Paul’s Letter to Titus

            Crete was an island due South of Sparta and Southwest of Ephesus in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Crete was a nasty place, filled with laziness, gluttony, lying and all other sorts of evil. Paul started churches on the island and left Titus, a Greek convert, to organize and oversee the churches. Paul’s letter tells Titus how this was to be done. This letter was, by all accounts, written between Paul’s first and second Roman imprisonments, prior to the writing of his second letter to Timothy (approximately A.D. 64).

            Paul starts out by stating that his is a slave to God and an Apostle of Jesus Christ. There is no requirement to be enslaved to the Lord, it is merely a statement used to establish a person’s dedication to another. His mission from God is to proclaim the faith he has come to embrace and teach the truth that eternal life can be theirs just as God had promised. It is a promise that remains to this very day. Paul adds an exclamation point to that by saying God “does not lie”. 

            Paul left Titus there to appoint elders and continue on completing the work assigned to him. The next paragraph addresses the requirements for elders in the church. It’s serious business that should never be taken lightly. I fear that there are some churches see the things listed as suggestions, rather than requirements. I believe the Lord takes these requirements very seriously or they would not be listed in several letters. You will find them listed in Titus 1:5-9.  

            We will continue in Titus next time. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

Word of the Day

Word for the Day

Word for the Day

One Final Walk Thru Proverbs

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.”– Proverbs 31:30 New Living Translation

            This world honors charm and beauty so much so that people have their looks enhanced surgically to help maintain the illusion that beauty lasts forever. I would venture to say it is a billion dollar business keeping men and women from looking their true age. We are in an age of incredible vanity. Too many people do not allow themselves to age gracefully anymore. It’s sad that they place such a high premium of their looks when they will only die anyway, perhaps without a single thought to their eternal destination.

            Peter writes in his first letter _{(1 Peter 3:3-5)} regarding this very topic when he says: “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands.” In Job 14:2 it declares: “We blossom like a flower and then wither. Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear.” 

            There is a certain special kind of beauty that is found in a woman who loves the Lord. It lies within them and shines forth making their entire person become a reflection of God’s glory. “True holiness and virtue command permanent respect and affection, far more than charm and beauty of face and form.”*

This is the final writing from Proverbs for now. I hope you’ve enjoyed them. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:www.biblegateway.com; The Reformation Study Bible; The NIV Study Bible Notes; *MacArthur Study Bible Notes.

Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

“O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.” – Proverbs 30:7-9 New Living Translation

            Chapter 30 of Proverbs is a compilation of proverbs written by Agur*, son of Jakeh. Other than this we know nothing of either Agur or his father since this is the only mention of them in the entire Bible.  

            These are two excellent requests that this brother makes of the Lord. Regarding lying, one’s integrity is at stake.  It is definitely not a good thing if someone knows they cannot trust you because you run fast and loose with the truth.  We must guard our integrity as if our life depended on it, for without the trust of others we could never be an effective ambassador for Christ.

            It can be said that having either too much or too little of anything is not a favorable situation to be in. Christians are faced with the predicament that great wealth could possibly cause them to deny Christ with their actions, feeling that they may no longer need him. That is a trick of Satan that works only if we allow it to.  Poverty can cause believers to have their faith erode away, thinking God no longer cares for them. The proverb speaks of a proper way to think of our desires. It is not essential to have a multitude of material possessions. Such things tend to take the place of the Lord because they rob us of our attention to spiritual things. While that may not always be the case why invite that possibility into your life? 

            The Lord has riches you can’t possibly imagine in store for the faithful servant who keeps his focus squarely on the things of God throughout their life. Nothing this side of heaven can compare with the blessings he has in store for us as his children. If your main focus in life is accumulating wealth you are, in effect, insulting the Lord by implying that he is not enough. Having much wealth in and of itself isn’t sinful in the least. It all depends on how you got it and what you do with it. Always make your main focus the ways of the Lord and you will be satisfied. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:  www.bibgateway.com; The Life Application Study Bible.    

*Agur ben Jakeh was the compiler of a collection of proverbs found in, which is sometimes known as the Book of Agur or Sayings of Agur.  Note: ‘ben’ means ‘son of ‘ in Hebrew.

Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

“O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.” – Proverbs 30:7-9 New Living Translation

            Chapter 30 of Proverbs is a compilation of proverbs written by Agur*, son of Jakeh. Other than this we know nothing of either Agur or his father since this is the only mention of them in the entire Bible.  

            These are two excellent requests that this brother makes of the Lord. Regarding lying, one’s integrity is at stake.  It is definitely not a good thing if someone knows they cannot trust you because you run fast and loose with the truth.  We must guard our integrity as if our life depended on it, for without the trust of others we could never be an effective ambassador for Christ.

            It can be said that having either too much or too little of anything is not a favorable situation to be in. Christians are faced with the same predicaments as the unsaved, in that great wealth can cause them to deny Christ, feeling that they are no longer in need of him. On the other hand, poverty can cause believers to have their faith erode away, thinking God no longer cares for them. The proverb speaks of a proper way to think of our desires. It is not essential to have a luxury car or opulent home. Such things tend to take the place of the Lord because they rob us of our attention to spiritual things. While that may not always be the case why invite that possibility into your life? 

            The Lord has riches you can’t possibly imagine in store for the faithful servant who keeps his focus squarely on the things of God throughout their life. Nothing this side of heaven can compare with the blessings he has in store for his children. If you main focus in life is accumulating wealth you are, in effect,

insulting the Lord by implying that he is not enough. Having much wealth in and of itself isn’t sinful in the least. It all depends on how you got it and what you do with it. Always make your main focus the ways of the Lord and you will be satisfied. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:  www.bibgateway.com; The Life Application Study Bible.    

*Agur ben Jakeh was the compiler of a collection of proverbs found in, which is sometimes known as the Book of Agur or Sayings of Agur.  Note: ‘ben’ means ‘son of ‘ in Hebrew.

Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.” – Proverbs 29:25 New Living Translation

                        Whether Christian or not, there are times when we are afraid of someone who has crossed our path. It could happen anywhere and when it happens your heart beats just a little faster and your brow becomes furrowed. It’s a natural human response, but it shouldn’t be, at least for the believer in Christ. We’re not alone; read some examples from scripture of those who were afraid of people. 

1 Samuel 15:24 New Living Translation (NLT) - “Then Saul admitted to Samuel, ‘Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded.’” Saul created a situation that was far worse than if he had simply trusted God. He wasn’t using the eyes of faith, but rather human eyes. Our natural sight cannot see into the Spirit world, so he was at a major disadvantage from the start.

Isaiah 51:12 New Living Translation (NLT) - “I, yes I, am the one who comforts you.  So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear?” The Lord speaks to the kingdom of Judah thru his prophet Isaiah questioning why they doubted their God by fearing mortal man. He points out that mortal men are here today and gone tomorrow and absolutely no one to fear.

John 12:42-43 New Living Translation (NLT) – “Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.” Some Jewish leaders believed that Christ was the Messiah, but their fear of being ostracized by the Pharisees kept them silent. Serving the Creator should be far more important to us than fearing any other created being.

            As true believers in Jesus Christ we need to understand that no one can usurp the power and/or authority of Almighty God. Scripture is clear that he is our fortress of safety in any and all circumstances. In Proverbs 18:10 (NLT) Solomon tells us, “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.” Proverbs 28:26 (NLT) compares the foolish and the wise, “Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.” The way I look at things is this: if Almighty God knows all that can be known, is all places at the same time by his Spirit and is the most powerful Spirit being that exists what could possibly happen to those he loves. Only what he allows for purposes of our spiritual growth.  Isaiah 41:10 tells us,“Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Remember, wherever we are he is and he will never leave you alone. What excellent news! Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:www.biblegateway.com; NIV Bible Study Notes.