Note for 20250627 - Sons in Faith - Part 3 - Titus 3 - Who We Were
Sons in Faith
Titus
Part 3 - Titus 3 - Who We Were
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Titus 3:1-15 NASB2020
[1] Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, [2] to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people. [3] For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. [4] But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, [5] He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, [6] whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, [7] so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. [8] This statement is trustworthy; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and beneficial for people. [9] But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless. [10] Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, [11] knowing that such a person has deviated from what is right and is sinning, being self-condemned. [12] When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. [13] Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. [14] Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unproductive. [15] All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
https://bible.com/bible/2692/tit.3.1-15.NASB2020
Note for 20250627
Once more, Paul delivers a pointed, full bodied reminder and instruction. You know, I say reminder, because these are almost like highlights from an earlier conversation they might have had before. It is almost like when your loved one departs from you for a bit, and there are things that you have discussed, and later you send a message to remind them of what you agreed had to be done. Almost like a "Don't forget" or "this is important" message. It is also not strange to find words like, "as I told you when I was with you," in the Bible.
Verse 1 and 2 here reads like a list, doesn't it? When you remind someone, do you say everything again, or does it read more like a checklist or shopping list, or maybe a "to-do" list. When Kellyn has things that I must try to get done in the day, she sometimes leaves me a list on the fridge, or sends a message; not because she is demanding, but because I am forgetful. Sometimes, I get so involved with what I am doing, like preparing these notes to go out every day in all its various forms and to all platforms, that the daily life matters here on Earth escape me. Much of what I read from Paul, and not just him, reads like that. We are so often reminded of what we already know, so we don't forget.
Here is something that we sometimes forget when it comes our own lives,
Titus 3:3 NASB2020
[3] For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
https://bible.com/bible/2692/tit.3.3.NASB2020
Are we still this same as what we were when we first came to faith? Has the Lord not worked a miracle in us, separating us from these things by careful instructions? I mean, what is this here, that I do now? We know these things, don't we? Sometimes we do not like to be reminded, especially if we get involved with foolish things again. If you get discouraged, look all the way back to the start of your faithful life, see how far GOD has brought you. Remind yourself that you are still in movement, you are still being refined. If you were done with all, you would go to be with Him.
With us, it is slightly different than what it may have been for Titus (or Timothy for that matter.) Because, for some, we were left out like orphans, to find out the truth for ourselves in a godless world. For those, these are not reminders, but beacons of light along a dark road. It is like following directions from someone else, to a place we have never been before. If we don't follow the directions, we might become lost in a place that is still unfamiliar. It is like a road map, friends. Now, what do you do when you get lost and the instructions seem confusing? Don't you ask a local in that area? If they have been there for some time, or know the greater area, they can point you on the way where the instructions will guide you well again. "Where are you heading to, my friend?" they might ask. Paul gave instructions for those he both left behind and those he sent on, because He knew the way.
So, in the same Spirit, I ask you: "Where are you heading, friend?" Were you left here to point others in the right direction, to get where they are heading? I do not have to describe the text for you, the language is quite clear. Where are you heading, where do you come from and where do you find yourself right now? What is your ETA? In other words, when will you reach the point to which you were sent, by GOD?
Look at this:
Titus 3:1-2 NASB2020
[1] Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, [2] to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people.
https://bible.com/bible/2692/tit.3.1-2.NASB2020
Can you get it any clearer? Friends, the Word of GOD gives a detailed map, a clear set of rules and good instruction. Thing is, we do not want to submit to authority by fleshy nature. And while you might have been moved by Christ to do good works, most are still stuck in the thick of things. I am going to ask you the same question as yesterday, what is compassion? Why do you think Paul reminds Titus of where they came from too, hateful haters? In the ministry of the Gospel, we are constantly dealing with those who are still like we were before. And just as a hand was stretched to us in mercy, we must stretch our own for their sakes. If we came down a harder path, then we must remember what it was like to have no help, and be that help for others, especially in the times we are now living in.
Be ready for every good deed. Don't delay, because you knew once what it was like to have no help. Compassion. I don't know about you, but I was so stubborn and foolish, until I saw the light. And sometimes, I am stubborn still, then the Lord sends me a message or a helper, not? You are sent to those you meet. So, why are we still sitting? Are we still haters at heart?
Let me ask you, who is your Lord? What instruction did He give? I will leave at that today, as we complete Titus today. For Titus directly, by letter, we do not have. Next, we will look at what Paul wrote to another.
Selah, Shallom
PS: Many do not like to read the instruction manual, because they do not want to hear. They want to maintain a sense of, "I did not know." We are the reminder for the World, what Christ said. Do it in the love of Christ.
Verse of The Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
Matthew 5:7 NASB2020
[7] “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.5.7.NASB2020
Quick question: How many do you know whom you can describe as merciful?
...
How about the person in the mirror?
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