Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… especially those of the circumcision group.
Summary: The case of the circumcision group offers us an example of disagreements in the early church. Some were resolved by discussion. Others festered and turned into open conflict.
Continue reading “Titus 1:10 (c) — That All May Be One”
… full of meaningless talk and deception …
Summary: Paul points us to a key facet of rebellious people: They are full of meaningless talk and deception. These two things are very real and very dangerous. If we let them, they can steal our lives.
Continue reading “Titus 1:10 (b) — A Waste of Air”
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”
… by sound doctrine …
Summary: People tend to cling to their own perspectives. It is hard to let go. When we read something we don’t understand, we put a sticky note over the words with our own understanding written on top. This is where disagreements begin.
Continue reading “Titus 1:9 (d) — Smooshed”
… as it has been taught …
Summary: The meaning of the word, “church” helps us understand who Paul is talking to and what his words mean. We are not called to a denomination, we are called to a public gathering in the name of Christ.
Continue reading “Titus 1:9 (b) — Paul’s Own Words”
… and disciplined.
Summary: The best discipline comes from within. It also often serves the will of someone else. Discipline re requires motivation and the best motivation comes from love.
Continue reading “Titus 1:8 (f) — Boot Camp”
… who is self-controlled …
Summary: Remote-control is a great thing when it comes to toys. It is not so great when it comes to people. God offers us freedom from Evil’s remote-control over our lives. All we need is Jesus.
Continue reading “Titus 1:8 (c) — Little Robots”
… not pursuing dishonest gain.
Summary: Peter’s requirements for an overseer begin with six traits to watch out for. Two of these traits are not like the others. Doing things that earn blame and pursuing dishonest gain both require effort and reveal a heart focused on material things instead of the things of God.
Continue reading “Titus 1:7 (g) — Bookends”
… not given to drunkenness …
Summary: Paul continues with his discourse on what to avoid in a church leader, especially an overseer. All we have to do now is figure out what he means by “not given to drunkenness.”
Continue reading “Titus 1:7 (e) — Clothespins & Wine”
…not quick-tempered…
Summary: Paul’s letter compares things we should not do with things a believer should do. We then look at the first “not” on Paul’s list. A godly person, one who is qualified to be an overseer, is not quick-tempered.
Continue reading “Titus 1:7 (d) — Paul’s Scale”