Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Our people … must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good
Summary: The word “devote” could have several meanings. The surprise is that understanding this word leads to an insight into how we can get better at doing good.
Continue reading “Titus 3:14 (b) — Right and Wrong”
Our people…
Summary: What does Paul mean when he writes “our people?” Not all believers are the same.
Continue reading “Titus 3:14 (a) — Believers”
Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way
Summary: Today’s passage provides another glimpse into the life of early Christians. Paul, acting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is directing others in their work for the Lord. The glimpse we get is a fascinating peek at a much larger puzzle.
Continue reading “Titus 3:13 (a) — Puzzle Pieces”
…to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.
Summary: Life in the old days was very different. Communication from place to place was slow and fraught with uncertainty. Travel was time-consuming and dangerous.
Continue reading “Titus 3:12 (c) — In Search of Paul”
… do your best …
Summary: Three little words in Paul’s instructions to Titus give us a clue to peace and contentment as we live our lives in service to Jesus.
Continue reading “Titus 3:12 (b) — Your Best”
As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you…
Summary: We know next to nothing about Artemas and very little about Tychicus, but what we do know suggests that God’s army was both faithful and busy.
Continue reading “Titus 3:12 (a) — Tychicus”
You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
Summary: How we see God’s Word has a big impact on what we see in His Word. It is very helpful to keep in mind that we are not Titus. Paul and Titus had a very close relationship, so Titus would have had a much better understanding of Paul’s intent behind his words than we can ever hope to have.
Continue reading “Titus 3:11 — Not Titus”
Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.
Summary: Paul’s reasoning behind his instructions regarding divisive people is grounded in both the protection of God’s church, and the wellbeing of all believers.
Continue reading “Titus 3:10 — A Church Divided”
… because these are unprofitable and useless.
Summary: Paul has constructed example of both the profitable and unprofitable. He stops short of comparing that which is unprofitable to sin, but does feel strongly that such behavior should be avoided.
Continue reading “Titus 3:9 (e) — Worse Things”
But avoid foolish … quarrels about the law …
Summary: Paul’s life story is a case study on which kinds of controversy are legitimate and which kinds are foolish. We can learn from looking at the examples he struggled with.
Continue reading “Titus 3:9 (d) — The Trick”