Bible Pathway - Dec. 11, 2010
Read Titus 1
Highlights:
Witness and live your faith with enthusiasm (Titus chap. 1—2). Qualifications of elders and bishops (1:5-9). Sound doctrine for the aged men . . . the aged women. . . . the young men, and the servants (2:1-9). The coming of our great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (2:13-14). Speak evil of no man . . . but be gentle (3:2). A beautiful portrayal of a sinner facing God with Christ the Intercessor (Philem. 1:1-25).
The churches on the island of Crete needed spiritual leadership. Paul left Titus in Crete to set in order what was lacking, and instructed him to ordain elders in every city. Such men were to be blameless (above reproach), the husband of one wife (married but once), having faithful (believing) children. . . . For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward (manager) of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker (not violent), not given to filthy lucre (not greedy for financial gain); But a lover of hospitality . . . sober, just, holy, temperate (disciplined); Holding fast the faithful Word . . . that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers (opposition) (Titus 1:6-9).
The Church belongs to Christ and is His Body on earth. Therefore, the spiritual leaders must be blameless in their personal and family lives.
Paul gave instructions that older men and women should teach the younger men and women to forsake evil passions and worldly ambitions, and to live honorably before the Lord. The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly (sensibly), righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity (lawlessness), and purify unto Himself a peculiar (special) people, zealous of good works (2:11-14). Christ's death upon the cross redeemed us from all iniquity; set us apart — purified unto Himself a peculiar people (special possession); and called us to be zealous of good works.
Although Paul was imprisoned by the Roman Empire, he knew who really had control of his life and simply identified himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ (Philem. 1:1). In his letter to Philemon he expressed the same attitude of gratitude. I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints (Philem. 1:4-5).
Thought for Today:
We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Rom. 8:37).
Cross References:
For Titus 1:2: See Num. 23:19.
Word Studies:
Titus 1:14 Jewish fables myths; 2:10 purloining stealing, even small things; Philemon 1:8 enjoin to order you to do that which is proper; 1:12 mine own bowels but of my very heart.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Government Officials: Sen. Max Baucus (MT) and Sen. John Kerry (MA) • Country: Madagascar (15 million) an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique • Major languages: French and Malagasy • Increasingly anti-Christian • 43% witchcraft, ancestor worship, and some astrology; 21% Protestant; 21% Roman Catholic; 2% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake all sin (Is. 59:12-13).
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Chronicles 7:14
