Titus 2 - 4.17.26
Scripture: Titus 2:11-15
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Observation:
Paul is instructing a new leader, Titus, to restore order in the church in Crete from false leaders who were trying to take over. He gave instructions on what to teach them. These truth’s are universal and are great lessons for all Christians to learn and share.
He then states the reason, God’s grace is for all people. It is the key to teaching us to say no to the world’s passions that will pull us away.
Instead we should:
- Live self-controlled
- in good standing with others
- godly
- Wait in expectancy of Jesus second coming
Then he admonishes Titus to encourage and rebuke with authority. Do not let anyone despise, hate, scorn, dislike, you. This last one seems hard to do. How, aren’t there always going to be people who disagree? I’m thinking that we can’t let them get in our head. As we truly walk with love and authority, we will command the respect. It may mean to take the conversation private and to not let them talk down to you in the presence of others.
Application:
Verse 15 stood out to me. This can apply to so many different situations. How can we (I) do what it is saying. We have such an important goal, people’s salvation. The enemy is going to try to stop us.
God has given us the command, “Go and make disciples, …… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19
We need to do so in the authority He has given us because He is with us to the end of the age.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for all you are doing in my life. You’ve given such excellent commands. They are not meant to have us function as robots, but in freedom. You have a design for older to teach younger. You want us to make disciples. Thank you for your word and guidance. Help me know that you are with me. You protect, lead, and guide me. Help me speak with authority that is God given to me. May everything be driven by love. Thank you for always being with me in all I do. Amen
- Cindy Howard
