Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
His divine power …
Summary: Divine power is different than physical power. In the physical realm, physical power is mostly what we see, but the Bible is full of stories about a different kind of power.
Continue reading “2 Peter 1:3a — A Different Kind of Power”
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”
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”
And I want you to stress these things … so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.
Summary: Looking at Paul’s list again, we can pare it down in size and simplify it a bit. It really boils down to saying “Yes” to Jesus and “No” to the world.
Continue reading “Titus 3:8 (c) — Two Choices”
When … God our Savior appeared … he saved us …
Summary: Paul speaks from a godly perspective. If we see his words only from a human perspective, we risk losing everything worth having.
Continue reading “Titus 3:5 (a) — Tortoise and Hare”
Remind the people … to be ready to do whatever is good …
Summary: The meaning of the word “good” depends on whose point-of-view you are talking about. Worldly good is about pleasing the flesh. Spiritual good is about pleasing God.
Continue reading “Titus 3:1 (d) — Do Good”
These, then, are the things you should teach.
Summary: Who is Paul saying should “teach?” The kind of things Paul is talking about can be taught by example.
Continue reading “Titus 2:15 (a) — Syllabus”
… not to talk back to them …
Summary: Authority in others is a difficult thing for us to accept. Whether legitimate or not, we tend to bridle when told what to do. Yet God’s Word teaches us not to talk back to them.
Continue reading “Titus 2:9 (c) — Footsteps”
Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything …
Summary: Slavery is a volatile topic, yet it is an important illustration in Christian life.
Continue reading “Titus 2:9 (a) Part I — Duality”
Then they can urge the younger women… to be … pure…
Summary: Times have changed and so have our cultural norms. The timeless concepts presented in God’s Word may sound unsophisticated to the modern ear.
Continue reading “Titus 2:5 (b) — Another Word for “Holy””