Quiet Earth Fellowservants of Christ

In Christ, God manifested His purpose and His word, for we know Christ is synonomous with the Word:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." - John 1:1 kjv.

"His Word" is the gospel and this is the very essence of Christ. The "commandment" spoken of here is the comission of Paul when he was converted on the road to Damascus, see Acts 9:1ff. Remember, Paul was not a preacher by his choice, but because of the wil lof God, see 2 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1 and 2 Timothy 1:1.

1:4 - To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

VERSE 4: Titus may have been a "true child" of Paul in the sense that he was a convert of Paul's, but it should be noted that Paul immediately adds that this is a common faith to one Father in Heaven. Paul did not convert Timothy by his own preaching nor is it possible for anyone to do so, it is only the Holy Spirit working through the word of God as the word is preached that salvation comes about. For even the preaching of the Jesus was rejected by many. The people wanted the miracles, healing and free meals, but when Christ preached the true gospel many hearts remained hardened. On "grace and peace" - grace means "favor", it is God's favor, this precedes peace as peace is a result of being under the grace of God:

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety." - Psalm 4:8 nas.

1:5 - For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

VERSE 5: Timothy was an evangelist. It was the job of the evangelist to witness and nuture these early congregations started by the apostles, see 1 Corinthians 3:6. Paul was a preacher because of the will of God and thru Paul God would see to it that that the places where he had once witness would not be neglected.

The apostles and evangelists worked closely for the Lord in the early church, see 1 Corinthians 16:10. It is not an easy task to find fellowship with a group as faithful to the true gospel as possible, but there will remain a remnant until the final day.

However, even faithful assemblies can get depleted and/or have apostasy enter. Christians have to fight against this, admonishing ,attempting to correct and surely always seeing that should a true child of God be not in any need of benevolence. As brothers in sisters in Christ we have but one Priest who is Jesus, (Hebrews 3:1). As part of the body of Christ which is comprised of all true believers, we in ouselves have become priests when we are saved:

"And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." - Revelation 5:8-10 kjv.

"And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. " - Revelation 1:6 kjv.

"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them." - Revelation 20:6-9 kjv.

Fellowship with a faithful assembly of like-minded Christians is surely another reason to praise God if we have been so blessed. In Matthew 9, we read:

"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." - Matthew 9:36-38 kjv.

1:6 - If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

VERSE 6: "blameless" means having an upstanding reputation in the community.

1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;-

VERSE 7: This is a cross reference to what we read in 1 Timothy:

"But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." - 1 Timothy 3:15,16 kjv.

The expression "self-willed" refers to pride. No Christian should be arrogant, for we know humility is the basis for religion. "quick tempered" refers to a lack of patience. As Christians we must always pray for humility. "not addicted to wine" shows that Christians should be sober. As Christians we should not partake of strong drink because we have become "kings" when we are saved:

"It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:" - Proverbs 31:4 kjv.

A "striker" refers to a brawler; someone who likes to fight. Christians must pursue peace.:

"Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it." - Psalm 34:11-14 kjv.

"filthy lucre" refers to dishonesty. All Christians must not desire ill-gotten gains. The gospel is not to be an instrument for personal gains -

"Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;" - 1 Peter 5:2 kjv.

"Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." - 1 Timothy 6:5 kjv.

1:8 - But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

VERSE 8: "a lover of hospitality" means Christians must be generous to guests and should entertain strangers with kindness while not seeking gain. Hospitality is also mentioned in the parallel, see 1 Timothy 3:2. The book of Hebrews tells us:

"Do not forget hospitality, for by this some unknowingly took in angels as guests." - Hebrews 13:2 litv.

The word "angel" means messenger, and we are messengers of the gospel; what in turn is being said is that we should not neglect to show hospitality to strangers because we do not know if they are elect of God or not.

As Christians we are to be lovers of what is good, holy. We are taught to be sensible, and we must always strive to be unbiased and without prejudice. We must pray to be holy in that nothing profane flows from us, in speech or otherwise.

1:9 - Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

VERSE 9: Any true child of God who is witnessing the gospel must be capable teachers and based on the entire Bible. The "faithful word" refers to pure, heavenly doctrine. The twofold task in the teaching of all teachers is to both encourage the saints and refute false doctrines. The first requirement of all teachers is that that have good knowledge of sound doctrine.

1:10 - For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

VERSE 10: Those spoken of here were men who were close to the assembly but apparently not saved. They were rebellious, vain and did not speak the truth. John also addresses such false teachers:

"For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds." (2 John 7,10-11).

The terms "empty talkers" and "deceivers" carry basically the same meaning, for these traits go hand in hand. The empty talk or false teachers have nothing to contribute to the humility and fear of God in others; how true this is in churches today. Timothy was going to carry out the instructions of Paul to muzzle such men by appointing qualified elders who would be leaders in opposing and refuting such false teachers. The phrase "of the circumcision" indicates they were mainly Jews.

1:11 - Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

VERSE 11: These false teachers also received ill-gotten gains. It is amazing why people would pay false teachers, but that is part of false teaching -- you can tell the people what they want to hear or what is exciting but not true and they will like it because they are not saved nor do they want the truth, but they want to get right with God on their terms and not His. The second epistle to Timothy speaks of such teachers:

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." - 2 Timothy 4:3,4 kjv.

"That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us." - Isaiah 30:9-11.

The corruption of doctrine is the biggest problem facing worsip assemblies today.

1:12 - One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

VERSE 12: Paul quotes a highly regared Cretan prophet named Epimenides who lived about 600 B.C. Cicero and Plato record that the ancients accepted him as a prophet; but Paul correctly labels him a prophet of their own and not a prophet of God. By citing this negative comment Paul is clearly pointing to some of the more important issues that needed correction for the good of these people in Crete. Paul also quotes from two other heathen writers elsewhere, namely Aratus in Acts 17:28 and Menander in the first epistle to the Corinthians:

"Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals." - 1 Corinthians 15:33.

1:13 - This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

VERSE 13: Those who were under the hearing of the gospel at Crete and were continuing to be in rebellion and commit the sins mentioned in v.12 were to be reproved severely. If they truly had become saved they should be growing. This was a country with many social ills, yet there was a remnant of true Christians, as today a few exist in an evil world, they were burned with false teachers as is the case today and the ones Paul speaks to here are not those who are true Christians, but those who were strangers to the faith.

1:14 - Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

VERSE 14: "Jewish fables" and "commandments of men" are similar; if they are fables, they surely cannot be commandment of God. This is discussed in detail in Colossians:

"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." - Colossians 2:16,17 kjv.

"It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." - Hebrews 9:23-28 kjv.

1:15 - Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

VERSE 15: We find a parallel to this by John:

"He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." - Revelation 22:11 kjv.

The words mind and conscience are used interchangebly. The wording shows both the problem at hand and the solution. The principle relates to our lives in that we must be pure and holy. One can only be one of those in whom "all things are pure" if they have become saved; they will have a continual ongoing desire to do God's will and delight in the fact that more and more they will say oh Lord help me to do it your way. This sanctification comes from God's word so we must continually study: The depraved mind is one far from the truth:

"If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain." - 1 Timothy 6:3-6 kjv.

"conscience is defiled" the deeper and deeper one falls into sin the more immune to repair the conscience becomes.

1:16 - They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

VERSE 16: God was denied in the works of certain men because there was no or little evidence in their life that they truly were saved. This condition is described as being detestable and worthless which indicates an unsaved condition. If one professes to know God that does not make it so; only when one becomes saved can they truly begin to know God. People are worthless regardless of their works until God saves them. The disobedient are mentioned again later in this epistle:

"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another." - Titus 3:3 kjv.

TITUS 2

2:1 - But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

VERSE 1: The first chapter related concerns regarding the assembly. The focus now switches here to the believers as individuals and the duties of the younger and older. This chapter begins with the word "but" indicating a contrast. The contrast is between those who were disobedient mentioned in v.10-16 of chapter one. Sound doctrine is that which glorifies the grace of God through Christ Jesus our Lord and only source of salvation.

2:2 - That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

VERSE 2: All Christians, but especailly those who have been saved fro a while should be temperate; they should not be impatient or close minded. They should be dignified meaning sincere and worthy of respect. They are to be sensible and fair. They should first and foremost be unwavering in their faith to God and they are to love their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, they too must be patient in times of trial and tribulation. They are to be sound in faith, love and preserverance:

"But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13 nas.

Generally speaking, those who have been saved longer often have faced more trials and challenges in the LORD; if they have faced them in a Christian manner throughout their lives, these testing programs will have led to a proven character and hope in them:

"And not only so, but we glory also in afflictions, knowing that affliction works out patience, and patience works out proven character; and proven character, hope." - Romans 5:3,4 litv.

2:3 - The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

VERSE 3: The word "likewise" bridges the connection between the righteous pursuits of older men mentioned in v.2 with those of older women mentioned here. Older women may be especially tempted to malicious gossips because they are often times alone. This along with the notion that due to their age, poor health may be a factor that would lead them to seek wine or alcohol to "take the edge off", a problem that still occurs today. Older women would teach children or other women for edification. This does not refer to public teaching. The responsibility of public teaching was given primarily to men. Women are not to teach or lead in edification when men are present:

"Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church." - 1 Corinthians 14:34,35 kjv.

"But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence." - 1 Timothy 2:12 kjv.

Older women have the duty to set an example and instruct younger women. Peter addresses these issues regarding Godly living among women, see 1 Peter 3:1-7. Older women are to be reverant in their behavior; the first impression a woman should make upon the public is that she is a holy and God fearing woman.

2:4 - That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

VERSE 4: I do not think an age can be set when a young woman becomes an older woman, nor can it be said for certain how young is young; women of "middle age" should desire to have the good qualities mentioned for both older and younger women as is appropriate. Young women certainly need special training in loving their husbands. Such instruction from an older, loving Christian women who have lived and experienced so much that life has to offer can bring encouragement and wisdom that is most valuable. It is natural for mothers to love their children. But for those inexperienced with children the need for training can only improve and bolster the support and love for the child. This being done by either their own Christian mothers or unrelated women who are saved believers.

2:5 - To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

VERSE 5: To be sensible is a much needed quality for a married young woman, this is the time that the roots of the relationship are being watered. Instruction would help the young wife in matters concerning her family. If this young woman were a true Christian special training concerning adultery would not be needed. The expression "keepers at home" suggests that they should not work away from home. The instruction not to wander from home is also seen in the Old Testament, see Proverbs 7:10-11. What is involved in being "subject to their own husbands" is to recognize that her husband has spiritual rule of the home as long as he is a true believer, see also 1 Corinthians 14:34,35; Ephesians 5:22; Colossians 3:18 and 1 Timothy 2:12; on the other hand this verse should not be used by husbands to mistreat their wives, unfortunately at times it is in such a manner misused today. In vs.4,5 there are seven areas in which the older women are to give instruction:

(1) love their husbands,
(2) love their children,
(3) sensible
(4) pure
(5) worker at home
(6) kind
(7) subject to their own husband.

Young Christian women should try to memorize as many of these seven virtues as possible. This verse ends noting that should a woman be in rebellion and not subject to her husband who is a true believer, then the word of God is dishonored. When the young Christian woman adheres to the seven virtues surely the word of God and the Christian family is honored!

2:6 - Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

VERSE 6: Young men are told to be sensible, exhibiting self control and good judgement. Titus was to urge the young men to be sensible. The word "urge" carries the meaning to beg or beseech; this is instruction not given in a domineering manner, but rather with love and humility. One commentator wrote:

"Nothing is so hard at this age as to overcome pleasures and follies" - John CHRYSOSTOM.".

2:7 - In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

VERSE 7: When Paul instructed Titus to be an example he meant for him to be a leader, not a follower. Purity in doctrine and dignified is descriptive of the content of true Christian teaching. For what purpose is sound doctrine if such does not manifest itself in the life of the one doing the witnessing? Such good works do not merit salvation, but are an evidence of it:

"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: " - 2 Timothy 1:9,10 kjv.

Good works come as a result of salvation:

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God." - 2 Corinthians 9:8 kjv.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:8-10 kjv.

Similar instruction to young men is found in the first epistle to Timothy:

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12 kjv.

2:8 - Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

VERSE 8: Sound in speech is a manner that is not foul or crude but unwavering. False teachers would criticize the teaching of Titus and other true believers and we should be well prepared for such wolves:

"Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son." - 1 John 2:18-22 kjv.

Such false teachers should be exposed and put to shame. Our responsibility to false teachers is to witness the gospel; however we must stop at the point where they begin to witness their false gospel to us, at this point we are no longer to have fellowship with them"

"For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds." - 2 John 7, 10-11 nas.

2:9 - Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

VERSE 9: We can tell that these slaves were Christians by the instructions given them. They were mostly serving pagan households. The attitude that was to prevail in these bondslaves was that of a someone who is truly saved. They are told not to be argumentative by being rebellious. There are several similar passages throughout the New Testament and such point to the fact that although slaves, on a spiritual basis they were equal in the sight of God, see also Ephesians 6:5, Colossians 3:22, 1 Timothy 6:1 and 1 Peter 2:18. When a slave became saved their social condition was not changed although their spiritual condition was, see 1 Corinthians 7:20-24.

2:10 - Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

VERSE 10: "purloining" means taking things for themselves. As Christians our conduct must be an evidence to the world that we have come to know truth that is in God's heavenly doctrine. Jesus said that true believers will be recognized by the good which has been instilled in them after becoming saved, see Matthew 7:15-23. God is the author of salvation and He is no respecter of persons, He will save whomever He wishes, even the poor and lowly.

2:11 - For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

VERSE 11: The word "for" connects this paragraph with the one just concluded. Beginning here and thru the end of the chapter the central theme is the Christian being trained by the saving grace of God. The grace of God is God's favor, the word grace means favor. It is only because of God's good choice does anyone become saved:

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)" - Ephesians 2:4,5 kjv.

The grace of God appeared before the beginning of the world:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved" - Ephesians 1:3-6 kjv.

The Bible speaks of those who were written in the book of life before the foundation of the world:

"The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is." - Revelation 17:8 kjv.

The Bible tells us that before God saves us we are spiritually dead, we can do nothing to contribute to our salvation, see Romans 3:10-18 and Ephesians 2:1-9. Jesus said that in this dead state of the flesh, we can only even begin to show true interest in God and spiritual matters if God Himself is drawing us:

"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father." - John 6:63-65 kjv.

The phrase "bringing salvation to all men" has caused much abuse of this verse by people who hold a works gospel. It is obvious that not all men will be saved, nor will every person even get a chance to become saved, we know there are people in remote areas of the world who will never hear the gospel. The way we must understand this verse is to understand the true meaning of the word "all". Many Bible scholars have difficulty understanding complex words in the Bible, but I truly believe that the "little words" such as "all" can often be the most difficult to understand. The context here shows Paul speaking of bond-servants (slaves) and the fact that there would be some in this class who would be saved. The context indicates he is not speaking of all men in general, but all classes of men; in other words the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all men, regardless if they are free or slaves. The grace of God becomes a great teacher or instructor in the life of an individual when God saves them:

"It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." - 1 Corinthians 15:44-50 kjv.

2:12 - Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

VERSE 12: Romans 1:18-32 gives a definition of ungodliness and worldly desires. It is not enough to just deny such desires, we must pray as well that the Lord would give us a hated for such sins. If we are truly saved, we will delight in doing the will of God and have a continual desire to study His word and do His will:

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." - 1 John 2:3-6 kjv.

The reward for denying worldy desire is great, it is the free gift of eternal life in Heaven. Jesus said:

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." - Luke 9:23,24 kjv.

John wrote:

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time." - 1 John 2:15-18 kjv.

There are three instructions here as to how we are to live - sensibly, righteously and godly. The idea being we are to live in a manner in which our focus is Christ. These instructions given to those in the "present age" or last days, that is the period covering Pentecost until the second coming of Christ.

2:13 - Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

VERSE 13: The blessed hope refers to Christ's ultimate triumph over satan, sin and evil. This hope will be coupled with eternal life in heaven:

"For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel" - Colossians 1:5 kjv.

The glory refers to the divine nature of Christ, Jesus never ceased to be God and here again He is refered to as God. John's gospel begins:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." - John 1:1,14 kjv.

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one." - John 10:30.

God and the Saviour are one and the same:

"I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour." - Isaiah 43:11 kjv.

The fact that no one knows when the second coming of Christ will occur provides Christians with an event to focus on seperate and apart from the world and its lusts:

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." - 2 Peter 3:9,10 kjv.

2:14,15 - Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

VERSE 2:14,15 God gave Himself for us by taking on a human nature in the form of the Lord Jesus Christ in order to pay for the sins of those He came to save by shedding His blood on the cross. The redemption of the saved took place at the cross:

"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever." - Revelation 5:9-14 kjv.

Christ redeemed us from our iniquities and saved us in our soul existance, however we still struggle against sin because we live in a body that is unsaved and lusts after sin. This does not excuse people who continue sinning willfully. God will not allow His elect to come to complete ruin, but if someone continues in serious sin this may be evidence that they in fact have not become saved. Jesus will purify His chosen people by saving them at some point in their life; when, where and how this is done is only known by God:

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. " - Romans 8:28-30 kjv.

When one become saved, it is evidenced by good works, however, the individual cannot even take credit for such good works as being on their own behalf, for it is God who must be given the credit for working in the life of that individual:

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." - Philippians 2:12,13 kjv.

We are a:

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" - 1 Peter 2:9 kjv.

The Bible tells us that it is God who chooses us:

"But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." - 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 kjv.

We of ouselves would never choose God because we are born infected with sin, we only begin to realize we are chosen by God if God is drawing us, see John 6:37-65. True Christians are the posession of God, see John 10:26-30. The "things" mentioned in v.15 are the virtues spoken of in the first two chapters of this epistle. These duties of Christian living should be spoken of and not ignored. Those who violate the word of God are to be reproved as are those who teach falsely. The word of God is to be taken seriously and with the utmost respect.

TITUS 3

3:1 - Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

VERSE 1: The first part of this last chapter concerns Godly living. Paul had earlier spoken to the citizens of Crete concerning such matters and he now tells Titus to instruct the people to keep these things in mind. This is not an unfirmiliar subject in the Bible as it is spoken of in such places as Romans chapter 13 and 1 Peter 2:13-17. Timothy was told to pray for rulers whereas Titus was told to teach others obedience toward them and there is no real distinction, the idea being we are to be subject to government in all matters provided they are not in opposition with the word of God. When, and only when this occurs could a Christian rebel against authority. There is no real distinction between "rulers" and "authorities", the thought simply being enlarged to stress that rulers have authority. They were to be obedient in the sense that they were not to unreasonably look for opportunities to criticize those in authority. "every good deed" refers to the ability of Christians to show their good works in the community. The world must see the humility that is in the life of the believer because humility is the very basis for religion.

3:2 - To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

VERSE 2: Paul exposed many wicked men and their works. As Christians it is our duty to focus on that which is good:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." - Philippians 4:8 kjv.

This is the very essence of being gentle. Jesus said:

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" - Matthew 5:5 kjv.

Jesus taught that gentleness can be found by looking to Him:

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:29,30.

Paul wrote:

"Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:" - 2 Corinthians 10:1 kjv.

The exhortation of this quality is spoken of in the epistle to the Colossians:

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" - Colossians 3:12 nas.

"I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD" - Zephaniah 3:12.

The true child of God realizes they are a sinner in a world full of sinners, we should not focus on the sins of others for if we need to see a sinner we need only look in the mirror. There are four virtues mentioned in this verse:

(1) not to malign, Christians can do this by not talking behind others backs or talking harshly to others.
(2) to be peaceable, this can be praacticed by looking to Christ the Prince of Peace, in life's situations we must look to Christ and ask ourselves how would Jesus respond?
(3) gentleness, this can be shown by having control of an anger or ill feelings
(4) showing consideration for all men, although there are many wolves and undesireables in the world around us we must still hope that one day the Lord would save them if it is His will.

3:3,4 - For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

VERSES 3,4: Verses 3-7 regard the subject of grace. Those who become saved are heirs of Christ's grace. The putting away of worldly desires is but part of Godly living, if one truly becomes saved this is only the beginning, the true Christian who has overcome these desires will continue their lives with a focus on Christ and have a feeling of deep despair should they sin. This is brought out in Ephesians:

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:" - Ephesians 5:8 kjv.

The word "foolish" can be equated with sin. By saying we were once foolish, Paul is saying we were once with unpaid sin. Sin is foolishness. Throughout the Bible God declares that the unsaved are fools. This is especially brought out in the book of Proverbs, it is an intersting study to look in a concordance see how the word is used throughout in Proverbs, for example:

"Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words." - Proverbs 23:9.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning F4 of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." - Proverbs 1:7.

If we look at the sins mentioned here by Paul they seem almost to be in a progressive order. "decieved" is a term often used in connection with false teachings or teachers. Often people are attracted to false gospels because they want to hear what suits their personal agendas and not what the Bible actually says. This is an agent of satan, the antichrist:

"For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist." - 2 John 7 nas.

"Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. " - 1 John 2:22-26 kjv.

Genuine satisfaction, that can only come from being a child of God and knowing that His goodness is the ultimate triumph which includes the free gift of eternal life in heaven in the highest bliss. God's love for His people appeared in Christ. Why Jesus would die for any single one of us rotten sinners is a mystery beyond comprehension:

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8 kjv.

God is love and by His goodness He has given this love to His children. Such love shows just how awesome God is.

3:5 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

VERSE 5: The Bible is very clear from Genesis to Revelation, that we cannot become saved by any work or action that we take:

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:8-10.

It is not our works or our faith that bring about salvation, rather the faith of Christ:

"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." - Galatians 2:16 kjv.

One condition for becoming saved is at some point in a persons life they will have to had come under the hearing of the gospel:

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." - Romans 10:17 nas.

This is what is spoken of as the "washing of regeneration" or the washing with the word; Jesus spoke of this when refering to the fact that the gospel would be sent out by believers:

"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." - John 7:38 kjv.

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel" - Ephesians 6:17-19 kjv.

3:6,7 - Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

VERSES 6,7: The statement that God poured His Holy Spirit upon us richly refers to the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit which God poured forth in the first century through the laying on of hands, undoubtably Paul and Titus received these miraculous endowments. These miraculous gifts served temporarily until God completed His revelation to mankind in the Bible, once the Bible was completed God's revelation to man was complete and He instructed that His word was not to be added to or anything taken away from it, see Revelation 22:18,19. The Holy Spirit is richly poured upon us today through the Bible, the complete Word of God. God's grace alone saves an individual:

"And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." - Romans 11:6 kjv.

Those who are saved by God's grace are "heirs" of salvation; these are the ones God's has elected by His secret providence to inherit salvation, see Ephesians 1:3-5; Romans 8:28-30 Revelation 14:1-6 and 17:8 as examples.

3:8 - This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

VERSE 8: The trustworthy statement refers to the thoughts concerning grace. It is God's salvation plan by grace alone that Titus was to speak confidently and we today are to follow the instruction set here and do likewise. This can only refer to salvation by grace alone since the context in the next verse goes on to speak about the law as being unprofitable, see also 1 Timothy 1:4-7. As saints we must constantly seek God for help because we in ouselves are weak:

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." - Matthew 26:41 kjv.

3:9 -

VERSE 9:

Email: quiet@earthling.net

You Are Visitor

Home Page