Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… as it has been taught …
Summary: The meaning of the word, “church” helps us understand who Paul is talking to and what his words mean. We are not called to a denomination, we are called to a public gathering in the name of Christ.
Continue reading “Titus 1:9 (b) — Paul’s Own Words”
He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message …
Summary: The message Paul has given Titus and other church leaders is much more than just a word, it is The Word from Jesus himself.
Continue reading “Titus 1:9 (a) — God’s Messenger”
… and disciplined.
Summary: The best discipline comes from within. It also often serves the will of someone else. Discipline re requires motivation and the best motivation comes from love.
Continue reading “Titus 1:8 (f) — Boot Camp”
… holy …
Summary: The Greek word translated here as “holy” has a deeper meaning. It points us to the nature of a person and their desire to please God.
Continue reading “Titus 1:8 (e) — A Special Kind of Holy”
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Summary: Merry Christmas!
Continue reading “Isaiah 9:6 — Who is Us?”
… upright …
Summary: Words create images in our mind and many words come from images in real life. “Upright” is one of those words. A fence post is a good example. It either leans or is upright. From that we garner a lesson on what it means to be “upright.”
Continue reading “Titus 1:8 (d) — Fence Post”
… who is self-controlled …
Summary: Remote-control is a great thing when it comes to toys. It is not so great when it comes to people. God offers us freedom from Evil’s remote-control over our lives. All we need is Jesus.
Continue reading “Titus 1:8 (c) — Little Robots”
… one who loves what is good …
Summary: Analytical personalities are not often gifted with the ability to “see” with the heart. Yet an overseer of God’s church must be able to do that, and to love what is good.
Continue reading “Titus 1:8 (b) — Eyes of the Heart”
Rather, he must be hospitable …
Summary: Hospitable is a word that may best be understood by looking at its opposite. Then there are other qualities that need to be considered to ensure that one’s hospitable nature is genuine.
Continue reading “Titus 1:8 (a) — The Genuine Thing”
… not pursuing dishonest gain.
Summary: Peter’s requirements for an overseer begin with six traits to watch out for. Two of these traits are not like the others. Doing things that earn blame and pursuing dishonest gain both require effort and reveal a heart focused on material things instead of the things of God.
Continue reading “Titus 1:7 (g) — Bookends”