Scripture

Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels or fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.

Observation

Paul’s teachings are good for everyone, and Titus must see that they are passed on.

We are not to get into foolish arguments about genealogies and obedience to the Jewish law. These things are a waste of time. A “three strikes” policy should be applied to those who cause division, because such people have turned away from the truth.

People must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul finishes with the blessing, “May God’s grace be with you all.”

Application

People get sidetracked easily by fringe doctrines and pet theologies.

In Paul’s day, the issues were about spiritual genealogies and Jewish law. It isn’t clear if he is talking about the party spirit such as that in the Corinthian church where people followed Paul, Apollo, or other leaders. The same sort of thing still exists with the phenomenon of celebrity pastors.

There are significant numbers of Christians who try to insist that we should observe the Jewish law, the Jewish feasts, and so on.

Then there are the end time nuts who want everyone to get ready for the rapture which is definitely just around the corner. Not to mention the King James Version only people who think that 500 years of scholarship into ancient Bible manuscripts is just satanic deception.

The trouble with these people is that they can be so emotive and uncompromising in their theories that they just cause division in the Body. While we need to be gracious with such people, if they will not tone down their arguments, we may have to exclude them from fellowship.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for the grace of the Holy Spirit. Please help me to avoid the fringe doctrines and to not get sucked in by pointless arguments. Amen.

Scripture

He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and a new life through the Holy Spirit.

Observation

We should submit to the government and its officers. We must not slander anyone, nor be quarrelsome, instead being gentle and humble.

We were once foolish and disobedient. We were slaves to lusts and pleasures.

But then God revealed His love to us. He saved us because of His mercy, not because we deserved it. He gave us a new birth and a new life by the Holy Spirit. Now He declares us righteous and gives us the assurance of eternal life.

Application

The death of Jesus washed away our sins.

We could never pay the penalty for our sin by ourselves. Instead, God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to die in our place. Now, anybody who asks can receive a new birth and a new life.

This new birth is a chance to start over with a clean sheet. Nothing is held against us. Our sins are washed away, and the record is cleared. It is just as if we had never anything wrong.

But there is more! Every time we mess up, God forgives us as long as we keep coming back to Him. He is not our judge looking to convict us. No, He is our Father, looking to be in relationship with us

God gives us a new life. As long as we keep looking to God, He will transform us from sinner to saint. He sets us free from lusts, addictions, and bondages. This does not always happen overnight, although it does start straight away. We continue to fall into bad ways, but as long as we look to God, He will pick us up and make us stronger in Him.

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for your great love for us. You give us a new birth and a new life. This comes as your gift not something we strive to achieve. Amen.