Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… and to goodness, knowledge …
Summary: Human knowledge is every bit as reliable as humans. Goodness is a reflection of God’s love for us. There is a reason that Peter adds goodness to our faith before knowledge.
Continue reading “2 Peter 1:5d — What is Knowledge?”
… so that through them you may participate in the divine nature …
Summary: How is it possible that we can participate in God’s divine nature? How is it possible that a hundred choral voices can join into one? There is a parallel here that might help us understand this passage.
Continue reading “2 Peter 1:4c — One With God”
Grace be with you all.
Summary: The ‘grace of God’ is a phrase that covers a lot of ground. By closing with this statement Paul is affirming the benefit of being restored to a relationship with God through his Son, Jesus Christ. He is also reminding us of something very important.
Continue reading “Titus 3:15 (b) — A Gentle Reminder”
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”
… 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”
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”
At one time … we too were foolish …
Summary: Paul the apostle makes the case that everyone has been foolish at some time, even the apostles chosen by Jesus himself.
Continue reading “Titus 3:3 (b) — Foolishness”
Remind the people … to slander no one …
Summary: Slander is an untruth that eats at a person’s reputation. Even if the slanderer believes that the lie is true, the damage that follows can never be fully undone.
Continue reading “Titus 3:2 (a) — A Weapon of Voice”