Note for 20250625 - Sons in Faith - Part 1 - Titus 1 - Leaders and Elders
Sons in Faith
Titus
Part 1 - Titus 1 - Leaders and Elders
Titus 1:1-16 NASB2020
[1] Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, [2] in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, [3] but at the proper time revealed His word in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior; [4] To Titus, my true son in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. [5] For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, [6] namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion. [7] For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, [8] but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined, [9] holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it. [10] For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, [11] who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain. [12] One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” [13] This testimony is true. For this reason reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, [14] not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. [15] To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. [16] They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.
https://bible.com/bible/2692/tit.1.1-16.NASB2020
Note for 20250625
Introduction:
For a while, I have been very concerned about how those who read the note only, without hearing the audio, missed out, as the delivery of the note spoken out brought so much more than just the text (guideline) of the message. So, in a trial, I will attempt to transcribe the audio note (with annotations) so the reader get’s as much bread as the hearer, if not more. (The full transcript with grammatical and speech errors will be made available at the end of this document, verbatim. It might be slightly difficult to read, because I have a bad habit of stuttering entire sentences or parts of it, and on the fly corrections.)
📖 Annotated Devotional Note — Leaders and Elders
(Based on Titus 1; references drawn from both Old and New Testaments)
A great deal can be said about the opening of this letter to Titus, a fellow helper of Paul in Crete. Now I bring the word to you from the New American Standard Bible 2020 version so what Paul writes can easily be understood.
Titus was a Greek gentile, believer in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:3), and he was left on Crete to establish the church in that area (Titus 1:5). Paul acknowledged him as his son according to the common faith (Titus 1:4). They had faith in common. Though Paul was a Jew by biological heritage and of the Pharisees in the highest order (Philippians 3:5–6; Acts 23:6), he was also a Roman citizen from birth (Acts 22:27–28).
Now, all of these things we'll learn as we get to, shall we say, the CV of Paul.
Paul warns Titus about the Jews as a main element of sowing doctrine that is not sound according to the faith in God our Father and Jesus Christ His Son (Titus 1:10–14). The leaven of the Pharisees—and Paul would know (Luke 12:1; Matthew 16:6).
Most of this here is easy enough to understand and very significant as it pertains to those that would stand as stewards of God in the faith (Titus 1:7). He tells Titus how to elect elders in every city in Crete, what he must look for in these men (Titus 1:5–9). They had to be examples of faith in Jesus Christ, able to exhort and correct (Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:24–25). Their lives had to be of such that no accusation could be brought against them and good hosts (1 Timothy 3:2–7; Titus 1:8). Don't neglect that.
What must be noted is that it is primarily in the election of these notable men in society to positions of leadership. While all of this is true for the elders, it is also a very good guide after which we too can shape our lives (Philippians 3:17; 1 Peter 1:15–16). Not to lead per se, but to be ready at any time to be called into action should there be a need for it (2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 3:15).
This is not to say, “Oh, you’ve now got to take over at church or you now have to lead people,” but it is when you are looked at—if there is a need in the church for a reliable person to put into a position that requires that trust (Acts 6:3)—that there is a consideration that you may stand in a servitude to the Most High God for His purpose. His will be done, not yours, not mine (Luke 22:42).
Are you okay with that?
These are things that we can strive for. This is the top of the crop amongst the believers, amongst the church, in order to maintain order of the church so that it doesn’t fall apart (1 Corinthians 14:40).
These can also be seen as pillars in the community, pillars in the church that can even come to the point where they can go to a minister and say, “Listen, that message that you brought is not on point, my friend. You’re veering off the truth.” (Galatians 2:11–14; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1) Not, “I do not like how you dress,” or “I do not like what you do for a job.” All these things that look at the negatives in life—no. This is about the gospel. It's about God's treasure in earth, which is the church (2 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Timothy 3:15).
On Purity and Discernment
Titus 1:15 reads like this:
“To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.”
Let this rest in you a bit and ponder on it.
Examples from Elijah (1 Kings 17)
Do you remember Elijah, how he went to live by a brook of water, being fed by crows by God's instruction (1 Kings 17:2–6)? That the brook dried up eventually because of the lack of rain from what Elijah himself spoke out over the land by God's instruction (1 Kings 17:1, 7)? He had to move from that place of safety and find a widow to whom he was sent—a woman that was gathering sticks so she could make a last meal for her and her son, so that they could die (1 Kings 17:8–12). Do you remember the flour and the oil that did not run out until rain returned (1 Kings 17:14–16)? How the child died and lacked breath, and Elijah cried before the Lord for the sake of that widow’s child (1 Kings 17:17–22)?
Did God send Elijah there for his sake, or for the widow and her son? (Luke 4:25–26)
On Discernment and Judgment
If you look for that which is defiled, you do not have to walk far (Titus 1:15; Proverbs 11:27). Some are not even required to leave their house—or their mirror (James 1:23–24). But set your sight on that which is good (Philippians 4:8), according to God's standard (Isaiah 55:8–9).
We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). What is man, that God is mindful of him? (Psalm 8:4)
We are called to love, not hate (Romans 13:10; 1 John 4:7–8), to salvation not destruction (John 3:17; 2 Peter 3:9). Do not become defiled (James 1:27). Be ready to stand (Isaiah 6:8).
Parables and Endurance
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).
Be wise as serpents and gentle as doves (Matthew 10:16).
The wheat and the tares must grow together until the harvest (Matthew 13:24–30).
The tares are removed first (Matthew 13:30), but it is the wheat—the gentle—that inherits the earth (Matthew 5:5; Matthew 13:43).
Endure to the end (Matthew 24:13; Revelation 2:26).
Be planted in good soil (Luke 8:15).
Take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Try the spirits (1 John 4:1).
Let the Word of God cleanse the carnal mind (Romans 8:7).
Paul’s Testimony and Mercy
Paul survived the viper on Malta and did not fear (Acts 28:3–6), because Jesus had told him, “You must testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11).
If judgment had come at the stoning of Stephen, Saul would have died too (Acts 7:58–60), but God, who is rich in mercy, had plans (Ephesians 2:4–5; Acts 9:1–6).
Let us not uproot too soon (Luke 13:6–9). The Lord of the Harvest knows when to act (Matthew 13:39). For the sake of the wheat, He delays the cutting of the tare (Matthew 13:28–30).
Final Reflection
To the pure, all things are pure (Titus 1:15).
Do not be defiled.
Be ready.
Remain gentle (Galatians 5:22–23).
The Kingdom belongs to such as these (Matthew 5:5; Matthew 18:3).
Sela, Shalom.
(PS: At the conclusion of this, and in an attempt to duplicate this for Titus 2, the matter was re-evaluated and there is no way I can maintain this without subscription services to multiple platforms which is beyond my means. So, we will return to the former format of things for Titus 2)
Verse of The Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
KJV:
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5 KJV)
NASB 2020:
“Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5 NASB)
Gentleness is not weakness—it is meekness under control.
It is the Spirit of God in action (Galatians 5:22–23; James 3:17).
We are called to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves (Matthew 10:16).
Let us not be like tares.
Let us endure, for it is the wheat that inherits the earth (Matthew 13:30, 43).
We must not be choked out by the thorns (Luke 8:14).
We must find the good soil (Luke 8:15).
Let the Word grow in you. Let it bear fruit.
The Kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21).
Let us be ready.
Let us be usable.
Let us be gentle.
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📖 Transcript: Devotional Note — Leaders and Elders
(Verbatim/Note transcription might have issues with word recognizing)
“Good morning friends and welcome to breakfast quiet time with mom. Man, I can't even tell you. You know, it is somewhat of a relief, to have finished the gospel of Jesus Christ series friends and I know it might sound, you know, ominous, I think is the right word, you know, but you know, like this morning, I don't have to remember in what part of the series I am. You know, I somehow feel a little bit liberated to to to be honest with you, but we can admit that we all have learned a great deal in that series and I've been saying for a few days now, probably, what is it, like a week and a half that the Lord showed me that we'll go to the book of Titus next. But friends, before we get into the babble here, alright, before we, start, having a conversation, today's notice, section will be a little bit longer than usual because we're gonna do a bit of preparation before we go into, the next chapter that we are walking in together.
And, I just wanna bring it at the back end of a prayer, if you understand what I mean. What I can put it to you at this stage is that, I do not have a defined name for the series, and the series will essentially, consist of predominantly just three books, or actually four if you considered Timothy is a part one and a part two. It is the letters that Paul wrote, to those that you may consider sons in the faith. You know, those that he left in charge in places, that type of thing, but we'll get into that a little bit at the other side of the prayer. So, I do not have a defined name for the series yet, but it is very specific and we'll discuss that on the other side of this.
So if you will permit me today, then we'll come, to that at the other side of prayer. Let us close our eyes and start this day in a proper way, in a protected way, in a provisioned way, in a sanctified way. By the prayer that we were taught by our lord and savior Jesus Christ. Our father, we charge in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Lord.
Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread and forgive our trespasses, father, please, in the name of Jesus Christ, as we forgive those that trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. Father, we come to you this morning, Lord, and we pray We pray that you will be with me in this morning so that I can bring the word purely as it was given, led by the Holy Spirit of God, but also that you would open our ears. And, Lord, I pray mine too.
Father, you know that I learn with these that listen here, that I walk with them, not ahead. And father, therefore, I pray also for my spiritual ears to be opened, my spiritual eyes to be opened. Reveal to us a knowledge, wisdom and understanding. All as it pertains to that position to which you have called us according to your purpose, father. Prepare us for that which will please you.
Help us to live out the righteousness of Christ in our lives that we can, find the good and keep it. Lord, we pray that you will make us usable instruments in your hand because in ourselves, father, we we cannot attain to that. We we need a divine action in our life. And father, we pray pray that you will constantly be our source of inspiration, of love, of kindness, of long suffering. Lord, that you will help us to exercise self control and restraint.
That we will take every thought captive. That we will try the spirits if they be of God. Lord, you have taught us so much in your word. Now, Lord, we pray, lead us into this path of sanctification as we walk with a hope to attain and near godliness in the righteousness of Christ, not just for our own sakes, but also for all those that might hear us, that might look at us. Even those that will say there is something about that man that they may discover the Lord Jesus Christ as we did.
We pray for the salvation of the soul of mankind. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Now today's note does have a title, friends, And I'm gonna give that to you briefly just so that you've got an idea in which direction we are going. The title is leaders and elders.
I'm gonna say that again, leaders and elders. And it is sort of the sentiment of these these these letters to these people that have been set apart, elected by Paul to be left behind in areas where he could not stay, to establish, maintain and bring order to the church that Paul laid the foundation for in that area. Now, you know, I must admit, let me just give this to you. I must give you the date. The date is the 06/25/2025, which is a Wednesday morning.
I know because Polina is here. And it's always a good day when Polina is here. Friends, we have gone through an extensive study of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Do you understand the significance of that? You know, and if you are still around now and for those that have recently joined, I do suggest that you go through the gospel of Jesus Christ series before.
In fact, I would say, you know, I'll make the link to all the playlists available on SoundCloud. And my suggestion is actually that you start where we started compiling these playlists, which is with the revelation of Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation. The the book of Revelation. And I know it sounds counterintuitive to go that direction, but we find things in the book of Revelation that opens up questions regarding how we should live. What is the requirement?
You know, what is that bar that was set in standards for those that will be able to enter into the new Jerusalem? At least go and least, read Revelation twenty one and twenty two before you get into the rest of the playlists. And, you know, in hindsight, I would say it is probably better to do the series on the gospel of Jesus Christ before you get into the book of Hebrews or Romans. And I'll tell you why. You see, knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ qualifies you for the next step.
I didn't understand. You know, I was having a discussion with a friend, pastor Tommy, and his wife, pastor Charlene, yesterday and also with pastor Tommy on in this regard. And I was saying that, you know, I expected to go into the book of Acts next. That was the expectation of my heart. You know, look from from what we perceive as a chronological sequential reading through the bible.
And, you know, the Lord have pressed it early on my heart, next is Titus, next is Titus. And at the time, I didn't understand until this morning. You see, you've heard the gospel of Jesus Christ now. And that was why, you know, before you get into the book of Titus and, we're gonna be looking at Philemon, Philemon, we're gonna be looking at the two letters that was written to Timothy. We are now going into the section of Paul's ministry.
All the rest is sort of covered already. Salvation by faith and grace. That is the central theme of this ministry of Paul to the Gentiles. Paul is essentially this person that that Christ elected to send out to the Gentiles to go and speak to everybody that he could find in every highway and byway because the elect rejected Christ at his coming. Do you remember the parable about the the wedding feast?
So this is a bit of a preparation. The notification period or the notification section of today's note is to to give you an idea, you know, what we've just completed and what we're going into next. You have heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, here's the question. Do you believe?
Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the word of God, the Son of God? Do you believe what he said? Do you believe the testimony of what he did? If your answer is yes on those things, then you can no longer agree with what the world say. Because it is in contradiction to the doctrines of this world.
Which means that you are now qualified for the next step. And that is to become, you know, to become doers of the word. To walk in faith and to endure until the end, which we heard a lot of here towards the end of the gospel of Jesus Christ series. This is now where your life needs to start adapting for the faith that you're standing in. So, here we're gonna start hearing about what is the good moral value and standard of the believer and why?
I'm very excited to start this. I didn't know it was a series until this morning. Oh, but I'm glad that it is and that the Lord have given such clear instructions regarding this. We are gonna be looking at the letters that Paul sent to those that he entrusted with the church that he essentially established, that he laid the foundation. He is now wrote writing letters to those that must keep it in place, that must, maintain order and and and and a sound doctrine.
And he gives them warnings about who the enemy is and what they might look like and what they might do and how to identify it and how to address the matter. We are essentially now on a path of, shall I say, a discipleship, apostleship to a certain degree. But, you know, not that titles matter. The title of today's note, leaders and elders, right, this pertains to those that stand at the head of things. As it is explained in the King James version of the Bible, it speaks about a stewardship.
You know, being left in charge of a treasured thing, a treasured price, something that is valuable to God. That is the preparation that we are going through now. So are you ready for it? Now listen, before everybody runs away, I didn't wanna become a pastor. I don't wanna be a elder.
Just hold on. Alright? Because it is not just that it is a matter that you're immediately pulled into a position like this. Give me this one. Give me give me this one note for today.
This one. And I think I must start calling it what it is. Give me this one sermon. Let me speak to you this one time before you decide whether you're gonna give up on this. Can you can you hear me out for this one session?
Then afterwards, you can decide whether you want to continue on with it. Are you ready? Alright. Let us start out by first just reading Titus one. That's a good practice.
Let's start with the word. Titus one verses one to 16. You see it? There's not even a lot of verses. Pay attention.
And I've elected to to use the new American Standard Bible for this because I want you to get it. I want you to see it. I don't want us to battle with with with with old English that might stand as a barrier for understanding. Paul, a bond servant. Now do you do you know what a bond servant is?
A bondservant is somebody that is with his lord, his owner, his master because he loves him. It is actually defined in the law. That is the that is the servant that when he comes to the end of his term and he is set free, that can go out and the matter is resolved. There's no more debt. There's no more servitude required.
But he's the one that is marked with a hole through the ear with a punch because he loves his master. He is a free servant. He doesn't have to, he doesn't need to be kept in chains. He doesn't need to be monitored because he's there out of his own heart. He loves his master.
He wants to serve his master because the master has found favor in his eyes, for a lack of a better term. So, now that we've got that settled, Paul, a bondservant of God And an apostle of Jesus Christ. I'm gonna read that for you again. Paul, a bond servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of those chosen of God. For the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness.
There we go. In the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago. But at the proper time revealed his word in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God, our savior. Yeshua. Yahushua, which literally means Yahuveh saves.
To Titus, my true son in a common faith. Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour. For this reason, I left you in Crete. Now he's gonna give us the reason why Titus is in Crete. That you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you.
Now I wanna do a brief stop there, even though it's a comma at the end of verse five. Do you remember the parable of the talents? Of the money that was left with the servants when they came when the master came back, the one gave back 10 instead of five. The other gave, four instead of two. And the one that only had one only had one because he dug a a hole.
The prize or the reward was cities. Now listen to this. For this reason, I left you in Crete that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you. Namely, if any man is beyond reproach, in other words, you can't find fault in him, fault in him, The husband of one wife, in other words, he's not, he's not, he's not attending to 700 wives and 300 concubines. Having children who believe because it means he is the master of his house and he's testified to his children.
Not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion. Now does that speak to the husband or the man or to his children? Well, I suppose it depends on where you put commas or what you understand about commas, but I can give it to you that this is essentially talking about both, that the children shows even that type of restraint because they were taught that way by their father. I'll yeah. At the end of verse six, I'm gonna ask you the question.
These elders, are they single people? Nope. They're not. They're married so that they cannot be tempted. They established.
Their household is in order, which shows that they are people of order. And it is those that Paul says, let's take them because their house is in order. Let's trust them. Because their houses are in order, their children are well behaved and they're not riotous. They're not rebels.
For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God's steward. Not self willed, not quick tempered, not over indulging in wine. Let me say that again, because many of you are gonna miss miss it. Not over indulging in wine. Let me read it again.
Not overindulging in wine. In other words, when he has wine, it is just a little bit with his meal. Not a bully of forcing his way and his wants. Not greedy for money. Now the King James version, and it's one of the reasons why I selected to use the New American Standard Bible today.
The King James version talks about not of filthy lucre. It's all the English. We don't speak like that anymore. And if I give it to you, then you're gonna you're gonna you might pretend that you know what it means and then never know what it means. Not greedy for money.
I put it to you that there are many churches today that stands with a greed for money, but hospitable. Hospitable. A good host, loving what is good. And that good according to God's standard, not men's standard. Self controlled.
Oh, righteous. Holy. In other words, set apart for God. Disciplined. Holding firmly the faithful word, which is in accordance with the teaching So that he will be able to both exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.
Are you okay with that? At the end of verse nine, we have just spoken how we've gone through the entire gospel of Jesus Christ series. We've determined that we believe. We, look at the words that Christ speaks, spoke, and we believe what he says. We believe in the son of god.
This now sets the the the the standard a little bit higher for those that want to lead others to Christ. For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, in other words, the Jews, who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain. If you want to understand the dishonest gain, you've got to understand the matter of sacrifices. You know, there's a certain honor in the Jewish side of things that is maintained as a form of outwardly righteousness. And also, when you go to the Levites and the priests, they have a portion in those they serve.
So the better, the person does that they give service to, the more they receive in tithings. And they weren't always honest about that. They would have excessive things regarding, you know, receiving, a cleansing. But I'm gonna leave it at that because I'm I'm I'm not here to make accusations. I just want you to understand what position, this Paul is speaking of.
And that was actually very highly regarded amongst the Pharisees. He was a good pupil, even the head of his class. Verse 12. One of them, a prophet of their own, said, 'Creations are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.' Now Paul is going to condemn this guy, right? He's going to prove him wrong, right?
Nope. This testimony is true. In other words, Paul is saying Christians are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons. It is the truth that this man speaks. But it is of their own people that says it.
He says, I didn't say it. One of you did. For this reason, reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith. Reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith. Not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men.
No. Let's just who turn away from the truth? Now you've got to understand the leaven. Remember how Christ warned his disciples against the leaven of the Pharisees? The teachings that came in by way of men, these rabbis, these high places, high people that had a lot of notaries behind their names, They wrote wrote documents.
Do you remember they spoke of what is the custom of, the elite, the the the elders, the fathers, the teachings, the customs. It's not of God. It's not in the law. But they made it an additional burden upon the people. That is what Paul is speaking about here.
To the pure, all things are pure. But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. But both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but by their deeds, they deny him. Being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.
There we go. That is the 16 verses. Can I stop here? I'm very excited to share this with you. The title is leaders and elders, and here is the note that I received this morning, the note as it is given to me.
And there might be a little bit of duplication for you here, that are part of the audio note because this is what is left for those that reads the note every day. A great deal can be said about the opening of this letter to Titus, a fellow helper of Paul in Crete. Now I bring the word to you from the new American Standard Bible 2020 version so what Paul writes can easily be understood. Titus was a Greek gentile, believer in Jesus Christ, and he is left on Crete to establish the church in that area. Paul acknowledging him as his son according to the common faith.
They had faith in common. Though Paul was a Jew by a biological in part and of the Pharisees in the highest order, he was also a Roman citizen from birth. Now, all of these things we'll learn as we get to, shall we say, the CV of Paul. Paul warns Titus about the Jews as a main element of show of sowing doctrine that is not sound according to the faith in God our Father and Jesus Christ or his Son. The leaven of the Pharisees, and Paul would know.
Most of this here is easy enough to understand and very significant as it pertains to those that would stand as stewards of God in the faith. He tells Titus how to elect elders in every city in creed, what he must look for in these men. They had to be examples of faith in Jesus Christ, able to exhort and correct. Their lives had to be of such that no accusation could be brought against them and good hosts. Don't neglect that.
What must be noted is that it primarily it is primarily in the election of these notable men in society to positions of leadership. While all of this is true for the elders, it is also a very good guide after which we too can shape our lives. Not to lead per se, but to be ready at any time to be called into action should there be a need of it. And this is why I asked you to listen to the end. This is not to say, oh, you've now got to take over at church or you now have to lead people, but it is when you are looked at.
If there is a need in the church for a reliable person to put into a position that requires that trust, that there is a consideration that you may stand in a servitude to the most high God for his purpose, his will be done, not yours, not mine. Are you okay with that? This is things that we can strive for. This is the top of the crop amongst the believers, amongst the church, in order to maintain order of the church so that it doesn't fall apart. Are you with me?
These can also be seen as pillars in the community, pillars in the church that can even come to the point where they can go to a minister and say, listen, that message that you brought is not on point, my friend. You veering off the truth. Not, I do not like how you dress. I do not like what you do for a job. All these things that look at the negatives in life, no.
This is about the gospel. It's about God's treasure in Earth, which is the church. Are you with me? Okay. Not to lead per se, but to be ready at any time to be called into action should there be a need of it, even maybe just a temporary standing so that somebody can go on leave or attend to personal matters.
It also portrays what that looks like in daily life. We learn also of the enemies of the truth in Christ. And I wanna stop here. I'm gonna say it very politely to the to the orthodox Jew at least. Christianity is idolatry, friends.
You have to know that. You've got the Old Testament in common, yes, that's true, but you do not have their teachings from their rabbis. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and scribes. It's Christ that said that, not even Paul. But today, I want to look at a specific verse that will benefit all, not just some elect, a measure by which we can be measured in ourselves.
In other words, when you look at yourself, when you are trying to figure out whether you're still on the track because we deal with that, don't we, in honesty? Am I still on the way? Am I on the right way? Alright. A way to tell if we are on the right way or dwindling off onto a side path that may lead to destruction of the faith, of our faith.
And by connection, taking our souls into condemnation, if we're aware of the truth. Titus one verse 15 reads like this, to the pure, all things are pure. I'm gonna read it again. To the pure, all things are pure. But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure.
But both their mind and their conscience are defiled. Let this just rest in you a bit and ponder on it. And on my side, I'm gonna take a nice sip of coffee. I might even actually, I'm gonna pause it for a little. Now the interesting thing is, I just want to interject here, is that at the very same time as Paul writes this to Titus, Titus is also called to look for purity.
Do you see that? In fact, we cannot skimp on it because the order of the church depends on it. These people had to be beyond reproach. It's almost as if Paul is warning Titus here, you know, don't yourself become defiled. Look for what is truly pure.
And what can be purified. Hopefully now you've let it ponder in you a little bit. Oh, that is not the right word. Hopefully you pondered on that, which you let rest in you a little bit because you have seen this at work in many. I'm gonna read it for you again because I've given you a little hint here.
What we're talking about, you have seen in people around you. Let us read it again. To the pure, all things are pure. But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. It's people standing in standards of their own and they are forcing other people to live up to their own standard.
There's no biblical, there's no biblical place for it. You know, and I wanna bring it in here and I wanna share it with you because, you know, I've walked a long path with God now. And I think that it's established by now. One of the most dangerous things to a community is a echo chamber without any measure of control what is truly true. Because one stands up in church and say, you know what?
I think that we should introduce a new matter into this matter because, you know, brother, whatsoever his name is, I've got a problem with a certain thing. And you know what? I think if we want to support him in his struggle against this, that we will all refrain from it for his benefit. No, that is a very beautiful thing, right? Because they are looking at carrying one another's burden, which is something that is also proclaimed in in the word by Paul himself.
In fact, it is written that we must let we must make our infirmities, our our shortcomings known to our fellow brothers and sisters. So that maybe we don't send the gambler into the casino to go and minister there, but rather the one that have got no interest in gamble gambling. Just like you don't send a man with a wandering eye into a brothel for ministry. You're starting to get it. They're alcoholic into the bar.
And this man stands up in the church and he says, you know what? Brother so and so is battling with let's grab one, alcohol. You know, he can, he always overindulges. He starts with one drink and he never stops until the bottle is empty, and then he goes searching for more. Let us support him, and none of us drink.
Now in the meanwhile, years have gone past and brother so and so have passed on to be with the Lord because the community worked nicely with them. They rid the entire neighborhood of all wine. He couldn't find it, so he couldn't drink. Now brother so and so is gone, but the standard remains. It is forgotten that the original reason was just to help brother so and so.
One who do not over overindulge in wine for leadership. How many people do you think is gonna be upset with me right there, right now, for what I just said? Or even if I have to make the claim that though Paul says it's better for a man not to get married, not all men are that strong. Some may have a weakness and then it is better for that man to be married. You know, the one consistent thing that I've seen is the weakness in man.
Why would you take a chance for someone in church? Because you can never know the secret thoughts of man. So you're looking for the fruit, right? Now, if he's got a wife, you know that he's already already dealt with the weakness per se and if he's got a household that runs in order, do you know that it is well managed? This is a balanced person in his faith.
He does what he speaks and he does what he's taught in the doctrine of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, not the doctrine of men. Not to overindulge. If there are there, those of you, that have got somewhat of an issue with what I said. You have got a problem with this, so I'm just gonna point you in a direction and let you discover it for yourself. There's a matter in the law that speaks of when somebody cannot take his sacrifice to the temple to present it, that he must sell it, and then when he gets to where the sacrifice needs to be made, that he can take that money and go and buy everything which after his soul lusteth.
And and put that as the search criteria on Google or on meta or what is all the AI's chat, GPT, Gemini, I can go through the list. Use use it in that way if you have to use it. But the moment that you get that scripture, abandon the search. Abandon the artificial intelligence and go back to the word. Don't let the don't let artificial intelligence tell you what it says.
It can help you find it in the word of God, but go to the word of God and read it for yourself. Artificial intelligence will give you a sermon if you ask it. But should you trust it? Oh. Does it have a wife?
Children that is not rebellious? Don't let it lead you, because it's from the doctrine of men. I use artificial intelligence just by the way. We'll get on that later. It is you know, you can use a knife to butter bread or you can kill your brother with it.
Application. You can pour a glass of wine or drink straight from the bottle to the very end. Overindulgence. Do you see this? This temperate manner, this temperate approach.
Let's carry on with the note. Have you seen this matter in others? Maybe even in yourself. This matter of that to the pure, all things are pure. And to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience is defiled.
They find fault with everything and everybody. All the time, they never satisfied. They've always got a complaint about somebody. They've always got something to say about someone. As long as you don't look at their lives.
Am I right? Do you know that? That is not a sober practice. To the pure, all things are pure. In fact, Paul, at a stage, go as far as to say that, he's a believer.
The believer can even eat meat sacrificed to idols because what we eat we bless in the name of God. But if there be any that says this meat was sacrificed to idols, then we shouldn't eat that for the sake of conscience. Whose conscience? He who pointed it out. There's liberty in Christ, friends, and a liberty that is not understood.
And I will throw in a bit of a of a thing there and just say that the sin is condemned in the flesh. The flesh stays behind. The sin maker stays behind in the dust of the earth. And if you be honest, looking at it like this, at some point that was true about you too. What is the truth defiled?
Indeed, it becomes false and a lie. Now, what if the same can be said about a person, maybe even yourself? In fact, if you read through this chapter, you will notice how almost all here that Paul write to Titus, and if written then on record for reference, can be measured by this one singular measure. Is greed, for instance, a defilement of faith? What about placing heavy burdens upon your brother, one another?
Is that a defilement? What about not helping when need is identified or treating a brother or sister or even a guest or a stranger in an uncomely manner? It's a defilement. Do we request help or do we give help? Do we demand respect or show it?
This is a good statement to test yourself against. This is for a purification, friends. This is for a enhancement in the faith. This is to live a better life because salvation is of Jesus Christ. This is to live the gospel.
This is a good statement to test yourself against while being patient and long suffering with others. To the pure, all things are pure because the heart is pure and thankful for all things before the Lord. Once a man starts seeking fault in everything, when he finds fault with awe, he is robbed of the joy of the Lord. I'm gonna let that sit in you. You've seen it.
You've seen it in this world around you. I'm gonna read it again. Once a man starts seeking fault in everything, when he finds fault withal, he is robbed of the joy of the Lord. Not that it is wise to speak good of evil, of course, For we cannot stand in agreement with wickedness and evil, but we live in correction rather than conviction, salvation rather than condemnation. I'm gonna read it for you again.
Not that it is wise to speak good of evil, of course, For we cannot stand in agreement with wickedness and evil, but we live in correction rather than conviction, salvation rather than condemnation. And friends, as we head systematically through the teachings of Paul, you will find that a common thing, but not neglecting the truth and setting a very high standard for the believer to live up to. Leading by example, living the word he spoke, Paul was a good example for the believer. When the snake got a hold of him on the Isle Of Malta, did he fear for his death? Or did he trust the fact that God said that he Jesus said that he will testify for him in Rome and he was on his way.
What's the likelihood of him reaching Rome if Christ said that he would testify for him in Rome? Do you believe the snake? Or do you believe the testimony of our lord and savior Jesus Christ? Faith. Poisonous snake.
In fact, the people were looking to see when he will drop down dead. Now when the Lord permits, we will look again at the conversion of Paul on the way to Damascus. But for now, we look at Paul as the servant of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Lord Jesus Christ. We can't separate the two just by the way. That he became after the transformation he made from persecutor to leader in the faith and became the apostle to the Gentiles.
Paul did not just leave Titus behind without tuition and a good guide left behind in writing, just by the way, so that he could reference it. I want to ask you a question today. Do you see everything as defiled? I'll take a sip of coffee. Nothing is good enough.
Or can you still find the wonder of God's creation in what is found? Yes. The world has become defiled. But is there still hope unto salvation found within your heart? Yes.
In himself, mankind is prone to error. But do you still believe that anything is possible for God? No doubt. All of this that we are looking at here comes from our teaching out of the gospel of Jesus Christ series. Mommy, do I have any additional documentation open here?
The word is in us, friends. You see, the hopeless walks away from a matter saying, what's the point? All is chase all is a chasing of wind. If you wanna understand what the state of mind of King Solomon was when he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes, You can go and read in the book of Kings what happened to King Solomon towards the end of his life. What is the point?
All is a chasing of wind. But with a great hope in Jesus Christ and our Father God in heaven, we know that God is able to even save a sinner, a hopeless case. Like me. Paul is a prime example of this too. The zealot of the Pharisees, the persecutor of the church, the go to man, repenting and became a huge part of establishing the church of Jesus Christ in the world at large.
Do you remember Elijah, How he went to live by a brook of water being fed by crows by God's instruction? That the brook dried up eventually because of the lack of rain from what Elijah himself spoke out over the land by God's instruction too. He had to move from that place of safety and find a widow to whom he was sent, A woman that was gathering sticks so she could make a last meal for her and her son. So that they could die. You can go and search that if you want.
Do you remember about the flower and the oil that did not run out until rain returned? How the child died and lacked breathing. And now Elijah cried before the Lord for the sake of that widow's child. And so here's the question. And I want you to start.
As we look at the word of God, to go deeper into the word, this is one of the things that you've got to start doing. Here's the question. Did God send Elijah there for his sake or for the widow and her fatherless son? One of the most notable prophets in the Old Testament sent one widow and a child just before they had their last meal. They were ready to die.
This, she said, I'm picking up two sticks so that I can make that which is left for me and my child so that we can die. You see, God upholds what pleases him to uphold. But sometimes we are so busy looking at one thing or one person that we miss others. If you look for that which is defiled, you do not have to walk far. Some not even required to leave their house or their own room or mirror.
But set your sight on that which is good. Search out the good according to God's measure, not the measure of mankind. Search for that. If you are blessed, you might not have to leave your room or mirror either. The psalmist states, we are wonderfully made.
Can you still see that by the breath of God that is within us. But even even just in the in the biological functioning of the frame our soul was placed in, it's marvelous. Perfect. For the purpose. What is man that God would consider him?
That's from Psalms 10. As we proceed then, let us proceed in the love of God, not the hate of Satan. Let us not become unruly or stand in rebellion, but trust in the word of God. Believe in his son. Salvation is of God for mankind.
All of them. That is good news. Right? For the care of the wheat, God left the tare in the field when you could have plowed that field and started over again, like he almost did with Moses when they were worshiping the golden calf. He left the tear so the weed would not be harmed.
So, in due season, the tear could be removed when the when the wheat's roots were strong. If we move before God instructs, someone like Paul might have been mistaken for a tear. Do you understand? For if the judgment came at the stoning of Stephen, Saul would have died too, and Paul would never have been known as he is known today. How soon do we put the axe to the tree?
The good is in God. He knows the best timing of all things and all matters for the benefit. Let me say it. It is written of the chosen, but let me say it in relation to the parable for the benefit of the wheat and the fruit of the wheat. Do you understand?
We are called to love, not hate. We are called to salvation, not destruction. To the pure, all things are pure. Do not become defiled. Be ready to stand as leaders for who knows but God, what he will call you to.
Get ready. Be ready and remain ready. Now, verse of the day. I've got it for you in two versions. I'm gonna first read you the King James version that we are all so familiar with.
Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Let the wheat and tears stand before you in this dirt. Blessed are the meek for they for they shall inherit the earth. Wheat and tear. Have a look.
Now let me read it to you from the New American Standard Bible 2020 version because there are many that didn't understand what meekness was. Let me read it. Blessed are the Gentile, not the Gentile, the gentle. Blessed are the gentle for they will inherit the earth. The gentle.
What? Be as wise as serpents and gentle as doves. The gentle, the good host, the those that haven't been defiled, those that are not unruly, those that do not sell stand in self interest, but have a love of God and their neighbor as theirselves. Those that can provide like wheat for others bread of life. Do you see it yet?
When it comes to the perfection, God will do it. How to get there? You're gonna have to show a little bit of interest. Now at the beginning of all of this, I said, give me one one note. Give me one sermon to try and convince you why you should continue listening here.
I learned today because I and myself didn't have a complete understanding of that metness. God revealed it to me, but I had to be obedient to go to the new American Standard Bible. Otherwise, I would have missed it. In fact, I know the beatitudes so well, I can probably recite to them to you. I did just this week, at least some of it.
What is the gentleness that it's called for? Does self control speak to that? Charity, long suffering, bearing one another's burdens, giving rather than taking, helping rather than being needy. Are we gentle? Now who will inherit the earth?
The wheat or the tare? And who is removed from the field first? The wheat or the tare? The tear. Right?
So who inherits the earth? The gentle. And we've got to endure until the end. We mustn't get strangled by the cares of this world. The tear must not push us out of the way.
We must endure. We must endure. Trials and tribulations, you know, it cannot be easy when thorns and thistles wrap themselves around you. It cannot be easy when the root is not deep enough and it's easily withered up. It's not easy when there is no ground to find soil or place to germinate in.
You've gotta be open, willing to receive the word of God for it to grow in you. Maybe I should include that song again. It is written. Maybe I should include it again today because it matters. Where is your hope, friends?
What is the comfort of your heart? How do you clean the carnal mind so that it is no longer at enmity with god as Paul writes? By the word. How do you clean the heart? How do you bring the carnal into alignment?
How do you take control over the flesh? What is fasting? You know that there is a segment in the Old Testament that speaks about fasting that clarifies that matter actually quite well, that it is not in a lack of eating bread, but doing good deeds because it goes against man's selfish sinful nature to do something good for somebody else. Everybody wants to be served, not be the servants. So we read the beginning of Titus one again.
Just the beginning. Just the beginning. I'm not gonna take you through all of it. Just just in fact, I'm not even gonna finish the first verse. Paul, a bond servant of God.
A bond servant of God. You see, Paul understood that. Do you? Are we truly just living for our own sakes? Are we only here to promote our own life?
Do we love our lives unto death? Or not? And just in case, the or not is the good side. Or not. Are you willing to suffer so that somebody else doesn't have to suffer?
Shall I put it in perspective? Would I require of God that he take my mother first so that she do not have to go through the agony of losing her son? The same thing can be said of somebody that, is selfish, wanting to live longer. Mommy, do you how do you how many got to be with Jesus? I would rather me suffer through that heartache than her.
I would rather have a killing be spared. That heartbreak. When it feels like somebody takes your heart and rips it right out of you and trample all over it for loss. The significant part that someone have played in your life, that the love is deeply rooted within who you are, and your lifestyle shows it. Love your neighbor as yourselves.
Selah. Shalom.”
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