Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
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”
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.
Summary: Somehow avoiding people sounds a bit un-Christian. Yet Paul tells us to avoid people who live to argue. Looking at the list of “things to stress” that Paul gave Titus, we can see how this makes sense.
Continue reading “Titus 3:9-10 — Avoidance”
These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Summary: Paul points us to the godly quality of his list and explains why it is to our benefit to apply the list to our own lives.
Continue reading “Titus 3:8 (d) — A Few Choice Words”
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”
[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”
… 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”
He saved us through … renewal by the Holy Spirit …
Summary: Like a TV show where a contractor completely makes over an old house into something brand new, the Holy Spirit renews us.
Continue reading “Titus 3:5 (e) — Renovation”