Epistles

Sunday, 17 June 2018

…teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, Titus 2:12

Paul now takes the exhortations of the previous verses, and he explains the reason for them. The last thing he relayed was that “the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” Jesus is that grace of God which is offered. In response, we are to act in a manner which is appropriate to the grace we have received. This then is what is intended. It is “teaching us.” The word signifies discipline, even punishment. It is the kind of chastening that is intended to train up a child. Charles Ellicott states the intent. He says it is “educating us by life’s sad experiences. God’s grace is in truth a stern discipline of self-denial and training for higher things.”

Understanding the context, Paul says this process is “teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts” is for a specific purpose. In our lives, we are to refuse to affirm any actions which would be ungodly. That includes a life of irreverence, wickedness, and refusing to give honor to God. We are also to refuse to participate in any worldly lusts. This speaks of inordinate desires, passions, and urges. We are to deny such things which are contrary to lives of holiness, and we are to “live soberly.”

Here Paul uses the adverbial form of another word that is found in the pastoral epistles. It signifies acting sensibly and with a sound mind. Thus it speaks of living moderately and in a manner which is true to our calling.

He then says we are to live “righteously.” This speaks of being judicially approved. It was first used in comparison to Jesus on the cross in Luke 23 –

Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
⁴⁰ But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? ⁴¹ And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

In other words, just as Jesus had done nothing unjust and yet was sentenced, the criminals had received their punishment justly. So we are to walk in a manner like that of Christ Jesus.

Paul then continues with, “and godly.” It is an adverb found only here and in 2 Timothy 3:12. It signifies living piously. Our inward actions are to be exhibited in godly outward conduct.

Finally, Paul says that all of these are to be continued in us “in the present age.” This signifies during our entire time in this earthly walk. We have a time ahead where there will be a different order of things. But now, we are stuck in these fallen bodies and in a fallen world. We are to rise above these things though, and we are to conduct our lives in a manner which is appropriate to our calling based on the grace of God found in Christ Jesus.

Life application: There can be no doubt that the words of this verse are difficult to apply to our lives at times. We face many stresses such as hunger, lack of sleep, noisy neighbors, or whatever. They can cause us to get unhinged and off track. But Paul exhorts us to do our utmost to live in a manner worthy of our calling at all times. This is what is good and honorable, and so let us pursue this to the greatest extent possible.

Lord God, we can sure face our limitations at any given time. We get hungry, we tire from a lack of sleep, or we might stub our toe and lose our cool. Help us to continue on in a manner which is right and proper in such times. Help us to think on Your word, and to be ready to keep from failing to act in a way which is right, godly, and proper. Amen.

Saturday, 16 June 2018

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, Titus 2:11

The word “For” is given based on what Paul has just said about bondservants. They are to be obedient and show all good fidelity in order to adorn the doctrine of “God our Savior in all things.” Therefore, “For” is based on the conduct of bondservants in relation to the doctrine which speaks of Jesus Christ. Understanding this, translations of this verse fall into one of two categories as seen in these examples:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men
For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men

Scholars argue whether “has appeared” is referring to “the grace of God,” or “to all men.” The translation will support either thought. Whichever way, the thought is one of God’s grace being seen through the finished work of Christ. It is this which brings salvation, and all men have the opportunity to respond to it.

Depending on the translation, the focus is on either God’s plan of salvation being revealed to all men – Jew or Gentile, young or old, black or white, bond or free, etc. – so that any and all are saved in the same way. Or, the focus is that the plan was prepared in such a way that it would make the salvation of all men possible; no person being excluded from His grace. In the end, the choice of translation doesn’t change the overall truth that God has a plan of salvation which is one of grace, and that all men may participate in it.

Paul is explaining this so that the bondservants understand why they are to act in the manner in which he speaks. They are in no way excluded from salvation and heavenly reward based on their lowly station in this life.

Life application: As you can see from this verse, nothing in your life should hinder you from being completely obedient to the doctrine which is laid down for us in the epistles. Any and all should be happy to comply with the instructions which are given, because any and all are accepted because of the work of Christ. If you have received Him, you are redeemed, and your heavenly destiny is secure.

Lord God, help each of us to bring glory and honor to You with our lives. Remind us that no matter what our earthly position is, we all enjoy the same salvation. There is no distinction between cultures, colors, or position within the society in which we live regarding our salvation. We all have the same access to Your wonderful grace which has come through the giving of Your Son. Thank You for this. Amen.

Friday, 15 June 2018

…not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. Titus 2:10

Paul continues to explain to Titus how he should exhort bondservants. He continues his list of admonitions for them with, “not pilfering.” The word used is rare, having only been seen elsewhere in Acts 5:2 and 5:3 where Ananias “kept back” a part of his property which he had devoted to the church. The idea of the word is to appropriate for one’s own benefit, and thus to purloin. A slave, regardless of his status, was to deal with his master, and the others he came in contact with, in integrity. He was to accept his station as one which did not include a wage, and he was to live within those confines.

Paul continues next with, “but showing all good fidelity.” This is a contrast to “not pilfering.” Bondservants who are also Christians are to demonstrate the highest trust, so that there would be no question of their faithfulness. There is already such an example for believers, right in the first book of the Bible. Of Joseph, it said –

“So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. ⁵ So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. ⁶ Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate.” Genesis 39:4-6

If anyone had a reason to complain about his unfortunate station in life, it was Joseph, and yet he was a faithful slave to his master, showing all good fidelity. This continued on in his life, even when he was sent to prison for a crime he did not commit –

“And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. ²³ The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.” Genesis 29:22, 23

Paul then explains why he has so commanded this life for bondservants. It is so “that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” As a crown adorns the head so that all can see it and be impressed by it, so bondservants were to adorn themselves with honesty and integrity so that others could look at them and see the epitome of faithfulness, despite their lowly state. In this, they would bring honor to the name of Jesus, and also bring attention to the Gospel to which they had become obedient. If obedience to the Gospel meant such a life of character, it would be a true sign of its power.

Life application: Are you in a position of working for another? Even if you work in isolation from others, the quality and timeliness of your efforts will be noticeable. How much more when you are constantly seen by others! No matter what your job duties call for, do them to the very best of your abilities, not for the sake of being seen by men, but because they will be seen by men who will then evaluate your efforts in light of your profession of Jesus Christ as your Lord. When you proclaim Christ, it is Jesus who is truly being evaluated by others when they watch you.

Heavenly Father, as we go off to work, or to the other things we will do today, help us to remember that we are being used as markers to evaluate the Lord we profess. If we are known by the sacred title of “Christian,” then what others see in our life, work quality, timeliness, and conduct will be an evaluation of our allegiance to Him as much as anything else. And so may we perform our daily duties with the utmost faithfulness and care. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

Thursday, 14 June 2018

Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, Titus 2:9

This verse is reflective of the words of Ephesians 6:5 –

“Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;” 

The issue of bondservants is also addressed in Colossians 3:22-25, 1 Timothy 6:1, 2, and elsewhere. Now to Titus, who is on Crete, he repeats instructions for this group with the words, “Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters.” A bondservant is a slave, either voluntarily or involuntarily. His work comes without recompense for his labors. It is a life we no longer have in our world today, and so the closest analogy we can draw is a worker under an employer. The same premise holds true for both. The bonded servant is to be obedient to his master, and the worker is to be faithful to his employer.

Paul then continues with, “to be pleasing in all things.” The labor of the slave, or the work of the employee, is to be cheerfully done, thankfully accomplished, and tirelessly conducted. Jesus, using the same word, doulos, or “bondservant,” said the following –

“And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? ⁸ But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? ⁹ Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. ¹⁰ So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” Luke 17:7-10

Paul is following along in his instructions. The New Testament, contrary to the teaching of many liberal pastors, does not attempt to usurp the governing customs and laws of a given land. Paul does tell bondservants that if they can gain their freedom, that is acceptable (1 Corinthians 7:21), but he never attempts to override the laws of the land in the process. He next continues to explain “to be pleasing in all things” by saying, “not answering back.”

The bondservants (and the employees) are not to set about contradicting their master (or employer), nor are they to be disobedient to them. Instead, they are to accept their instructions, and they are to faithfully carry them out without complaint. This is the standard expected of those who are under the charge of another.

Life application: If you want to get fired, just be belligerent, slothful, or careless in your job. When you are let go, you will normally only have yourself (combined with a refusal to comply with the words of Scripture) to blame. If you want to be considered faithful to the word of God, you will be faithful to the one who has charge over you in your employ.

Glorious God, Provider of all that we have, help us to be thankful for the jobs we possess. It is so easy to complain about where we work and who we work for, but in the world today, nobody is forcing us to remain in our employ. As long as we are there, You would have us act obediently, conduct our duties faithfully, and strive to tirelessly work for those we are under. Give us the desire to fulfill this in our work lives. Amen.

Wednesday, 13 June 2018

…sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Titus 2:8

Paul’s words of exhortation to Titus, which are so that he can be an example to the younger men, continue here. He admonishes him that in doctrine he is to show “sound speech that cannot be condemned.”

The word translated as “sound” is hugiés. It gives the sense of wholesome or healthy. It is the basis for our modern word “hygiene.” The words of Titus were to always be that which would be beneficial. This would include both private conversations as well as his public speaking. Those to whom he spoke should be invigorated and built up by the words which he uttered. In this, his words would not “be condemned.”

The thought is that nothing could be spoken against what he said, as if he were to be blamed as a corrupting influence. Paul alludes to this type of thought in Ephesians 5:4 where he mentions filthiness, foolish talking, and coarse jesting, “which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.”

He then next gives the reason for this with the words, “that one who is an opponent may be ashamed.” An opponent of the gospel will search for its weaknesses as found in those who proclaim it. If a pastor or a preacher is found to violate his office by having an affair, an opponent will take pride in heralding this as a failure of the individual. The same is true with an elder’s speech. When he speaks that which is not wholesome and uplifting, it will be a point by which the opponent can boast over him. However, in always being circumspect in his words, Paul tells Titus that this will not be a point of boasting. He will instead be “ashamed, having nothing evil to be spoken of you.”

A person who is morally upright, and whose words are wholesome and pure may be attacked in various ways, but his conduct and speech will not be a part of it. One can think of the attacks against various Christian politicians. They may be the brunt of attacks, but those attacks are often empty. There is no basis for them, and those who make them are the ones who wind up looking foolish. This is the thought that Paul conveys to Titus, and thus to all who enter the ministry.

Life application: The world is watching. It is evaluating the ministers, preachers, and missionaries of the gospel. The judgments of the people concerning the gospel will be based upon the words and actions of those whose duty it is to spread it. It is therefore necessary for those so appointed to always guard their actions and their tongues.

Gracious, merciful, and exalted God! How good it is to know that You are there watching over us. You watch over a billion galaxies and more, and yet You also carefully watch over Your people here on earth. It is amazing to know that we can reach out to You because of Christ Jesus, and we can open our hearts to You in times of joy and in times of need. Thank You for such close attention to us! All glory to Your name. Amen.