His Word Today

¹² “When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. ¹³ Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.” (Titus 3:12–13 (ESV)

As was the Apostle’s Paul literary custom, he concluded his letter to Titus by mentioning fellow servants and disciples of Jesus. These followers specifically included Artemas, Tychicus, Zenas and Apollos. What do we know of these individuals?

“Artemas was a Christian coworker with Paul, whom the apostle considered as a replacement for Titus on the island of Crete (Titus 3:12). Later tradition describes Artemas as bishop of Lystra,” explains Walter A Elwell in the Tyndale Bible Dictionary. Aside from Paul’s mention of Artemas in today’s text, nothing else is known.

There is more information concerning Tychicus. He was one of the believers who accompanied Paul to collect and deliver an offering for the Jerusalem Church (Acts 20:1-4). He is also mentioned with Trophimus of Ephesus, and was likely also a native of that city. He served as the courier for Paul’s letter to Ephesus (Eph. 6:21), Philemon and the Colossians (Col. 4:7). Tychicus was involved with the delivery of these so-called Prison Epistles.

“Most believe that he was also one of the two Christians (with Trophimus) who accompanied Titus in the delivery of 2 Corinthians (2 Cor. 8:16–24). Paul mentioned Tychicus twice in his later letters, first sending him to Crete to be with Titus (Titus 3:12), and later mentioning to Timothy that he had sent Tychicus to Ephesus (2 Tim. 4:12). Evidently, Tychicus and Paul were close friends as well as coworkers, since Paul frequently referred to Tychicus as a “beloved brother,” states Elwell.

Zenas was a lawyer and Paul requested Titus help with his travels to Crete (Titus 3:13). Aside from this, nothing else is known of him.

Much more is known about Apollos. He was an Alexandrian Jew (Acts 18:24). The name is abbreviated from Apollonius. He came to Ephesus in ad 52 during Paul’s visit to Palestine (Acts 18:22). He had accurate knowledge of the story of Jesus. He combined natural gifts of eloquence, or learning, with an understanding of the Old Testament. He was also enthusiastic in proclaiming biblical truth as he knew it (Acts 18:24–25).

There was a conspicuous gap in his knowledge concerning the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the ordinance of believers’ baptism. Aquila and Priscilla patiently instructed him (Acts 18:26). From Ephesus, Apollos went on to Corinth. He was an expert at Christian apologetics when dealing with the Jews (Acts 18:27–28). He ultimately had a fruitful ministry at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:12; 3:1-6, 21-23; 4:6; 16:12). ).

“He is last mentioned in Titus 3:13 as making some sort of journey,” concludes R.E. Nixon in The New Bible Dictionary.

Why was it important for Paul to mention these four men? Aside from the historical reasons given in the text, it shows that even the most inconspicuous disciples of Jesus are profitable in the Kingdom of God. There is no such thing as an unimportant servant of Christ.

Wherever, and however, you currently serve the Lord, rest assured that it has merit and value in bringing glory to God (I Peter 4:10-11). Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!   

¹⁰”As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, ¹¹ knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” (Titus 3:10–11 (ESV)

 “In doctrine, therefore, we should always have regard to usefulness, so that everything that does not contribute to godliness shall be held in no estimation,” says 16^th century Protestant Reformer John Calvin. In other words, believers in Christ, especially pastors, must discern when it is useful to debate a fool and when it is not (Prov. 26:4–5).

When it becomes apparent that someone in the church delights in stirring up trouble and division, the Apostle Paul instructs Titus as to the appropriate response. Pastors are to warn the individual once, and then if necessary twice. Thereafter, the individual in question is to be rejected.

The word warning (νουθεσία; nouthesia) means to admonish and correct ungodly behavior; especially divisive speech. The phrase have nothing more to do with him (παραιτέομαι; paraiteomai) means to shun and avoid.

“Anyone in the church who is unsubmissive, self-willed, and divisive should be expelled. Two warnings are to be given, following the basic pattern for church discipline set forth by Christ (Matt. 18:15–17; cf. Rom. 16:17–18; 2 Thess. 3:14–15),” states Dr. John MacArthur.

This type of response by church leadership should be done cautiously, seriously and prayerfully. The reason is that the divisive person is warped (ἐκστρέφω; ekstepho) meaning perverted, sinful (ἁμαρτάνω; harmartano) meaning disobedient to the Word of God, and self-condemned (αὐτοκατάκριτος; autokatakritos) or judged by one’s own actions.

Great care must be shown by church leaders in such a situation. There have been elders who reject a church member because the individual questioned the behavior of the church’s leadership. Elders are not perfect, nor should they believe themselves to be.

“The apostle frequently condemns quarreling and strife (Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 3:3), so it is no surprise that people who foster such things are likewise to be avoided (Titus 3:10). We must stand for the truth but never be the kind of people who are always itching for a fight. Otherwise, we will sacrifice good works for the sake of finding new and “exciting” battles to wage,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

Pray for the elders in your local church. Pray that they will have the courage to stand for truth and obey God’s Word; even when it is difficult.

Soli deo Gloria!

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” (Titus 3:9 (ESV)

A pastor’s responsibilities in a local church are multi-faceted and never ending. They extend beyond the normal work hours of 9-5. They include also stressful problems and controversies. The pastor needs wisdom from the Lord to navigate these stormy ecclesiastical seas (James 1:5).

The Apostle Paul’s warning to Titus involved the false teachers of which the apostle spoke of in Titus 1:1-16. Paul did not want Titus to become bogged down in nonsensical issues that could prevent him from performing his duties as a pastor.

Foolish controversies (μωρός ζήτησις; moros zetesis) refers to moronic disputes. In others words, nonsense. These are subjects that make no sense for the pastor to become involved.

Genealogies (γενεαλογία; genealogia) addressed one’s ancestry. Perhaps this would include an individual assuming church leadership because his family helped plant the church. Or, it might be an individual who placed great status upon themselves because they were a charter member of the church.

Dissensions (ἔρις; eris) are contentions. It is conflict resulting from rivalry and discord.

Quarrels (μάχη; mache) are disputes and fights. These are serious conflicts, which may become physically violent. They are intense and bitter.

I recall attending a Christian men’s conference several years ago in a major American city. There were protestors who gathered outside the venue in order to stir up controversy. They also sought to confront several of the attendees during a lunch break. The best tactic of engagement in such situations is to not engage. That is what the protestors want. Deny them that desire.

“Genealogies and details about the law (including arguments of Jewish legal scholars over spellings or vocalizations of Hebrew words) were minutiae that missed the genuinely critical issues in the spirit of the Old Testament (Titus 1:10; 1 Tim 1:6; 2 Tim 2:14),” explains biblical scholar Craig S. Keener.

“Paul returns to the false teachers in Titus 3:9. His admonition to avoid “foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law” is not only sound advice from the Word of God but also a parting shot at the falsehood of Titus’ opponents. These teachers were trying to stay connected to a perverted form of Judaism, speculating about minor figures in biblical genealogies, like Timothy’s Ephesian enemies (1 Tim. 1:3–4), to promote esoteric and erroneous doctrines. Our generation is not the first to encounter those who major on the minors or who embrace rank heresy, and it will not be the last. Dealing with such problems now, as in Paul’s day, means that we reject as church leaders those who prefer their own ideas to the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

It can be easy to become embroiled in foolish arguments with people who desire to major on the minors. It is wise to walk away from such people. I recently had to cease conversing with a friend on social media because of his argumentativeness.

To an angry individual on social media, one pastor wrote, “You are cordially invited to take your angry rants elsewhere. A response is self-evidently pointless. Bye . . .” See Matthew 7:6.

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” (Titus 3:8 (ESV)

Today’s text refers us back to Titus 3:4-7. God has provided salvation to sinners by grace alone, through faith alone, and in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. The Apostle Paul insists that this gospel of deliverance from sin’s penalty, power and eventual presence is a trustworthy message.

Trustworthy (πιστός; pistos) is a saying which is reliable, faithful and believable. It is the truth; worthy of a commitment to, a dependence upon and a worship of God. Paul wanted (βούλομαι; boulomai) and desired Titus to insist (διαβεβαιόομαι; diabebaioomai) and state with confidence this truth of the Gospel of grace.

The apostle’s purpose was so that believers in Christ would be presently and actively careful (φροντίζω; phrontizo) to think about devoting themselves to good works. Paul spoke of this in 3:1. This insistence on godliness is evidence that an individual is truly converted and has a knowledge of the truth (Titus 1:1).

Doing things which are not only praiseworthy to God, but also to people, is excellent and profitable. Excellent (καλός; kalos) means good while profitable (ὠφέλιμος; ophelimos) refers to being advantageous, beneficial and useful.

“Chapter 3 of Titus began with a call for believers to “be ready for every good work” and “to show perfect courtesy for all people,” (vv. 1–2), and Paul returns to this admonition in today’s passage after providing the theological basis for his charge. Lest any of us think that it is proper to serve only those who are “worthy,” God’s willingness to redeem us when we were foolish and hateful means that we must likewise seek the best even for our enemies if we are to be imitators of Him (vv. 3–7). Sound theology, then, is not merely a collection of abstract truths about our Creator but also a ground and motivation for fulfilling the call of Jesus that we serve one another (John 13:1–17),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

On the basis of the Gospel, what excellent and profitable work is before you today? Whatever it may be, do it with your whole heart (Col. 3:23-24). Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

³ “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. ⁴ But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3-7 ESV)

Titus 3:6-7 continues the Apostle Paul began in 3:3-5. In stating that the Holy Spirit is the source of regeneration, or the new birth (John 3:1-8), Paul further explains what God the Father did through the Holy Spirit on the basis of the completed work of Jesus Christ. This section is an excellent treatise regarding the Trinity.

To begin with, Paul describes God the Father pouring out the Holy Spirit. The word poured (ἐκχέω; ekcheō) means to shed or to pour out like a liquid. This was a rich pouring. Richly (πλουσίως; plousiōs) means lavishly and abundantly. God has blessed believers beyond measure (Acts 2:38–39; 1 Cor. 12:7, 11, 13; Eph. 3:20; 5:18).

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is contingent upon the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly ministry of Christ was the prerequisite for the New Testament ministry of the Holy Spirit.  

It is because of the justifying grace of God that believers in Christ are heirs (Romans 8:16-17; Galatians 3:29; I Peter 1:3-5). This status in Christ provides believers with confidence before God in their anticipation of eternal life in Christ.

“The central truth of salvation is justification by faith alone. When a sinner repents and places his faith in Jesus Christ, God declares him just, imputes the righteousness of Christ to him, and gives him eternal life by virtue of the substitutionary death of Christ as the penalty for that sinner’s iniquity (Rom. 3:21–5:21; Gal. 3:6–22; Phil. 3:8–9). As adopted children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, believers become “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17; cf. 1 Pet. 1:3–4),” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

Take the opportunity today to thank God for the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in your life (Rom. 8:9). Have a blessed day in the LORD.

Soli deo Gloria!

^4 “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,” (Titus 3:4-5 ESV).

Today’s text is a stark contrast to the condition of fallen sinners described in Titus 3:3: “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.”

The Apostle Paul explained to Titus that while our sins are sufficient to condemn us, our works of righteousness are not sufficient to save us from God’s judgment. Salvation from sin’s penalty, power and eventual presence is based upon God’s sovereign grace alone, through God given faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. It is not based on human effort.

The appearance of God our Savior’s goodness and loving kindness was to save sinners. God has personally saved us. This salvation is not based upon “any” works of righteousness sinners could ever hope to accomplish (Isaiah 64:6). The instrumental means by which God converts sinners unto salvation is the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

What does the phrase the washing of regeneration mean? Washing (λουτρόν; loutron) means bathing or spiritual purification. Coupled with the word regeneration (παλιγγενεσία; palingenesia) it refers to the new birth. It means to be born again (John 3:1-8).

“Salvation brings divine cleansing from sin and the gift of a new, Spirit-generated, Spirit-empowered, and Spirit-protected life as God’s own children and heirs (Titus 3:7). This is the new birth (cf. John 3:5; 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1).  Cf. Rom. 8:2. The Holy Spirit is the agent of the “washing of regeneration,” explains Dr. John MacArthur. See Ezek. 36:25–31; Eph. 5:26–27; James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:23.

“By His Spirit God removes our hearts of stone and replaces them with hearts of flesh enabled to trust in His Son and be justified through faith alone, setting us right in the eyes of our Creator (Gal. 2:15–16). But the Holy Spirit in bringing us to faith does not only effect a change in our status before God from that of a condemned sinner to that of a person clothed in Jesus’ righteousness, He also brings inward renewal, empowering us to do good in gratitude for the great salvation bestowed on us (Rom. 7:4–6; Heb. 12:28),” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.

The word renewal (ἀνακαίνωσις; anakainosis) means to cause something to become new, different, or superior. The sinner becomes a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). The renewal continues through the process of spiritual sanctification (Romans 12:1-2). The work of regeneration and renewal is done solely by the Holy Spirit.

“God in His grace saves those who believe, not because of any righteousness in them (cf. Rom. 3:21–24; Eph. 2:8–9; 2 Tim. 1:9), but because of His mercy. The three words, “kindness,” “love,” and “mercy” (Titus 3:4–5) all represent aspects of God’s grace. The dual means of grace through which He accomplished this salvation are (1) the rebirth spoken of as a washing from the filth of sin, and (2) the renewal by the Holy Spirit (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17). No mention is made here of the role of faith in the process because Paul’s entire focus was on what God has done, not on human response,” explains Dr. A. Duane Liftin.

Thank the LORD today for your new birth by the Holy Spirit. May your regeneration, and subsequent renewal, by the Spirit be evident to all you meet today. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

^4 “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,” (Titus 3:4-5 ESV).

Today’s text is a stark contrast to the condition of fallen sinners described in Titus 3:3: “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.”

The Apostle Paul explained to Titus that while our sins are sufficient to condemn us, our works of righteousness are not sufficient to save us from God’s judgment. Salvation from sin’s penalty, power and eventual presence is based upon God’s sovereign grace alone, through God given faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. It is not based on human effort.

The appearance of God our Savior’s goodness and loving kindness was to save sinners. God has personally saved us. To save (σῴζω; sozo) means to deliver, rescue and heal. At a particular point in time, As is the case with every believer in Christ, God saved me from the penalty of sin, is saving me from the power of sin, and will eventually save me from the very presence of sin.

This salvation is not based upon “any” works of righteousness sinners could ever hope to accomplish. The Prophet Isaiah said, “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away,” (Isaiah 64:6 ESV).  

“Salvation has never been by deeds, or works (Eph. 2:8–9; cf. Rom. 3:19–28) but according to his own mercy. Cf. Eph. 2:4; 1 Tim. 1:13; 1 Pet. 1:3; 2:10” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

Salvation from and of God is solely based upon His mercy. Mercy (ἔλεος; eleos) refers to God’s compassion and kindness in not giving sinners what we deserve; judgment and damnation. Salvation, in all aspects, is by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone (Eph. 2:8-9; 2 Tim. 1:9).

“Paul’s exposition of the key elements of the gospel in Titus 3:3–8 is the theological foundation for why we should do good to all people, even those who are not particularly likeable (vv. 1–2). Just as our Creator manifested His grace in Christ while we were raising our fists in protest against His righteous rule (vv. 3–4), so too must we not wait for others to favor us before we serve them,” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.

May each of us God has saved take time today to praise Him for this wonderful gift of mercy. May each of us evidence this mercy to others. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

^4 “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,” (Titus 3:4-5 ESV).

Today’s text is a stark contrast to the condition of fallen sinners described in Titus 3:3: “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.”

The Apostle Paul explained to Titus that while our sins are sufficient to condemn us, our works of righteousness are not sufficient to save us from God’s judgment. Salvation from sin’s penalty, power and eventual presence is based upon God’s sovereign grace alone, through God given faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. It is not based on human effort.

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared.” Titus 3:4 begins with a conjunction of contrast; but. What fallen sinners were is contrasted with what they have become. The basis for this change in status is the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior.

Goodness (χρηστότης; chrēstotēs) is kindness, which is a manifestation of grace. Loving kindness (φιλανθρωπία; philanthrōpia) is a benevolent love for one’s fellow man. Both of these qualities are solely sourced in and from God the Father, our Savior.

Paul refers to God the Father as Savior in this text. In the Pastoral Epistles, Paul describes both God the Father and God the Son as Saviors for the elect (I Timothy 1:1; 2:3; 4:10; 2 Tim. 1:8-10; Titus 1:3-4; 2:10; 2:13; 3:4-6).

To appear (ἐπιφαίνω; epiphainō) is a past tense passive verb. It means to give light and understanding. It means to manifest and reveal something. In this context, what God manifested to fallen sinners was His goodness and loving kindness.

The appearance of God our Savior’s goodness and loving kindness was to save us sinners. God has personally saved us. To save (σῴζω; sozo) means to deliver, rescue and heal. At a particular point in time, God actively chose to deliver me from my sin; its penalty, power and eventual presence. As is the case with every believer in Christ, God saved me from the penalty of sin, is saving me from the power of sin, and will eventually save me from the very presence of sin.

Romans 3:21–26 (ESV) says, “²¹ But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— ²² the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵ whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. ²⁶ It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”

May each of us God has saved take time to day to praise Him for this wonderful gift of grace. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!