Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
—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”
… because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach …
Summary: Paul has been describing something he has seen many times. The enemy of God has been working hard to derail Paul’s efforts. Paul is very concerned that new believers will also come under fire from the Enemy.
Continue reading “Titus 1:11 (b) — The Enemy”
They must be silenced …
Summary: The NIV translates “epistomizō” as “must be silenced.” In English, that phrase is open to broad interpretation. Looking to Jesus helps us understand Paul’s intent.
Continue reading “Titus 1:11 (a) — Shush!”
… 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”
… and refute those who oppose it.
Summary: Who has the authority to decide what is right? Who is able to refute those who oppose the Word of God? I will tell you who it is not: It is not the one who yells and bullies others into submission.
Continue reading “Titus 1:9 (e) — Perspectives”
… 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”
… so that he can encourage others …
Summary: We live in an imperfect world. Sometimes our words go astray or are misused. We need encouragement in the struggle against darkness. God’s Word provides us with a bright hope in dark times.
Continue reading “Titus 1:9 (c) — Bright Hope, Dark Times”
… 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”
He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message …
Summary: The message Paul has given Titus and other church leaders is much more than just a word, it is The Word from Jesus himself.
Continue reading “Titus 1:9 (a) — God’s Messenger”
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Summary: Merry Christmas!
Continue reading “Isaiah 9:6 — Who is Us?”