Just because it’s simple does not mean it is not deep

Scripture Read: Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people

Application: Verses like this really bring to light several things. 1. The desperate condition of ALL people. Until God provided an option ALL people only had one. According to scripture ALL have fallen short, ALL have sinned and are separated from the life and person of God. When Christ came and sacrificed Himself the opportunity for salvation was made available to ALL people. What an awesome God we have. 2. Just because an opportunity is given, it does not mean that ALL will get. I do not understand the nonsensical debate that goes on in the church and higher education circles concerning the SIMPLE truth here. Everyone I have ever met would agree that in their life they have had different opportunities to do different things. None would say the opportunity was what must happen – their CHOICE was the deciding factor. So why do we insist this opportunity is any different – God’s Word does not. Salvation was brought to ALL people – simple – they still have to act on that salvation. Everywhere it is presented in the Word it is clear that “IF” the person has trusting belief - “faith” - in that salvation they will receive it. 3. Why do we insist on bringing finite thinking to infinite thoughts?  It amazes me – the Bible is clear – God chooses you and you choose Him – how that works, which comes where – blah, blah, blah??? We need to get over it! This is His stuff and He does not explain it. You want to have fun coming up with an “ism” to explain it all – have at it – BUT don’t split the Body over it. 

Most of salvation is God’s territory and we are not going to fit His mind into that pebble of a brain we have. Deut 29:29 – What He does want us to know He has made clear – Grace – by Faith – no Works – Christ paid it all – You must believe. SIMPLE – not complicated. To all those with degrees and authors of books, which for some reason seems to carry weight, which confounds me because the Word says what it says: to you I would say this – Those that have spent so much time developing their intellect are to be admired, yet, they need to be careful of pride - *remember it was the scholars and “know it alls” that crucified our Lord. I have been scoffed at and told I was shallow, for me all I can say to those that would smile and shake their heads because I am obviously not a “deep” thinker – I think too simplistic – Salvation is a “complicated” topic – I will just offer this:

Luke 10:21 (NASB95) — 21 At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.

Luke 10:21 (NLT) — 21 At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way.

Please Lord – Keep us a child!    

* Meditation Questions: Do you just take what God states in His Word as is or do you have to figure it out before you believe? Can you trust God even though you will never comprehend Him? Why? What is your definition of Faith? Write it out and compare with scripture what it states. 

Who we are no matter the circumstances

Scripture Read: Titus 2:9-10 Slaves are to be subject to their own masters in everything, to do what is wanted and not talk back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, in order to bring credit to the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

Application: Does God think slavery is alright? When we read passages like this it is quite normal to ask that kind of question due to the silence about the topic. Yet, if we would allow ourselves to understand the context and the real goal of our Lord we would not struggle so much. There is a bigger picture here that You want us to see Lord … it is a key to keeping our focus on You and not our circumstances.

“Bring Credit”  κοσμέω kosméō; Adorning, order - To order, set in order - To adorn, garnish, decorate the sepulchers with garlands and flowers or by adding columns or other ornaments - It was a custom among the Greeks as well as the Jews not only to erect, but also to repair and adorn the monuments of those who had merited them or who had suffered an undeserved death. Metaphorically to honor, dignify (1 Tim. 2:9, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves”; Titus 2:10; 1 Pet. 3:5; Rev. 21:2, 19; Sept.: Jer. 4:30; Ezek. 16:11). This may refer to the internal adorning of the soul, but the external appearance is also implied.^[1]

God removes every excuse we have to not behave Christ like. Consider what is being stated – Paul is ignoring the circumstance of the individual here – which is amazing. Every believer I know is totally against slavery and considers it wrong. But instead of talking to a slave and telling him how unfair life is or explaining that God understands his plight and will deliver him – Paul holds that person to the same level as any other believer. That does not mean that God condones slavery, what God tolerates is very different than what He approves of. The point that is so strong to me is that no matter the circumstance we find ourselves in our behavior should continue to reflect Christ. Whether we are the king, or a slave, a captor or the captive – we should live in such a way that those watching us will see Christ. This is how inmates and those that guard them can still behave as brothers, which astounds the world! When we show in our life that Jesus has made a difference in who we are – no matter the circumstance – this affirms, or as stated here in Titus, brings honor/dignity to the teaching of our Lord. Don’t we owe Him this? What good is all the talk we do to others about Him if our life does not show that what He taught us changed us? Father – enable us to honor Your teachings by the way we live!

* Meditation Questions: Do I allow circumstances to control my character? Can I appreciate God in difficult times as well as good times? How much of our teaching about the Lord is in word versus in life?

---

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

Teaching has more to do with living than talking

Scripture Read: Titus 2:6–8 Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled, 7 showing yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has nothing evil to say about us.

Application: I remember a statement that really caught my attention – it was about a teacher that sounded good but really said nothing and was a terrible example of what he claimed we should be. After he spoke a person said “Big cloud, Big thunder – No rain!” This can be true if all we are is talk – notice Paul states “show” when he is talking about teaching – the words he uses to describe what we should show are interesting …

Integrity - The ἀφθορία mentioned in Tt. 2:7 also belongs to this sphere. It is used with σεμνότης to describe the moral attitude of Titus, who will not let himself be led astray; it refers, then, to his conduct relative to teachers and teaching. We are not to think in terms of the impregnability against false teaching that Titus is establishing in the churches, nor in terms of doctrine safeguarded by the truth,⁴² but rather of innocence in the sense of not being, or not able to be, corrupted. In other words, what is described is the disposition of Titus. ^[1] 

Dignity - σεμνότης semnótēs;  Decency, dignity, seriousness. Aristotle defined semnótēs as the average of virtue that lies between two extremes, authádeia (n.f.), arrogance, (related to authádēs [829], arrogant), and aréskeia (699), pleasure, (the subst. of aréskō [700], to please, or an ignoble attempt to please everybody, the endeavoring at all costs of dignity and truth to stand well with all the world). Therefore, semnótēs stands between caring to please nobody and endeavoring at all costs to please everybody. It is the ability not only to perform well one’s duties as a citizen, but also to adhere to the highest principles and ideals of earth and heaven, and thus drawing respect and approval. See 1 Tim. 2:2; 3:4; Titus 2:7.^[2]

Sound 3. In 1 Tim. 1:10; 6:3; Tit. 2:8 we find the idea of “sound” teaching or words. The reference is to true teaching, not to teaching that makes whole. This teaching, validated by the apostles, is concerned, not with speculation, but with true, rational, and proper life in the world. Being “sound in faith” (Tit. 1:13) goes hand in hand with being temperate, serious, and sensible (2:2).^[3]

It amazes me how often we allow that, which does not matter so much, dominate us, while that which does matter very much is ignored. I believe we are called to teach absolute sound and pure Biblical Doctrine and there can be no compromise in this matter. However, as we are reminded in this passage, there cannot be a disconnect between our head and our feet. True doctrine – according to Paul as he states to Titus:  Doctrine that is “sound” based on “integrity” & “dignity”, must be connected to how we live, not just what we know or say. This must be a part of our daily walk: Integrity - a commitment to not be corrupted in our teaching, this is so important in light of today’s message which many times is based more on what is popular than what is Truth. Dignity - which means we care not what men think of our content, only God matters. While at the same time we do care of HOW our message is delivered, trying to bridge to various groups. Soundness – our life affirms our teaching! Father are we living what we teach or is it just talk? Do a heart check right now!

* Meditation Questions: Do I make it a habit to “practice what I preach”? Could people watch how you live and know what you believe? Do you focus on learning the principles of how to live given in the scriptures? Do you spend a lot of time debating over issues that are left unclear in scripture?

---

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

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

Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. (1995). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (1202–1203). Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans.

Being a model of the Model

Scripture Read: Titus 2:6–8 Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled, 7 showing yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has nothing evil to say about us.

Application: What does it mean t be an example? Can anyone be an example? How about a “good” example? My Uncle use to tell me everyone can be a “good” example. I was young so I accepted that, then as I matured I questioned whether that could be true. I asked him again and he restated – everyone can be a good example, even if it is a …. “good” example of a “bad” example! He was right! Example: This word has a wide range of meaning – but with some real fascinating thoughts

Example - τύπος túpos - to strike, smite with repeated strokes. A type, i.e., something caused by strokes or blows. (I) A mark, print, impression (John 20:25). (II) A figure, form. (A) Of an image, statue (Acts 7:43 quoted from Amos 5:26). (B) Of the form, manner, of the style of a letter (Acts 23:25); a doctrine (Rom. 6:17). (C) Figuratively of a person as bearing the form and figure of another, as having a certain resemblance in relations and circumstances (Rom. 5:14). (III) A prototype, pattern. - The NT occasionally uses τύπος in the traditional senses “mark” (Jn. 20:25), “idol” (Ac. 7:43 == Am. 5:26), “text” (formulation and contents) of a letter (Ac. 23:25). In Paul, the Pastorals and 1 Pt. it is used 6 times for the determinative “example” of the obedience of faith, also in R. 6:17 for Christian teaching as a mould and norm. ^{[1] [2]}

What I find so interesting is that the word used for scar in John 20 is this word. Here the Lord offering proof to Thomas of His resurrection shows a “mark” - His scar. How appropriate that this word is employed by Paul when encouraging Titus in his walk. Whenever anyone considers Who Christ is, What He did, a simple scar – that mark – states it all! In that mark is communicated all his love, sacrifice and pain. The total of the Passion – no comments needed. The mark states it all. So when Paul emphasizes to Titus that as Christians we need to set the standard of what Christ-likeness is. We know this is true. If anyone was ask you to describe what a Christian is everyone of us could answer it with one word – Paul. He was and is the example of what being a Christian is suppose to be. This is what Paul was encouraging in Titus, not in an egotistical way, because it was never about Paul. He told followers to follow him where he imitated Christ. This is what he is doing to Titus. Live in such a way that no one can speak a word against you due to how you live – not just talk. Too many examples have been, “do what I say, not what I do!” This should never be the model of a Christian. We lead by our life and our words back that up! We should want our life to have the mark of Christ on it in such a way that all who look will see it clearly. 

* Meditation Questions: How close is the private you from the public you? Do people know what you believe about how to live just by watching you? How do you feel when you preach what you don’t practice? Why do we do this? What steps can you take to change that?

---

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

^[2] Theological dictionary of the New Testament. 1964- (G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley & G. Friedrich, Ed.) (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Encouraging each other to be encouragers

Scripture Read: Titus 2:6–8 Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled, 7 showing yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has nothing evil to say about us.

Application: On a sports team, when the score is against us, what do we do to each other? As we raise kids, how do we approach our children to change their behavior? Many in the world use a “demand” approach, but the scripture uses a different path …

Encourage:  παρακαλέω parakaléō - from pará, to the side of, and kaléō, to call. To aid, help, comfort, encourage. Translated: to comfort, exhort, desire, call for, beseech with a stronger force than aitéō ^[1]

There are a few things here that I find interesting. First, this word translated “encourage” – there is another Greek word that Paul could have used – aitéō – which conveys the idea of beseeching or asking but in a more passive sense. Instead he uses parakaléō, this word that not only adds some intensity to the asking, it is also tied to the same word we were given as the name of the Holy Spirit. That should awaken all of us as we consider what our responsibility to each other is. God wants us to come alongside younger believers and aid, comfort, encourage and even beseech them in their walk with the Lord. Second, this opens the door to an even more important discussion. When are we not responsible to encourage our brother or sister? Here is where the tiresome excuse of not knowing enough dies when it comes to discipleship. If you are 6 months old in the Lord you already know more than someone that was born again a few days ago – go encourage them. There is no excuse. All of us can be led by God to someone younger and encourage them in their walk with Christ. However, this takes us one level deeper in the meaning of being an encourager. It is true that we can always find someone younger, less mature than ourselves, so the real issue is what responsibility does all this bring to our own personal growth? This is where many of us get uncomfortable, never the less it must faced. God holds us responsible to grow (Parable of talents) and if we choose not to – then that explains why we use the excuse that we don’t know enough. The statement is true but the reason is false. It’s not because we cannot get what we need to pass on, it is because we WILL not get what we need! God wants to grow us all – not only for Himself and for us, but so we can encourage others to so walk. Thanks Lord for Your Word which always brings a challenge. 

* Meditation Questions: What are you doing to grow in Christ? Are you being discipled? Are you discipling anyone? Have you gone to the Lord to seek ways to have both in your life? Do you Read Scripture? Study it? Memorize it? Meditate on it? What do your answers show?

---

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