Daily Writing

Tuesday, 19 June 2018

…who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Titus 2:14

The words, “who gave Himself for us,” are speaking of “our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” of the previous verse. Being God, and as we are fallen, He must judge our sin. However, He gave Himself for us, and thus He is our Savior from that fallen state. Paul then further explains “who gave Himself for us” with the words, “that He might redeem us.”

We required redemption; a price had to be paid for our sins, and it is God Himself who took on that debt, coming in the Person of Jesus Christ, and dying on a cross as our payment. The blood He shed was the proof of His death. It is through this precious blood of the Lamb that our redemption is secured (1 Peter 1:19). Thus He redeemed “us from every lawless deed.”

God has a set law. Infractions of that law are lawlessness. Christ Jesus came to pay the penalty for those deeds. His perfect life was exchanged for our fallen, imperfect ones. But not only did He pay the debt for our lawless deeds, He died in fulfillment of the law. For those in Christ, we also die to law. Thus sin can no longer be imputed to us. Truly then, the redeemed of the Lord are redeemed from every lawless deed.

But Paul continues. He says that Christ also came to “purify for Himself His own special people.” The words Paul chooses here are taken directly from the Old Testament Greek (the Septuagint) when speaking of Israel. Vincent’s Word Studies notes that the term is found in Exodus 19:5; Exodus 23:22; Deuteronomy 7:6; Deuteronomy 14:2; and Deuteronomy 26:18. He says that, “The phrase was originally applied to the people of Israel, but is transferred there to believers in Messiah – Jews and Gentiles.”

We have been redeemed in order that we can become a special people to God, just as Israel was. In this act, and in the use of this term by Paul, many scholars then make the jump in logic that this means the Church has now replaced Israel, thus becoming “spiritual Israel.” This is a category mistake, and it is gigantic error. Just because we have become a special people to God, it doesn’t mean that we have replaced God’s chosen people, Israel. We have simply joined into the commonwealth of blessing of which they already participate in.

To understand this, we can think of two baskets of olives. God chooses one basket and draws it out for Himself, Israel. He takes the fruit out of it as needed for His oil. At some point, however, the olives in the basket which are good are so few in number that He then draws out another basket, Gentiles. That basket has an immense supply of good fruit, so much so that it becomes the predominant fruit used for oil. The oil runs into the bottles is mixed with an almost insignificant amount of Jewish oil. However, that is still coming from the basket of Israel. The two baskets remain separate and distinct.

Now, over the many centuries, the basket of Gentile fruit is starting to really get crummy. The number of good olives is rapidly diminishing, but the number of Israel fruit is on the increase. The categories have never changed, and one did not replace the other. It simply has become the predominant source of oil for a period of time. Although not a perfect analogy, one can see that each basket remained the same. One did not replace the other. While the Gentile basket is being predominately used, Paul then says that we are God’s own special people for a reason. It is to be “zealous for good works.”

Here Paul uses the word zélótés. It is the same as a Zealot, as is described in Luke 6:15, and Acts 1:13. It denotes a person who “boils over with passion,” and thus is an enthusiast (see HELPS Word Studies). God has redeemed us, and now it is anticipated that we will work out that salvation in good works which are in gratitude for the salvation we have been given.

In all, Paul’s words reflect a process which began with God in Christ Jesus, which leads to our redemption, and which is then to be acted upon by us. Paul explains this process to Timothy, calling it the mystery of godliness –

“God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16

In this mystery, there is an anticipated response from us, which is to continue to share this good news, and to act upon it with lives of holiness, and which are dedicated to accomplishing good works in gratitude for our salvation.

Life application: Care needs to be taken when evaluating verses which are taken from the Old Testament and then applied to the church. It is true that the same term concerning God’s special people is applied to the church that was once applied to Israel. It is false that the Gentile-led church has replaced Israel. Categories matter. Don’t mix up the boxes!

Lord God, how good it is to know that You have kept Your promises to Israel which are found in the Old Testament, and which are repeated in the New. Their faithlessness has not negated Your faithfulness. Instead, You are shown even more faithful as they have carelessly wandered from You. Your word cannot be nullified through our actions. And what a great reassurance for each of us concerning our individual salvation. Hallelujah! We are saved with a guarantee. Thank You for this reassurance. Amen.

Monday, 18 June 2018

…looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Titus 2:13

Paul has just said that God’s salvation has appeared to all men. This then teaches us how to live in this present age. But the reason for the proper living isn’t just based on this life. If it were, what would be the point in living as Paul has directed? He told us that we are to deny ungodliness. That implies there is a God. He told us to deny worldly lusts. But if this life is all there is, then worldly lusts should be at the very heart of our existence. And he told us to live “soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”

If this is our only age of existence, then to conduct ourselves in such a manner would be futile, hopeless, and a ridiculous waste of time. We would squander our one chance at existence, waste the fun we could have had, miss out on the opportunity to try every possible delight, and we would die and dissolve into the nothingness we were before we were born.

It is undeniable that if this life is all there is, we might as well live it freely and go out with a bang. However, Paul tells us that we are to live in these proper ways because we are “looking for the blessed hope.” The words “looking for” cannot be speaking about something we now possess, but something we are in anticipation of. We are waiting for something other than what is found in this present age, and which is apart from the world as we now exist in it.

The “blessed hope” then is that which transcends both the age and the world. Paul explains what is on his mind in 1 Corinthians 15 –

“And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! ¹⁸ Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. ¹⁹ If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” 1 Corinthians 15:17-19

As Christians, our hope is not grounded “in this life.” Rather, it is grounded in what comes after this life. This is the main theme of Paul’s words, and it is that which is far greater than this futile existence in which man otherwise finds himself. Therefore, our blessed hope is eternal life in a state and quality which we cannot yet even fathom. This wonderful promised existence is said to come with the “glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

The “glorious appearing” is speaking of that time when Christ comes for His people. There are various views on when this will occur, but a proper study of the doctrine reveals that for those in the church age, meaning the dispensation of grace, it will be at a point in time known as the “pre-tribulation rapture.” The term “pre-tribulation” points to a time before the seven years of tribulation, described in both Testaments of the Bible, which will come upon the world. The term “rapture” is a word that is explained in detail by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4. It is a moment in time when the Lord will come and translate His people to the glorious state in which they will forever-afterward exist.

The term “of our God” is speaking of Jesus Christ. God is unseen except as He is revealed through Jesus Christ. We do not see either the Father or the Holy Spirit. Therefore, this appearing will be that of Jesus Christ. This description of Him is then furthered by the term, “and Savior.” Jesus Christ is not only our God, but He is our Savior.

There is one God, and He is the God of all that exists. Whether acknowledged or not, God is the God of all people. However, not all people are saved. This is why Paul limits his terminology to Jesus. He is the God of Christians, and He is also their Savior. What He has in store for His people is the blessed hope which Paul speaks of.

Life application: Instead of “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”, let us look forward to our blessed hope; the glorious appearing of Christ for His people! This is the reason for circumspect living at this time. We will all stand before Him to receive rewards for our deeds done in the body now. Instead of loss, let us strive for great gain. All deeds that we do now which are in faith shall be rewarded as such.

Lord God, Your word calls for us to live in holiness now because of the anticipation of what lies ahead. If this life is all there is, there is really no reason to live in a right, moral, or circumspect manner. Those who deny God with their lips, but who attempt to live in a moral manner now, belie in their actions what their lips proclaim. Help us not to be foolish in our lives, but to work them out in holiness as we anticipate the glory which is yet ahead because of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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.