Daily Meditations on the Bible
… 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”
… 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”
… 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”
… faithful to his wife …
Summary: The Greek text for this passage points us to the teaching that a man should have only one wife. The idea of being faithful is desirable in our marriages and also our relationship with God.
Continue reading “Titus 1:6 (b) — Faithfulness”
… and peace …
Summary: We will not see world peace until our world is under the direct rule of our Lord Jesus. Until that time, there will be conflict. Yet, there is a kind of peace that we can have that comes from knowing God.
Continue reading “Titus 1:4 (d) — A Time for Peace”
… in the hope of eternal life …
Summary: How we think about when eternal life begins affects the decisions we make. Choosing to see it as Paul does helps to keep us on the road home.
Continue reading “Titus 1:2 (a) — The Road Home”
But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone…”
Have you ever been one of those people who hate to make choices? I have. I would overthink every little decision. When I finally made a decision I would wonder if I should have chosen differently. Another version of this was the knocking of opportunity. Should I take this opportunity or wait for something better?
All this overthinking and worrying resulted in stress. It also meant I never felt certain about anything. Ironically, finding Jesus put an end to all that anxiety. Suddenly the question, “Is this God’s will?” trumped everything.
Continue reading “1 Peter 2:7 (b) — Choices”