Paul Gives the Qualifications for Elders to Brother Titus Part 2
Titus 1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; KJV
Paul continues his detailed description to Brother Titus of the qualifications required for any man to hold the office of bishop/elder in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ beginning with these words, "But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;" (Titus 1:8) (KJV). The English phrase 'a lover of hospitality' is translated by the Greek word philoxenos meaning fond of guests, that is, hospitable: In those days of Christianity, those who served as missionaries and evangelist did not have the convenience of having places like the Holiday Inn or Ramada Inn at their disposal, so instead they relied on the hospitality of other fellow believers in our Lord Jesus Christ to open their homes up to them for accommodations as they traveled about doing the will of God by declaring the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This did not mean that back then they were to open their homes up for anyone, even if they did not believe the truth of God, for the Apostle John spoke to this matter when he wrote these words to the saints then, and to we saints today and of every era and generation, "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house, nor speak a greeting to him. For he who speaks a greeting to him is partaker of his evil deeds." (2 John 10-11) (MKJV).
You see the devil can wear camouflage disguising his true nature and his true intentions of hurt and harm with a cloak of sweetness and even kindness, so it behooves the Christian elder to be discerning in this matter of hospitality. Paul was here speaking to Titus about the elders being willing to receive the brethren into their homes even though they were strangers to them that they had never met before. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning this matter of the bishop/elder being a lover of hospitality, "A great and necessary office of love, especially in those times of affliction and distress, when Christians were made to fly and wander for safety from persecution and enemies, or in travelling to and fro where there were not such public houses for reception as in our days, nor, it may be, had many poor saints sufficiency of their own for such uses - then to receive and entertain them was good and pleasing to God. And such a spirit and practice, according to ability and occasion, are very becoming such as should be examples of good works."
The English phrase 'a lover of good men' is translated by the Greek word philagathos (used this one time only in the New Testament) meaning fond of good, that is, a promoter of virtue: - love of good men. In other words, the bishop/elder being a lover of that which is good will naturally want to be in the presence of men who likewise love that which is good. In contrast, he would not want to go to the home of some man who says he belongs to God, but then suggest that they get together with others and conduct a seance or pull out a weji board or go to a fortune teller, etc., for all these things the One True God declares to be abominations to Him (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). The Prophet Amos said this to the people of God, "Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so Jehovah, the God of Hosts, shall be with you, as you have spoken. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate. It may be that the Lord Jehovah of Hosts will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph." (Amos 5:14-15) (MKJV). Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about the elder being a lover of good men, "The Greek (philagathos) means, a lover of good, and may apply to any thing that is good. It may refer to good men, as included under the general term good; and there is no more essential qualification of a bishop than this. A man who sustains the office of a minister of the Gospel, should love every good object, and be ever ready to promote it; and he should love every good man, no matter in what denomination or country he may be found - no matter what his complexion, and no matter what his rank in life."
The English word 'sober' is translated by the Greek word sōphrōn which means safe (sound) in mind, that is, self controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion). In other words, the bishop/elder will be required to interact with many different personalities within people in the Church of God and outside the Church of God, therefore, he must be a man with self-restraint and not overcome by angry passion and having the ability to listen to every viewpoint on subject matters (whether he agrees or disagrees) giving people room to voice their opinions. The bishop/elder should be able to think quickly on his feet and be always sound and decisive in his decisions. The English word 'just' is translated by the Greek word dikaios which means equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about the elder being just, "Righteous in his dealings with men, giving to everyone their due; upright and sincere in his conversation with the saints; and faithful in his counsel, admonitions, and reproofs."
The English word 'holy' is translated by the Greek word hosios meaning (as used here) properly right (by intrinsic or divine character. The bishop/elder is not holy in his human state or condition, but he is made holy by the cleansing Blood of Christ Jesus our Lord and should therefore then seek to walk in the ways of our Lord Jesus Christ by submitting to the leading of God the Holy Spirit, as the Apostle John wrote with these words which speak to the condition of our walk/fellowship with God the Father, "If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us." (1 John 1:6-10) (MKJV). Here is what Matthew Henry says about being holy, "Holy, in what concerns religion; one who reverences and worships God, and is of a spiritual and heavenly conversation."
The English word 'temperate' is translated by the Greek word egkratēs which means (as used here) self controlled (in appetite, etc.). It is a needful thing that a bishop/elder be self-controlled in his appetites concerning material things because he will have opportunity to be in control of a large portion or maybe all of the Churches money which may tempt him to take for his own personal use and gratification. Likewise, he will be in the company of many fine and attractive women in the Church (many who will be the wives of other men) and he will be tempted (by the devil and his corrupt nature) to entice these women into bed, which will require him to show self-control and remove himself from these situations that may lead to adultery and cause damage to an entire family, including children.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
I am a Christian Writer of non-fiction primarily and a little fiction. My purpose for forming this site is to Edify Christians with my writing and reach the lost with the uncompromising Gospel of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 4
Paul Gives the Qualifications for Elders to Brother Titus Part 1
Titus 1:6-7 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 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; KJV
As we finished up with the Apostle Paul's greeting to Brother Titus in the last study/commentary (Volume 3) we declared, determined, and defined the English word 'elders' as being translated by the Greek word presbuteros meaning men of approved Christian reputation, certain ones to be overseers of the Churches in the several cities. Now Paul wants to instruct Brother Titus on what qualifications these men must have in order to serve in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ Church, therefore, Paul begins with these words, "If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly." (Titus 1:6) (KJV). The declaration by Paul that the man be 'blameless' is his first requirement for an elder and this English word is translated by the Greek word anegklētos meaning unaccused, that is, (by implication) irreproachable: - blameless. In other words, Paul means a man who is not accused of any infamous crimes out in the world in his outward life, for Paul does not mean a sinless Christian man because there is not one anywhere to be found, but he does mean a man that is not known to be of a bad charcter and is even respected by those who are not Christian, even though they might not like him. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning the elder being blameless, "If any be blameless; not absolutely without fault, so none are, for there is none that liveth and sinneth not; nor altogether unblamed, this is rare and difficult. Christ Himself and His Apostles were blamed, though not worthy of it. In Christ there was certainly nothing blamable; and His Apostles were not such as their enemies charged them to be. But the meaning is, he must be one who lies not under an ill character; but rather must have good report, even from those that are without; not grossly or scandalously guilty, so as would bring reproach upon the holy function; he must not be such a one."
When Paul writes here that the elder must be the husband of one wife, he means simply that the Christian man must be married to one woman only and it does not mean that a man who has been divorced could not also be approved as an elder. When Paul writes, 'having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly', he means that his children should be brought up in the faith and that they should show evidence of believing the Gospel of Christ and be children that love, obey, and respect their parents by not being accused of riot or be unruly. The English word 'accused' is translated by the Greek word katēgoria meaning a complaint that is, criminal charge: - accusation. The English word 'riot' is translated by the Greek word asōtia meaning properly unsavedness, that is, (by implication) profligacy, that is, the trait of spending extravagantly and dissolute indulgence in sensual pleasure: - excess, riot. The English word 'unruly' is translated by the Greek word anupotaktos meaning unsubdued, that is, insubordinate (in fact or temper): - disobedient, that is not put under, unruly. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning the elder's children, "And, as to his children, having faithful children, obedient and good, brought up in the true Christian faith, and living according to it, at least as far as the endeavours of the parents can avail. It is for the honour of ministers that their children be faithful and pious, and such as become their religion. Not accused of riot, nor unruly, not justly so accused, as having given ground and occasion for it, for otherwise the most innocent may be falsely so charged; they must look to it therefore that there be no colour for such censure. Children so faithful, and obedient, and temperate, will be a good sign of faithfulness and diligence in the parent who has so educated and instructed them; and, from his faithfulness in the less, there may be encouragement to commit to him the greater, the rule and government of the Church of God."
Paul declares to Titus that this blamelessness must be the case for God's steward as he writes with these words, "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;" (Titus 1:7) (KJV). The steward or overseer or manager or preacher or governor of God in His Church must not be 'selfwilled' and this English word is translated by the Greek word authadēs meaning self pleasing, that is, arrogant: - self-willed. In other words, the elder or bishop must not want to be named to such an office in the Church of God in order to make a name for himself or to bring pleasure to himself by arrogance, that is, to show himself in a superior manner toward inferiors or to make himself seem important. The Apostle Peter had this to say about those who were selfwilled, "The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to reserve the unjust for a day of judgment, to be punished, and especially those who walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise dominion. They are darers, self-pleasing; not trembling at glories, speaking evil." (2 Peter 2:9-10) (MKJV). The elder or bishop must also not be 'soon angry' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word orgilos (used this one time only in the New Testament) meaning irascible, that is, quickly aroused to anger, hot tempered or short-tempered. Here is what the Proverbs has to say about one who is 'soon angry', "He who is soon angry acts foolishly, and a man of wicked plots is hated." (Proverbs 14:17) (MKJV).
The elder or bishop must not be 'given to wine' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word paroinos meaning staying near wine, that is, tippling (a toper, that is, a person who drinks alcoholic beverages (especially to excess)): - given to wine. Here is what the Proverbs warn about wine, "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to lust for strong drink; lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted." (Proverbs 31:4-5) (MKJV). The elder or bishop must not be a 'striker' and this English word is translated by the Greek word plēktēs meaning a smiter, that is, pugnacious (quarrelsome): that is, he must not be one driven with anger to the point of getting into fights of his own making. It does not mean he should not defend himself if attacked physically. The elder or bishop must not be 'given to filthy lucre' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word aischrokerdēs meaning (gain); sordid: - given to (greedy of) filthy lucre, that is, Not greedy of shameful or illegal gain of money. In other words, he should not want the office in order to make the Gospel of Christ a means of making money in excess or shadily or in a manner to trick or swindle people with lies or falsehood. The Apostle Peter said this to the elder or bishop, "I exhort the elders who are among you, I being also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. Feed the flock of God among you, taking the oversight, not by compulsion, but willingly; nor for base gain, but readily; nor as lording it over those allotted to you by God, but becoming examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a never-fading crown of glory." (1 Peter 5:1-4) (MKJV).
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Titus 1:6-7 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 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; KJV
As we finished up with the Apostle Paul's greeting to Brother Titus in the last study/commentary (Volume 3) we declared, determined, and defined the English word 'elders' as being translated by the Greek word presbuteros meaning men of approved Christian reputation, certain ones to be overseers of the Churches in the several cities. Now Paul wants to instruct Brother Titus on what qualifications these men must have in order to serve in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ Church, therefore, Paul begins with these words, "If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly." (Titus 1:6) (KJV). The declaration by Paul that the man be 'blameless' is his first requirement for an elder and this English word is translated by the Greek word anegklētos meaning unaccused, that is, (by implication) irreproachable: - blameless. In other words, Paul means a man who is not accused of any infamous crimes out in the world in his outward life, for Paul does not mean a sinless Christian man because there is not one anywhere to be found, but he does mean a man that is not known to be of a bad charcter and is even respected by those who are not Christian, even though they might not like him. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning the elder being blameless, "If any be blameless; not absolutely without fault, so none are, for there is none that liveth and sinneth not; nor altogether unblamed, this is rare and difficult. Christ Himself and His Apostles were blamed, though not worthy of it. In Christ there was certainly nothing blamable; and His Apostles were not such as their enemies charged them to be. But the meaning is, he must be one who lies not under an ill character; but rather must have good report, even from those that are without; not grossly or scandalously guilty, so as would bring reproach upon the holy function; he must not be such a one."
When Paul writes here that the elder must be the husband of one wife, he means simply that the Christian man must be married to one woman only and it does not mean that a man who has been divorced could not also be approved as an elder. When Paul writes, 'having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly', he means that his children should be brought up in the faith and that they should show evidence of believing the Gospel of Christ and be children that love, obey, and respect their parents by not being accused of riot or be unruly. The English word 'accused' is translated by the Greek word katēgoria meaning a complaint that is, criminal charge: - accusation. The English word 'riot' is translated by the Greek word asōtia meaning properly unsavedness, that is, (by implication) profligacy, that is, the trait of spending extravagantly and dissolute indulgence in sensual pleasure: - excess, riot. The English word 'unruly' is translated by the Greek word anupotaktos meaning unsubdued, that is, insubordinate (in fact or temper): - disobedient, that is not put under, unruly. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning the elder's children, "And, as to his children, having faithful children, obedient and good, brought up in the true Christian faith, and living according to it, at least as far as the endeavours of the parents can avail. It is for the honour of ministers that their children be faithful and pious, and such as become their religion. Not accused of riot, nor unruly, not justly so accused, as having given ground and occasion for it, for otherwise the most innocent may be falsely so charged; they must look to it therefore that there be no colour for such censure. Children so faithful, and obedient, and temperate, will be a good sign of faithfulness and diligence in the parent who has so educated and instructed them; and, from his faithfulness in the less, there may be encouragement to commit to him the greater, the rule and government of the Church of God."
Paul declares to Titus that this blamelessness must be the case for God's steward as he writes with these words, "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;" (Titus 1:7) (KJV). The steward or overseer or manager or preacher or governor of God in His Church must not be 'selfwilled' and this English word is translated by the Greek word authadēs meaning self pleasing, that is, arrogant: - self-willed. In other words, the elder or bishop must not want to be named to such an office in the Church of God in order to make a name for himself or to bring pleasure to himself by arrogance, that is, to show himself in a superior manner toward inferiors or to make himself seem important. The Apostle Peter had this to say about those who were selfwilled, "The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to reserve the unjust for a day of judgment, to be punished, and especially those who walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise dominion. They are darers, self-pleasing; not trembling at glories, speaking evil." (2 Peter 2:9-10) (MKJV). The elder or bishop must also not be 'soon angry' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word orgilos (used this one time only in the New Testament) meaning irascible, that is, quickly aroused to anger, hot tempered or short-tempered. Here is what the Proverbs has to say about one who is 'soon angry', "He who is soon angry acts foolishly, and a man of wicked plots is hated." (Proverbs 14:17) (MKJV).
The elder or bishop must not be 'given to wine' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word paroinos meaning staying near wine, that is, tippling (a toper, that is, a person who drinks alcoholic beverages (especially to excess)): - given to wine. Here is what the Proverbs warn about wine, "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to lust for strong drink; lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted." (Proverbs 31:4-5) (MKJV). The elder or bishop must not be a 'striker' and this English word is translated by the Greek word plēktēs meaning a smiter, that is, pugnacious (quarrelsome): that is, he must not be one driven with anger to the point of getting into fights of his own making. It does not mean he should not defend himself if attacked physically. The elder or bishop must not be 'given to filthy lucre' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word aischrokerdēs meaning (gain); sordid: - given to (greedy of) filthy lucre, that is, Not greedy of shameful or illegal gain of money. In other words, he should not want the office in order to make the Gospel of Christ a means of making money in excess or shadily or in a manner to trick or swindle people with lies or falsehood. The Apostle Peter said this to the elder or bishop, "I exhort the elders who are among you, I being also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. Feed the flock of God among you, taking the oversight, not by compulsion, but willingly; nor for base gain, but readily; nor as lording it over those allotted to you by God, but becoming examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a never-fading crown of glory." (1 Peter 5:1-4) (MKJV).
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 3
Paul's Greeting to Brother Titus Part 3
Titus 1:4-5 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. 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: KJV
The Apostle Paul looked upon himself as being a spiritual father to many who had heard his preaching of the Gospel of Christ/Gospel of Grace and had then believed and been baptized by God the Holy Spirit into the Spiritual Body of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, he refers to Brother Titus as such with these next words of his greeting to him in this letter, "To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour." (Titus 1:4) (KJV). The English phrase 'mine own' is translated by the Greek word gnēsios which means legitimate (of birth), that is, genuine: - own, sincerity, true. When Paul writes 'after the common faith', he simply means that like himself Titus had believed the true Gospel of Christ and was born again by God the Holy Spirit and he was a true son of God the Father through faith given to him by our Lord Jesus Christ as he did with Paul and every one of us today and of every era and generation the Gospel of Grace has been preached. Paul prays for grace, mercy, and peace to be upon and with Brother Titus, that is, that grace, mercy, and peace that comes directly from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace here being God's Divine influence upon the heart of Titus and it reflecting itself in Titus's life right where he was living and serving at the time. Mercy to Titus being God's tenderness to him and in His daily dealing with Titus constantly showing and giving to him Divine compassion. Peace being the quietness of his soul and the state of rest in his soul being assured of his redemption, rebirth, and resurrection from spiritual death, that is, that peace which passes all human understanding as Paul wrote to the Philippian believers with these words, "And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) (MKJV).
Here is what Matthew Henry said about this verse, "My own (or my genuine) son, not by natural generation, but by supernatural regeneration. I have begotten you through the Gospel, said he to the Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 4:15. Ministers are spiritual fathers to those whom they are the means of converting, and will tenderly affect and care for them, and must be answerably regarded by them. 'My own son after the common faith, that faith which is common to all the regenerate, and which thou hast in truth, and expressest to the life.' This might be said to distinguish Titus from hypocrites and false teachers, and to recommend him to the regard of the Cretans, as being among them a lively image of the Apostle himself, in faith, and life, and heavenly doctrine. To this Titus, deservedly so dear to the Apostle, is, the salutation and prayer, wishing all blessings to him: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. Here are, 1. The blessings wished: Grace, mercy, and peace. Grace, the free favour of God, and acceptance with Him. Mercy, the fruits of that favour, in pardon of sins, and freedom from all miseries by it, both here and hereafter. And peace, the positive effect and fruit of mercy. Peace with God through Christ who is our peace, and with the creatures and ourselves; outward and inward peace, comprehending all good whatsoever, that makes for our happiness in time and to eternity. Observe, Grace is the fountain of all blessings. Mercy, and peace, and all good, spring out of this. Get into God's favour, and all must be well; for, 2. These are the persons from whom blessings are wished: From God the Father, the fountain of all good. Every blessing, every comfort, comes to us from God as a Father; He is the Father of all by creation, but of the good by adoption and regeneration. And the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour, as the way and means of procurement and conveyance. All is from the Father by the Son, who is Lord by nature, Heir of all things, and our Lord, Redeemer, and Head, ordering and ruling His members. All are put under Him; we hold of Him, and owe subjection and obedience to Him, who is also Jesus and Christ, the anointed Saviour, and especially our Saviour, who believe in Him, delivering us from sin and hell, and bringing us to heaven and happiness."
Paul now tells him directly what he wants him to do where he had commanded him to be with these words, "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:" (Titus 1:5) (KJV). The little English phrase 'for this cause' is translated by the Greek word charin meaning through favor of, that is, on account of this thing. The little English phrase 'thou shouldest set in order' is translated by the Greek word epidiorthoō (used this one time only in ther New Testament) meaning to straighten further, that is, (figuratively) arrange additionally: - set in order. The little English phrase 'the things that are wanting' is translated by the Greek word leipō a primary verb meaning to leave, that is, (intransitive, that is, a verb that does not require a direct object or passive, that is, expressing that the subject of the sentence is the patient of the action denoted by the verb) to fail or be absent: - be destitute (wanting), lack. The English word 'ordain' is translated by the Greek word kathistēmi meaning to place down permanently or to designate or to appoint. The English word 'elders' is translated by the Greek word presbuteros meaning men of approved Christian reputation, certain ones to be overseers of the Churches in the several cities. In other words, Paul had left Titus in the city of Crete in order that he would straighten out what was in disorder in the Church there and set it in order by designating or appointing men in the Church there and in other cities to be overseers making sure the doctrine and teaching remained pure to the truth of God and the Word of God and that these men should have a good testimony or reputation in the Churches before they are given these permanent and very important positions of office. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "It appears from this that the Apostle did not spend much time in Crete, and that he was obliged to leave it before he had got the Church properly organized. The supplying of this defect, he tells Titus, he had confided to him as one whose spiritual views coincided entirely with his own. That thou mightest appoint, elders - persons well instructed in Divine things, who should be able to instruct others, and observe and enforce the discipline of the Church. It appears that those who are called elders in this place are the same as those termed bishops in Titus 1:7. We have many proofs that bishops and elders were of the same order in the apostolic Church, though afterwards they became distinct. In every city, this seems to intimate that the Apostle had gone over the whole of the hundred cities for which this island was celebrated. Indeed it is not likely that he would leave one in which he had not preached Christ crucified."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Titus 1:4-5 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. 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: KJV
The Apostle Paul looked upon himself as being a spiritual father to many who had heard his preaching of the Gospel of Christ/Gospel of Grace and had then believed and been baptized by God the Holy Spirit into the Spiritual Body of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, he refers to Brother Titus as such with these next words of his greeting to him in this letter, "To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour." (Titus 1:4) (KJV). The English phrase 'mine own' is translated by the Greek word gnēsios which means legitimate (of birth), that is, genuine: - own, sincerity, true. When Paul writes 'after the common faith', he simply means that like himself Titus had believed the true Gospel of Christ and was born again by God the Holy Spirit and he was a true son of God the Father through faith given to him by our Lord Jesus Christ as he did with Paul and every one of us today and of every era and generation the Gospel of Grace has been preached. Paul prays for grace, mercy, and peace to be upon and with Brother Titus, that is, that grace, mercy, and peace that comes directly from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace here being God's Divine influence upon the heart of Titus and it reflecting itself in Titus's life right where he was living and serving at the time. Mercy to Titus being God's tenderness to him and in His daily dealing with Titus constantly showing and giving to him Divine compassion. Peace being the quietness of his soul and the state of rest in his soul being assured of his redemption, rebirth, and resurrection from spiritual death, that is, that peace which passes all human understanding as Paul wrote to the Philippian believers with these words, "And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) (MKJV).
Here is what Matthew Henry said about this verse, "My own (or my genuine) son, not by natural generation, but by supernatural regeneration. I have begotten you through the Gospel, said he to the Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 4:15. Ministers are spiritual fathers to those whom they are the means of converting, and will tenderly affect and care for them, and must be answerably regarded by them. 'My own son after the common faith, that faith which is common to all the regenerate, and which thou hast in truth, and expressest to the life.' This might be said to distinguish Titus from hypocrites and false teachers, and to recommend him to the regard of the Cretans, as being among them a lively image of the Apostle himself, in faith, and life, and heavenly doctrine. To this Titus, deservedly so dear to the Apostle, is, the salutation and prayer, wishing all blessings to him: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. Here are, 1. The blessings wished: Grace, mercy, and peace. Grace, the free favour of God, and acceptance with Him. Mercy, the fruits of that favour, in pardon of sins, and freedom from all miseries by it, both here and hereafter. And peace, the positive effect and fruit of mercy. Peace with God through Christ who is our peace, and with the creatures and ourselves; outward and inward peace, comprehending all good whatsoever, that makes for our happiness in time and to eternity. Observe, Grace is the fountain of all blessings. Mercy, and peace, and all good, spring out of this. Get into God's favour, and all must be well; for, 2. These are the persons from whom blessings are wished: From God the Father, the fountain of all good. Every blessing, every comfort, comes to us from God as a Father; He is the Father of all by creation, but of the good by adoption and regeneration. And the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour, as the way and means of procurement and conveyance. All is from the Father by the Son, who is Lord by nature, Heir of all things, and our Lord, Redeemer, and Head, ordering and ruling His members. All are put under Him; we hold of Him, and owe subjection and obedience to Him, who is also Jesus and Christ, the anointed Saviour, and especially our Saviour, who believe in Him, delivering us from sin and hell, and bringing us to heaven and happiness."
Paul now tells him directly what he wants him to do where he had commanded him to be with these words, "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:" (Titus 1:5) (KJV). The little English phrase 'for this cause' is translated by the Greek word charin meaning through favor of, that is, on account of this thing. The little English phrase 'thou shouldest set in order' is translated by the Greek word epidiorthoō (used this one time only in ther New Testament) meaning to straighten further, that is, (figuratively) arrange additionally: - set in order. The little English phrase 'the things that are wanting' is translated by the Greek word leipō a primary verb meaning to leave, that is, (intransitive, that is, a verb that does not require a direct object or passive, that is, expressing that the subject of the sentence is the patient of the action denoted by the verb) to fail or be absent: - be destitute (wanting), lack. The English word 'ordain' is translated by the Greek word kathistēmi meaning to place down permanently or to designate or to appoint. The English word 'elders' is translated by the Greek word presbuteros meaning men of approved Christian reputation, certain ones to be overseers of the Churches in the several cities. In other words, Paul had left Titus in the city of Crete in order that he would straighten out what was in disorder in the Church there and set it in order by designating or appointing men in the Church there and in other cities to be overseers making sure the doctrine and teaching remained pure to the truth of God and the Word of God and that these men should have a good testimony or reputation in the Churches before they are given these permanent and very important positions of office. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "It appears from this that the Apostle did not spend much time in Crete, and that he was obliged to leave it before he had got the Church properly organized. The supplying of this defect, he tells Titus, he had confided to him as one whose spiritual views coincided entirely with his own. That thou mightest appoint, elders - persons well instructed in Divine things, who should be able to instruct others, and observe and enforce the discipline of the Church. It appears that those who are called elders in this place are the same as those termed bishops in Titus 1:7. We have many proofs that bishops and elders were of the same order in the apostolic Church, though afterwards they became distinct. In every city, this seems to intimate that the Apostle had gone over the whole of the hundred cities for which this island was celebrated. Indeed it is not likely that he would leave one in which he had not preached Christ crucified."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 2
Paul's Greeting to Brother Titus Part 2
Titus 1:2-3 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested His word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; KJV
Paul continues in his greeting to Brother Titus declaring the grand end or goal of every servant of God the Father and that is every man, woman, boy, and girl who trust our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ are given a 'hope' that is all together different than what the non-believer has on this earth, so Paul writes now these words, "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;" (Titus 1:2) (KJV). The English word 'hope' is translated by the Greek word elpis which means (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: - that is, confident expectation or certain expectation. In other words, this entire verse declares the faithfulness and the truthfulness of God the Father, for He 'promised' that He would grant everlasting life in peace, comfort, joy, and bliss in heaven with Him for every sinful human being who trusted our Lord Jesus Christ ONLY for forgiveness of their sin. The English word 'promised' is translated by the Greek word epaggellō which means to announce upon, that is, (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself: - profess, (make) promise.
Paul declares in this verse that God cannot lie which simply means that it is a part of His nature to always declare the truth, for He can never say or speak that which is false or a lie. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this verse, "The fact that God cannot lie; that it is His nature always to speak the truth; and that no circumstances can ever occur in which He will depart from it, is the foundation of all our hopes of salvation. The only hope of salvation is in the promise of God. It is only as we can have evidence that He has assured us that we may be saved, that we are authorized to cherish any hope of salvation. That promise is not made to us as individuals, or by name, but it becomes ours: (1) Because He has made a general promise that they who repent and believe shall be saved; and, (2) Because, we may have evidence that we have repented, and do believe the Gospel. If this is so, we fairly come under the promise of salvation, and may apply it to ourselves."
Paul declares to Titus and to us that this eternal hope that he purposed to grant to sinful man before the world began, also shows that He knew man/Adam would sin in the Garden of Eden and his doing so did not require God the Father to enact a Plan B, but instead He knew what He would do all along and Paul now further declares this knowledge of God with these next words, "But hath in due times manifested His word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;" (Titus 1:3) (KJV). The English phrase 'hath in due' is translated by the Greek word idios which means pertaining to self, that is, one's own; by implication private or separate: The English word 'times' is translated by the Greek word kairos which means an occasion, that is, set or proper time: The English word 'manifested' is translated by the Greek word phaneroō which means to render apparent or declare. The English word 'preaching' is translated by the Greek word kērugma which means a proclamation (especially of the Gospel; by implication the Gospel itself).
So, in other words, God the Father (who knew man would fall into sin and rebellion) has at His own season of human history, that is, at a time which was according to His own eternal plans has declared salvation for sinful and rebellious humanity by proclamation or the preaching of the Gospel of Christ that declares His death and buriel (for sin), His resurrection from the grave (for the justification of the sinner) and His ascension back to heaven (declaring the eternal hope of heaven for the sinner). Paul declares to Titus and to us that this very precious honor was bestowed to him by God the Father and God the Son through and by the Power of God the Holy Spirit granting and enabling him to declare this message of eternal hope to the entire world. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "God caused the Gospel to be published in that time in which it could be published with the greatest effect. It is impossible that God should prematurely hasten, or causelessly delay, the accomplishment of any of His works. Jesus was manifested precisely at the time in which that manifestation could best promote the glory of God and the salvation of man."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Titus 1:2-3 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested His word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; KJV
Paul continues in his greeting to Brother Titus declaring the grand end or goal of every servant of God the Father and that is every man, woman, boy, and girl who trust our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ are given a 'hope' that is all together different than what the non-believer has on this earth, so Paul writes now these words, "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;" (Titus 1:2) (KJV). The English word 'hope' is translated by the Greek word elpis which means (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: - that is, confident expectation or certain expectation. In other words, this entire verse declares the faithfulness and the truthfulness of God the Father, for He 'promised' that He would grant everlasting life in peace, comfort, joy, and bliss in heaven with Him for every sinful human being who trusted our Lord Jesus Christ ONLY for forgiveness of their sin. The English word 'promised' is translated by the Greek word epaggellō which means to announce upon, that is, (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself: - profess, (make) promise.
Paul declares in this verse that God cannot lie which simply means that it is a part of His nature to always declare the truth, for He can never say or speak that which is false or a lie. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this verse, "The fact that God cannot lie; that it is His nature always to speak the truth; and that no circumstances can ever occur in which He will depart from it, is the foundation of all our hopes of salvation. The only hope of salvation is in the promise of God. It is only as we can have evidence that He has assured us that we may be saved, that we are authorized to cherish any hope of salvation. That promise is not made to us as individuals, or by name, but it becomes ours: (1) Because He has made a general promise that they who repent and believe shall be saved; and, (2) Because, we may have evidence that we have repented, and do believe the Gospel. If this is so, we fairly come under the promise of salvation, and may apply it to ourselves."
Paul declares to Titus and to us that this eternal hope that he purposed to grant to sinful man before the world began, also shows that He knew man/Adam would sin in the Garden of Eden and his doing so did not require God the Father to enact a Plan B, but instead He knew what He would do all along and Paul now further declares this knowledge of God with these next words, "But hath in due times manifested His word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;" (Titus 1:3) (KJV). The English phrase 'hath in due' is translated by the Greek word idios which means pertaining to self, that is, one's own; by implication private or separate: The English word 'times' is translated by the Greek word kairos which means an occasion, that is, set or proper time: The English word 'manifested' is translated by the Greek word phaneroō which means to render apparent or declare. The English word 'preaching' is translated by the Greek word kērugma which means a proclamation (especially of the Gospel; by implication the Gospel itself).
So, in other words, God the Father (who knew man would fall into sin and rebellion) has at His own season of human history, that is, at a time which was according to His own eternal plans has declared salvation for sinful and rebellious humanity by proclamation or the preaching of the Gospel of Christ that declares His death and buriel (for sin), His resurrection from the grave (for the justification of the sinner) and His ascension back to heaven (declaring the eternal hope of heaven for the sinner). Paul declares to Titus and to us that this very precious honor was bestowed to him by God the Father and God the Son through and by the Power of God the Holy Spirit granting and enabling him to declare this message of eternal hope to the entire world. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "God caused the Gospel to be published in that time in which it could be published with the greatest effect. It is impossible that God should prematurely hasten, or causelessly delay, the accomplishment of any of His works. Jesus was manifested precisely at the time in which that manifestation could best promote the glory of God and the salvation of man."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 1
Paul's Greeting to Brother Titus Part 1
Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; KJV
The Apostle Paul greets Brother Titus (in this one and only recorded letter we have written to him) in his most common and standard manner by stating who he was by virtue of being made so by God the Father and our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ through the Power of the Holy Spirit beginning with these words, "Paul, a servant of God, and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;" (Titus 1:1) (KJV). When Paul here describes, designates, and declares himself to be (a servant of God), the little English phrase 'a servant' is translated by the Greek word doulos which means (as used here) a slave (literally or figuratively, voluntarily; frequently therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency): - bondservant. In other words, Paul considered himself to be the property of our Lord Jesus Christ, that is, Christ Jesus our Lord owned Paul's entire being his physical body and the real him (his soul) that lived inside his physical tent or body.
Unlike the African slaves brought over from Africa involuntarily or against their will, Paul and every other one of us true born again believers in Jesus Christ our Lord is a voluntary slave of His, for He never saves any soul against their will. This again is where I believe 'free will' and 'election' meet at the very moment of every person's regeneration, resurrection, and redemption. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about Paul referring here to himself being 'a servant of God', "In several places of his other epistles St. Paul styles himself the servant of Jesus Christ, but this is the only place where he calls himself the servant of God. Some think that he did this to vindicate himself against the Jews, who supposed he had renounced God when he admitted the Gentiles into His Church. But if thus to vindicate himself was at all necessary, why was it not done in his Epistle to the Romans, the grand object of which was to prove that the Gentiles came legally into the Church on believing in Christ, with out submitting to circumcision, or being laid under obligation to observe the rites and ceremonies of the Jewish law? This reason seems too fanciful. It is very likely that in the use of the phrase the Apostle had no particular design; for, according to him, he who is the servant of Christ is the servant of God, and he who is God’s servant is also the servant of Christ."
When Paul writes next these words, 'according to the faith of God's elect', he means that he is a servant of God and an Apostle, that is, a sent one for the one specific purpose of declaring the Gospel of Jesus Christ or the Gospel of Grace to the hearing of every soul in order that the 'elect' of God, that is, those who were known by God the Father, God the Son, & God the Holy Spirit before the foundation or the forming of the world. God knows the past, present, and the future of all time because it is He who created or made time, therefore, it should be no surprise or shock to any man or woman that He knows every soul who will truly trust Jesus Christ alone for their salvation through out time that He made. This is what is meant by the 'elect', for our Lord Jesus Christ spoke of His elect while on the earth before His death, buriel, and resurrection from the dead, here are a few of His statements concerning His 'elect', "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders; so much so that, if it were possible, they would deceive even the elect." (Matthew 24:24) (MKJV); "And then He shall send His angels and shall gather His elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of heaven." (Mark 13:27) (MKJV); "And shall not God avenge His own elect who cry day and night to Him, though He has been long-suffering over them?" (Luke 18:7) (MKJV).
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about Paul's reference of 'according to the faith of God's elect', "The meaning of the word rendered here, 'according to' - kata - is, probably, with reference to; that is, he was appointed to be an Apostle with respect to the faith of those whom God had chosen, or, in order that they might be led to believe the Gospel. God had chosen them to salvation, but He intended that it should be in connection with their believing, and, in order to that, He had appointed Paul to be an Apostle that he might go and make known to them the Gospel. It is the purpose of God to save His people, but He does not mean to save them as infidels, or unbelievers. He intends that they shall be believers first - and hence He sends His ministers that they may become such." When Paul writes, 'the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness', he means that his Apostleship is also for the purpose of opposing all the false systems of belief that are man made that don't give humanity the truth that will lead them to everlasting salvation in heaven with God and those systems of belief that promote and even celebrate wicked ways of living on the earth that hurt other people physically, emotionally, and spiritually and even cause children to be led down a path that will end in eternal destruction in hell and the lake of fire, remember what our Lord Jesus Christ said about those people who would cause little children to sin, "And He said to the disciples, It is impossible but that offenses will come. But woe to him through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged around his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones." (Luke 17:1-2) (MKJV).
Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about Paul's words 'the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness', "The Gospel is truth; the great, sure, and saving truth (Colossians 1:5), the Word of the Truth of the Gospel. Divine faith rests not on fallible reasonings and probable opinions, but on the infallible word, the truth itself, which is after godliness, of a godly nature and tendency, pure, and purifying the heart of the believer. By this mark judge of doctrines and of spirits - whether they be of God or not; what is impure, and prejudicial to true piety and practical religion, cannot be of divine origin. All Gospel truth is after godliness, teaching and nourishing reverence and fear of God, and obedience to Him; it is truth not only to be known, but acknowledged; it must be held forth in word and practice, Philippians 2:15-16. With the heart man believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation, (Romans 10:10). Such as retain the truth in unrighteousness neither know nor believe as they ought. To bring to this knowledge and faith, and to the acknowledging and professing of the truth which is after godliness, is the great end of the Gospel ministry, even of the highest degree and order in it; their teachings should have this chief aim, to beget faith and confirm in it."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; KJV
The Apostle Paul greets Brother Titus (in this one and only recorded letter we have written to him) in his most common and standard manner by stating who he was by virtue of being made so by God the Father and our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ through the Power of the Holy Spirit beginning with these words, "Paul, a servant of God, and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;" (Titus 1:1) (KJV). When Paul here describes, designates, and declares himself to be (a servant of God), the little English phrase 'a servant' is translated by the Greek word doulos which means (as used here) a slave (literally or figuratively, voluntarily; frequently therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency): - bondservant. In other words, Paul considered himself to be the property of our Lord Jesus Christ, that is, Christ Jesus our Lord owned Paul's entire being his physical body and the real him (his soul) that lived inside his physical tent or body.
Unlike the African slaves brought over from Africa involuntarily or against their will, Paul and every other one of us true born again believers in Jesus Christ our Lord is a voluntary slave of His, for He never saves any soul against their will. This again is where I believe 'free will' and 'election' meet at the very moment of every person's regeneration, resurrection, and redemption. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about Paul referring here to himself being 'a servant of God', "In several places of his other epistles St. Paul styles himself the servant of Jesus Christ, but this is the only place where he calls himself the servant of God. Some think that he did this to vindicate himself against the Jews, who supposed he had renounced God when he admitted the Gentiles into His Church. But if thus to vindicate himself was at all necessary, why was it not done in his Epistle to the Romans, the grand object of which was to prove that the Gentiles came legally into the Church on believing in Christ, with out submitting to circumcision, or being laid under obligation to observe the rites and ceremonies of the Jewish law? This reason seems too fanciful. It is very likely that in the use of the phrase the Apostle had no particular design; for, according to him, he who is the servant of Christ is the servant of God, and he who is God’s servant is also the servant of Christ."
When Paul writes next these words, 'according to the faith of God's elect', he means that he is a servant of God and an Apostle, that is, a sent one for the one specific purpose of declaring the Gospel of Jesus Christ or the Gospel of Grace to the hearing of every soul in order that the 'elect' of God, that is, those who were known by God the Father, God the Son, & God the Holy Spirit before the foundation or the forming of the world. God knows the past, present, and the future of all time because it is He who created or made time, therefore, it should be no surprise or shock to any man or woman that He knows every soul who will truly trust Jesus Christ alone for their salvation through out time that He made. This is what is meant by the 'elect', for our Lord Jesus Christ spoke of His elect while on the earth before His death, buriel, and resurrection from the dead, here are a few of His statements concerning His 'elect', "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders; so much so that, if it were possible, they would deceive even the elect." (Matthew 24:24) (MKJV); "And then He shall send His angels and shall gather His elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of heaven." (Mark 13:27) (MKJV); "And shall not God avenge His own elect who cry day and night to Him, though He has been long-suffering over them?" (Luke 18:7) (MKJV).
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about Paul's reference of 'according to the faith of God's elect', "The meaning of the word rendered here, 'according to' - kata - is, probably, with reference to; that is, he was appointed to be an Apostle with respect to the faith of those whom God had chosen, or, in order that they might be led to believe the Gospel. God had chosen them to salvation, but He intended that it should be in connection with their believing, and, in order to that, He had appointed Paul to be an Apostle that he might go and make known to them the Gospel. It is the purpose of God to save His people, but He does not mean to save them as infidels, or unbelievers. He intends that they shall be believers first - and hence He sends His ministers that they may become such." When Paul writes, 'the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness', he means that his Apostleship is also for the purpose of opposing all the false systems of belief that are man made that don't give humanity the truth that will lead them to everlasting salvation in heaven with God and those systems of belief that promote and even celebrate wicked ways of living on the earth that hurt other people physically, emotionally, and spiritually and even cause children to be led down a path that will end in eternal destruction in hell and the lake of fire, remember what our Lord Jesus Christ said about those people who would cause little children to sin, "And He said to the disciples, It is impossible but that offenses will come. But woe to him through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged around his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones." (Luke 17:1-2) (MKJV).
Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about Paul's words 'the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness', "The Gospel is truth; the great, sure, and saving truth (Colossians 1:5), the Word of the Truth of the Gospel. Divine faith rests not on fallible reasonings and probable opinions, but on the infallible word, the truth itself, which is after godliness, of a godly nature and tendency, pure, and purifying the heart of the believer. By this mark judge of doctrines and of spirits - whether they be of God or not; what is impure, and prejudicial to true piety and practical religion, cannot be of divine origin. All Gospel truth is after godliness, teaching and nourishing reverence and fear of God, and obedience to Him; it is truth not only to be known, but acknowledged; it must be held forth in word and practice, Philippians 2:15-16. With the heart man believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation, (Romans 10:10). Such as retain the truth in unrighteousness neither know nor believe as they ought. To bring to this knowledge and faith, and to the acknowledging and professing of the truth which is after godliness, is the great end of the Gospel ministry, even of the highest degree and order in it; their teachings should have this chief aim, to beget faith and confirm in it."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
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