Daily Writing

Sunday, 24 June 2018

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, Titus 3:4

Paul’s words of verse 3 spoke of the disobedience of believers prior to coming to Christ, including all of the perverse and hateful things they participated in. Now he begins to contrast that to the greatness of God, and what he has done for us, even while we were in that detestable and unrighteous state. This contrast begins to be seen immediately with the word, “But.” It is Paul’s way of saying, “We were this way, BUT! Let me now tell you about the greatness of God’s love.” And so he begins with, “But when the kindness and the love of God…”

We were “foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.” Despite this, God was still willing to overlook what we had done because of what He had accomplished for us apart from anything we had done. It was an act of kindness, and it was an act of love. The Greek word translated as “kindness” is used only by Paul. It signifies “meeting real needs, in God’s way, in His timing” (HELPS Word Studies). Our needs were met, and love was poured out by “God our Savior.” The Greek reads, “the Savior of us, God.”

God, meaning God the Father, is contrasted to Jesus our Savior here. What this means is that God the Father initiated the process of salvation, and He appointed His Son to accomplish the work to be done. It is this kindness and love of God which then was directed “toward man.” This takes us immediately back to the thought of the previous verse. It was not just toward man, but toward fallen man as Paul described. We were in a wretched state before God, and yet God directed His kindness and love towards us anyway. It is this unfathomable display of God’s unlimited grace which Paul says has “appeared.”

That which has appeared will be qualified in the next verse, and then it will be stated in the verse after that. But we know who it is that has appeared. It is Christ Jesus our Lord. Thank God for Him. The words here are reflective of what Paul says in Romans 5:8 –

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Life application: There is no merit in our salvation. We were as far from God as we could possibly be. The infinite gap could never be bridged, nor could a ladder rise so high. Only God could make the connection once again. As this was an act of His grace, let us never boast that it is otherwise. All glory is to be laid at the feet of Christ Jesus our Lord. God’s kindness and love have appeared and saved us.

Lord God, we were in a wretched state; cut off and without hope in this world. And yet, despite this, Your kindness and love towards us were made manifest in the giving of Your Son for our sin. Your love toward us while we were still sinners is marvelous, and we have received it as such. Let us not now squander that glorious salvation which You have wrought. But help us to live out that gift of life with gratitude and thanks which is displayed in honor towards You. Amen.

Saturday, 23 June 2018

For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. Titus 3:3

In the previous verses, Paul spoke of being subject to rulers, and to act in a manner which is right in conduct towards others. In this context, he begins this verse with, “For we ourselves…” Paul is not speaking merely of himself and Titus, but of all believers. This is clearly evident from the content of the coming verses. He is making a general statement about all people – the life that we live in our fallen human nature. With this understanding, he says that we “were also once foolish.”

The word indicates “not thinking.” Thus it is someone who is unmindful of their actions and who acts in a dense or mindless way. As HELPS Word Studies says it, such a person is “just plain stupid.”

Next, Paul says that we were once also “disobedient.” It speaks of someone who is unwilling to be persuaded, and thus acts in a contrary manner. In the case of religion, it would be someone who is unwilling to be persuaded by God. God has revealed himself in certain ways, such as through creation. His self-revelation makes His nature and being obvious, and yet we outwardly rebel against what is obvious, doing what we prefer instead of what He prefers.

We also were once “deceived.” The idea is of one who sways from the proper path, roaming into error, or simply being misled. The Greek word is planaó, and it is where the word “planet” is derived from. A planet is a “wandering body,” unlike the stars whose course appears constant and predictable. The use of the word in the Bible almost always describes the sin of roaming from what is proper.

Paul next says that we also were once “serving various lusts and pleasures.” It is actually stronger in the Greek, indicating slavery to desires and pleasures. Instead of living in a right, circumspect, and moral manner, we as humans participate in that which is corrupt, becoming enslaved to our passions and earthly desires. As slaves, we act in a manner which is obedient to the flesh, honoring it as our master.

In addition to this, he notes that we also once were “living in malice and envy.” The word translated as malice signifies “evil.” Thus we have an evil bent in our minds which is then worked out in outward evil conduct and in doing harm to others (malice). We are also consumed with envy towards those around us who possess what we desire, but do not have. Together, the malice and envy form a deadly cocktail which can, and often does, result in real harm to those who are the target of our unhealthy attitude.

Paul finishes the verse of how we once also were by saying that we were “hateful and hating one another.” The word translated as “hateful” is found only here in the Bible. It signifies people who actively and purposefully hate things that are good. It is an attitude which is repulsive. HELPS Word Studies says that it is seen “…when ‘self-revealed failure’ is apparent even to the perpetrator of a crime.” In the end, such hatred is actually a hatred of God. As noted above, He has revealed Himself in a manner which is obvious. But fallen man refuses to participate in loving Him. Instead, we act out in a hateful manner. Paul then combines this with “hating one another.” In being hateful, we transfer that corrupt state of self outwardly, acting hatefully to others. There is no sense of brotherly love, but of ill-will.

Life application: We all have these negative qualities inside of us, whether we act on them or not. It is a part of human nature. The further we are from a life of godliness, the more these will be acted out. They will be on prominent display in our life and conduct. Eventually, we become like brute animals. A sufficient example is to look at those who are in gangs. They display most of these traits towards the world around them. Their only allegiance is to self-gain, and there is no regard for the Creator, or for those created in His image. Without Christ, this nature exists and can be brought forward from anyone. The tribulation period will demonstrate this on a global scale.

Lord God, our human nature is one which is fallen, and which is at enmity with You. Without Christ Jesus, life is a bad path which can easily degrade into the vilest conduct towards You, towards others, and towards self. Thank You that we can be freed from the flesh to walk in the Spirit because of Jesus. In this, we can and will become vessels which are holy and acceptable to You. And so Lord, help us to apply Your word to our daily walk always. Amen.

Friday, 22 June 2018

…to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. Titus 3:2

Paul’s words here continue the previous verse. They are words to Titus concerning instruction that he is to give to all in the congregation. He had just instructed him to tell “them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work.” He now adds to that with, “to speak evil of no one.”

The Greek reads, “to not blaspheme anyone.” As he has just been speaking of rulers, the idea probably is meant towards them first. It is very easy to speak evil of rulers and authorities. For the Christian, this should not be the case. However, Paul extends it to all. Not only are we to be subject to the ruling authorities, giving them respect, we are to act in that manner with everyone we encounter. We are not to speak ill of them, slander them, or defame them. Our words should be words of edification, not destruction, towards and about others.

Paul then notes that believers are “to be peaceable.” The word is actually a negative, “not contentious.” It signifies one who abstains from fighting. Instead of arguing or beating others up, we are to use words of encouragement and give a hand of support.

Next, he notes, “gentle.” The word gives the sense of acting in a fair and reasonable manner. HELPS Word Studies says that it signifies “‘gentle’ in the sense of truly fair by relaxing overly strict standards in order to keep the ‘spirit of the law.’” In that case, it would indicate not acting in a legalistic, over-bearing way.

The verse then ends with, “showing all humility to all men.” The previous word, gentle, is an outward way of acting. This one, humility, is an inner trait. This word signifies a mild, meek, and humble demeanor. Paul says that believers are to have this quality, and then they are to display it towards all men. There is to be a gracious nature to our character as we interact with our fellow believers, remembering that we are in the presence of God and thus our humility is as much an acknowledgment of Him as it is towards those we encounter.

Life application: As we look at our fellow believers, we might see the traits Paul has been stating either being put into action, or they might be completely lacking. If we can notice these things in others, then we obviously can apply them to ourselves. Hold fast to what is good, reject that which is contrary to the word, and demonstrate the qualities that have been described to the best of your ability at all times.

Lord God; Almighty Father – You have given us words of how we are to act, and the character we are to display towards others. It is so easy to stray from those exhortations. We get upset at our leaders, we have disagreements with those we encounter, we get hungry or tired and our emotions get sour. Help us to realize our limitations, and to step back from speech or action which would be harmful to our witness of You before others lest we act in an inappropriate manner. Surely we need Your continuous prompting in this! Amen.

Thursday, 21 June 2018

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, Titus 3:1

“Them” here is referring to all in the congregation. It is inclusive of all of the categories mentioned in Chapter 2 – older men, older women, young women, young men, and bondservants. Paul exhorts Titus to “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities.”

Paul states this same type of thought in Romans 13:1. There he also includes a reason –

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”

In Chapter 2, Paul addressed issues which were reflective of life in general, especially in regards to home and church matters. These words go beyond those more local issues, and they embrace conduct for Christians in the society at large. “Rulers and authorities” is speaking of any level of government, from the local town magistrates, all the way up to the Roman emperor. Christians are to be subject to such.

Nothing has changed today except the structure of the government. Wherever members of the church are to be found, whether in Sarasota, Florida or Timbuktu, Mali, Christians are expected to be subject to those in power over them. The form of government may be a republic, a monarchy, socialist, or communist; but Christians are to live within the confines of their rulers and authorities, being obedient to their laws. The exception, however, concerns any law which conflicts with their duty to God.

An example would be abortion. It is legal, and therefore Christians are to accept this (even if working legally to have the law changed) within the culture, not going around blowing up people who perform them. They are also to pay their taxes, even if some of those taxes are used by the government for such purposes, knowing that taxes are used for a whole host of governmental projects. And yet, Christians themselves may not participate in abortion because it is contrary to God’s expectations for His people; abortion is murder.

When faced with either performing mandatory abortions (such as a doctor or nurse), or being told they must have a mandatory abortion, the Christian is to reject this and hold God’s law above that of man. At times, such decisions may be very hard to evaluate as to what should or should not be done. An understanding of God’s word, and a reliance on His direction, is always necessary to help form proper decisions.

Paul next says, “to obey.” Christians are to obey their leaders, except in matters contrary to God’s law. The word of God must take first priority in the believer’s life.

He then says, “to be ready for every good work.” Jesus said to the Jews that they were to render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s. Likewise, Christians should be ready to perform any “good work” within their nation that the government directs. If it includes working in the government, serving in the military, or paying taxes, those things are to be accomplished without rebellion. Again, unless the work requested or mandated is contrary to the word of God, the believer is to be ready to accomplish it.

Life application: Happily or unfortunately, we are stuck in this world under whatever government we exist. Christians have a responsibility to do what is required of them while that state exists. This includes, if a part of a society which holds votes, using their vote to effect change within that society. Christians who fail to use their vote for good, are guilty of allowing the lack of their vote to be used for bad. All things in this life are temporary, but as long as we are living it, we are to live it responsibly, and to the glory of God.

Heavenly Father, as Christians we have the unique position of being under two forms of government at one time. We live in lands where human governments rule, and Your word instructs us on how to live in such a situation. But we also live under Your government, and we are obligated to live in accord with Your word. When the two conflict, we are to hold to Your word and will above all else. Give us wisdom in this. Help us as we seek to do what You would intend for us at all times. Amen.

Wednesday, 20 June 2018

Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. Titus 2:15

Chapter 2 ends with a note similar to the opening of the chapter –

v.1 – But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:
v. 15 – Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority.

In both, Titus is exhorted to “speak.” Paul doesn’t want his appointed leader to merely sit and absorb information. He is to transmit it properly and with all authority. The words here are also very similar to words spoken to Timothy at one time or another as we shall see. He begins the verse with, “Speak these things.” This sums up everything that has been said concerning the various groups of people in the church – the older men, the older women, the young women, the young men, and the bondservants. The words of instruction for each class is to be relayed on by Titus. This is similar to his words to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:2. There he said, “Teach and exhort these things.”

Next, he says, “exhort.” The Greek word gives the idea of, “to make a call.” It refers to teaching things as if offering evidence that will stand up in God’s court. The same word is used by Paul to Timothy also in 2 Timothy 4:2. There he says, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” 

In this case, he instructs to “exhort with all authority.” Paul instructed Timothy on how to exhort. For example, to the older man, he is to “exhort him as a father” (1 Timothy 5:1). As we have seen, in 2 Timothy 4:2, he is to do so “with all longsuffering and teaching.” Here, understanding the state of those on Crete (and which carries on even today), he is to do so with all authority. He is to stand on the word of God, not waffle under pressure, and not cave to the fallen desires of those in the congregation. Instead, he is to build them up, drawing them from the worldly life they have been brought from, and into a life of holiness and sanctity. Because of the word of God, Titus has a divine commission, and he has divine authority which he is to use as such.

The reason exhortation is so important is that many times people will hear the pastor speak, and they will apply his words up to a certain point and stop. That point is when it becomes too hard to live by the words of instruction. At such times, they fall back on God’s mercy, instead of standing in obedience to His word. Exhortation is needed to show them that this is not the proper attitude to display.

Paul finishes up with, “Let no one despise you.” To Timothy, he said, “Let no one despise your youth.” He then followed that up with “…but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” This is certainly the same idea being transmitted to Titus, but without the words being explicitly stated. By being an example, as outlined also to Timothy, he would keep from being despised.

The word of God, and a life honoring of Him, should naturally cause those being led to showing honor for the position. This, however, is not always the case. Some people find it joyous to use up the elders or pastors of a church, and then to walk away from them rejoicing over the person they have destroyed. This type of person is included in the thought. Titus was to be aware of those entrusted to him, and to handle each according to godly wisdom.

Life application: It is necessary that Paul’s words to Titus are to be read, remembered, and applied to the life of all those who are in positions of authority within the church. But they are also to be read, remembered, and acted upon by all those who attend the church. It is the responsibility of all to ensure the pastor is doing his job in accord with the word, but they are also to accept his doing of the job (if done properly) without despising him or his position. The two must work in harmony together.

Lord God, it is amazing to see how people will gladly apply the word to their lives while things are going well. But as soon as things get difficult, they will punt the word, ignore the instructions, and rely on your continued mercy, even in their disobedience. True faithfulness comes when we stick to Your word even to our own hurt or distaste. And so help us to always live and act in accord with what You have stated at all times, even when it means a state of unhappiness may be the result. Help us in this, O Lord. Amen.