Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… so that you may command certain people …
Summary: Giving commands sounds easy until someone takes offense.
Let’s regroup and read Paul’s entire sentence so far:
“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people …”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:3b – In Defense of the Gospel”
Grace be with you all.
Summary: The ‘grace of God’ is a phrase that covers a lot of ground. By closing with this statement Paul is affirming the benefit of being restored to a relationship with God through his Son, Jesus Christ. He is also reminding us of something very important.
Continue reading “Titus 3:15 (b) — A Gentle Reminder”
Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Summary: These words give us a peek into Paul’s world. Today we meditate on the meaning of camaraderie and what that means to us.
Continue reading “Titus 3:15 (a) — Camaraderie”
… in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
Summary: This single sentence near the end of Paul’s letter to Titus includes clues to what it means to be a believer in Christ. Giving ourselves to Christ transforms us from unproductive people into people who live productive lives that are a blessing to others.
Continue reading “Titus 3:14 (c) — Antidote”
Our people … must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good
Summary: The word “devote” could have several meanings. The surprise is that understanding this word leads to an insight into how we can get better at doing good.
Continue reading “Titus 3:14 (b) — Right and Wrong”
Our people…
Summary: What does Paul mean when he writes “our people?” Not all believers are the same.
Continue reading “Titus 3:14 (a) — Believers”
Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way
Summary: Today’s passage provides another glimpse into the life of early Christians. Paul, acting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is directing others in their work for the Lord. The glimpse we get is a fascinating peek at a much larger puzzle.
Continue reading “Titus 3:13 (a) — Puzzle Pieces”
…to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.
Summary: Life in the old days was very different. Communication from place to place was slow and fraught with uncertainty. Travel was time-consuming and dangerous.
Continue reading “Titus 3:12 (c) — In Search of Paul”
… do your best …
Summary: Three little words in Paul’s instructions to Titus give us a clue to peace and contentment as we live our lives in service to Jesus.
Continue reading “Titus 3:12 (b) — Your Best”
As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you…
Summary: We know next to nothing about Artemas and very little about Tychicus, but what we do know suggests that God’s army was both faithful and busy.
Continue reading “Titus 3:12 (a) — Tychicus”