Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
[Jesus Christ,] who gave himself for us …
Summary: The story of our salvation is amazing. Our part is rather sad and embarrassing. The exciting part is provided by God’s Son, Jesus Christ. He left heaven to become a man, live a good life, and then allowed mankind to take that life away from him. Under the law, he now has the right to take our lives, but instead, he gives us life.
Continue reading “Titus 2:14 (a) — The Eyes of God”
… and not to steal from them …
Summary: God commanded the Israelites not to steal, but that was a long time ago. Does faith in God still mean we cannot steal?
Continue reading “Titus 2:10 (a) — Works vs Works”
Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands … so that no one will malign the word of God.
Summary: How are we to understand the word “malign?” Using two pencils and a string, we can make a picture that illustrates both aligned and maligned.
Continue reading “Titus 2:5 (f) — Strung Out”
Likewise, teach the older women … not to be slanderers …
Summary: In Greek, the word “slander” comes from the root word for “devil.” Slander is a tool for hurting others. Envy and jealousy are two of the motives for hurting others.
Continue reading “Titus 2:3 (b) — The Devil’s Trap”
In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.
Summary: The mind and the conscience are like the steering wheel and the brake on a car. They each have important functions. If they don’t work properly, the car is not safe to drive. The same is true for people.
Continue reading “Titus 1:15 (c) — Wheel and Brake”
—and that for the sake of dishonest gain.
Summary: What is honest gain? From that we can learn what dishonest gain is. Knowing what to look for, we can avoid entanglements with those who are working against God.
Continue reading “Titus 1:11 (c) — Dishonest Gain”
… 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”
… 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”
… 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”