Paul Gives Titus the Qualities of a Sound Church Part 8
Titus 2:14 Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. KJV
Paul finalizes this preaching/teaching to Brother Titus and to we true believers today and of every era and generation of what our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ actually dedicated, devoted, and determined Himself to do for every one of His 'new creations' (2 Corinthians 5:17) that He made by shedding His Blood and dying on the Cross for our sin with these words, "Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:14) (KJV). When Paul writes, 'Who gave Himself for us', he means that He (Christ) died for sin in our place that we would not have to die an eternal death, that being, everlasting seperation from God the Father in hell and the lake of fire as it is written of such with these words, "And I saw a great white throne, and Him sitting on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And a place was not found for them. And I saw the dead, the small and the great, stand before God. And books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead in it. And death and hell delivered up the dead in them. And each one of them was judged according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. And if anyone was not found having been written in the Book of Life, he was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:11-15) (MKJV).
Here is what Dr. John Gill said concerning Christ giving Himself for us, "Not another, or another's, but Himself; not merely His own things, but His own self; not the world, and the riches of it, not gold and silver, and such like corruptible things, as the price of redemption; not the cattle on a thousand hills for sacrifice; not men nor angels, but Himself; all that belong to Him, all that is near and dear, His name, fame, credit, and reputation; His time, strength, and service: all the comforts of life, and life itself; His whole manhood, soul, and body, and that as in union with His divine person; which He gave into the hands of men, and of justice, and to death itself, to be a ransom price of His people, and for a propitiation and sacrifice for their sins, to be paid and offered in their room and stead: not for all mankind, but for many; for us, for all the elect of God, for the Church; and who are represented when He gave Himself, or died for them, as ungodly, sinners, and enemies: this was a free and voluntary gift, and is an unspeakable one; who can say all that is contained in this word 'Himself?' it is an instance of the greatest love, of love that passeth knowledge; God, because He could swear by no greater, swore by Himself; and Christ, because He could give no greater gift, nor any greater instance of His love, gave Himself."
When Paul writes next these words, 'that He might redeem us from all iniquity', he means that Christ Blood washes and cleanses us eternally from all our sins (past, present, and future) at the very moment of our new birth (John 3:3-8), yet as we sojourn and pilgrim here on this earth, we get dirty with sin, but as the Apostle John wrote we get cleansed by His Blood constantly and continuously when we confess our sins to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9). The English word 'iniquity' is translated by the Greek word anomia meaning llegality, that is, violation of law or (generally) wickedness: - iniquity, transgression of the law, unrighteousness. Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His life on the Cross to pay our ransom from the slave master (the devil) as slaves of sin and buy us unto Himself as slaves to righteousness (Romans Chapter 6). Here is what John Wesley had to say about Christ redeeming us from all iniquity, "That He might redeem us - Miserable bondslaves, as well from the power and the very being, as from the guilt, of all our sins." When Paul writes, 'and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works', he means that it is Christ Himself who is in the process of growing us into spiritual maturity by His grace and through our study of His Holy Word. The English word 'purify' is translated by the Greek word katharizō meaning to cleanse (literally or figuratively): - (make) clean, purge, purify. The little English phrase 'a peculiar' is translated by the Greek word periousios (used this one time only in the New Testament) meaning being beyond usual, that is, special (one’s own): - peculiar. In other words, it is the Blood of Jesus Christ that makes us clean in God the Father's sight, for He sees us just as He sees the Lord Jesus Christ, yet it is Christ grace by which we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9) that makes us into the peculiar or special one's on the earth, not by any thing in us that is good or deserving of this title or label, but solely because of and by the grace of God are we now 'new creatures' and actively interested and enthusiastic about doing things that please our Lord Jesus Christ because we love Him.
Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about Christ purifying unto Himself a peculiar people zealous of good works, "All mankind are filthy and unclean by nature, in all the powers and faculties of their souls; nor can they cleanse themselves from their impurity of flesh and spirit, by anything that they can do: Christ has a peculiar people among these, a Church whom He loves, and for whom He has given Himself, that He might sanctify and cleanse them from their sins; which He has done by shedding His blood for them, and washing them in it, which cleanses from all sin, and He has purified them unto Himself, for His own use and service, for His pleasure and delight, and to His glory; that they might be a proper habitation for Him now; and that they might be made ready for Him, to have the marriage between, Him and them consummated; and that they might be presented to Himself a glorious Church, without spot or wrinkle, and be with Him, both in the new Jerusalem state, into which nothing that defiles, or is defiled, enters, and in heaven, to all eternity. Now these people, for whom Christ has given Himself, and whom He has redeemed and purifies, are a 'peculiar people'; for whom Christ has a peculiar love, in whom He takes a peculiar delight, and to whom He grants peculiar nearness to Himself, and bestows peculiar blessings on them, and makes peculiar provisions for them, both for time and eternity; these are Christ's own, His possession, His substance, what He has a special right to by His Father's gift, His own purchase, and the conquest of His grace; and they are a distinct and separate people from all others, in election, redemption, effectual calling, and in Christ's intercession, and will be in the resurrection morn, at the day of judgment, and to all eternity; and they are, as the word also signifies, an excellent and valuable people; they are Christ's portion and inheritance; they are His peculiar treasure, His jewels, whom, as such, He values and takes care of. The Syriac version renders it, 'a new people'. And they who are redeemed and purified by Christ, through the power of His grace upon them, become a people 'zealous of good works'; not in order to their justification and salvation, but in obedience to the will of God, and to testify their subjection and gratitude to Him, and for His honour and glory, and for the credit of religion, and the good of men, These not only perform them, but perform them from principles of truth and love, and with a zeal for the glory of God, and the honour of His Gospel; and with an holy emulation of one another, striving to go before, and excel each other in the performance of them."
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, October 30, 2019
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 17
Paul Gives Titus the Qualities of a Sound Church Part 7
Titus 2:13 Looking for that Blessed Hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; KJV
Paul now affirms to Brother Titus and to we true believers today and of every era and generattion what the reception of such grace should implant into our inner man or inner woman as a buried treasure that cannot be lost and that is, "Looking for that Blessed Hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" (Titus 2:13) (KJV). The little phrase 'looking for' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word prosdechomai which means (as used here) by implication to await (with confidence or patience). The little phrase 'that blessed' is translated by the Greek word makarios which means (as used here) supremely blest, that is, highly favored or fortunate (as by divine grace); well off. The English word 'hope' is translated by the Greek word elpis meaning (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: - faith, hope; it is literally confident expectation. In other words, Paul wanted Titus then and us today to not be waivering, wobbly, or wanting in our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ to fully save us from sin, death, and hell eternally and to keep us or guard us now in time from the many winds of doctrines that are distributed, downloaded, and diffused every single day by the devil and his ministers (2 Corthians 11:13-15). Instead, we are to be strong in faith just like the Patriarch Abraham was as it is written by Paul of him with these words to the Church @ Rome, "(As it has been written, 'I have made you a father of many nations') —before God, whom he believed, who makes the dead live, and calls the things which do not exist as though they do exist. For he who beyond hope believed on hope for him to become the father of many nations (according to that which was spoken, 'So your seed shall be'). And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body already dead (being about a hundred years old) or the deadening of Sarah's womb. He did not stagger at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully persuaded that what God had promised, He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:17-21) (MKJV). Just like the 100 year old Abraham did not waiver at God's promise to Him that he would father a child, even with his wife being 90 years old at the time, so must we not waiver concerning our redemption, restoration, and resurrection from the dead by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
When Paul writes, 'and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ', he means that we (as a collective body 'the Church') and (as individual members of His Body) are to trust and know that our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ will return for His Church (that is, all true born again believers) just prior to His 2nd Coming, as it is written by this same Apostle Paul to the Thessalonian believers with these words, "But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep/dead, that you be not grieved, even as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him all those who have fallen asleep/died in Jesus. For we say this to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall not go before those who are asleep/dead. For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall ever be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) (MKJV).
It is also true that our Lord Jesus Christ will return for every individual member of His Mystical Body the Church that dies 'in Him' just as He did with the saint Stephen when He was murdered, mauled, and martyred for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ and having faith in Him, as it is written and documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And hearing these things, they were cut to their hearts. And they gnashed on him with their teeth. But being full of the Holy Spirit, looking up intently into Heaven, he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, Behold, I see Heaven opened and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. And crying out with a loud voice, they stopped their ears and ran on him with one accord. And throwing him outside the city, they stoned him. And the witnesses laid their clothes down at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen, who was calling on God and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And kneeling down, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, do not lay this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep/died." (Acts 7:54-60) (MKJV).
Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "Expecting the grand object of our hope, eternal life. This is what the Gospel teaches us to expect, and what the grace of God prepares the human heart for. This is called a blessed hope; those who have it are happy in the sure prospect of that glory which shall be revealed. The glorious appearing this clause, literally translated, is as follows: And the appearing of the glory of the great God, even our Savior Jesus Christ. Some think that the blessed hope and glorious appearing mean the same thing; but I do not think so. The blessed hope refers simply to eternal glorification in general; the glorious appearing, to the resurrection of the body; for when Christ appears He will change this vile body, and make it like unto His Glorious Body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself."
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 2:13 Looking for that Blessed Hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; KJV
Paul now affirms to Brother Titus and to we true believers today and of every era and generattion what the reception of such grace should implant into our inner man or inner woman as a buried treasure that cannot be lost and that is, "Looking for that Blessed Hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" (Titus 2:13) (KJV). The little phrase 'looking for' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word prosdechomai which means (as used here) by implication to await (with confidence or patience). The little phrase 'that blessed' is translated by the Greek word makarios which means (as used here) supremely blest, that is, highly favored or fortunate (as by divine grace); well off. The English word 'hope' is translated by the Greek word elpis meaning (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: - faith, hope; it is literally confident expectation. In other words, Paul wanted Titus then and us today to not be waivering, wobbly, or wanting in our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ to fully save us from sin, death, and hell eternally and to keep us or guard us now in time from the many winds of doctrines that are distributed, downloaded, and diffused every single day by the devil and his ministers (2 Corthians 11:13-15). Instead, we are to be strong in faith just like the Patriarch Abraham was as it is written by Paul of him with these words to the Church @ Rome, "(As it has been written, 'I have made you a father of many nations') —before God, whom he believed, who makes the dead live, and calls the things which do not exist as though they do exist. For he who beyond hope believed on hope for him to become the father of many nations (according to that which was spoken, 'So your seed shall be'). And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body already dead (being about a hundred years old) or the deadening of Sarah's womb. He did not stagger at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully persuaded that what God had promised, He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:17-21) (MKJV). Just like the 100 year old Abraham did not waiver at God's promise to Him that he would father a child, even with his wife being 90 years old at the time, so must we not waiver concerning our redemption, restoration, and resurrection from the dead by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
When Paul writes, 'and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ', he means that we (as a collective body 'the Church') and (as individual members of His Body) are to trust and know that our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ will return for His Church (that is, all true born again believers) just prior to His 2nd Coming, as it is written by this same Apostle Paul to the Thessalonian believers with these words, "But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep/dead, that you be not grieved, even as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him all those who have fallen asleep/died in Jesus. For we say this to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall not go before those who are asleep/dead. For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall ever be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) (MKJV).
It is also true that our Lord Jesus Christ will return for every individual member of His Mystical Body the Church that dies 'in Him' just as He did with the saint Stephen when He was murdered, mauled, and martyred for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ and having faith in Him, as it is written and documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And hearing these things, they were cut to their hearts. And they gnashed on him with their teeth. But being full of the Holy Spirit, looking up intently into Heaven, he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, Behold, I see Heaven opened and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. And crying out with a loud voice, they stopped their ears and ran on him with one accord. And throwing him outside the city, they stoned him. And the witnesses laid their clothes down at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen, who was calling on God and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And kneeling down, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, do not lay this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep/died." (Acts 7:54-60) (MKJV).
Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "Expecting the grand object of our hope, eternal life. This is what the Gospel teaches us to expect, and what the grace of God prepares the human heart for. This is called a blessed hope; those who have it are happy in the sure prospect of that glory which shall be revealed. The glorious appearing this clause, literally translated, is as follows: And the appearing of the glory of the great God, even our Savior Jesus Christ. Some think that the blessed hope and glorious appearing mean the same thing; but I do not think so. The blessed hope refers simply to eternal glorification in general; the glorious appearing, to the resurrection of the body; for when Christ appears He will change this vile body, and make it like unto His Glorious Body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself."
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, October 16, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 16
Paul Gives Titus the Qualities of a Sound Church Part 6
Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; KJV
Paul now gives to Brother Titus and to we true Christians today and of every era and generation what 'grace' is and what it means for us as we pilgrim and sojourn here on this earth away from our heavenly home with these words, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men," (Titus 2:11) (KJV). This English word 'grace' is translated by the Greek word charis which means (as used here) figuratively or spiritually; it means the divine influence upon the heart (that is, the inner man or inner woman of the born again son and daughter of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ), and its reflection in the life; including gratitude for receiving such undeserved favor from God). In other words, it is the grace of God freely given to every sinner that makes him or her a new creature or new creation, for 2 Corinthians 5:17 says this, "So that if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (MKJV). This is the reason so many sons and daughters of God say things like, "My eyes were open and I saw this world in a whole new light." For example, in my own personal case, when my Lord Jesus Christ opened my blind spiritual eyes, I completely did a 180 from being pro-choice to being pro-life and that is because I now see human life as it truly is the creation of God at the moment of conception, for He(God/Jesus) knows every human being, even before He forms them in their mother's womb, this is what He told the Prophet Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I consecrated you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5) (MKJV). Notice the pronoun 'I' used four times in this verse being God speaking of Himself and what He did.
When Paul writes next, 'that bringeth salvation', he is speaking of the grace of God as that which makes men and women into the new creatures and it is what brings the salvation of God for sinful men and women and not His love, for His love is what brought to us the Savior (Jesus Christ our Lord) as it is written, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes on Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-18) (MKJV). When Paul writes here, 'hath appeared to all men', he simply means that the grace of God has been made visible for all humanity to behold and to receive in the God/Man Jesus Christ our Lord. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about this verse, "It is grace in respect of the spring of it - the free favour and good-will of God, not any merit or desert in the creature; as manifesting and declaring this good-will in an eminent and signal manner; and as it is the means of conveying and working grace in the hearts of believers. Now grace is obliging and constraining to goodness: Let not sin reign, but yield yourselves unto God; for you are not under the law, but under grace, Romans 6:12-14. The love of Christ constrains us not to live to self, but to Him (2 Corinthians 5:14-15); without this effect, grace is received in vain. This Gospel grace brings salvation (reveals and offers it to sinners and ensures it to believers) - salvation from sin and wrath, from death and hell. Hence it is called the Word of Life; it brings to faith, and so to life, the life of holiness now and of happiness hereafter. The law is the ministration of death, but the Gospel the ministration of life and peace. This therefore must be received as salvation (its rules minded, its commands obeyed), that the end of it may be obtained, the salvation of the soul. And more inexcusable will the neglecters of this grace of God bringing salvation now be, since, It hath appeared, or shone out more clearly and illustriously than ever before. The old dispensation was comparatively dark and shadowy; this is a clear and shining light; and, as it is now more bright, so more diffused and extensive also. For, It hath appeared to all men; not to the Jews only, as the glory of God appeared at mount Sinai to that particular people, and out of the view of all others; but Gospel grace is open to all, and all are invited to come and partake of the benefit of it, Gentiles as well as Jews."
Next Paul tells Titus and us what the grace of God teaches to us as we sojourn away from our heavenly home with these words, "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" (Titus 2:12) (KJV). The English word 'teaching' used at the very beginning of this verse is translated by the Greek word paideuō meaning to train up a child, that is, educate, or (by implication) discipline (by punishment): - chasten, instruct, learn, teach. The English word 'denying' is translated by the Greek word arneomai meaning to contradict, that is, disavow, reject, abnegate: - deny, refuse. The English word 'ungodliness' is translated by the Greek word asebeia meaning wickedness. When Paul writes 'worldy lust', he means the longing for the things of this world system (run by the devil) that are against the will of God. In other words, the grace of God that has brought to each and every one us who have been born again instructs us like a father and mother would do with their young child training us up into spiritual maturity by educating us in the will of God by the Word of God to deny wickedness or that which is evil by rejecting and refusing it and even disciplining or chastening us when we step out of the truth of God's will found in His Holy Word. We are to live in this present world, but we are not to be of the world, as it is written, "Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever desires to be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (James 4:4) (MKJV) and also as it is written here, "Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because 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 passes away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:15-17) (MKJV) and lastly also as it is written here, "You are of God, little children, and you have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world, therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us. The one who is not of God does not hear us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error." (1 John 4:4-6) (MKJV).
Therefore, with this to guide and to remind us Paul declares that we should live 'soberly' (which is translated by the Greek word sōphronōs used this one time only in the New Testament meaning with sound mind, that is, moderately: - soberly), 'righteously' (which is translated by the Greek word dikaiōs meaning equitably or justly), and 'godly' (which is translated by the Greek word eusebōs meaning piously or devoutly to God who saved us) in this present world. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "Instructing us as children are instructed. Christ is the great teacher; and men, in order to learn, must become His disciples - must put themselves under His tuition, and learn of Him. Denying all things contrary to God; whatever would lead us to doubt His being, deny any of His essential attributes; His providence or government of the world, and His influence on the souls of men. Every thing, also, which is opposed to His true worship; theoretical and practical atheism, deism, and irreligion in general. Worldly lust such desires, affections, and appetites, as men are governed by who have their portion in this life, and live without God in the world. Gluttony, drunkenness, lasciviousness, anger, malice, and revenge; together with the immoderate love of riches, power, and fame. We should live soberly having every temper, appetite, and desire, under the government of reason, and reason itself under the government of the Spirit of God. Righteously rendering to every man his due, injuring no person in his body, mind, reputation, or property; doing unto all as we would they should do to us; and filling up the duties of the particular stations in which it has pleased God to fix us, committing no sin, omitting no duty. And godly just the reverse of what is implied in ungodliness. In this present world not supposing that any thing will be purified in the world to come that is not cleansed in this. The three words above evidently include our duty to God, to our neighbor, and to ourselves. We are to live soberly in respect to ourselves. Righteously in respect to our neighbor. And Godly, or piously, in respect to our Maker."
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 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; KJV
Paul now gives to Brother Titus and to we true Christians today and of every era and generation what 'grace' is and what it means for us as we pilgrim and sojourn here on this earth away from our heavenly home with these words, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men," (Titus 2:11) (KJV). This English word 'grace' is translated by the Greek word charis which means (as used here) figuratively or spiritually; it means the divine influence upon the heart (that is, the inner man or inner woman of the born again son and daughter of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ), and its reflection in the life; including gratitude for receiving such undeserved favor from God). In other words, it is the grace of God freely given to every sinner that makes him or her a new creature or new creation, for 2 Corinthians 5:17 says this, "So that if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (MKJV). This is the reason so many sons and daughters of God say things like, "My eyes were open and I saw this world in a whole new light." For example, in my own personal case, when my Lord Jesus Christ opened my blind spiritual eyes, I completely did a 180 from being pro-choice to being pro-life and that is because I now see human life as it truly is the creation of God at the moment of conception, for He(God/Jesus) knows every human being, even before He forms them in their mother's womb, this is what He told the Prophet Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I consecrated you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5) (MKJV). Notice the pronoun 'I' used four times in this verse being God speaking of Himself and what He did.
When Paul writes next, 'that bringeth salvation', he is speaking of the grace of God as that which makes men and women into the new creatures and it is what brings the salvation of God for sinful men and women and not His love, for His love is what brought to us the Savior (Jesus Christ our Lord) as it is written, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes on Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-18) (MKJV). When Paul writes here, 'hath appeared to all men', he simply means that the grace of God has been made visible for all humanity to behold and to receive in the God/Man Jesus Christ our Lord. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about this verse, "It is grace in respect of the spring of it - the free favour and good-will of God, not any merit or desert in the creature; as manifesting and declaring this good-will in an eminent and signal manner; and as it is the means of conveying and working grace in the hearts of believers. Now grace is obliging and constraining to goodness: Let not sin reign, but yield yourselves unto God; for you are not under the law, but under grace, Romans 6:12-14. The love of Christ constrains us not to live to self, but to Him (2 Corinthians 5:14-15); without this effect, grace is received in vain. This Gospel grace brings salvation (reveals and offers it to sinners and ensures it to believers) - salvation from sin and wrath, from death and hell. Hence it is called the Word of Life; it brings to faith, and so to life, the life of holiness now and of happiness hereafter. The law is the ministration of death, but the Gospel the ministration of life and peace. This therefore must be received as salvation (its rules minded, its commands obeyed), that the end of it may be obtained, the salvation of the soul. And more inexcusable will the neglecters of this grace of God bringing salvation now be, since, It hath appeared, or shone out more clearly and illustriously than ever before. The old dispensation was comparatively dark and shadowy; this is a clear and shining light; and, as it is now more bright, so more diffused and extensive also. For, It hath appeared to all men; not to the Jews only, as the glory of God appeared at mount Sinai to that particular people, and out of the view of all others; but Gospel grace is open to all, and all are invited to come and partake of the benefit of it, Gentiles as well as Jews."
Next Paul tells Titus and us what the grace of God teaches to us as we sojourn away from our heavenly home with these words, "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" (Titus 2:12) (KJV). The English word 'teaching' used at the very beginning of this verse is translated by the Greek word paideuō meaning to train up a child, that is, educate, or (by implication) discipline (by punishment): - chasten, instruct, learn, teach. The English word 'denying' is translated by the Greek word arneomai meaning to contradict, that is, disavow, reject, abnegate: - deny, refuse. The English word 'ungodliness' is translated by the Greek word asebeia meaning wickedness. When Paul writes 'worldy lust', he means the longing for the things of this world system (run by the devil) that are against the will of God. In other words, the grace of God that has brought to each and every one us who have been born again instructs us like a father and mother would do with their young child training us up into spiritual maturity by educating us in the will of God by the Word of God to deny wickedness or that which is evil by rejecting and refusing it and even disciplining or chastening us when we step out of the truth of God's will found in His Holy Word. We are to live in this present world, but we are not to be of the world, as it is written, "Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever desires to be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (James 4:4) (MKJV) and also as it is written here, "Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because 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 passes away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:15-17) (MKJV) and lastly also as it is written here, "You are of God, little children, and you have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world, therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us. The one who is not of God does not hear us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error." (1 John 4:4-6) (MKJV).
Therefore, with this to guide and to remind us Paul declares that we should live 'soberly' (which is translated by the Greek word sōphronōs used this one time only in the New Testament meaning with sound mind, that is, moderately: - soberly), 'righteously' (which is translated by the Greek word dikaiōs meaning equitably or justly), and 'godly' (which is translated by the Greek word eusebōs meaning piously or devoutly to God who saved us) in this present world. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "Instructing us as children are instructed. Christ is the great teacher; and men, in order to learn, must become His disciples - must put themselves under His tuition, and learn of Him. Denying all things contrary to God; whatever would lead us to doubt His being, deny any of His essential attributes; His providence or government of the world, and His influence on the souls of men. Every thing, also, which is opposed to His true worship; theoretical and practical atheism, deism, and irreligion in general. Worldly lust such desires, affections, and appetites, as men are governed by who have their portion in this life, and live without God in the world. Gluttony, drunkenness, lasciviousness, anger, malice, and revenge; together with the immoderate love of riches, power, and fame. We should live soberly having every temper, appetite, and desire, under the government of reason, and reason itself under the government of the Spirit of God. Righteously rendering to every man his due, injuring no person in his body, mind, reputation, or property; doing unto all as we would they should do to us; and filling up the duties of the particular stations in which it has pleased God to fix us, committing no sin, omitting no duty. And godly just the reverse of what is implied in ungodliness. In this present world not supposing that any thing will be purified in the world to come that is not cleansed in this. The three words above evidently include our duty to God, to our neighbor, and to ourselves. We are to live soberly in respect to ourselves. Righteously in respect to our neighbor. And Godly, or piously, in respect to our Maker."
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, October 9, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 15
Paul Gives Titus the Qualities of a Sound Church Part 5
Titus 2:9-10 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. KJV
During the time that the Apostle Paul lived and wrote this letter to Brother Titus, slavery was a common occurrence and practice. Therefore, Pauls next words to Titus here may seem to us today as cavalier, careless, or even cold, but the facts then were that there were many people that were owned by other people and some of these slaves came into a saving knowledge of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ through hearing the preaching of the Gospel of Christ and became members of the Body of Christ and remained slaves after their conversion, because their earthly state, status, or situation in this life did not change upon becoming a Christian, but their inner man and inner woman did change along with their eternal place of residency (heaven now), so Paul now writes these words to Brother Titus instructing him on what to teach these slaves on how they should now conduct themselves with their masters, "Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;" (Titus 2:9) (KJV). The English word 'servants' used at the beginning of this verse is translated by the Greek word doulos meaning (as used here) a slave (literally and involuntarily). The little English phrase 'to be obedient' is translated by the Greek word hupotassō meaning to subordinate; reflexively to obey: - be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
In other words, now the born again slave is to voluntarily subject himself to his owner or master knowing all the while that his or her true master is in heaven seated at the right hand of God the Father, that is, our Lord Jesus Christ, for Paul wrote this same directive or command with these words to the believers in Ephesus, "Slaves, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men (knowing that whatever good thing he does, he shall receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or a freeman)." (Ephesians 6:5-8) (MKJV). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about slaves being obedient to their masters pleasing them in all things, "The Apostle refers to those who were slaves, and the property of their masters; even these are exhorted to be obedient, to their own despots, though they had no right over them on the ground of natural justice. They were to endeavor to do this in all things, though they could not hope to succeed in every thing." When Paul writes, 'not answering again', he means that the born again slave was to obey the commands of his earthly master without complaining or disputing the command or even grumbling, that is, making a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone at his or her displeasure of the command and the state of being a slave. This truly is easier said than done and must require the power of God the Holy Spirit to work in the disposition or temperament to carry out such an attitude of non complaint when one was living in such a state or condition as this.
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this matter of not answering again, "Not contradicting, or not disobeying. They were to do what the master required, if it did not interfere with the rights of conscience, without attempting to argue the matter - without disputing with the master - and without advancing their own opinions. Where this relation exists, no one can doubt that this is a proper frame of mind for a servant. It may be observed, however, that all that is here said would be equally appropriate, whether the servitude was voluntary or involuntary. A man who becomes voluntarily a servant, binds himself to obey his master cheerfully and quietly, without gainsaying, and without attempting to reason the matter with him, or propounding his own opinions, even though they may be much wiser than those of his employer. He makes a contract to obey his master, not to reason with him, or to instruct him." Paul then makes this also the requirement of the servants or slaves with their masters for the end result of showing Christ even in the absolute most worst of living conditions as a pilgrim on this earth, "Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." (Titus 2:10) (KJV). The English word 'purloining' is translated by the Greek word nosphizomai meaning (apart or clandestinely); to sequestrate for oneself, that is, embezzle: - keep back, purloin.
In other words, it is a big Greek word for stealing or taking something that belongs to the master and using it for yourself, that is, making off with the belongings or property of others and in this case the property of the master. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about the servant not purloining, "Not to appropriate to themselves what belongs to their masters. The word 'purloin' means, literally, to take or carry away for oneself; and would be applied to an approbation to oneself of what pertained to a common stock, or what belonged to one in whose employ we are - as the embezzlement of public funds. Here it means that the servant was not to apply to his own use what belonged to his master; that is, was not to pilfer - a vice to which, as all know, servants, and especially slaves, are particularly exposed." However, instead of doing this the slave that has come to Christ, that is, been born again must show to his master 'good fidelity' which simply means that he or she must be faithful to his or her master, which is also what a Christian man or woman must do today to their employer, for their true employer is our Lord Jesus Christ, so the child of God must work for their employer as if they are working for Christ Jesus Himself which they are. In doing this they will then adorn or garnish themselves with the doctrine or instruction or teachings of God our Savior, that being our Lord Jesus Christ. Here is what John Wesley had to say about adorning the doctrine of God our Savior in all things, "Showing all good fidelity - Soft, obliging faithfulness that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour - More than St. Paul says of kings. How he raises the lowness of his subject! So may they, the lowness of their condition."
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 2:9-10 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. KJV
During the time that the Apostle Paul lived and wrote this letter to Brother Titus, slavery was a common occurrence and practice. Therefore, Pauls next words to Titus here may seem to us today as cavalier, careless, or even cold, but the facts then were that there were many people that were owned by other people and some of these slaves came into a saving knowledge of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ through hearing the preaching of the Gospel of Christ and became members of the Body of Christ and remained slaves after their conversion, because their earthly state, status, or situation in this life did not change upon becoming a Christian, but their inner man and inner woman did change along with their eternal place of residency (heaven now), so Paul now writes these words to Brother Titus instructing him on what to teach these slaves on how they should now conduct themselves with their masters, "Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;" (Titus 2:9) (KJV). The English word 'servants' used at the beginning of this verse is translated by the Greek word doulos meaning (as used here) a slave (literally and involuntarily). The little English phrase 'to be obedient' is translated by the Greek word hupotassō meaning to subordinate; reflexively to obey: - be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
In other words, now the born again slave is to voluntarily subject himself to his owner or master knowing all the while that his or her true master is in heaven seated at the right hand of God the Father, that is, our Lord Jesus Christ, for Paul wrote this same directive or command with these words to the believers in Ephesus, "Slaves, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men (knowing that whatever good thing he does, he shall receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or a freeman)." (Ephesians 6:5-8) (MKJV). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about slaves being obedient to their masters pleasing them in all things, "The Apostle refers to those who were slaves, and the property of their masters; even these are exhorted to be obedient, to their own despots, though they had no right over them on the ground of natural justice. They were to endeavor to do this in all things, though they could not hope to succeed in every thing." When Paul writes, 'not answering again', he means that the born again slave was to obey the commands of his earthly master without complaining or disputing the command or even grumbling, that is, making a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone at his or her displeasure of the command and the state of being a slave. This truly is easier said than done and must require the power of God the Holy Spirit to work in the disposition or temperament to carry out such an attitude of non complaint when one was living in such a state or condition as this.
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this matter of not answering again, "Not contradicting, or not disobeying. They were to do what the master required, if it did not interfere with the rights of conscience, without attempting to argue the matter - without disputing with the master - and without advancing their own opinions. Where this relation exists, no one can doubt that this is a proper frame of mind for a servant. It may be observed, however, that all that is here said would be equally appropriate, whether the servitude was voluntary or involuntary. A man who becomes voluntarily a servant, binds himself to obey his master cheerfully and quietly, without gainsaying, and without attempting to reason the matter with him, or propounding his own opinions, even though they may be much wiser than those of his employer. He makes a contract to obey his master, not to reason with him, or to instruct him." Paul then makes this also the requirement of the servants or slaves with their masters for the end result of showing Christ even in the absolute most worst of living conditions as a pilgrim on this earth, "Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." (Titus 2:10) (KJV). The English word 'purloining' is translated by the Greek word nosphizomai meaning (apart or clandestinely); to sequestrate for oneself, that is, embezzle: - keep back, purloin.
In other words, it is a big Greek word for stealing or taking something that belongs to the master and using it for yourself, that is, making off with the belongings or property of others and in this case the property of the master. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about the servant not purloining, "Not to appropriate to themselves what belongs to their masters. The word 'purloin' means, literally, to take or carry away for oneself; and would be applied to an approbation to oneself of what pertained to a common stock, or what belonged to one in whose employ we are - as the embezzlement of public funds. Here it means that the servant was not to apply to his own use what belonged to his master; that is, was not to pilfer - a vice to which, as all know, servants, and especially slaves, are particularly exposed." However, instead of doing this the slave that has come to Christ, that is, been born again must show to his master 'good fidelity' which simply means that he or she must be faithful to his or her master, which is also what a Christian man or woman must do today to their employer, for their true employer is our Lord Jesus Christ, so the child of God must work for their employer as if they are working for Christ Jesus Himself which they are. In doing this they will then adorn or garnish themselves with the doctrine or instruction or teachings of God our Savior, that being our Lord Jesus Christ. Here is what John Wesley had to say about adorning the doctrine of God our Savior in all things, "Showing all good fidelity - Soft, obliging faithfulness that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour - More than St. Paul says of kings. How he raises the lowness of his subject! So may they, the lowness of their condition."
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, October 2, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 14
Paul Gives Titus the Qualities of a Sound Church Part 4
Titus 2:7-8 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 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. KJV
The Apostle Paul wants to relay the message to Brother Titus and to we true believers today and of every era and generation that the follower of Jesus Christ is not only responsible to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, which we are first and foremost, but we have a responsibility to all of our brothers and sisters 'in Christ' throughout the world to lead a life of blamelessness, that is, being free of guilt and not subject to blame for an accusation falsely made against any of us, for example, in my own personal life right now I am being accused of not buying an item and having it installed in a home that I rent. This is completely untrue and is something I refuse to allow the devil to get me disturbed, disquieted, or distressed over, but I am prepared to remedy the situation by having it done again if push comes to shove, for our Lord Jesus Christ knows I am not lying about this matter and that is more important to me than a million false accusations by the devil's people.
So, Paul tells Titus and us first these words, "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity," (Titus 2:7) (KJV). The English word 'shewing' is translated by the Greek word parechō meaning to hold near, that is, present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion. The English word 'pattern' is translated by the Greek word tupos meaning (as used here) (figuratively) style or resemblance; specifically a sampler ('type'), that is, a model (for imitation). In other words, we are not to be in the world defrauding people, that is, depriving them of something by deceit or actually stealing from them for our own gain and benefit. Instead we should shew ourselves a model of integrity in the world as we sojourn down here. Paul is declaring to Titus then and to us now that our deeds and actions in this evil genertation (Luke 11:29) should be that of promoting valuable and virtuous actions to others at all times until or unless we are defending our selves in self defence, physically or spiritually. The doctrine or teaching that comes from any individual Christian or any local Church or any Denominational or Non- Denominational leadership should be totally uncorrupt or uncorrupted, that is, not having its purity or excellence debased, but instead continuing in the delivery and teaching of the Apostle's doctrine only (Acts 2:42), that is, the faith once and for all handed down to the saints (Jude 1:3) and never being or becoming one of those men or women who corrupt the Word of God (2 Corinthians 2:17).
Paul declares to Titus and to us that we should shew a pattern of 'gravity' and this English word is translated by the Greek word semnotēs meaning honesty. The English word 'sincerity' is translated by the Greek word aphtharsia meaning (as used here) (figuratively) genuineness: - sincerity. In other words, the believer is to be genuine and honest in his or her dealings with brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ and with the men and women who are outside of Christ. Here is what John Wesley had to say about this verse, "Showing thyself a pattern - Titus himself was then young. In the doctrine which thou teachest in public: as to matter, uncorruptness; as to the manner of delivering it, seriousness - Weightiness, solemnity." Paul continues on to direct and instruct Titus and us today with these words, "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." (Titus 2:8) (KJV).
When Paul writes here at the beginning of this verse, 'sound speech that cannot be condemned', he means wholesome words, just as he wrote to Brother Timothy here, "If anyone teaches otherwise, and does not consent to wholesome words (those of our Lord Jesus Christ), and to the doctrine according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing. He is sick concerning doubts and arguments, from which comes envy, strife, evil speakings, evil suspicions, meddling, of men whose minds have been corrupted and deprived of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness. Withdraw from such. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and it is clear that we can carry nothing out. But having food and clothing, we will be content. But they who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which plunge men into destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all evils, of which some having lusted after, they were seduced from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:3-10) (MKJV). These are the words that cannot ever be condemned.
When Paul writes here, 'that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed', he means the person or persons that are on the opposite side of the truth of Jesus Christ, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Word of God. The little English phrase 'the contrary part' is translated by the Greek word enantios meaning opposite; figuratively antagonistic: - (over) against, contrary. The little English phrase 'may be ashamed' is translated by the Greek word entrepō meaning (as used here) to invert, that is, (figuratively and reflexively) in a good sense, to respect. When Paul writes, 'having no evil thing to say of you', he means that if the person has actually done the right thing (in a matter like the one I spoke of above concerning myself) then the person or persons diffusing, dispersing, or disseminating the lie will be stopped cold with the hard facts of the truth of the matter. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this verse, "He was to use language that would be spiritually 'healthful'; that is, true, pure, uncorrupted. - This word, and its correlatives, is used in this sense, in the New Testament, only by the Apostle Paul. It is commonly applied to the body, meaning that which is healthful, or whole. It does not elsewhere occur. Such as cannot be shown to be weak, or unsound; such that no one could find fault with it, or such as an adversary could not take hold of and blame. This direction would imply purity and seriousness of language, solidity of argument, and truth in the doctrines which he maintained. That he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed - Ashamed that he has opposed such views."
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 2:7-8 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 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. KJV
The Apostle Paul wants to relay the message to Brother Titus and to we true believers today and of every era and generation that the follower of Jesus Christ is not only responsible to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, which we are first and foremost, but we have a responsibility to all of our brothers and sisters 'in Christ' throughout the world to lead a life of blamelessness, that is, being free of guilt and not subject to blame for an accusation falsely made against any of us, for example, in my own personal life right now I am being accused of not buying an item and having it installed in a home that I rent. This is completely untrue and is something I refuse to allow the devil to get me disturbed, disquieted, or distressed over, but I am prepared to remedy the situation by having it done again if push comes to shove, for our Lord Jesus Christ knows I am not lying about this matter and that is more important to me than a million false accusations by the devil's people.
So, Paul tells Titus and us first these words, "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity," (Titus 2:7) (KJV). The English word 'shewing' is translated by the Greek word parechō meaning to hold near, that is, present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion. The English word 'pattern' is translated by the Greek word tupos meaning (as used here) (figuratively) style or resemblance; specifically a sampler ('type'), that is, a model (for imitation). In other words, we are not to be in the world defrauding people, that is, depriving them of something by deceit or actually stealing from them for our own gain and benefit. Instead we should shew ourselves a model of integrity in the world as we sojourn down here. Paul is declaring to Titus then and to us now that our deeds and actions in this evil genertation (Luke 11:29) should be that of promoting valuable and virtuous actions to others at all times until or unless we are defending our selves in self defence, physically or spiritually. The doctrine or teaching that comes from any individual Christian or any local Church or any Denominational or Non- Denominational leadership should be totally uncorrupt or uncorrupted, that is, not having its purity or excellence debased, but instead continuing in the delivery and teaching of the Apostle's doctrine only (Acts 2:42), that is, the faith once and for all handed down to the saints (Jude 1:3) and never being or becoming one of those men or women who corrupt the Word of God (2 Corinthians 2:17).
Paul declares to Titus and to us that we should shew a pattern of 'gravity' and this English word is translated by the Greek word semnotēs meaning honesty. The English word 'sincerity' is translated by the Greek word aphtharsia meaning (as used here) (figuratively) genuineness: - sincerity. In other words, the believer is to be genuine and honest in his or her dealings with brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ and with the men and women who are outside of Christ. Here is what John Wesley had to say about this verse, "Showing thyself a pattern - Titus himself was then young. In the doctrine which thou teachest in public: as to matter, uncorruptness; as to the manner of delivering it, seriousness - Weightiness, solemnity." Paul continues on to direct and instruct Titus and us today with these words, "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." (Titus 2:8) (KJV).
When Paul writes here at the beginning of this verse, 'sound speech that cannot be condemned', he means wholesome words, just as he wrote to Brother Timothy here, "If anyone teaches otherwise, and does not consent to wholesome words (those of our Lord Jesus Christ), and to the doctrine according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing. He is sick concerning doubts and arguments, from which comes envy, strife, evil speakings, evil suspicions, meddling, of men whose minds have been corrupted and deprived of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness. Withdraw from such. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and it is clear that we can carry nothing out. But having food and clothing, we will be content. But they who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which plunge men into destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all evils, of which some having lusted after, they were seduced from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:3-10) (MKJV). These are the words that cannot ever be condemned.
When Paul writes here, 'that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed', he means the person or persons that are on the opposite side of the truth of Jesus Christ, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Word of God. The little English phrase 'the contrary part' is translated by the Greek word enantios meaning opposite; figuratively antagonistic: - (over) against, contrary. The little English phrase 'may be ashamed' is translated by the Greek word entrepō meaning (as used here) to invert, that is, (figuratively and reflexively) in a good sense, to respect. When Paul writes, 'having no evil thing to say of you', he means that if the person has actually done the right thing (in a matter like the one I spoke of above concerning myself) then the person or persons diffusing, dispersing, or disseminating the lie will be stopped cold with the hard facts of the truth of the matter. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this verse, "He was to use language that would be spiritually 'healthful'; that is, true, pure, uncorrupted. - This word, and its correlatives, is used in this sense, in the New Testament, only by the Apostle Paul. It is commonly applied to the body, meaning that which is healthful, or whole. It does not elsewhere occur. Such as cannot be shown to be weak, or unsound; such that no one could find fault with it, or such as an adversary could not take hold of and blame. This direction would imply purity and seriousness of language, solidity of argument, and truth in the doctrines which he maintained. That he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed - Ashamed that he has opposed such views."
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…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)