Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Teach the older men to be … worthy of respect …
Summary: Respect is different for the worldly than it is for the believer. Worldly people are impressed by outward appearance. Spiritual people are impressed by one’s closeness to God.
Continue reading “Titus 2:2 (c) — Mr. Diggs”
Teach the older men …
Summary: Paul has told Titus to teach. Now he provides specifics. Begin by teaching the older men. What he should teach is the topic of this section of Paul’s letter.
Continue reading “Titus 2:2 (a) — Older Men”
You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.
Summary: Paul’s letter to Titus has explained who is qualified to be responsible for teaching “sound doctrine” and who is not. Now Paul turns to what and how to teach.
Continue reading “Titus 2:1 — Milk or Meat?”
… or to the merely human commands of those who reject the truth.
Summary: Paul has been explaining why churches need an overseer. Today’s passage points us toward another threat that the overseer is to protect against.
Continue reading “Titus 1:14 (b) — Tofu Turkey”
Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith …
Summary: Some people are more sensitive than others. Some are less sensitive. What we are used to creates an expectation that we often apply to other people. Sometimes this has disastrous results.
Continue reading “Titus 1:13 (b) — My Normal is Your Pain”
For there are many rebellious people …
Summary: Understanding what Paul means by “rebellious people is difficult. It is probable that his only concern is protecting the purity of the Gospel.
Continue reading “Titus 1:10 (a) — Rebellion Defined”
… so that he can encourage others …
Summary: We live in an imperfect world. Sometimes our words go astray or are misused. We need encouragement in the struggle against darkness. God’s Word provides us with a bright hope in dark times.
Continue reading “Titus 1:9 (c) — Bright Hope, Dark Times”
[Since an overseer] manages God’s household…
Summary: There is a lot required to manage our own households. How much more is needed to manage God’s household? The answer depends on how serious we are about serving God.
Continue reading “Titus 1:7 (b) — Help Wanted”
… and appoint elders …
Summary: Elders were generally selected from those who had the most experience and wisdom. The reason for having elders is to help the body of Christ listen to her Lord.
Continue reading “Titus 1:5 (c) — Listeners”
… entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior …
Summary: Paul uses very specific language in today’s passage. It is a military tone of voice. One that commands obedience rather than reasoning or pleading with someone.
Continue reading “Titus 1:3 (c) — Marching Orders”