In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began. Titus 2:1

Kinda backtracking a little from previous posts…but scripture is so cool that every time you go back, you have infinite potential to go back and see something you didn’t really appreciate before.

Take a second to digest this single sentence.

So often, you hear the question, “Why would a loving God send people to hell?”

Answer: He doesn’t. People chose to go there.

OR

“If God is so loving, then why are there people suffering with cancer or starving?”Answer: We live in a fallen world.

Simple truths found in this scripture:

1. God CANNOT lie.

His word is truth.

2. God promised hope in eternal life before the world began.

This life that we know of is NOT God’s original design. It’s not the life he intended for us to live.

God’s intent for us before the world began was for us to live in eternity with Him. That was His plan.

What went wrong is that Adam and Eve used their free will to cross the ONE boundary that God set in place for them. That choice has affected every living person that followed after them.

TRUTH: God set specific, clear, and understandable boundaries for us to follow in order to receive His blessing. As people, we tend to want to push the envelope and very often step outside of those boundaries. Is there any wonder why we miss out on His blessing?

Final story: The San Diego Medical Examiner chaplain was on the scene were a young man had committed suicide. The young man’s gay boyfriend was there and upon seeing the chaplain, the boyfriend challenged the chaplain asking, “What is he doing here? If your God is real, then why would he let this happen?” Without flinching, the chaplain looked around the room and noticed the Satanic symbols along with other anti-God paraphernalia and answered with his own question: “Well judging from the things you keep in your home, God wasn’t a welcome influence here. Why would you blame him?”

Meditate on these truths today: God cannot lie and he has already promised us hope of eternal life. For those of us who are in Christ, we are ALREADY living in eternity. So let’s live like it.

“Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.” Titus 2:15

Let’s do a quick review. Paul starts off his epistle to Titus outlining the qualifications for elders. We know that, above all, godly leaders are to be blameless. They are to hold fast to sound doctrine, and thus be an example.

Why? Because there were believers in Crete who were out of line and causing problems. There were people spreading false teachings and causing disorder in the body.

 Paul contrasts this situation at the beginning of Chapter two saying, “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.” He then describes how a church should be, and qualifies it all as a response to God’s grace.

This brings us to today’s verse. Here Paul is reenforcing this idea of “speak these things”.

As I read this, I can’t help but think of some of the sad things that are going on in some, not all, churches today. Some “pastors” would rather tickle people’s ears than teach them sound doctrine. And while the church attendance climbs upwards, the spiritual condition of the flock is abysmal at best. You have church-goers, but not genuine believers who are grounded in the scriptures and actively deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.

This type of situation is unacceptable, and Paul makes it very clear to Titus that the unruliness in Crete needs to stop.

“Speak these things”. Don’t sugar coat it. Teach them God’s ways. Teach them what it means to be godly and righteous. Teach them to live soberly and blameless before God and men.  Teach them about God’s grace and how that should affect how we live our lives.

“exort”. The greek here is “parakaleo” and means to urge, beseech someone to pursue some course of conduct. The root of this word is the same as the word used in some texts to describe the Holy Spirit. There is this idea of coming alongside, not in a domineering way but with the intent of building them up and encouraging them.

“rebuke with all authority” The new testament has three verbs for the word “rebuke”. One of them is used simply as a means of pointing out one’s alleged wrongs whether deserved or not. The word used here “elencho ” is used as a means to convict someone clearly in the wrong. As a leader responsible for the church in Crete, Titus is called to correct those who are in obvious transgression. The authority comes in light of sound doctrine. It is inarguable and is done not to tear the offender down, but as explained before, to encourage and build up.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:11-14

That’s quite a run-on sentence! Let’s break it down piece by piece.

But before that, let’s review what the word “For” indicates to us. Whenever you see the word “For” or “because”, it is important to look back at what was just said. Paul begins Titus 2 with an exhortation for a church to be blameless. In this piece of scripture, he explains “Why”.

Grace brings salvation: In very few words, verse 11 presents a tremendous piece of truth. Salvation is not something to be earned. It is a gift. The word grace describes unmerited favor. It’s something given freely. We also see here that this grace is available to ALL men. Whether or not a person CHOOSES to accept that grace is another story.

Grace influences how we live: A healthy understanding of God’s grace should effect a response from us. To deny ungodliness is to reject the things that are not of God and to disassociate ourselves from the things of our fallen world. To live soberly is to live with an accurate understanding of who we are and our position with God. We are sinners. He is holy. To be godly is to be righteous, because God is righteous. One key thing to understand here is that we are to live righteously and godly lives not to earn God’s favor, but as a response to the favor He has ALREADY given us.

We have hope in Jesus: If someone gave you an amazing gift, wouldn’t you be anxious to see them, to be able to say thank you face to face? What greater gift is there than salvation from eternal separation from God; something we all deserve. Jesus’s sacrifice redeemed us from everything we’ve done wrong and the hope of seeing him is what we are to look forward to us we continue life on this side of eternity. Let’s be honest, living a godly life isn’t easy. Sin is something we will always have to deal with until we die. But as we remember what Christ did for us and for the purifying work he has already done and continues to do in our lives, this should free us from any feelings of guilt we may have from sins past, present, or future. The freedom from that condemnation is what makes us zealous for good works, to share that grace given to us to other people.

But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. Titus 2:1-10

One of the themes that continues to surface in this epistle is the idea of blamelessness. In chapter 1, Paul called for blameless men to be selected for ministry. He was very specific in the qualities required of one chosen to lead. 

The other theme that remains prevalent going into chapter 2 is the teaching of sound doctrine, which will effectually produce a blameless church. We know from the end of Titus 1 that this was not the case in Crete.

 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. Titus 1:16 

There were believers slandering other believers and causing division based on false teachings. Their conduct was not befitting of their faith and God’s Word.   

But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine Titus 2:1

Notice the contrast at the beginning of this sentence, “But”. With the words that follow, Paul is realigning the standard by which the church at Crete is to conduct itself. Through the teaching of sound doctrine, the people are to be transformed by the Word so that their conduct and speech (Titus 2:8) may be blameless and cannot be condemned. 

To be a leader in the church is not a position of esteem, prestige, or glamor. It’s a function of servitude. The role of a leader is to be the example of a blameless life and to faithfully teach sound doctrine. In many ways, the spiritual condition of a church is a reflection of those who lead it.  

“For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” Titus 1:10-16

Whenever you see the word “for” at the beginning of a sentence, it is super important to go read the verse or verses that came before it. The word “for” indicates that what is coming after it is qualifying something that was just said. It’s like saying “because”.

Yesterday we looked at the qualifications for spiritual leadership (Titus 1:5-9), in the following verses 10-16 Paul explains the importance of a leader meeting those specific qualifications.

In Titus 1:10-11, Paul brings to attention the presence of certain “Christians” in Crete who are stirring up trouble among the churches and causing division. “[O]f the circumcision” implies that these were Jewish Christians. This was not at all uncommon during those days. These troublemaking “believers” were teaching things that they ought not to teach. By Jewish standards, the native Cretans were unclean and the Jews openly condemned the Cretans for it. (I wonder if that’s where we get our slang word).

Paul charges Titus and the appointed Godly leaders to correct these people causing division and misrepresenting the gospel. The truth of the matter is that some Jews still felt obligated by the Mosaic law to observe certain traditions and regulations (verses 14,15). However, Jesus’ sacrifice had freed them from bondage to the law and gave them salvation by grace. This was the true doctrine that needed to be taught and is the reason that godly leaders MUST be grounded in the Word in order to recognize false teaching and to lovingly correct those who are spreading fallacies.

Finally in verse 16, “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.”. To know God is to know that he is love. He is not condemning, in fact he WANTS to save. The condemning attitudes of the Jewish Christians were not indicative of true faith. Paul calls them “abominable, disobedient, and disqualified.”

It has been said that Mahatma Gandhi studied Christianity and valued many of its principles, but he said, “I would be a Christian, if it were not for Christians.”

I was street witnessing one day downtown, and a Hare Krishna person told me “Christians are selfish hypocrites who care for no one but themselves and their own salvation.” I sadly had to agree with him to a certain degree. There are many who profess to be Christians but their lifestyles don’t reflect it.

I have an athiest friend who rejects Christianity simply based on the fact that many “Christians” he knows are condemning, immoral, and not worth associating with. Even though he’s a non-Christian, he’s one of the most genuine people I know. I’d even dare say that in his choices and attitudes he is more Christ-like than some who profess to be Christians.

Even if you are not slandering and condemning people with your mouth and imposing laws and rules on people like the Jewish Christians in Crete, your lifestyle, your vocabulary, your pasttimes are all indicative of your spiritual state.

Again, I ask. If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to prove it?

“For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you— if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” Titus 1:5-9

What makes a good leader? Who should lead? What qualifications should a leader possess?

Within the context of Spiritual leadership, Paul explains God’s standards to Titus in this passage of scripture.

Titus 1:5 shows us that leaders are appointed; they are not self-proclaimed or take the position of leadership by force. We know that that Paul himself was selected and sent out by God. In the same way, Paul charges Titus to carefully select leaders to oversee the churches of various cities.

In Titus 1:6, Paul explains that leaders must be blameless in their conduct with their families. An elder (or bishop) maintains a faithful and committed relationship with his wife. His children are cared for and they treat him with respect. Your family life says a lot about your spiritual state. Are you the same person in public as you are in private?

Titus 1:7-8 describe the nature characteristic of a Godly leader. At the foundation of it all, a leader is to recognize that he is a steward tending to a flock that does not belong to him. In recognition of this, a leader must adopt a position of humility and servitude. His responsibility is the welfare of others over his own. It is a lifestyle of dying to self for the good of those he leads. This is very different from the traditional view of leadership that is prominent in secular arenas.

Finally in Titus 1:9, one of the most important roles of a leader is to guide people to grow in the Lord. This is only made possible by correctly teaching them the Word. It’s disheartening to see some pastors stand before a congregation and preach incorrect doctrine. I’ve on occasion visited another church where the pastor was teaching on a topic and selected 18 verses as support. Of the 18 verses used, 15 were used completely out of context. What broke my heart even more was hearing the resounding “Amen” from the congregation over each misrepresented scripture. I’d like to hope that this pastor has good intentions, but certainly is ill-equiped to rightly divide the Word of truth.

In closing, let’s focus on one of the underlying themes of this passage: being blameless. In any one of the aforementioned areas, any indiscretion on the part of the leader can have devastating effects on those he leads. Leaders are to be the example to follow. The sad thing about sheep is that they will follow you right off the edge of a cliff if you lead them there.

“Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness,” Titus 1:1

You see it all the time, a person’s name followed by their credentials:

Doogie Howser, M.D.

Raymond Regno, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Mickey Stonier, PH.D in Marriage and Family Studies , Master of Divinity, Certified Trauma Responder (CTR), Certified Trauma Service Specialist (CTSS), Certified Trauma Specialist (CTS), etc. etc. etc.

Here Paul gives indication of his credentials: a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ.

The word “bondservant” comes from the Greek word “doulos”. A bondservant or “bondslave” was someone who voluntarily subjected his whole being to the will of another. Paul was wholly surrendered to the will of God. His life was no longer his own.

The word “apostle” comes from the Greek “apostolos”, which means literally “one who is sent out” particularly with orders or some mission. The function of apostle is a gifting ordained by the Holy Spirit. Paul’s entire life and purpose in life was to go where God sent him, to share that hope that comes only through Jesus, and to equip others to do the same.

From a spiritual standpoint, do you think you could be associated with such highly esteemed credentials as these?

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13

A few months ago, a prayer request was sent from our church in South Bay. A 19-year-old girl named Brandy, who attends the church there, was suffering from cystic fibrosis and was told she didn’t have much longer to live unless she got a transplant.

Our high school principal, Laura, heard about this need and began praying for Brandy to find a donor. Somewhere along the way, Laura heard the Lord saying to her “what about you?”. In obedience, she submitted an application to be a possible donor. As months past, her name slowly began climbing the list of possible candidates. Recently, she learned that she was a positive match and she went in for surgery last week to donate one of the lobes in her lungs.

The transplant was a success and Brandy is breathing much better now and is going to be fine! How amazing, and how great a sacrifice on Laura’s part, especially for someone she didn’t even know. What’s even more extraordinary is that even from her hospital bed, Laura calls into the church from time to time to check on how things are going on at the school.

What a sweet reality check. Today’s been kinda rough for me. Lots of unexpected things popped up adding to my already heavy load. My head is throbbing, and I’ve gone into leave-me-alone-I’m-busy mode. But hey, at least I’m fully intact. What a great reminder to just chill out and not get so caught up in the worries of the day.

Anyway, this whole thing came to mind because I noticed a get well card for Laura in the copy room as I was getting a drink of water. I’m thankful that despite my tendency toward tunnel vision, the Lord has kept my eyes open enough to catch his subtle hints, reminding me that He’s called us all to a life of self-sacrifice.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9

There is often this transitional period between wakefulness and sleep where I often find myself praying or hearing God speak to me. It almost feels like a dream, but I remember it vividly.

This verse was running through my head this morning; over and over.

Piggybacking on yesterday’s reflection, I’ve had three weeks straight of just heavy ministry. The next two weeks aren’t going to let up either. This Saturday I have the privilege of performing my sister’s wedding. Next week, we are doing our annual Thanksgiving Outreach . I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tired. I haven’t had a day off in weeks.

Thankfully, these daily reflections have kept me in the word, and little encouragements like these verses have kept me going. Our half day expedition to Disnleyland after church on Sunday helped a little too. =)

If you’re tired like me, don’t lose heart, “for in due season we shall reap”. Paul encourages us further in Romans 8:18:

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us“.

I cannot even begin to imagine the things that Paul endured for the sake of the ministry. Beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, etc, etc…

And finally, I leave you with this:

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,” Acts 3:19

There is a great promise here for those who have repented and have been converted: that as we simply abide in His presence, there will be times of refreshing.

Seek His presence in His Word. Don’t lose heart!

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

The last few weeks have been hectic. Between the fires, the Week of Prayer and Fasting, Thanksgiving outreach prep, and all the other million-and-one needs to be met, it gets hard sometimes to spend adequate time in the Word and just spending time with the Lord.

We’ve all heard this verse before to some extent. It’s a nice pithy statement that gets thrown around quite a bit. As I was praying and reflecting on what God’s been showing me lately, this verse popped into my head. Let’s look at it in context:

“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:1-10

I dunno about you, but when I slack in being in the Word, I tend to go back to my old character: critical, irritable, short-tempered, etc.

What that inevitably boils down to is “Pride”.

You know what I’ve discovered that is absolutely scary? You can pour your entire life into serving the Lord and STILL be completely far away from Him.

I’ve found that when I neglect to take time with the Lord, pride and self-focus can set in and cause all sorts of problems. I can begin to get critical of the people I’m serving with. Or my sense of compassion goes out the window and the things I’m doing become merely tasks to get out of the way. The “pleasure” I seek becomes relief that comes with simply “getting it over with”. The “war and fights” that result become an inner struggle between doing what’s in the best interest of other, and the desire to seek my own devices. Rather than ministering through His spirit, I begin to operate as a worldly person in my own strength.

Love goes down the toilet.

God’s commandments are simple: Love Him, and love people.

When you become too busy to pray or too busy for people. You’re busier than God ever intended for you to be. You’re busier than God!

When people go from being opportunities to share God’s love to mere annoyances, you’re in a a dangerous place.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Come to him with humility. Experience and be filled with His grace. You can’t give what you don’t have.