January 11, 2024
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Titus? Here’s today’s reading:
Titus 1 (NIV)
1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3 and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,……Continue Reading
Verses 1-3 are incredible. Each segment of Paul’s introduction here is so clearly stated and powerful. I also love his insertion of “who never lies” when he mentions God.
God never lies. His Word is Truth. It contains so many promises for us…telling us who we are in Christ, and how He loves us, and how He showed His love for us through the Cross. We have to live in those promises…the enemy so easily accuses us, but God’s Word is Truth.
Peter illustrates the importance of these promises (and the related fact that God does not lie) when he states in 2 Peter 1:4: “by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”
God’s promises give us access to His very nature…how great and merciful is our God???
Establishing leadership and being sure those people are of good character is important to God and essential to a healthy ministry. Titus was charged with an important job to set up these churches with such men.
“7Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”
This is a tall order and i feel blessed to worship in a church with leadership that uphold these characteristics. That show my children by example the importance of a Godly life and good stewardship!
Titus 1
Titus 1 Paul wrote this letter to Titus because he knew he had leadership ability to choose wisely when choosing elders and leadership for churches in Crete which was a small island off the Mediterranean Sea, Paul wanted Titus to find leaders who could effectively preach the word of God, and be on the lookout for those trying to teach false doctrine.
Paul describes the qualifications Titus should be looking for. Most important they have to be able to share the Gospel and put God first, be examples for others to follow.
Titus was a fellow co-worker who was left in Crete just as Timothy had been left in Ephesus to correct false teachings. He was a Gentile who was converted from heathenism. This man was someone who he trusted greatly to teach sound doctrine. Here is what my source says.[ All the Men of the Bible] There seemed to have been a peculiar bond of affection between Paul and his Grecian convert. How Paul loved him and appreciated his trusted companionship. 2 Cor. 7;6,13,14. What an inspiration he was to Paul on several of his journeys. Gal. 2;1,3. In 2 Corinthians Paul mentions Titus some nine times. Paul sent Titus to Corinth as his delegate. Paul anxiously awaited the return of Titus, and he refreshed the spirit of the apostle both by his presence and the good news he brought from Corinth. 2 Cor. 2;12,14. When Paul was released from prison, Titus accompanied him on a visit to Crete, Paul leaving him there to assist the church. Titus is not mentioned by name in the book of Acts but is included in the certain others in Acts 15;2. One of the statements in verse 2 Paul mentions that before the world began God promised the hope of eternal life. Like we have read before. God is All Knowing and All Powerful. May His Everlasting Love and all that He is guide us as we seek that closer relationship with Him.
Just read all the comments. Thanks Sean. Kelly. Mindy. And Dennis. Awesome readings so awesome to read all different takes on scripture. So helpful
In understanding the truth of Gods word
Titus 1
Titus 1
Paul certainly knew who he was in Christ and what he was called to do and shares these assuring truths with Titus so he would by extension know the significance of his call. We can have the same assurance for the ministries God calls us to and recognize that God establishes us in relationship with Him in Christ and then empowers us for ministry through the Spirit. Titus definitely had his work cut out for him in Crete and so Paul calls him like he did Timothy to raise up fellow elders to help. These are such important character traits for leaders in the church to have as they manage their families, their relationships, their hearts and the Word well. We too need to be aware of those who come into the midst of us to share falsehood. Legalism seems so good in the standards it provides, but not in the hearts it fosters and the behaviors that Paul specifies here. I am glad that Living Hope has been spared this, but we need to be watchful, especially as things get worse in our world, of those who would come in to corrupt the truth.
Titus 1
There are some great truths in passage 11-14:
God’s grace offers salvation to everyone.
Because we have this grace from God, we can say NO to ungodliness.
We have the power to live a life that is self-controlled, godly and upright.
We are children of God, so it is in our nature to do what is good.
And living this way is well worth it because of the undeniable hope that we will be with Jesus forever!