Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
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”
But avoid … arguments and quarrels …
Summary: The words Paul used to describe conflict to be avoided are translated differently in the NIV and the KJV. Looking at the Greek helps us to understand the differences. Understanding helps us to honor our Lord.
Continue reading “Titus 3:9 (c) — Words & Meanings”
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies …
Summary: Genealogies are a useful tool, but like other tools they can be misused. Paul instructs Titus to teach people to avoid them as a means of gaining power over other people.
Continue reading “Titus 3:9 (b) — My Dad’s Bigger”
But avoid foolish controversies …
Summary: The concept of a “foolish controversy” is one that opens the door to a lot of discussion. Understanding the difference between what is foolish and what is sensible requires wisdom.
Continue reading “Titus 3:9 (a) — Foolish and Sensible”
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”
And I want you to stress these things …
Summary: Paul’s letter to Titus is very short. Yet, it contains a concise summary of Christian teachings. In this passage we are encouraged to step back and take a look at where Paul’s words have brought us.
Continue reading “Titus 3:8 (b) — Things”
This is a trustworthy saying.
Summary: What is trustworthy? Mainstream churches use a structured worship called a liturgy. The liturgy was written centuries ago to honor God’s Word. Today, liturgies still in use reflect the same truths, but they cannot guarantee that modern church leaders follow suit.
Continue reading “Titus 3:8 (a) — Liturgy”
[He saved us so that we might become heirs] … having the hope of eternal life.
Summary: Buying a house is hard work. It takes determination and dedication. These same qualities are valuable to us as we wait for our new heavenly home.
Continue reading “Titus 3:7 (c) — New House”
He saved us … so that … we might become heirs …
Summary: There are specific rules of law that pertain to a last will and testament. Paul, knowing the law, uses this terminology to explain something very important.
Continue reading “Titus 3:7 (b) — Last Will and Testament”
… so that, having been justified by his grace …
Summary: Paul’s description of being saved arrives at the concept of justification. Do we need more than we already have? It turns out we do. We need to be justified before God.
Continue reading “Titus 3:7 (a) — Arrived”