His Word Today

“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.” (Titus 3:3 ESV)

“Some years ago, I heard someone say that we should preach the gospel to ourselves every day. Though I had already been doing that to some degree, the statement brought clarity and focus to my own practice, so I began using it in my ministry to others.” – Jerry Bridges, The Gospel for Real Life.

Believers in Christ should be thankful each day for God’s salvation to us from the penalty, power and eventual presence of our sin. Realizing that this deliverance from sin is by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone should make our gratitude even greater.

Often, we focus our attention on what the LORD has saved us for (Eph. 2:10). However, we must always remember what God has delivered us from. Today’s text from Titus has this as its focus.

The Apostle Paul explains that we ourselves were once foolish. He includes himself in this spiritual diagnosis. To be foolish (ἀνόητος; anoētos) refers to a lack of good sense or senselessness regarding the things of God (Gal. 1:3; 3:3; I Timothy 6:9).

I Corinthians 2:14 says, “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”

This condition of foolishness results in disobedience to God. To be disobedient (ἀπειθής; apeithēs) means to not trust in, commit to, depend upon and worship Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. This results in a lifestyle that is rebellious against God.

To be led astray (πλανάω; planaō) is a present passive participle meaning to be deceived and to wander from the ways of God.

To be a slave to various passions (δουλεύω; douleuō/ ἐπιθυμία; epithymia) means to presently and actively serve one’s lusts or desires. These are passions that bring willing enslavement (I John 2:15-17; Gal. 6:16-21). Pleasures (ἡδονή; hēdonē) refers to sensuous habits. The English word hedonism comes from this Greek word.

Malice (κακία; kakia) refers to a vicious disposition of wickedness. Envy (φθόνος; phthonos) means being jealous and holding a grudge.

Finally hatred (στυγητός; stygētos) is to be despicable, wicked, vile and loathsome. Hating (μισέω; miseō) is a present, active participle. It means to evidence one’s nature by one’s behavior.  

“It is not that every believer has committed every sin listed here, but rather that before salvation every life is characterized by such sins. That sobering truth should make believers humble in dealing with the unsaved, even those who are grossly immoral and ungodly. If it weren’t for God’s grace to his own, they would all be wicked (1 Pet. 3:15; cf. 2 Tim. 2:25; See Rom. 1:18–32; 1 Cor. 6:9–10; Gal. 5:19–21; Eph. 4:17–19),” states Dr. John MacArthur.

Consider the particular sins of which the Lord has delivered, and is delivering, you. Pray that your behavior will display His delivering power. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

“…to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:2 (ESV)

At the beginning of his letter to Titus, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,” (1:1). Godliness is a consistent devotion to the Lord and His Word. Godliness is also a demonstration of that devotion in one’s relationships with other individuals; believers and unbelievers.

What does godliness look like in everyday life? How is godliness evident in the believer’s life at home, school, work, and relationships? As previously noted, godliness involves being respectful and obedient, when possible, to government (Titus 3:1; Acts 5:27-32).

Godliness also involves our speech. Godly Christians are to speak evil of no one. To speak evil of no one (μηδείς βλασφημέω; medeis blasphemeo) means to “not” speak against someone in such a way as to harm or injure their reputation. It means to not revile and defame another person’s character. This involves our speech about other people and God.

“Paul tells us that believers must “speak evil of no one” (3:2), which does not mean that we never publish the wickedness of others when it is appropriate to do so but rather that we not engage in slander. The Greek word the apostle uses is _blasph_ē_me_ō, which is the same verb used to describe the blasphemy of God. Basically, the apostle is telling us not to misuse the names of other people, whether by spreading falsehoods about them or by maligning their character,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

Godliness also means to avoid quarreling (ἄμαχος; amachos), which refers to being peaceable and uncontentious. It refers to not seeking conflict. In other words, to not look for a fight.

Godly individuals are to be gentle (ἐπιεικής; epieikes). This is being gracious and yielding when appropriate. When possible, it means to be tolerant of other people.

Finally, godliness means to show perfect courtesy toward all people. This refers to being personally and consistently meek and mild. It means to not be harsh with other people.

“Christians are to exemplify these godly virtues in their dealings with everyone. The admonition applies especially to dealings with unbelievers,” states Dr. John MacArthur.

How may you display these godly virtues today? Pray that the LORD will give you discernment in each relationship you have and with each person you meet. Have a godly day.  

Soli deo Gloria!

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,” (Titus 3:1 ESV).

“Jesus is Lord is an affirmation that is difficult for human beings to hear and truly believe. In confessing the lordship of Christ we are denying human autonomy, the idea that we are a law unto ourselves and are not subject to any higher authority. To bow the knee to Jesus is also to admit that no human government is absolute, that we will always follow our Savior’s demands when they are contrary to the demands of the state (Acts 5:27–29),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

However, believers in Christ have a responsibility to the state. God has created several social institutions. These include the family, labor, the church, community, the state, and the relationship between man and God. If believers in Christ are to be godly (Titus 1:1; 2:11-12), we need to have a biblical perspective toward the state; or government.

The Apostle Paul commanded Titus to do something. This was to remind believers (ὑπομιμνῄσκω; hypomimnesko) to recall, to remember or to call to attention (John 14:26; 2 Tim. 2:14; Titus 3:1; 2 Peter 1:12; 3 John 10; Jude 5) their responsibilities toward the state.

To begin with, believers are to be submissive (ὑποτάσσω; hypotasso). This refers to being responsible to and responsible for government. It is to be obedient to the government’s delegated authority as long as government does not violate God’s Word. When the state disobeys God and mandates its citizens to do the same, the believer in Christ cannot comply (Acts 4:19-20; 5:27-29).  

Rulers (ἀρχή; arche) and authorities (ἐξουσία; exousia) are those who have the authority to govern. Yet, all authority comes from God and He alone sovereignly appoints people into government service (Daniel 2:20-23; Rom. 13:1-7).

Believers are to be obedient (πειθαρχέω; peitharcheo). This is a present, active and infinitive verb. This command includes the attitude of respect for those in government authority (I Tim. 2:1-2; I Peter 2:13-17).

Finally, believers are to be ready for every good work. This means to be prepared for all kinds of honorable tasks in the country we live. Christians are to be excellent citizens.

“During the present age, God establishes His kingdom as a society that must live within the kingdoms of this world. Many who are now citizens of these earthly dominions have been chosen before the foundation of the world to be citizens of the heavenly kingdom as well. As we submit to secular laws we show that faith in Jesus does not produce lawlessness, and the Spirit can use our witness to make His kingdom attractive to those who are elect but have not yet come to faith in Christ. This is apparently one of the means the Lord used to convert the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:25–34), and He can do the same today as we obey laws that do not force us to compromise our faith, even if some of these laws are burdensome. Disobedience is not permitted merely because we find regulations foolish or do not like the people in power,” states Dr. Sproul.   

Examine your thinking, emotions and decisions today regarding the subject of the state. Examine your speech and behavior. Are you primarily critical of your government, its leaders and policies?  Do you cheerfully obey laws which you may not particularly like, but which do not compromise your faith in Christ? As a church leader, do you set an example for other believers to follow regarding a biblical perspective toward earthly government and biblical citizenship?  

May the LORD convict and challenge all of us to be more godly in this area of our lives. Have a blessed day in the LORD.

Soli deo Gloria!

“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” (Titus 2:15 ESV).

The Apostle Paul summarized his pastoral mentoring, in the immediate context, to Titus with four imperatives. Paul’s directives were to be obeyed for they ultimately came from the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

Declare these things. This present active imperative pertains to all that Paul had previously stated to Titus. It concerns the qualifications of church elders (1:5-9), false teachers (1:10-16), multigenerational ministry (2:1-10), and godliness (2:11-14). Proclamation!

Exhort!  To exhort (παρακαλέω; parakaleō) means to urge and implore. This second present, active imperative transitions from declaring truth to the application of God’s declared truth. Application!!

Rebuke! Pastors not only have the responsibility to declare God’s truth, and urge believers in Christ to apply God’s truth, but also to rebuke those who do not comply with God’s truth. To rebuke (ἐλέγχω; elenchō) means to expose, reprove and convict someone of wrong. Pastor are to rebuke those within the church who do not obey God’s Word. Confrontation!

The pastor’s responsibility to exhort and rebuke God’s people is due to his God-given authority. This does not mean that pastors are unaccountable to anyone. However, God calls pastors to exhibit great care in ministering in the church.

Let no one disregard you. To disregard (περιφρονέω; periphroneō) means to look down on or to be condescending. Pastors are to presently and actively not allow anyone to despise the position of pastor (Hebrew 13:7, 17).  

“Declare . . . exhort . . . rebuke. These three verbs identify the need for proclamation, application, and correction by the word. “Authority” to command people in the spiritual realm comes only from God’s word. Cf. Matt. 7:28–29. Rebellion against the truth has to be dealt with. Cf. Matt. 18:15–20; 1 Cor. 5:9–13; 2 Thess. 3:14–15,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

“First Timothy 4:11–16 is an important parallel passage, demonstrating along with Titus 2:15 the significance of the teaching office in the church. In fulfillment of the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18–20), all believers have a role in instructing others; however, the church’s appointed teachers have special authority to teach biblical doctrine, exhort and encourage others to believe it, and rebuke professing Christians who reject it. This authority is not inherent in the teacher but is based on the Word of God (15:1–9; 18:15–20), and his teaching is not binding if it violates Scripture,” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.   

Pray for your pastor(s) and church elders to be faithful in obeying these biblical commands set forth in today’s text. Pray for your congregation that they will be respectful of their pastor(s) and church elders. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹³ …”waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:13–14 (ESV)

“It is an example of God’s merciful kindness to fallen humanity that He has willed that all of the knowledge needful for a relationship with Him, and for correct worship of Him, should be provided by Him. If it were not so, we would stumble in our own blindness. It is to the revelation of the divine mind expressed in Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura) that all our thoughts, doctrine, worship, and obedience must always be conformed,” Dr. Bruce Bickel.  

In anticipation of His glorious return, the Apostle Paul affirmed to Titus the greatness of the great God and Savior; Jesus Christ. In doing so, Paul not only summarized the work of Christ but also the work of His followers.

To begin with, the apostle stated that Jesus Christ gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness. The phrase gave himself (δίδωμι ἑαυτοῦ; didomi heautou) means that Jesus personally and at a particular point in time “gave” Himself as a substitutionary, atoning sacrifice on the cross for sinners (Mark 10:45; cf. Matt. 20:28; Gal. 1:4; 1 Tim. 2:6; Titus 2:14).

The purpose of Christ’s substitutionary gift of Himself on the cross was to redeem us (λυτρόω; lytroo). To redeem means to liberate and to deliver sinners from their spiritual indebtedness to God because of their sin. It refers to freeing someone by paying a ransom price (Luke 24:21; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18; Acts 28:19).

“Redemption means to release or set free, with the implied analogy to the process of freeing a slave—‘to set free, to liberate, to deliver, liberation, deliverance,” explains Greek scholars Johannes Louw and Eugene Nida.

The phrase all lawlessness (ἀνομία; anomia) means to live with a complete disregard for the laws or regulations of a society. It is to be wicked (Matt. 7:23; 13:41; 23:28; 24:12; Rom. 4:7; 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:14; 2 Thess. 2:3, 7; Titus 2:14; Heb. 1:9; 10:17; 1 John 3:4+; Mark 16:15).

Not only did Christ redeem sinners from something (lawlessness) but He also redeemed us for something; to be a purified people zealous to serve Him by their good works. Today’s text says, “… to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”

Purify (καθαρίζω; katharizo) refers to cleansing. Possession (περιούσιος; periousios) means to be Christ’s very own possession. Zealous (ζηλωτής; zelotes) means to be enthusiastic (Acts 21:20; 22:3; 1 Cor. 14:12; Gal. 1:14; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 3:13). Good works (καλός ἔργον; kalos ergon) refers to praiseworthy deeds.

“To redeem . . . purify summarizes the dual effect of salvation (regeneration and sanctification). To “redeem” is to release someone held captive, on the payment of a ransom. The price was Christ’s blood paid to satisfy God’s justice (Acts 20:28; Gal. 1:4; 2:20; 1 Pet. 1:18; cf. Mark 10:45). A people for his own possession are people who are special by virtue of God’s decree and confirmed by the grace of salvation that they have embraced (Titus 1:1–4). Cf. 1 Cor. 6:19–20; 1 Pet. 2:9. Good works are the product, not the means, of salvation. Cf. Eph. 2:10,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

Take time today to praise the Lord Jesus Christ for redeeming your soul and that He also has purified you in order to enthusiastically serve Him. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹¹ “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, ¹² training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, ¹³ waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:11-13 ESV).

God calls believers in Christ to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions in their lives. Additionally, He also calls believers to be self-controlled, upright and godly. The Apostle Paul elsewhere referred to this discipline of sanctification as putting off the old self and putting on the new self (Eph. 4:17-24). It is not being conformed to this fallen world but rather being transformed by a renewed mind (Rom. 12:1-2). This is the Christian’s present responsibility.

“It is fitting that those who have been redeemed by Christ should live changed lives because the purpose of His redeeming work on the cross was to “redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). The grace of God that paid for our sins teaches us to turn away from them as we follow Jesus Christ through faith,” states Pastor Tom Ascol.

The believer in Christ is also waiting for something; or rather waiting for someone. Waiting (προσδέχομαι; prosdechomai) is a present, middle participle. This means that believers are presently and personally looking forward to an event. Paul calls this occasion the blessed hope (μακάριος ἐλπίς; makarios elpis) or the happy expectation ((cf. Rom. 8:22–23; 1 Cor. 15:51–58; Phil. 3:20–21; 1 Thess. 4:13–18; 1 John 3:2–3).  

All of us throughout the year have a happy expectation of an upcoming event. It may be, a birthday, a summer vacation, a trip to the beach, the beginning of the autumn season, a sporting event, a concert, or a favorite holiday. The anticipation is often as enjoyable as the actual event.

The blessed hope, or happy expectation, for the Christian is the soon return of Jesus Christ. Paul referred to this event as the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

“Biblical hope is a firm conviction that the future promises of God will be fulfilled. Hope is not mere wish projection but an assurance of what will come to pass,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.  

The word appearing (ἐπιφάνεια; epiphaneia) means a visible manifestation or display. Our English word Epiphany comes from this Greek word. What is to appear Paul calls the glory (δόξα; doxa). This refers to splendor and brightness. This glory belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ, whose coming represents the believer’s deliverance from the presence of sin.

Paul calls Jesus our great God and Savior. He affirms the deity of Christ (John 1:1-2; Rom. 9:1-5; Col. 1:15-20).

We are to live each day Coram Deo; before the face of God. We do so in light of the confident expectation of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. May our lives reflect the eternal perspective of the now and the not yet.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹¹ “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, ¹² training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,” (Titus 2:11-12 ESV).

Godliness is an effect brought about by a preceding cause. The cause is the grace of God.

For the grace of God. Grace (χάρις; charis) refers to God’s unmerited and kind favor. It is favor originating from and sourced solely in God; the One, True God.

Paul stated that this grace of God has appeared (ἐπιφαίνω; epiphainō). Grace is a manifested and revealed work by God for sinners. Grace appeared not as a doctrine but more importantly as a person; Jesus Christ. Jesus is the embodiment of grace and the source of grace (Rom. 3:21-26).

Grace brings salvation (σωτήριος:sōtērios) or deliverance from sin’s penalty, power and eventual  presence. This gracious salvation is extended to all people, or all kinds of people.

“Bringing salvation to all people is sometimes misunderstood as meaning that all people will be saved. However, such a reading is not necessary here and flatly contradicts other Scripture (I Tim. 2:4). It means, rather, that salvation has been offered to all people (including all ethnic groups), not just to some,” explains Dr. Ray Van Neste of The University of Aberdeen.

This gracious salvation does not just address our past sins, along with our future hope of heaven. It also speaks to our daily pursuit of godliness. In the midst of this quest for Christ-like character, the believer battles the world, their remaining sinful desires (the flesh) and the Devil.

God’s grace presently and actively trains (παιδεύω; paideuō) or disciplines believers to renounce (ἀρνέομαι; arneomai) or deny certain behaviors. “Salvation is transforming (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:8–10), and transformation (new birth) produces a new life in which the power of sin has been broken (Rom. 6:4–14; Phil. 3:8–9; Col. 3:9–10),” states Dr. John MacArthur.

What is the believer in Christ to personally disown? Paul lists ungodliness (ἀσέβεια; asebeia) and worldly passions (κοσμικός; kosmikos/ ἐπιθυμία; epithymia).

Paul then instructs Titus regarding what the believer in Christ should do. This includes being self-controlled (σωφρόνως; sōphronō), upright (δικαίως; dikaiōs), and godly (εὐσεβῶς; eusebōs). This is how the Christian ought to live.

Is your Christian life characterized by not only what you do not do, but also what you do? Take time today to examine your walk with the Lord. Ask Him to reveal to you where you need strength and courage to be godly.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹¹ “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, ¹² training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,” (Titus 2:11-12 ESV).

“Knowing who God is (Theology Proper) includes right attitudes toward God and doing what He wants (piety/godliness).” Dr. Joel Beeke

Saving faith in the truth of the Gospel results in godliness. This is true for each believer in Christ. There are no exceptions (James 2:14-26). Godliness (εὐσέβεια; eusebeia) is the devout practice and appropriate beliefs of God. It is practical and practiced righteousness (Acts 3:12; 1 Tim. 2:2; 3:16; 4:7, 8; 6:3, 5, 6, 11; 2 Tim. 3:5; Titus 1:1; 2 Peter 1:3, 6, 7; 3:11). It is a dominant doctrine in the Pastoral Epistles (I & 2 Timothy; Titus).

The Apostle Paul stated at the beginning of his letter to Titus that salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone resulted in godliness (Titus 1:1). Those who profess to know Christ, but who live biblically disobedient lives, deny their profession by their works. Paul stated that these individuals are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work (Titus 1:16).

Godliness is a right attitude towards God resulting in right conduct; towards God and other individuals. It is right belief coupled with right action. However, the right action springs from right devotion (2 Tim. 3:5; 2 Peter 1:3) and not the opposite. “Godliness is the standard by which teaching is tested,” explains J. Clement Connell of London Bible College.

Godliness is synonymous with piety. Piety has become a pejorative or uncomplimentary word today. The perception is of excessive religion, self-righteousness, and/or a holier-than-thou attitude towards other people. E.g. Saturday Night Live’s Church Lady.

Biblical piety involves a fear or reverence of the LORD. It includes a conscientiousness regrading one’s duty to God and family.

“The sixteenth century Reformers, mot notably John Calvin, would be shocked to see how poorly piety (godliness) is regarded today. For Calvin, piety involves developing right attitudes to God. It flows out of theology and includes heartfelt worship, saving faith, filial fear, prayerful submission, and reverential love,” explains Dr. Joel Beeke.

“The whole life of Christians ought to be a sort of practice of godliness,” states John Calvin.

The godly individual is described in Psalm 1. It is a wisdom psalm that is an introduction for the rest of the psalter.

1” Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so,
    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.”

We will examine Titus 2:11-12 in our next blog. Until then, mediate upon the subject of godliness and the content of Psalm 1. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!