Why do we let the false seducer direct us?

Scripture Read: Titus 3:5-8 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.  

Application:  I am astounded that the old argument of total grace versus works still continues – but it does. Just as in the garden, when the enemy first twisted God’s Word, he continues to do that today. Today he continues to try and get people to go one direction or the other in an unhealthy way. The scripture is filled with passages like this - notice what it says – “those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds” (Titus 3:8). 

I don't think there's any confusion here. If you believe in God - the evidence of that is going to be good deeds. That doesn't change at all the relationship between total grace and works. It is always where you place these two. How you get saved = total grace - nothing you do, nothing you are will save you. It's all God’s work through Christ. But works is still involved in the doctrine of salvation. It’s always been, it’s a matter of where you put Grace versus Works. Grace is the road in front of salvation. You must get on that road to be saved. Your works will not do it. After you begin at relationship with Christ the road that follows is Grace & Works. You might ask, so if I don't have works then I am not saved? I'm not saying that, the scripture does not say that. Here is what I can tell you the scriptures state in many places – the entire book of James makes this point - if you don't have works that show your life has changed toward God then if you are wise you should question if you have a relationship with Him.  Now 1 Cor. 3 makes it clear there will be people that are in heaven whose lives did not look like they belong to Christ, but I fear many who think because they once said a prayer, yet have continued to live away from God will find themselves in Matt 7 saying: Lord, Lord didn't we – and the Lord states depart from Me I never knew you.  So if you're living a life that clearly shows that you've been changed because of Jesus - you have the assurance that you belong to him. If you prayed a prayer and there was a change for a while but now you live your own way and God is someone you visit once in a while, if you are wise you have to question whether you belong to Him. It doesn't mean you don't, but it is clear according to God’s Word that living every day with the Holy Spirit of God inside you will continue to change you until the day you go home to the Lord.

* Meditation Questions: How long can you go without talking to God? How long can you go without reading His Word? How long can you go without fellowshipping with the people of God? When was the last time you talked with someone about the impact Christ has made on your life? What do your answers show you? What should you do about it?  

Confidence comes from within, it can’t be faked!

Scripture Read: Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.  

(NET version) v.7 - And so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life.”

Application:  I am interested in how close these words are in the original. The NET renders the word “hope” in NASB as “confident”. Wondering if the confidence we have is the same word for the confidence we are to speak with. If they are tied together that might be a key into the difference when people share their beliefs -those that really sense the confidence that Christ has saved them by His works - may proclaim with that same confidence that truth. If on the other hand they are insecure in what Christ has done they may also waver as they share the gospel. 

In v.7 this is the word rendered “hope” & “confident” : ἐλπίς elpís; Hope, desire of some good with expectation of obtaining it.  Spoken especially of those who experience the hope of salvation through Christ, eternal life, and blessedness (Rom. 5:2, 4, 5; 12:12; 15:4, 13, “the God of hope” means the author and source of hope, not the one who needs hope; see 1 Cor. 13:13; 2 Cor. 3:12; Eph. 2:12; 4:4; 1 Thess. 4:13; 5:8; 2 Thess. 2:16; Titus 1:2; 3:7; Heb. 3:6; 6:11; 10:23; 1 Pet. 1:3; 3:15).

In v.8 this is the word rendered “confidently” διαβεβαιόομαι diabebaióomai;  To assure firmly, affirm, make firm (1 Tim. 1:7; Titus 3:8).^[1]

Interestingly they are not connected in etymology but they clearly are connected in how they impact the individual. If a person has the real “hope” of salvation this word shows they expect to receive it. That will make a difference in how we share the gospel – not as a dream or a fairy tale that we are “crossing our fingers” for and hoping it all turns out okay, that is wishful thinking and I have seen that gospel shared. I felt as though I was listening to a salesman, trying to convince me of something he is not even convinced of himself! This hope that Paul speaks of is only hope because we have not seen it yet, but we know we possess it. Deep in the inner part of our heart we know, with that as our foundation we do speak confidently because it is what is real, not what we are merely wishing was real. How about you? When you talk about Jesus and your salvation is it real to you or are you playing the lottery and hoping the way the world hopes?

* Meditation Questions: When I talk about Jesus, does it sound to others like I am speaking to them about a friend or someone I think I know? When I think of Jesus, is it like He is there with me or just a famous person I know of? When I go to sleep at night, do I have peace that no matter what happens I am safe? What does that say?

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^[1] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

Watching our life and remembering where we came from

Scripture Read: Titus 3:3-7 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Application: One scholar translates v. 3 this way:

For we were at one time also foolish, impersuasible (not to be moved by persuasion; inflexible), deceived, rendering a slave’s obedience to variegated pleasures, in malice and envy passing the time, detestable, hating one another.^[1]

I think the issue I have with this verse is, what exactly is being communicated? That we were once this way and are no longer this way? If that be the case I find myself in serious trouble. I still struggle at times with the sins listed here. Perhaps it is better to understand that Paul is describing how – before Christ – our life was given to a description of a life like this. Not that we all committed everything mentioned in this list but that our life was identified by slavery and habits of sin. This fits the context of the passage here and the teaching of all the Word when it comes to our walk now that we belong to Him. Many places the authors of scripture compare what our life was like before Christ and what it should be like now that we do know Him. This leads to two important ends. One – we should take note of any habitual sin beginning to take hold in our life. If we belong to Him we will still sin, but we should not love and cultivate it. We must confront those issues with the Lord’s help and seek His deliverance. Second, we should never forget where we came from – this will keep us humble. We are no better than anyone else – only because of what God has done are we freed from the slavery of sin. This should give us great compassion for those we meet that are still so deep in sin. We cannot condone sin, but must not place ourselves as the judge of anyone. Our life should show them how great freedom is and that they can have it also! God lead us to love all like You do! 

* Meditation Questions: How closely do I watch my life? Am I aware of sin as it begins, or do I only catch it after I have fallen? Do I meet with others and talk about my walk with them? What does this show? How badly do I want to grow in Christ? What am I doing about it this week?

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^[1] Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest's word studies from the Greek New Testament : For the English reader (Tt 3:1). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

How we deal with authority over us can show us a lot

Scripture Read: Titus 3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.  

Application: We all struggle with bringing ourselves under the control of someone else. It is interesting that Paul uses two different words to communicate one truth … 

Subject - ὑποτάσσω hupotássō To place under in an orderly fashion. To be subject.

Obediant - πειθαρχέω peitharchéō To obey a person in authority; hence generally to obey;  In the NT πειθαρχέω denotes obedience due both to men and to God. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

When telling Titus what to teach to encourage his people to do what the Lord would desire, Paul leaves no doubt. First, we are to “place ourselves” under the control of our rulers and authorities, in other words just plain old obey. Giving them both superiority in position and accountability. Paul mentions nothing about whether we like or agree with said authorities. He just states that we need to see them as above us in rank and obey. Obviously the line is drawn when it comes to them demanding something against God (Acts 4:19). However, that is not where most of us run into our problem. It is more along the line of we don’t like what they want, or we don’t agree due to personal preferences. This is where we have a real chance to test how committed to You we are Lord. If we cannot obey authorities because we don’t agree with them or don’t like them or did not vote for them; can we really consider ourselves obedient to the You? Is partial obedience really obedience? This is a fair question and we should be willing to check ourselves to see where we stand. Before we try to obey You Lord, Who we cannot see – how are we obeying the authorities You placed over us that we can see?

 

* Meditation Questions: How close to I live to those in authority over me? Do I first check to see if I like what it is I am submitting to, or if this authority is placed over me by You Lord? Am I accountable to anyone I have yielded authority to in my life? When I do not submit – what is the reason? Do I investigate to see why I do not submit?

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^[1] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

^[2] Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. (1995). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (1159). Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans.

^[3] Theological dictionary of the New Testament. 1964- (G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley & G. Friedrich, Ed.) (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

What You have given is far more then we remember sometimes!

Scripture Read:  Titus 2:14-15 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. 15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Application: When we consider all that redemption brings – it should cause us to pause, ponder and praise! Not only does He free us from that nasty master – sin, but He makes us His own…  

περιούσιος perioúsios;  Abundant, costly, select. Used only in Titus 2:14 and translated “peculiar.” (KJV) It refers to God’s chosen people in whom He has a special interest, one which exceeds His common concern for mankind in general. Thus the phrase should better be translated, “His treasured people” (a.t.), the same as the “purchased people” referred to in 1 Pet. 2:9. (See Sept.: Ex. 19:5; Deut. 7:6; 14:2; 26:18). ^[1] In the NT λαὸς περιούσιος occurs only at Tt. 2:14 as a quotation from the LXX (Ex. 19:5; Dt. 14:2; Ez. 37:23). By Jesus’ work of redemption God has created for Himself a people which is for Him a costly possession, a choice treasure. ^[2]

The thought that through redemption He made me a very special person that He takes special interest in should overwhelm us as we meditate on that thought. The God of the universe interested in who I am, what I do, what is going on in my life – it seems impossible - but it is true. This is where we need to settle in our mind and live. This reality will impact how we live. If we can see that our life is intertwined with His what a difference that makes. Many times we act as though our life only affects us – this is not true. There is no action – good or bad – that affects only us. That is the lie the flesh tells us so we can cultivate those nice, private sins. We think – this hurts no one – I’m the only one it affects. Meanwhile the Lover of our soul is hurt – He has emotions, He feels, He is God but every human feeling we experience came from Him – so think how you feel when the one you love does things that will destroy themselves. The pain is real! Consider how you feel when the one you love does something great – the joy is real! So it is with our Lord. His life is connected to ours through the redemption He supplied. Lord help us to remember at every moment You are part of and affected by every decision we make.

* Meditation Questions: The last time you were discouraged, which is very human, did you consider what God has given you? When you think about being a “child of the King” does that puff you up with spiritual pride, or fill your heart with eternal gratitude? What does that show you? Is it possible that at times you take for granted what Jesus did? What do you do when you realize that?

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Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

Theological dictionary of the New Testament. 1964- (G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley & G. Friedrich, Ed.) (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

The grace of God does a lot more than change our eternal destination!

Scripture Read: Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. 12 It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ

Application: Notice the work the grace of God accomplishes. So many times we only think in the realm of the grace of God moving us from Hell to Heaven – which is on it’s own incredible – but His grace does so much more – Notice it

Trains: παιδεύω paideúō;  Originally to bring up a child, to educate, used of activity directed toward the moral and spiritual nurture and training of the child, to influence conscious will and action.

We begin spiritually as children and God’s grace becomes our teacher to bring us to maturity – His grace is manifested in many ways, The fruit of Holy Spirit, Trials, suffering, blessing etc. That grace leads us to

Reject: ἀρνέομαι arnéomai; To deny, refuse - to reject, retract, disown 

God’s grace will lead us to reject that which is opposite of Him – This is a great truth and the idea of disowning is really powerful. We need to disown that which belongs to the enemy – for we now are owned by God! As we reject what is wrong we will begin

To Live: ζάω záō To live in any way, to pass one’s life in any manner  (Luke 2:36; 15:13; Acts 26:5; Rom. 7:9; Gal. 2:14; 2 Tim. 3:12;). To live unto God (Luke 20:38; Rom. 6:10, 11; Gal. 2:19) means to be devoted to Him, to live conformably to the will, purpose, precepts, and example of God

Our regular way of life – “our walk” – as we mature this will become the norm of our existence, not something we put on now and then when we attend church. That life will have many positive characteristics – but the one that really gets my attention is –

Upright: δικαίως dikaíōs - just. Justly, conformable to justice (1 Pet. 2:23; Sept.: Deut. 1:16; Prov. 31:9); honestly, without injuring anyone (1 Thess. 2:10; Titus 2:12); deservedly (Luke 23:41); as it is fit, proper, right (1 Cor. 15:34). ^[1]

Upright: How appropriate in this day and age of reality TV, Youtube fights, Jerry Springer and all the talking heads on every side of the political life that this word carries with it the thought of “without injuring anyone” That truly is the work of the grace of God. When we show that grace we will do no injury. If people reject that grace they injure themselves but we have not. The truth is the truth! Our message is grace – what the person does with it is up to them. However, our method should also be grace – not intimidation, arrogance or judgment. When we communicate the grace of God in grace – we leave it up to the individual whether they want to be injured or not. Father grant us Your grace – in our lives and our words!

* Meditation Questions: What changes in the way you think toward others have you noticed since you began your relationship with Him? Do you find your Christian character to be only moments in your life or the norm? What does that say?

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Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.