bible

Reflection on Titus 3:1-7

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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.

Reflection on Titus 2:9-16

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Scripture

He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

Observation

Slaves must obey their masters, being respectful and trustworthy.

The grace of God has been revealed bringing salvation to all people. So we must leave as godly people and reject sinful pleasures. We must live with wisdom while we look forward to eternity with hope.

Jesus gave his life to free us from sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people.

Titus must preach these things and encourage his people to obey. He needs to use his authority to correct them when necessary.

Application

Paul mentions here three goals of Christ’s death on the cross.

Firstly, he died to set us free from every kind of sin. We are all in bondage to sin because our fleshly natured dominates the way we live. When we follow Jesus, this unerring capacity for sin is broken, and we can live the life God intends for us.

Secondly, He died to cleanse us. Jesus’ death on the cross was a sacrifice that takes away the penalty for our sin. We were law breakers, breakers of God’s law, and we deserve to die. But Jesus has paid the price our sin.

Thirdly, Christ died to make us his own people. Once we were far away from God, but now we are adopted into His family. He calls us His Bride – a people set apart for him.

Prayer

Thank you Lord Jesus for all that you accomplished for me. I am free from the bondage of sin; I am cleansed from the blackness of sin; I am a part of your special people. Hallelujah! Amen.

Reflection on Titus 2 :1-8

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Scripture

Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticised. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.

Observation

Titus is to teach older men to exercise self-control and to live wisely. Similarly, the older women must not slander others or drink heavily. They are to train the younger women to love their husbands and children, and to submit to their husbands.

Titus should encourage the young man to also live wisely. He should be the good example to them by doing good deeds, and teaching the truth so that nobody can criticise him or Paul.

Application

Nowadays, teaching truth does not guarantee freedom from criticism. Preachers (and others) who point out that the Bible condemns homosexuality or that women are biologically different to men are likely to get roasted.

Nevertheless, as followers of Jesus, who is the way, the Truth, and the Life, we must commit ourselves to following and proclaiming the truth wherever we are.

The gospel has never been popular because it threatens those whose status and income are dependent on either their own sins or the sins of others. When we tell people that their lifestyle is not acceptable to God and they need to repent, then we can expect hostility.

Being unpopular does not make the gospel wrong. In the end, it is only God’s opinion that matters.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to keep my eyes fixed on you, the source of all truth. Amen

Reflection on Titus 1:10-16

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Scripture

Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted.

Observation

There are many rebellious people who deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision.

Paul says Timothy should reprimand them sternly, so they will stop believing Jewish myths and stand firm in the faith.

Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure, but nothing is pure to those who are corrupt. They claim to know God but their lifestyles show that they are far from Him.

Application

If your heart is pure before God, nothing will take you away from him. It is only when we are impure or less than completely sold out to Him, that we can be deceived and turn from His truth.

The problem is that many of us have mixed motives. We want enough of God to be sure that we are saved, but we still want to enjoy the worldly way of life that leads to destruction.

To move on with God, we need to decide that everything is about Him. Our heart and mind must be surrendered to God alone.

Prayer

Grant me a pure heart, Lord Jesus, a heart that is 100% for you and you alone. Amen.

Reflection on Titus 1:1-9

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Scripture

This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God – who does not lie – promised them before the world began

Observation

Paul, a slave of God and apostle of Christ, has been sent to proclaim faith to God’s people. This truth gives us confidence that we have eternal life. God promised this before the world began.

Paul is writing to Titus, his true son in the faith. He instructs Titus to appoint elders in every town on Crete. Elders must be blameless with exemplary families. They must not be arrogant, quick-tempered, nor a heavy drinker, violent or dishonest. They must enjoy giving hospitality and be deeply convicted of the gospel message.

Application

The truth of the gospel gives us confidence of eternal life. God has given us this amazing gift which nobody deserves or could earn.

We will live with God for ever .

It is this amazing message that Jesus died for our sins that gives us confidence. I have nothing that I could offer God. But when I received His gift, He called me holy and righteous.

This is an eternal promise that God made before the world began. Before He made us He saved us. He saw my sin before the world began, but still He provided a way for me to be brought back into His family.

Surely, I am not worthy of this love. That is what love does- it puts itself out regardless of the worthiness of the recipient.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for your amazing, unfailing love. Amen.

Reflection on 2 Timothy 4:9-22

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Scripture

Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.

Observation

Paul requests Timothy to come to him soon. Demas has abandoned the Lord because of the world. Of his close friends only Luke is still with him.

Even though Paul was alone when brought before the judge, God was with him, and He will bring him safely to His heavenly kingdom. The Lord gave him the opportunity and the strength to preach the gospel.

Application

The great assurance of the faith is that we will overcome every enemy. God will bring us through the attacks of the evil one. If we stand firm in Christ, He will carry us through to the heavenly Kingdom.

There is no fear in Christ. His perfect love drives out all fear. He has conquered death and promises that we will share in that victory.

When we are under threat to our lives we must remember that this life is not the end. There is a reward awaiting us in heaven. The worst the world can do is destroy our body. Christ will recreate our body and soul for heaven.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for this wonderful promise. I know that when I die, I will rise to be with you for ever. All glory to you forever and ever. Amen.

Reflection on 2 Timothy 4:1-8

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Scripture

And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

Observation

Paul urges Timothy to preach the word of God always, whether time is favourable or not. He is to patiently rebuke and encourage his people.

A time is coming when people will not want to listen to good teaching, but will look for teachers who will give the message they want to hear. They will reject truth and prefer myths.

Paul’s life is coming to an end, poured out like a drink offering to the Lord. He has fought the good fight and run the race. The Lord will reward him with a crown of righteousness, a prize that is not just for him, but for all who look forward to His coming.

Application

We have a huge future ahead of us. In our materialistic culture we find it so hard to think of anything beyond this physical life. But there is so much more that awaits us.

There is a prize for finishing the christian race. If we persevere to the end, we will get to heaven. We will enter an eternity of life and joy in the presence of God.

What we perceive dimly and occasionally we will see completely and for ever. The presence of God, which we experience sometimes with great excitement and as a concrete reality but other times we struggle to even think about, it will become as real as the sun and the moon. The light of God will outshine the noonday sun every day.

One day we will enter into God’s welcome, “Well done good and faithful servant.” What a great joy that will be.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the assurance of eternal life and eternal happiness in your presence. Please help me to remember this coming prize even when my life is a struggle. Amen.

Reflection on 2 Timothy 3:10-17

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Scripture

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Observation

Timothy knows Paul. He knows Paul’s faith and his purpose in life. He knows about the persecution that Paul has suffered at the hands of evil people and impostors.

Paul exhorts Timothy to be faithful in the things that he has been taught. Timothy has been taught the Scriptures since childhood, and these gave him the wisdom to receive salvation.

All scripture is inspired by God, and it is useful to teach us and correct us, as well as preparing us for every good work.

Application

All Scripture, the entire Bible, is inspired by God. The words that we read are God’s words to us. The understanding and wisdom that we gain our God’s wisdom.

The Bible is good to equip us for every good work in Christ. It shows us what is God’s message for the world. It teaches us the values and attitudes that we should carry in our everyday life.

The Bible is good for confronting our sins and destructive attitudes. It convicts us about where we have grieved God and teaches us how to repent and get back to friendship with God.

We need to read the Bible with the grace of the Holy Spirit. It is no good reading it with human reason. It is God’s Word, not just a human book, and so it must be interpreted to us by the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for your special word, the Bible. Help me to read it and to receive the life-changing message it carries. Amen.

Reflection on 2 Timothy 3:1-9

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Scripture

They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that.

Reflection

Oh how my heart aches for these people who are respectable on the outside, but their hearts are far from me. They are like cockatoos who squawk loudly, they dress in there whiter than white clothes, and devour those who are naive.

Week by week they sit in churches, not listening to the message that could set them free. They infiltrate the structures of men and demand a doctrine that will tickle fleshly ears but leads people away from me.

You, my son, are not to be like that. Preach the pure word of God. Let my spirit infuse and lead all that you say and do.

How do you pursue true religion? Read my word. Pray daily. Listen to my voice.

People who practise false religion have never heard my voice. The a’re not my sheep. If they heard my voice they would follow me and receive my power to be transformed. If they heard my voice they would love me because they are seeking me but are deceived .

Again I say to you: preach my word with truth and conviction, even courage. I will lead you in my ways, and I will direct your paths because I love you and you are special to me.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for your promise to lead me in your ways. May I always be open to your Spirit. Amen.

Reflection on 2 Timothy 2:19-26

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Scripture

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

Observation

In wealthy homes, some vessels are for special occasions, while others of cheaper quality are for everyday use. If you keep your life pure, you will be ready for the Lord to use for every good work.

Paul urges Timothy to run away from anything that stimulates lusts, but instead to pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace.

Timothy must not get involved in foolish arguments. He should gently instruct those who oppose the truth. perhaps such people will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap.

Application

We are not to be passive about temptation. The fact is that we are all subject to the devil’s seductions. We all have our weaknesses that satan can exploit against us.

Paul urges Timothy to be aware of these things in his own heart and flee from those situations likely to cause him to stumble.

The active side of this is that we should pursue positive things – righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Rather than being in those places that vex our soul, we must actively seek out the values that the Lord wants to grow in us.

Rather than seek the friendship of sinners, we should pursue fellowship with believers who will stimulate spiritual growth. This is not to live in a christian bubble, untouched by unbelievers. No, it is a direction to ensure that our hearts are being influenced by people who are walking in the Lord.

Prayer

Lord, please show me how to order my life according to your priorities. Please direct my path every day. Amen