Daily Writing

Thursday, 7 June 2018

…that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; Titus 2:2

Paul now states “the things which are proper for sound doctrine” noted in the previous verse. He begins with “the older men.” This is not a category such as the elders in the church. Instead, it is speaking of men of age. His words are especially important in this regard for this category of men because the Christian faith was new to the region. Those who were older had spent their entire lives as pagans, and not only pagans, but such as were described in Chapter 1. They would need to now set a new example. Paul starts the list of that which is proper with the word “sober.”

The word is used three times, and only in the pastoral epistles. It indicates “sober” or “not intoxicated.” Although there is scholarly disagreement on its meaning, this does not mean that a person in such a position could not drink alcohol at all. That would be contrary to the entire body of Scripture in both testaments. Rather, it would extend to mean that they are not to be intoxicated from alcohol. As much as the word speaks of sobriety, it is figuratively used to mean “circumspect.” It is a warning not against drinking alcohol, but allowing any sin to infect his conduct. A person not known for such an attitude was to be rejected.

Next, they are to be “reverent.” The word signifies that which is honorable, or which bears dignity. HELPS Word Studies says that it indicates, “deeply respected because viewed as majestic (having gravity).”

After this, he says they are to be “temperate.” It is a word found four times, and only in the pastoral epistles. It signifies soundness of mind. Such a person is to be well-balanced from God’s perspective. It is a person who lives according to the word of God, setting the boundaries of his life in accord with that word. Thus, a good definition of this word would be “discreet and discerning.” HELPS Word Studies gives the following example: “An opera singer controls the length (quality) of their tones by their diaphragm which even controls the ability to breathe and moderates heartbeat. Hence it regulates (‘brings safety’) to the body, keeping it properly controlled.]”

Paul then says that such are to be “sound in faith.” Those who have called on Christ are to not waffle in their convictions, but are to be steadfast in the faith which they profess. When someone comes to them looking for encouragement during tough times, they are to remind him that Jesus had tougher times, and that He endured them for our sake. Now believers are to be sound in their faith concerning His having prevailed over this life. Further, they are not to tolerate aberrant doctrine which would diminish the faithful life of other believers. They are to hold fast to what is moral, pure, and undefiled.

After this, Paul notes [sound in] love. Older men were to possess love, and convey that love to all. There should be a resolute form of volitional love of the body, and for the lost. But even more, they are to possess the love of God in the highest degree, being grateful to Him for the salvation which He granted to those of the faith.

Finally, Paul says that they are to be [sound in] patience. The word gives the sense of “endurance.” Despite the challenges of life, the older men are to exhibit faithful patience (endurance) in and through them. Thus, they would be examples to the younger men of how to persevere through the challenges that lay ahead for them as well.

Life application: Paul’s words to the older men are not cultural, nor are they temporary for the times of the early church. They are prescriptive writings which are given for the duration of the church age. At all times, older men are to exhibit these qualities, because it is these that reflect what is sound in doctrine. In their example, others should be able to find strength to act in the same manner in their own lives.

Gracious heavenly Father, you have been so very good to us in giving Your Son for our reconciliation to You. Now Lord, help us to respond to that calling, and to live out our lives pursuing sound doctrine leading to holiness. It is holiness to which You have called us, and it is holiness in us which You desire. Therefore, guide us on this beautiful path which You have called us to walk upon. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, 6 June 2018

But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: Titus 2:1

Paul has set forth the qualifications for elders, and then explained their necessary tasks, particularly speaking against those who bring in false doctrines. Now, he will relay what the teaching of wholesome doctrine is intended to bring about in the people of the church. In order to come to this, he begins Chapter 2 with, “But as for you.” This is the contrast between Titus (and any proper teacher) and the false teachers spoken about in Chapter 1.

For a person to be realized as a sound teacher, he says, “…speak the things which are proper.” The word translated here as “are proper” is prepó. We can think of the word “prepare” here. It comes from a verb meaning, “to tower up,” and thus it relays the sense of “to become conspicuous,” or to “stand out.” Those things which have been carefully studied, and which will rightly relay the intent of the Lord are what should be spoken. It is these things which are “for sound doctrine.”

The Greek actually reads, “for the sound doctrine.” There is an article before sound doctrine. One can have sound doctrine in philosophy, medicine, or jurisprudence, but that is not what Paul is speaking of. He is speaking of the sound doctrine of the church. The word translated as “doctrine” is used by Paul 19 times in his letters. He uses it 15 times in the 3 pastoral epistles. Outside of Paul, it is found only 2 other times in the New Testament. It means “instruction,” or “teaching.”

The high use of the word in the pastorals shows us the importance of proper teaching in the church, and especially in regards to those in leadership positions. The other two times it is used apart from Paul, it is seen in Jesus’ words when speaking of those leaders in Israel who teach “as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). This is what Paul warned about in Chapter 1. The teaching of God’s people is to be from the word of God, and it is to be taught carefully, in context, and according to the proper dispensation. In the case of the Gentile-led church age, the proper doctrine is to be first and foremost from Paul’s epistles.

Life application: Have you ever read a commentary or an article that says proper doctrine is not a main concern in New Testament times? Such writings are actually quite common, and one must ask what the people were smoking before writing them. Sound doctrine is extremely hard work, and it is also work which often finds the teacher ridiculed or spoken against. This is because those with unsound doctrine want to do what they want to do, regardless as to what the Bible teaches. If they are shown, clearly and properly, what they believe is wrong, they will rant against the teacher as if it is he that is the heretic. It can be unsettling, but it is always right to proclaim what is sound, and to refute those who are unwilling to do the hard work in order to show themselves approved.

Lord God, there is often an all-out assault on those who teach Your word properly. It is because Your word is like a mirror on their disobedient lives. It is so much easier to make stuff up in order to tickle people’s ears. But when the truth of the word is taught, it is quickly attacked as “hate speech,” “politically incorrect,” or “divisive.” Who cares? Shall we jump on the train to Heretic Haven just because people are offended? Or shall we stand on Your word and be found approved on that coming Day when we stand before You? The choice is clear. Guard our doctrine, and keep us close to Your word at all times. Amen.

Tuesday, 5 June 2018

They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. Titus 1:16

Paul continues speaking in line with previous verses which highlight those who spread “Jewish fables.” In this, “They profess to know God.” In knowing the Jewish culture, and in teaching from Jewish traditions and writings, these people appear to be sound in their theology. The Christian faith is derived out of the Jewish Scriptures which detail the coming Messiah. Therefore, it seems only natural that those who teach “all things Jewish” must be the most spiritual of all!

As ludicrous as this may sound, it is a theme which continues on 2000 years later. If someone is Jewish, no matter how bad their doctrine is, they are held up as specialists in the church. If they can read and speak Hebrew, they are almost idolized. If they know Jewish traditions, whether biblical or extra-biblical, they are fawned over. This is a dangerous attitude to have, and it is exactly what Paul is warning against. Because of all of these frills, they do profess to know God, but such is not always the case. Each should be carefully checked, as with any other preacher or teacher, for a close adherence to the word of God. For many, “in works they deny Him.”

What this means is that just because someone brings the Jewish culture into a church, it does not mean that they accept the work of Messiah. The easiest and most obvious tenet is that of dietary restrictions. If a person holds to the Jewish law concerning not eating pork, and teaches that to others, together they deny what God has revealed, and thus they deny Him. Christ fulfilled the law, including dietary restrictions. To teach others that we are to adhere to such obsolete laws is to deny God. This is true with Sabbath observance, circumcision, teaching non-biblical traditions and fables as if they were Scriptural, and etc. Paul says that those who teach such things are “abominable.”

The word thus translated is found only here in the Bible. It signifies that which is detestable, especially idolatrous. Paul uses this word because it is exactly what they profess – that which is contrary to God. It exalts something ungodly above what is of God.

He next calls them “disobedient.” The word gives the sense of a person who is “unwilling to be persuaded.” For them, what is correct and obvious concerning what God prefers is rejected. Think of a person (Person A) who is teaching something out of the gospels, and which is based on a proper reading of the Old Testament precepts, and which is clearly laid out in the Gospel accounts as being in line with those Old Testament principles. However, instead of relying on that, another (Person B) inserts Jewish traditions into his doctrine (something Jesus specifically warns against in the Gospels), and the result is a muddy, convoluted theology concerning these precepts which are being taught. Even after being shown that what he (Person B) is espousing is contrary to Scripture, he continues, being unpersuaded. This is what the word signifies.

Paul says such are also “disqualified for every good work.” The word “disqualified” signifies, “not standing the test,” or “unapproved.” If there is a test of theology, it must be in line with the source of that theology. The ultimate source is Scripture. When these false teachers introduce their “Jewish fables,” they cannot stand the test, because their source material is unapproved. Their doctrine is worthless, their teachings are castaway material, and they are reprobate. How unfortunate that so many people are following exactly this strange and already-warned-against theology by following traditions rather than Scripture.

Life application: Why is it so important to study the pastoral epistles, even when not a pastor? It is because one can properly evaluate the pastor, preacher, or teacher by knowing what is allowed, and what is forbidden. Paul is very clear that Scripture is to be our source for doctrine. It is not inappropriate to teach things from Jewish culture, but those things are not suitable to be taught as doctrine unless they are already in accord with Scripture

Heavenly Father, help us to not insert traditions or myths into our theology. You have given us Your word for our doctrine. When we apply cultural traditions or teachings and elevate them to the same status as Your word, we have erred greatly. May we be found approved because of a total adherence to Scripture alone for the basis of our theology. Give us wisdom in this. Amen.

Monday, 4 June 2018

To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. Titus 1:15

Paul now cites his thoughts which are a close match of what he said to those in Rome. Two verses in particular carry the same intent –

“I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.” Romans 14:14

“Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense.” Romans 14:20

It is probably the same major subject which is on Paul’s mind here, that of foods which are acceptable to eat. The fact is that there is no food which is excluded for the Christian. There were dietary laws under the Law of Moses, but these were temporary in nature. After the flood, everything was given to man as food –

“And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. ³ Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.” Genesis 9:2, 3

However, at the time of the giving of the law, certain foods were prohibited. In studying these foods, it becomes clear that the Lord chose these, not because they were inherently unclean, but because they pointed to New Testament truths about the work of Christ. To understand this, here is a link to the first of two sermons which explains it quite well. Click here. 

With the understanding that Paul is most probably speaking of foods, his words certainly extend to other moral and religious issues as well. And so he begins with “To the pure all things are pure.” Considering food alone, one could simply think of a nice big pork chop. A person who is cleansed by Christ understands that this is an acceptable food; it is pure. Jesus even alluded to this before His work was complete –

“When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, ‘Hear and understand: ¹¹ Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.’” Matthew 15:10, 11

Mark 7:19 is equally clear on this issue as well. In the finished work of Christ, the law is set aside. There are no longer dietary restrictions. Paul says that those who are in Christ are pure, and to them all things are pure, “but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure.”

What this means is that a person who does not believe that Christ’s work was effectual for the annulment of the law can’t accept this premise. Instead, these foods remain unclean to him. But even more, he says that “nothing is pure.” To them, everything is a source of defilement. They are clinging onto this worldly life, trying to please God apart from the completed and all-sufficient work of Christ. In such a state, they will always be defiled, and everything they encounter is likewise impure. The is because “even their mind and conscience are defiled.”

Without a complete faith in what Jesus did, the conscience of any person remains defiled. There are all sorts of laws which man fails at daily. And with a violation of the law comes the imputation of sin. However, when one understands that we are no longer under law, but rather grace (Romans 6:14, 15), he then realizes that sin is no longer imputed (Romans 5:13).

In other words, the person who has a defiled conscience is impure, and to him nothing is pure. But a person who has his conscience cleansed from defilement by the work of Christ understands that all foods are acceptable. There is no imputation of sin; God has accepted him.

Life application: Pork chop anyone?

Heavenly Father, thank You that we are freed from the constraints of the law because Jesus fulfilled it in our place. We no longer have to worry about dietary restrictions, observing certain days, performing certain rituals, or any of those other things which are now annulled and obsolete, because He has completed them for us. We now have a new direction and are brought into a close, personal, and wonderful relationship with You because of Him. Such freedom! Such grace! Praise You for Jesus our Lord! Amen.

Sunday, 3 June 2018

…not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. Titus 1:14

Paul has just told Titus to rebuke the Cretans sharply in order to keep them sound in the faith. He now explains the necessity for this with the words, “not giving heed to Jewish fables.” The church is established upon the finished work of Christ. That work was to fulfill Scripture. Scripture, at that time, consisted of what we now call the Old Testament. It was, at that time, all of the word of God revealed to man for doctrine.

And so that, along with any teaching or writing from a duly recognized apostle, was what was needed for sound doctrine concerning the Christian faith. However, the Jews had (and still have) a giant body of “fables” that they hold to and which they teach. The word is muthos, and it is the direct ancestor of our word “myth.” It signifies “a false account, yet posing to be the truth; a fabrication (fable) which subverts (replaces) what is actually true” (HELPS Word Studies).

The Jewish society had developed so many of these myths that it completely obscured the simplicity of Scripture. Cultural traditions, written traditions, and etc., were heaped one upon another until Scripture itself simply became a side piece of the whole. Today, a great many of these “fables” are found in the Talmud. In addition to these, Paul adds in the words, “and commandments of men.” These will be further defined in the next verse as things concerning purity.

What this is then saying is that man had added to the commandments of Scripture their own commandments. Jesus spoke about this on several occasions, such as in Mark 7 –

Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?”
⁶ He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:
‘This people honors Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
⁷ And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
⁸ For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.” Mark 7:5-8

However, Paul’s words certainly go beyond this. Jesus’ words to the Pharisees were spoken to them while they remained under the law. Upon completion of His earthly ministry, the law is annulled through His shed blood (Hebrews 7:18, for example). Therefore, Paul’s warning to Titus is inclusive of any commandment of man which would put us back under that now obsolete law. Any such teachings are from “men who turn from the truth.”

God’s word is truth. When man rejects His revelation, they reject His truth. God revealed the law, and man was bound to that law. However, God continued to reveal that the law was only a temporary stepping stone, leading to the work of Christ. Therefore, when man rejects Christ’s fulfillment of the law, they reject God’s truth. This is what Paul is warning about. As noted, an example of this is coming in the next verse.

Life application: It has become hugely fashionable in Christianity today to add to God’s word. Some churches have a “Book of Discipline,” or the like, which is held in higher esteem than God’s word. Some churches reinsert the law, or add in other Jewish traditions, holding them in as high (or higher) esteem than the word. Both of these are errors, and both are warned against by Paul. God has spoken. His word is recorded, and it is to be taken in context to the times in which man exists. We live in the dispensation of grace and, therefore, we are to adhere to Paul’s writings as our main source of doctrine. From there, other portions of Scripture are to be applied in regards to how Paul explains them to us.

Lord God, help us to take Your word in the proper context intended, and in accord with the times in which we live. The law was given during a certain period and for a certain purpose. It was intended as a temporary tutor to lead us to Christ. Now that He has completed this work, we are under grace. Help us to live in this time with that in mind. Grace is unmerited favor, and we thank You for that which is lavished upon us. Amen.