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…
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 2, 2019
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 13
Paul Gives Titus the Qualities of a Sound Church Part 3
Titus 2:5-6 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. KJV
Paul continues on with what the older women should be teaching the younger women in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ with these next words written to Brother Titus, "To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." (Titus 2:5) (KJV). The little English phrase that begins this verse 'to be discreet' is the exact same Greek word sōphrōn translated in verse 2 as temperate and it means again safe (sound) in mind, that is, self controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion): - discreet, sober, temperate. In other words, having a sound mind or thinking logically and clearly is not something that is only reserved for the aged women, but with guidance and helpful direction from the aged women in the Church of Jesus Christ, the young women can exercise discretion in their life decisions that will affect them not only at the moment of the choice, but for years to come in the future. To be wise and discerning in all of their conduct both in the Church and in the world. The English word 'chaste' is translated by the Greek word hagnos meaning (as used here) (figuratively) innocent, modest. In other words, they should be women/wives that can be trusted by their husbands to always have their love for them pure and not mixed with hypocrisy, that is, not insincerity or lip service. With her husband, she should be a 'tigress' in the bedroom keeping the marriage bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4) and her body for him alone.
The little English phrase 'keepers at home' is translated by the Greek word oikouros meaning (a guard; be 'ware'); a stayer at home, that is, domestically inclined (a 'good housekeeper'). In other words, as the Scripture teaches, the husband is the head of the household, but the wife is the first line of defence spiritually for the household and especially the children, for first of all each child has already formed a bond with her for 9 months or so inside her womb. A bond that no father can duplicate. Secondly in many cases it is the mother who spends most of the time with the children as they grow and mature, so she is the one who must teach them the truth of God and present to them the Gospel of Jesus Christ as early on as possible laying down a path for their future salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), therefore, older women are to teach this to the younger women even before they have become wives and mothers. They also are to be good housekeepers maintaining the daily functions of the house, that is, running the household and keeping it clean and functional for the entire family.
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about the young women learning to be keepers at home, "This does not mean, of course, that they are never to go abroad, but they are not to neglect their domestic affairs; they are not to be better known abroad than at home; they are not to omit their own duties and become 'busy-bodies' in the concerns of others. Religion is the patron of the domestic virtues, and regards the appropriate duties in a family as those most intimately connected with its own progress in the world. It looks benignly on all which makes home a place of contentment, intelligence, and peace. It does not flourish when domestic duties are neglected; - and whatever may be done abroad, or whatever self-denial and zeal in the cause of religion may be evinced there, or whatever call there may be for the labors of Christians there, or however much good may be actually done abroad, religion has gained nothing, on the whole, if, in order to secure these things, the duties of a wife and mother at home have been disregarded. Our first duty is at home, and all other duties will be well performed just in proportion as that is."
The English word 'good' is translated by the Greek word agathos meaning good (in any sense, often as noun): - beneficial, well, also kind, considerate and compassionate. In other words, the young woman thinking herself to be good verses actually being good are two different things, yet there are none that are good no not one writes the Apostle Paul to the Roman Church (Romans 3:12), but here he refers to the young women learning to yeild themselves to God the Holy Spirit to control there actions within the Church, their homes, and in the world day to day. When Paul writes, 'obedient to their own husbands', he means that they are to respond to the loving and caring lead of their husbands with them day to day by putting themselves in subjection to his headship of the home, just as our Lord Jesus Christ subjected Himself to God the Father though He was and is equal to God the Father, as it is written, "But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." (1 Corinthians 11:3) (MKJV).
Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about wives being obedient to their own husbands, "God would have a resemblance of Christ's authority over the Church held forth in the husband's over the wife. Christ is the Head of the Church, to protect and save it, to supply it with all good, and secure or deliver it from evil; and so the husband over the wife, to keep her from injuries, and to provide comfortably for her, according to his ability. Therefore, as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be unto their own husbands, as is fit in the Lord (Colossians 3:18), as comports with the law of Christ, and is for His and the Father's glory. It is not then an absolute, or unlimited, nor a slavish subjection that is required; but a loving subordination, to prevent disorder or confusion, and to further all the ends of the relation. Thus, in reference to the husbands, wives must be instructed in their duties of love and subjection to them."
When Paul writes, 'that the word of God be not blasphemed', he means that the enemies of God will not have occassion to speak evil of the Word of God because of the very bad behavior of the children of God, in this case the young women of the Church of Christ being abusers of their children or unfaithful to their husbands. By the way the English word 'blasphemed' is translated by the Greek word blasphēmeō meaning to vilify; specifically to speak impiously: - to speak blasphemously, defame, rail on, revile, speak evil of. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about that the Word of God being not blasphemed, "The enemies of the Gospel are quick-eyed to spy out imperfections in its professors; and, if they find women professing Christianity living an irregular life, they will not fail to decry the Christian doctrine on this account: 'Behold your boasted religion! it professes to reform all things, and its very professors are no better than others! Our heathenism is as good as your Christianity.' These are cutting reproaches; and much they will have to answer for who give cause for these blasphemies." Paul then adds on to the end of this that these same directions or instructions should also be applied to every young man in the Church of Jesus Christ with these words, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded." (Titus 2:6) (KJV). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about the young men being sober minded, "Reformation should begin with the old; they have the authority, and they should give the example. The young of both sexes must also give an account of themselves to God; sober-mindedness in young men is a rare qualification, and they who have it not plunge into excesses and irregularities which in general sap the foundation of their constitution, bring on premature old age, and not seldom lead to a fatal end."
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 2:5-6 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. KJV
Paul continues on with what the older women should be teaching the younger women in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ with these next words written to Brother Titus, "To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." (Titus 2:5) (KJV). The little English phrase that begins this verse 'to be discreet' is the exact same Greek word sōphrōn translated in verse 2 as temperate and it means again safe (sound) in mind, that is, self controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion): - discreet, sober, temperate. In other words, having a sound mind or thinking logically and clearly is not something that is only reserved for the aged women, but with guidance and helpful direction from the aged women in the Church of Jesus Christ, the young women can exercise discretion in their life decisions that will affect them not only at the moment of the choice, but for years to come in the future. To be wise and discerning in all of their conduct both in the Church and in the world. The English word 'chaste' is translated by the Greek word hagnos meaning (as used here) (figuratively) innocent, modest. In other words, they should be women/wives that can be trusted by their husbands to always have their love for them pure and not mixed with hypocrisy, that is, not insincerity or lip service. With her husband, she should be a 'tigress' in the bedroom keeping the marriage bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4) and her body for him alone.
The little English phrase 'keepers at home' is translated by the Greek word oikouros meaning (a guard; be 'ware'); a stayer at home, that is, domestically inclined (a 'good housekeeper'). In other words, as the Scripture teaches, the husband is the head of the household, but the wife is the first line of defence spiritually for the household and especially the children, for first of all each child has already formed a bond with her for 9 months or so inside her womb. A bond that no father can duplicate. Secondly in many cases it is the mother who spends most of the time with the children as they grow and mature, so she is the one who must teach them the truth of God and present to them the Gospel of Jesus Christ as early on as possible laying down a path for their future salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), therefore, older women are to teach this to the younger women even before they have become wives and mothers. They also are to be good housekeepers maintaining the daily functions of the house, that is, running the household and keeping it clean and functional for the entire family.
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about the young women learning to be keepers at home, "This does not mean, of course, that they are never to go abroad, but they are not to neglect their domestic affairs; they are not to be better known abroad than at home; they are not to omit their own duties and become 'busy-bodies' in the concerns of others. Religion is the patron of the domestic virtues, and regards the appropriate duties in a family as those most intimately connected with its own progress in the world. It looks benignly on all which makes home a place of contentment, intelligence, and peace. It does not flourish when domestic duties are neglected; - and whatever may be done abroad, or whatever self-denial and zeal in the cause of religion may be evinced there, or whatever call there may be for the labors of Christians there, or however much good may be actually done abroad, religion has gained nothing, on the whole, if, in order to secure these things, the duties of a wife and mother at home have been disregarded. Our first duty is at home, and all other duties will be well performed just in proportion as that is."
The English word 'good' is translated by the Greek word agathos meaning good (in any sense, often as noun): - beneficial, well, also kind, considerate and compassionate. In other words, the young woman thinking herself to be good verses actually being good are two different things, yet there are none that are good no not one writes the Apostle Paul to the Roman Church (Romans 3:12), but here he refers to the young women learning to yeild themselves to God the Holy Spirit to control there actions within the Church, their homes, and in the world day to day. When Paul writes, 'obedient to their own husbands', he means that they are to respond to the loving and caring lead of their husbands with them day to day by putting themselves in subjection to his headship of the home, just as our Lord Jesus Christ subjected Himself to God the Father though He was and is equal to God the Father, as it is written, "But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." (1 Corinthians 11:3) (MKJV).
Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about wives being obedient to their own husbands, "God would have a resemblance of Christ's authority over the Church held forth in the husband's over the wife. Christ is the Head of the Church, to protect and save it, to supply it with all good, and secure or deliver it from evil; and so the husband over the wife, to keep her from injuries, and to provide comfortably for her, according to his ability. Therefore, as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be unto their own husbands, as is fit in the Lord (Colossians 3:18), as comports with the law of Christ, and is for His and the Father's glory. It is not then an absolute, or unlimited, nor a slavish subjection that is required; but a loving subordination, to prevent disorder or confusion, and to further all the ends of the relation. Thus, in reference to the husbands, wives must be instructed in their duties of love and subjection to them."
When Paul writes, 'that the word of God be not blasphemed', he means that the enemies of God will not have occassion to speak evil of the Word of God because of the very bad behavior of the children of God, in this case the young women of the Church of Christ being abusers of their children or unfaithful to their husbands. By the way the English word 'blasphemed' is translated by the Greek word blasphēmeō meaning to vilify; specifically to speak impiously: - to speak blasphemously, defame, rail on, revile, speak evil of. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about that the Word of God being not blasphemed, "The enemies of the Gospel are quick-eyed to spy out imperfections in its professors; and, if they find women professing Christianity living an irregular life, they will not fail to decry the Christian doctrine on this account: 'Behold your boasted religion! it professes to reform all things, and its very professors are no better than others! Our heathenism is as good as your Christianity.' These are cutting reproaches; and much they will have to answer for who give cause for these blasphemies." Paul then adds on to the end of this that these same directions or instructions should also be applied to every young man in the Church of Jesus Christ with these words, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded." (Titus 2:6) (KJV). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about the young men being sober minded, "Reformation should begin with the old; they have the authority, and they should give the example. The young of both sexes must also give an account of themselves to God; sober-mindedness in young men is a rare qualification, and they who have it not plunge into excesses and irregularities which in general sap the foundation of their constitution, bring on premature old age, and not seldom lead to a fatal end."
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, September 18, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 12
Paul Gives Titus the Qualities of a Sound Church Part 2
Titus 2:3-4 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, KJV
Just like the aged men in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, the aged women play a vital role in the spiritual soundness and health of any Church, for they are the givers of every human life and not only physically, but more importantly spiritually. It is almost certain that in many, most, or the majority of homes where the Mother is an unbeliever, so will the children grow up into their adult lives to follow the same unbelieving path. So, Paul now gives these words to Brother Titus declaring the responsibility of every aged women in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;" (Titus 2:3) (KJV). The older women in the Church should present to the younger women and girls the behavior of reverence, that is, showing in their lives great reverence for God and also leading a life desiring to please God. Their demeanor to those who are in authority in the Church should be one of respect, but at the same time not one of allowing themselves to be mistreated or disgraced at all.
They should lead a life in their Church and community of blamelessness, not being those who sleep around with other women's husbands in the Church or community, but they are to lead a life as becomes women who have been set aside or consecrated to God. They should not be 'false accusers' and this little Enlish phrase is translated by the Greek word diabolos which means (as used here) a traducer: that is, one who attacks the reputation of another by slander or libel - false accuser. In other words, when a women does this, she is then acting like the devil, for he is called the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10). When Paul writes that they should not be given to much wine, he means that they should not be out of control in their use of wine or any other alcoholic beverage. The idea being that a woman who is under the control of wine will then make unwise choices that may badly affect her and her family and then badly affect the Church of Jesus Christ. The English phrase 'teachers of good things' is translated by the Greek word kalodidaskalos (used this one time only in the New Testament) meaning a teacher of that which is right.
Paul now gives a few examples of the 'good things' the older women should teach the younger women, "That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children," (Titus 2:4) (KJV). In teaching the younger women to be sober, it is meant that they should teach them to be sound of mind and disciplined in their behavior in the Church and outside. Also they were to teach the younger women to love their husbands and this does not mean that the younger women did not already love their husbands (for ofcourse they did), but Paul here means that they are to teach them by words and by illustrating with their own behavior with their husbands how to treat them in private and in public, so as to elevate them and not demean or belittle their husbands. Also to love their children with unconditional love, but at the same time with directive love and love that always includes discipline just as the Proverb says with these words, "He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him chastens him early." (Proverbs 13:24) (MKJV).
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about the older women teaching the younger women to love their husbands and their children, "Paul directs husbands to love their wives, and in Ephesians 5:33, the wife to reverence her husband, and here he says that it should be one of the first duties enjoined on the wife that she should love her husband. All happiness in the marriage relation is based on mutual love. When that departs, happiness departs. No wealth or splendor in a dwelling - no gorgeousness of equipage or apparel - no magnificence of entertainment or sweetness of music - and no forms of courtesy and politeness, can be a compensation for the want of affection. Mutual love between a husband and wife will diffuse comfort through the obscurest cottage of poverty; the want of it cannot be supplied by all that can be furnished in the palaces of the great. To love their children - Nature prompts to this, and yet there are those so depraved that they have no maternal affection. Religion reproduces natural affection when sin has weakened or destroyed it, and it is the design of Christianity to recover and invigorate all the lost or weakened sensibilities of our nature."
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 2:3-4 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, KJV
Just like the aged men in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, the aged women play a vital role in the spiritual soundness and health of any Church, for they are the givers of every human life and not only physically, but more importantly spiritually. It is almost certain that in many, most, or the majority of homes where the Mother is an unbeliever, so will the children grow up into their adult lives to follow the same unbelieving path. So, Paul now gives these words to Brother Titus declaring the responsibility of every aged women in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;" (Titus 2:3) (KJV). The older women in the Church should present to the younger women and girls the behavior of reverence, that is, showing in their lives great reverence for God and also leading a life desiring to please God. Their demeanor to those who are in authority in the Church should be one of respect, but at the same time not one of allowing themselves to be mistreated or disgraced at all.
They should lead a life in their Church and community of blamelessness, not being those who sleep around with other women's husbands in the Church or community, but they are to lead a life as becomes women who have been set aside or consecrated to God. They should not be 'false accusers' and this little Enlish phrase is translated by the Greek word diabolos which means (as used here) a traducer: that is, one who attacks the reputation of another by slander or libel - false accuser. In other words, when a women does this, she is then acting like the devil, for he is called the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10). When Paul writes that they should not be given to much wine, he means that they should not be out of control in their use of wine or any other alcoholic beverage. The idea being that a woman who is under the control of wine will then make unwise choices that may badly affect her and her family and then badly affect the Church of Jesus Christ. The English phrase 'teachers of good things' is translated by the Greek word kalodidaskalos (used this one time only in the New Testament) meaning a teacher of that which is right.
Paul now gives a few examples of the 'good things' the older women should teach the younger women, "That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children," (Titus 2:4) (KJV). In teaching the younger women to be sober, it is meant that they should teach them to be sound of mind and disciplined in their behavior in the Church and outside. Also they were to teach the younger women to love their husbands and this does not mean that the younger women did not already love their husbands (for ofcourse they did), but Paul here means that they are to teach them by words and by illustrating with their own behavior with their husbands how to treat them in private and in public, so as to elevate them and not demean or belittle their husbands. Also to love their children with unconditional love, but at the same time with directive love and love that always includes discipline just as the Proverb says with these words, "He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him chastens him early." (Proverbs 13:24) (MKJV).
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about the older women teaching the younger women to love their husbands and their children, "Paul directs husbands to love their wives, and in Ephesians 5:33, the wife to reverence her husband, and here he says that it should be one of the first duties enjoined on the wife that she should love her husband. All happiness in the marriage relation is based on mutual love. When that departs, happiness departs. No wealth or splendor in a dwelling - no gorgeousness of equipage or apparel - no magnificence of entertainment or sweetness of music - and no forms of courtesy and politeness, can be a compensation for the want of affection. Mutual love between a husband and wife will diffuse comfort through the obscurest cottage of poverty; the want of it cannot be supplied by all that can be furnished in the palaces of the great. To love their children - Nature prompts to this, and yet there are those so depraved that they have no maternal affection. Religion reproduces natural affection when sin has weakened or destroyed it, and it is the design of Christianity to recover and invigorate all the lost or weakened sensibilities of our nature."
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, September 11, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 11
Paul Gives Titus the Qualities of a Sound Church Part 1
Titus 2:1-2 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. KJV
After completing his warnings to Brother Titus, the Apostle Paul now turns his attention to instructing him on what needs to be present in the Churches @ Crete to make them sound and faithful Churches to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus (just like Timothy) was perhaps a young man and even a younger follower of Jesus Christ, that is, having been a true believer for only a short number of years. Therefore, with this in mind, Paul wanted to give to Titus the same instruction he gave to Brother Timothy (1 Timothy 3) on how the believers should conduct themselves to please Christ Jesus our Lord. First, Paul wants Titus himself to speak only the Word of God and not as he stated earlier in this letter things that were fables or myths, for the Word of God is the final authority on all matters concerning human life hear on this little speck of dust the earth floating around in God's vast Universes He spoke into existence, so he declares these words first to Titus, "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:" (Titus 2:1) (KJV). The English word 'sound' is translated by the Greek word hugiainō meaning (as used here) figuratively to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine): The English word 'doctrine' is translated by the Greek word didaskalia meaning (as used here) instruction (the function or the information): In other words, Paul knew that no Church would be spiritually healthy if they were not taught the Word of God unfiltered, uncompromised, and unchanged. The idea that a Church could go off into spiritual tangents and expect to stay true to Christ and be uncorrupt was nonsense to the Apostle Paul, so he wanted Timothy and now Titus to understand this immensely. As we stated above, the Word of God only is the final authority on all things and not some spiritual guru or some other spiritual paths, no matter how loving or believable they might sound. Here is what Matthew Henry said about this verse, "Generally, to a faithful discharge of his own office. His ordaining others to preach would not excuse himself from preaching, nor might he take care of ministers and elders only, but he must instruct private Christians also in their duty. The adversative particle (but) here points back to the corrupt teachers, who vented fables, things vain and unprofitable: in opposition to them, says he, 'But speak thou the things that become sound doctrine, what is agreeable to the Word, which is pure and uncorrupt, healthful and nourishing to eternal life.'
Next, Paul now begins to get specific in what the families of various believers should be doing in order to help the Church become a spiritually sound place of worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ, first he declares this to Brother Titus, "That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience." (Titus 2:2) (KJV). The older men in the Churches should first be 'sober' and this English word is translated by the Greek word nēphaleos which means (as used here) (figuratively) circumspect, that is, heedful of potential consequences that could be bad, discreet. In other words, the aged Christian men, that is, those who have been followers of our Lord Jesus Christ for many decades should serve to warn the younger men and the boys of potential snares or traps that the devil could be trying to lure them into to cause them hurt or harm. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about the aged men being sober, "By aged men some understand elders by office, including deacons, etc. But it is rather to be taken of the aged in point of years. Old disciples of Christ must conduct themselves in every thing agreeably to the Christian doctrine. That the aged men be sober, not thinking that the decays of nature, which they feel in old age, will justify them in any inordinacy or intemperance, whereby they conceit to repair them; they must keep measure in things, both for health and for fitness, for counsel and example to the younger." The English word 'grave' is translated by the Greek word semnos which means venerable, that is, honorable: In other words, they should be men who behave in reverent appropriate behavior serving again as an example to the young men and boys in the Church. Here again is what Matthew Henry had to say about the aged men being grave, "Levity is unbecoming in any, but especially in the aged; they should be composed and stayed, grave in habit, speech, and behaviour; gaudiness in dress, levity and vanity in the behaviour, how unbeseeming in their years!" The English word 'temperate' is translated by the Greek word sōphrōn meaning safe (sound) in mind, that is, self controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion): In other words, they should be restrained and discreet in their behavior. Here again is what Matthew Henry had to say about the aged men being temperate, "Moderate and prudent, one who governs well his passions and affections, so as not to be hurried away by them to any thing that is evil or indecent."
When Paul writes, they should be sound in faith, he means that the aged men in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ should not be wavering in what they believe and should be able to say with the Apostle Paul these words and mean them, "For this cause I also suffer these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to guard My deposit unto that Day." (2 Timothy 1:12) (MKJV). They should not be in doubt about their salvation. They should answer in the affirmative every time they are asked about their personal relationship with Jesus Christ and whether they are going to heaven. Here again is what Matthew Henry had to say about the aged men being sound in faith, "Sincere and stedfast, constantly adhering to the truth of the Gospel, not fond of novelties, nor ready to run into corrupt opinions or parties, nor to be taken with Jewish fables or traditions, or the dotages of their rabbin. Those who are full of years should be full of grace and goodness, the inner man renewing more and more as the outer decays." The English word 'charity' is translated by the Greek word agapē meaning love, that is, affection or benevolence; specifically (plural) a love feast: In other words, the aged men who have been walking with our Lord Jesus Christ for many decades should be the most loving people in the Church, not talking about others behind their backs or plotting against others to hurt or harm in any way, not sleeping with other men's wives or any other thing of this sort, etc., but they should be the closest representation of Christ as a man on the earth. Here again is what Matthew Henry said about the aged men showing love, "In charity, or love; this is fitly joined with faith, which works by, and must be seen in, love, love to God and men, and soundness therein. It must be sincere love, without dissimulation (the act of deceiving): love of God for himself, and of men for God's sake. The duties of the second table must be done in virtue of those of the first; love to men as men, and to the saints as the excellent of the earth, in whom must be special delight; and love at all times, in adversity as well as prosperity. Thus must there be soundness in charity or love." The English word 'patience' is translated by the Greek word hupomonē meaning cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting). Here again is what Matthew Henry had to say about the aged men being patient, "And in patience. Aged persons are apt to be peevish, fretful, and passionate; and therefore need to be on their guard against such infirmities and temptations. Faith, love, and patience, are three main Christian graces, and soundness in these is much of gospel perfection. There is enduring patience and waiting patience, both of which must be looked after; to bear evils becomingly, and contentedly to want the good till we are fit for it and it for us, being followers of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Thus as to the aged men."
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 2:1-2 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. KJV
After completing his warnings to Brother Titus, the Apostle Paul now turns his attention to instructing him on what needs to be present in the Churches @ Crete to make them sound and faithful Churches to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus (just like Timothy) was perhaps a young man and even a younger follower of Jesus Christ, that is, having been a true believer for only a short number of years. Therefore, with this in mind, Paul wanted to give to Titus the same instruction he gave to Brother Timothy (1 Timothy 3) on how the believers should conduct themselves to please Christ Jesus our Lord. First, Paul wants Titus himself to speak only the Word of God and not as he stated earlier in this letter things that were fables or myths, for the Word of God is the final authority on all matters concerning human life hear on this little speck of dust the earth floating around in God's vast Universes He spoke into existence, so he declares these words first to Titus, "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:" (Titus 2:1) (KJV). The English word 'sound' is translated by the Greek word hugiainō meaning (as used here) figuratively to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine): The English word 'doctrine' is translated by the Greek word didaskalia meaning (as used here) instruction (the function or the information): In other words, Paul knew that no Church would be spiritually healthy if they were not taught the Word of God unfiltered, uncompromised, and unchanged. The idea that a Church could go off into spiritual tangents and expect to stay true to Christ and be uncorrupt was nonsense to the Apostle Paul, so he wanted Timothy and now Titus to understand this immensely. As we stated above, the Word of God only is the final authority on all things and not some spiritual guru or some other spiritual paths, no matter how loving or believable they might sound. Here is what Matthew Henry said about this verse, "Generally, to a faithful discharge of his own office. His ordaining others to preach would not excuse himself from preaching, nor might he take care of ministers and elders only, but he must instruct private Christians also in their duty. The adversative particle (but) here points back to the corrupt teachers, who vented fables, things vain and unprofitable: in opposition to them, says he, 'But speak thou the things that become sound doctrine, what is agreeable to the Word, which is pure and uncorrupt, healthful and nourishing to eternal life.'
Next, Paul now begins to get specific in what the families of various believers should be doing in order to help the Church become a spiritually sound place of worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ, first he declares this to Brother Titus, "That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience." (Titus 2:2) (KJV). The older men in the Churches should first be 'sober' and this English word is translated by the Greek word nēphaleos which means (as used here) (figuratively) circumspect, that is, heedful of potential consequences that could be bad, discreet. In other words, the aged Christian men, that is, those who have been followers of our Lord Jesus Christ for many decades should serve to warn the younger men and the boys of potential snares or traps that the devil could be trying to lure them into to cause them hurt or harm. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about the aged men being sober, "By aged men some understand elders by office, including deacons, etc. But it is rather to be taken of the aged in point of years. Old disciples of Christ must conduct themselves in every thing agreeably to the Christian doctrine. That the aged men be sober, not thinking that the decays of nature, which they feel in old age, will justify them in any inordinacy or intemperance, whereby they conceit to repair them; they must keep measure in things, both for health and for fitness, for counsel and example to the younger." The English word 'grave' is translated by the Greek word semnos which means venerable, that is, honorable: In other words, they should be men who behave in reverent appropriate behavior serving again as an example to the young men and boys in the Church. Here again is what Matthew Henry had to say about the aged men being grave, "Levity is unbecoming in any, but especially in the aged; they should be composed and stayed, grave in habit, speech, and behaviour; gaudiness in dress, levity and vanity in the behaviour, how unbeseeming in their years!" The English word 'temperate' is translated by the Greek word sōphrōn meaning safe (sound) in mind, that is, self controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion): In other words, they should be restrained and discreet in their behavior. Here again is what Matthew Henry had to say about the aged men being temperate, "Moderate and prudent, one who governs well his passions and affections, so as not to be hurried away by them to any thing that is evil or indecent."
When Paul writes, they should be sound in faith, he means that the aged men in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ should not be wavering in what they believe and should be able to say with the Apostle Paul these words and mean them, "For this cause I also suffer these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to guard My deposit unto that Day." (2 Timothy 1:12) (MKJV). They should not be in doubt about their salvation. They should answer in the affirmative every time they are asked about their personal relationship with Jesus Christ and whether they are going to heaven. Here again is what Matthew Henry had to say about the aged men being sound in faith, "Sincere and stedfast, constantly adhering to the truth of the Gospel, not fond of novelties, nor ready to run into corrupt opinions or parties, nor to be taken with Jewish fables or traditions, or the dotages of their rabbin. Those who are full of years should be full of grace and goodness, the inner man renewing more and more as the outer decays." The English word 'charity' is translated by the Greek word agapē meaning love, that is, affection or benevolence; specifically (plural) a love feast: In other words, the aged men who have been walking with our Lord Jesus Christ for many decades should be the most loving people in the Church, not talking about others behind their backs or plotting against others to hurt or harm in any way, not sleeping with other men's wives or any other thing of this sort, etc., but they should be the closest representation of Christ as a man on the earth. Here again is what Matthew Henry said about the aged men showing love, "In charity, or love; this is fitly joined with faith, which works by, and must be seen in, love, love to God and men, and soundness therein. It must be sincere love, without dissimulation (the act of deceiving): love of God for himself, and of men for God's sake. The duties of the second table must be done in virtue of those of the first; love to men as men, and to the saints as the excellent of the earth, in whom must be special delight; and love at all times, in adversity as well as prosperity. Thus must there be soundness in charity or love." The English word 'patience' is translated by the Greek word hupomonē meaning cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting). Here again is what Matthew Henry had to say about the aged men being patient, "And in patience. Aged persons are apt to be peevish, fretful, and passionate; and therefore need to be on their guard against such infirmities and temptations. Faith, love, and patience, are three main Christian graces, and soundness in these is much of gospel perfection. There is enduring patience and waiting patience, both of which must be looked after; to bear evils becomingly, and contentedly to want the good till we are fit for it and it for us, being followers of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Thus as to the aged men."
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, September 4, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 10
Paul Gives Titus a Description of what People who Turn Away from the Truth will Look Like
Titus 1:14-16 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. KJV
Paul ended the last verse in this first Chapter of the only recorded letter we have of him writing to Brother Titus with the reason for his wanting him and all the Elders that would be appointed to the various Churches in Crete of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus to rebuke sharply those who had displayed evidence of turning around or going backwards in their faith walk and that was so that they would be sound or spritually healthy in the faith. Paul now concludes this Chapter with what happens to those who have made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ, but now their lives exhibit that faith has been eroded or errored or even eradicated all together. First, he declares these words to Brother Titus, "Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth." (Titus 1:14) (KJV). This verse was a reference then to the Judaist who then still wanted to mix the Gospel of Christ with Judaism and keeping the law of Moses. This Paul knew would cause men and women to turn away from the truth of the Gospel to these Jewish myths that had no power to save the souls of sinners, nor to give them power for living everyday life in the flesh on the earth. Jesus Christ is the truth and the truth is found only in Him and in His Gospel of Grace (Ephesians 4:21). Paul wrote to Timothy that some people would indeed turn away from the truth and listen to fables or myths, "For a time will be when they will not endure sound doctrine, but they will heap up teachers to themselves according to their own lusts, tickling the ear. And they will turn away their ears from the truth and will be turned to myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4) (MKJV). Paul now reminds Titus of the absurdity of the commandments of men that many of the Jewish religious rulers had established during the years and had added hundreds of little rules, regulations, and rituals on top of the law of Moses that must be followed to make oneself pure before going before God. Paul condemns them with these words, "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." (Titus 1:15) (KJV).
The English word 'pure' is translated by the Greek word katharos meaning clean (literally or figuratively): - clean, clear, pure. The little English pharse 'that are defiled' is translated by the Greek word miainō meaning to sully or taint, that is, contaminate (ceremonially or morally): - defile. The English word 'unbelieving' is translated by the Greek word apistos meaning (as used here) (actively) disbelieving, that is, without Christian faith. In other words, these Judaizing Christians had brought those rules, regulations, and rituals from Jewish religious rulers into the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ and in so doing they were making the Word of God of no effect to themselves and to those to whom they taught to do and believe likewise. Paul wrote to the Colossian Church these words condemning this practice, "If then you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to its ordinances: touch not, taste not, handle not; which things are all for corruption in the using, according to the commands and doctrines of men? These things indeed have a reputation of wisdom in self-imposed worship and humility, and unsparing severity of the body, but are not of any value for the satisfying of the flesh." (Colossians 2:20-23) (MKJV). Our Lord Jesus had earlier already condemned these false forms of worshipping God to the Scribes and Pharisees as documented for us by the Apostle Matthew, "Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread. But He answered and said to them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and mother'; and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him die by death.' But you say, Whoever says to his father or mother, Whatever you would gain from me, It is a gift to God; and in no way he honors his father or his mother. And you voided the commandment of God by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, 'This people draws near to Me with their mouth, and honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matthew 15:1-9) (MKJV).
Paul lastly, declares to Brother Titus and to we true Christians today and of every era and generation that those Judaizers then and many in Churches today and of every era and generation since our Lord Jesus' death, buriel, resurrection from the dead and ascension back to heaven claim to know God, but their words, ways, and worship testify that they have never been born again by the Holy Spirit of God as Paul writes to Brother Titus with these words, "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." (Titus 1:16) (KJV). Paul did not then deny that these men held a theoretical knowledge of God, but Paul declares that they did not have a practical, purposeful, and personal relationship with God (who is the Lord Jesus Christ). This first statement in the concluding verse of this Chapter 'they profess' is a little English phrase translated by the Greek word homologeō meaning (as used here) to assent or to acknowledge. In other words, those Judaizing teachers back then were full of pretentions (a false or unsupportable quality) to the knowledge of God. They saw themselves of having a special knowledge of God, even though they did not know the true God at all. When Christ was on the earth, these same Scribes, Pharisees, and Saducees had the ONE TRUE GOD right in front of them, yet they were blind to His presence. Today this continues with people in Mormonism and Islam just to name a couple, for these people think they know God, but their worship, their beliefs, and even their practices deny their knowledge of the ONE TRUE GOD. To know God really and truly is as our Lord Jesus declared with these words, "And this is life eternal, that they might know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3) (MKJV). Paul declares that in deeds they deny Him or contradict their profession of faith. The English word 'abominable' is translated by the Greek word bdeluktos (used this one time only in the New Testament) meaning detestable, that is, (specifically) idolatrous: - abominable. The English word 'disobedient' is translated by the Greek word apeithēs meaning unpersuadable, that is, contumacious (wilfully obstinate; stubbornly disobedient). The English word 'reprobate' is translated by the Greek word adokimos meaning unapproved, that is, rejected; by implication worthless (literally or morally): - castaway, rejected, reprobate. In other words, these professors of faith in Jesus Christ are actually detestible, wilfully obstinate and stubborn rebellious disobedient sinners who have never been born again and who are in God the Father's eyes rejected worthless castaways because they have not truly obeyed the Gospel of Grace.
Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about these last two verses here in Chapter 1, "He gives the reasons of this, from the liberty we have by the Gospel from legal observances, and the evil and mischief of a Jewish spirit under the Christian dispensation in the last two verses. To good Christians that are sound in the faith and thereby purified all things are pure. Meats and drinks, and such things as were forbidden under the law (the observances of which some still maintain), in these there is now no such distinction, all are pure (lawful and free in their use), but to those that are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; things lawful and good they abuse and turn to sin; they suck poison out of that from which others draw sweetness; their mind and conscience, those leading faculties, being defiled, a taint is communicated to all they do. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, Proverbs 15:8. And Proverbs 21:4, The ploughing of the wicked is sin, not in itself, but as done by him; the carnality of the mind and heart mars all the labour of the hand. But are not these judaizers (as you call them) men who profess religion, and speak well of God, and Christ, and righteousness of life, and should they be so severely taxed? Answer, They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate. There are many who in word and tongue profess to know God, and yet in their lives and conversations deny and reject Him; their practice is a contradiction to their profession. They come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness, Ezekiel 33:31. Being abominable, and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate. The Apostle, instructing Titus to rebuke sharply, does himself rebuke sharply; he gives them very hard words, yet doubtless no harder than their case warranted and their need required. Being abominable - bdeluktoi, deserving that God and good men should turn away their eyes from them as nauseous and offensive. And disobedient - apeitheis, unpersuadable and unbelieving. They might do divers things; but it was not the obedience of faith, nor what was commanded, or short of the command. To every good work reprobate, without skill or judgment to do any thing aright. See the miserable condition of hypocrites, such as have a form of godliness, but without the power; yet let us not be so ready to fix this charge on others as careful that it agree not to ourselves, that there be not in us an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God; but that we be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God, Philippians 1:10-11."
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 1:14-16 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. KJV
Paul ended the last verse in this first Chapter of the only recorded letter we have of him writing to Brother Titus with the reason for his wanting him and all the Elders that would be appointed to the various Churches in Crete of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus to rebuke sharply those who had displayed evidence of turning around or going backwards in their faith walk and that was so that they would be sound or spritually healthy in the faith. Paul now concludes this Chapter with what happens to those who have made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ, but now their lives exhibit that faith has been eroded or errored or even eradicated all together. First, he declares these words to Brother Titus, "Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth." (Titus 1:14) (KJV). This verse was a reference then to the Judaist who then still wanted to mix the Gospel of Christ with Judaism and keeping the law of Moses. This Paul knew would cause men and women to turn away from the truth of the Gospel to these Jewish myths that had no power to save the souls of sinners, nor to give them power for living everyday life in the flesh on the earth. Jesus Christ is the truth and the truth is found only in Him and in His Gospel of Grace (Ephesians 4:21). Paul wrote to Timothy that some people would indeed turn away from the truth and listen to fables or myths, "For a time will be when they will not endure sound doctrine, but they will heap up teachers to themselves according to their own lusts, tickling the ear. And they will turn away their ears from the truth and will be turned to myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4) (MKJV). Paul now reminds Titus of the absurdity of the commandments of men that many of the Jewish religious rulers had established during the years and had added hundreds of little rules, regulations, and rituals on top of the law of Moses that must be followed to make oneself pure before going before God. Paul condemns them with these words, "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." (Titus 1:15) (KJV).
The English word 'pure' is translated by the Greek word katharos meaning clean (literally or figuratively): - clean, clear, pure. The little English pharse 'that are defiled' is translated by the Greek word miainō meaning to sully or taint, that is, contaminate (ceremonially or morally): - defile. The English word 'unbelieving' is translated by the Greek word apistos meaning (as used here) (actively) disbelieving, that is, without Christian faith. In other words, these Judaizing Christians had brought those rules, regulations, and rituals from Jewish religious rulers into the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ and in so doing they were making the Word of God of no effect to themselves and to those to whom they taught to do and believe likewise. Paul wrote to the Colossian Church these words condemning this practice, "If then you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to its ordinances: touch not, taste not, handle not; which things are all for corruption in the using, according to the commands and doctrines of men? These things indeed have a reputation of wisdom in self-imposed worship and humility, and unsparing severity of the body, but are not of any value for the satisfying of the flesh." (Colossians 2:20-23) (MKJV). Our Lord Jesus had earlier already condemned these false forms of worshipping God to the Scribes and Pharisees as documented for us by the Apostle Matthew, "Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread. But He answered and said to them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and mother'; and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him die by death.' But you say, Whoever says to his father or mother, Whatever you would gain from me, It is a gift to God; and in no way he honors his father or his mother. And you voided the commandment of God by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, 'This people draws near to Me with their mouth, and honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matthew 15:1-9) (MKJV).
Paul lastly, declares to Brother Titus and to we true Christians today and of every era and generation that those Judaizers then and many in Churches today and of every era and generation since our Lord Jesus' death, buriel, resurrection from the dead and ascension back to heaven claim to know God, but their words, ways, and worship testify that they have never been born again by the Holy Spirit of God as Paul writes to Brother Titus with these words, "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." (Titus 1:16) (KJV). Paul did not then deny that these men held a theoretical knowledge of God, but Paul declares that they did not have a practical, purposeful, and personal relationship with God (who is the Lord Jesus Christ). This first statement in the concluding verse of this Chapter 'they profess' is a little English phrase translated by the Greek word homologeō meaning (as used here) to assent or to acknowledge. In other words, those Judaizing teachers back then were full of pretentions (a false or unsupportable quality) to the knowledge of God. They saw themselves of having a special knowledge of God, even though they did not know the true God at all. When Christ was on the earth, these same Scribes, Pharisees, and Saducees had the ONE TRUE GOD right in front of them, yet they were blind to His presence. Today this continues with people in Mormonism and Islam just to name a couple, for these people think they know God, but their worship, their beliefs, and even their practices deny their knowledge of the ONE TRUE GOD. To know God really and truly is as our Lord Jesus declared with these words, "And this is life eternal, that they might know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3) (MKJV). Paul declares that in deeds they deny Him or contradict their profession of faith. The English word 'abominable' is translated by the Greek word bdeluktos (used this one time only in the New Testament) meaning detestable, that is, (specifically) idolatrous: - abominable. The English word 'disobedient' is translated by the Greek word apeithēs meaning unpersuadable, that is, contumacious (wilfully obstinate; stubbornly disobedient). The English word 'reprobate' is translated by the Greek word adokimos meaning unapproved, that is, rejected; by implication worthless (literally or morally): - castaway, rejected, reprobate. In other words, these professors of faith in Jesus Christ are actually detestible, wilfully obstinate and stubborn rebellious disobedient sinners who have never been born again and who are in God the Father's eyes rejected worthless castaways because they have not truly obeyed the Gospel of Grace.
Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about these last two verses here in Chapter 1, "He gives the reasons of this, from the liberty we have by the Gospel from legal observances, and the evil and mischief of a Jewish spirit under the Christian dispensation in the last two verses. To good Christians that are sound in the faith and thereby purified all things are pure. Meats and drinks, and such things as were forbidden under the law (the observances of which some still maintain), in these there is now no such distinction, all are pure (lawful and free in their use), but to those that are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; things lawful and good they abuse and turn to sin; they suck poison out of that from which others draw sweetness; their mind and conscience, those leading faculties, being defiled, a taint is communicated to all they do. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, Proverbs 15:8. And Proverbs 21:4, The ploughing of the wicked is sin, not in itself, but as done by him; the carnality of the mind and heart mars all the labour of the hand. But are not these judaizers (as you call them) men who profess religion, and speak well of God, and Christ, and righteousness of life, and should they be so severely taxed? Answer, They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate. There are many who in word and tongue profess to know God, and yet in their lives and conversations deny and reject Him; their practice is a contradiction to their profession. They come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness, Ezekiel 33:31. Being abominable, and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate. The Apostle, instructing Titus to rebuke sharply, does himself rebuke sharply; he gives them very hard words, yet doubtless no harder than their case warranted and their need required. Being abominable - bdeluktoi, deserving that God and good men should turn away their eyes from them as nauseous and offensive. And disobedient - apeitheis, unpersuadable and unbelieving. They might do divers things; but it was not the obedience of faith, nor what was commanded, or short of the command. To every good work reprobate, without skill or judgment to do any thing aright. See the miserable condition of hypocrites, such as have a form of godliness, but without the power; yet let us not be so ready to fix this charge on others as careful that it agree not to ourselves, that there be not in us an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God; but that we be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God, Philippians 1:10-11."
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, August 28, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 9
Paul Gives Titus Examples of bad Cretian Behavior that needed to be Dealt with in the Church
Titus 1:12-13 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; KJV
The history of the people of Crete during the time of Paul writing this letter to Brother Titus was filled with reverence, regard, and respect for the 'so-called' prophets in their country who were actually poets such as Epimenides who was born in Crete at Cnossos around 659 B.C. and it is documented in their history that it was he who suggested and influenced the Athenians to erect statues to unknown gods which is exactly what the Apostle Paul found when he went to Athens, Greece where we find the encounter documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And standing in the middle of the Areopagus, Paul said, Men, Athenians, I see that you are fearful of gods in everything. For as I passed by and saw the things you worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Not knowing then whom you worship, I make Him known to you. The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of Heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands, nor is served with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives life and breath and all things to all. And He has made all nations of men of one blood to dwell on all the face of the earth, ordaining fore-appointed seasons and boundaries of their dwelling, to seek the Lord, if perhaps they might feel after Him and find Him, though indeed He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also certain of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring. Then being offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like gold or silver or stone, engraved by art and man's imagination. Truly, then, God overlooking the times of ignorance, now He strictly commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day in which He is going to judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He appointed, having given proof to all by raising Him from the dead. And hearing of a resurrection of the dead, some indeed mocked; and others said, We will hear you again concerning this." (Acts 17:22-32) (MKJV).
The Cretians were no worse sinners than any other Gentiles during that time or during any time past or present. They were only like all sinners then and now before hearing the truth of the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ blind spiritually and dead spiritually in need of a resurrection from spiritual death that only happens when the true Gospel is preached and God the Holy Spirit reaches into the inner man or inner woman of the sinner and opens their blind spiritual eyes and raises there dead souls to eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. So Paul now declares to Titus what one of the Cretian poets had written about the Cretian people in general as a race of humanity, "One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies." (Titus 1:12) (KJV). It became known during this time a phrase that was 'to speak like a Cretan equals to lie', therefore, it was written concerning them that they always lied about many things, for example they claimed to have the tomb of Zeus who was the supreme god of ancient Greek mythology. The revered poet Epimenides wrote (sarcastically) that because the country was void of wild animals, then the human occupants replaced them as the wild beast of the land in accordance with the normal behavior of most of the people in the land. The phrase 'slow bellies' describing the people of Crete implies that they were lazy, but wanted to always satisfy their bellies with food, that is, they were gluttons. These words were not that of Paul about the people of Crete, but they were from the poets (like Epimenides) speaking of their own people.
Paul, however, was never moved to retreat when confronted by any people (no matter the characterization), for he knew that the Gospel of Grace had no limits or retstrictions as to where and to whom it could convert or awake from spiritual blindness and death, therfore, Paul writes these next words to Brother Titus, "This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;" (Titus 1:13) (KJV). Paul affirms everything the prophet/poet wrote concerning the people of Crete to be true, however, Paul also knows that the Gospel of Christ had made 'new creations' (2 Corinthians 5:17) among some of the people there, so he tells Titus that the Elders in the Churches their are to 'rebuke' 'sharply' those who had fallen back into some of their old ways. The English word 'rebuke' is translated by the Greek word elegchō meaning to confute, admonish: - convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove. The English word 'sharply' is translated by the Greek word apotomōs which means (to cut); abruptly, that is, peremptorily, that is, in a commanding manner: - sharpness. In other words, the Elders were to tell the fellow Brother or Sister in Christ their fault admonishing them sharply with the commanding authority of our Lord Jesus Christ being with them. The purpose of this was that they may be sound in the faith, meaning that they (and we today and of every era and generation) might not allow their/our old nature to corrupt their/our walk with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Here is what Matthew Henry said about Paul instructing Titus to rebuke the believers sharply, "When Paul wrote to Timothy he bade him instruct with meekness; but now, when he writes to Titus, he bids him rebuke them sharply. The reason of the difference may be taken from the different temper of Timothy and Titus; the former might have more keenness in his disposition, and be apt to be warm in reproving, whom therefore he bids to rebuke with meekness; and the latter might be one of more mildness, therefore he quickens him, and bids him rebuke sharply. Or rather it was from the difference of the case and people: Timothy had a more polite people to deal with, and therefore he must rebuke them with meekness; and Titus had to do with those who were more rough and uncultivated, and therefore he must rebuke them sharply; their corruptions were many and gross, and committed without shame or modesty, and therefore should be dealt with accordingly. There must in reproving be a distinguishing between sins and sins; some are more gross and heinous in their nature, or in the manner of their commission, with openness and boldness, to the greater dishonour of God and danger and hurt to men: and between sinners and sinners; some are of a more tender and tractable temper, apter to be wrought on by gentleness, and to be sunk and discouraged by too much roughness and severity; others are more hardy and stubborn, and need more cutting language to beget in them remorse and shame. Wisdom therefore is requisite to temper and manage reproofs aright, as may be most likely to do good."
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 1:12-13 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; KJV
The history of the people of Crete during the time of Paul writing this letter to Brother Titus was filled with reverence, regard, and respect for the 'so-called' prophets in their country who were actually poets such as Epimenides who was born in Crete at Cnossos around 659 B.C. and it is documented in their history that it was he who suggested and influenced the Athenians to erect statues to unknown gods which is exactly what the Apostle Paul found when he went to Athens, Greece where we find the encounter documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And standing in the middle of the Areopagus, Paul said, Men, Athenians, I see that you are fearful of gods in everything. For as I passed by and saw the things you worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Not knowing then whom you worship, I make Him known to you. The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of Heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands, nor is served with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives life and breath and all things to all. And He has made all nations of men of one blood to dwell on all the face of the earth, ordaining fore-appointed seasons and boundaries of their dwelling, to seek the Lord, if perhaps they might feel after Him and find Him, though indeed He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also certain of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring. Then being offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like gold or silver or stone, engraved by art and man's imagination. Truly, then, God overlooking the times of ignorance, now He strictly commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day in which He is going to judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He appointed, having given proof to all by raising Him from the dead. And hearing of a resurrection of the dead, some indeed mocked; and others said, We will hear you again concerning this." (Acts 17:22-32) (MKJV).
The Cretians were no worse sinners than any other Gentiles during that time or during any time past or present. They were only like all sinners then and now before hearing the truth of the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ blind spiritually and dead spiritually in need of a resurrection from spiritual death that only happens when the true Gospel is preached and God the Holy Spirit reaches into the inner man or inner woman of the sinner and opens their blind spiritual eyes and raises there dead souls to eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. So Paul now declares to Titus what one of the Cretian poets had written about the Cretian people in general as a race of humanity, "One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies." (Titus 1:12) (KJV). It became known during this time a phrase that was 'to speak like a Cretan equals to lie', therefore, it was written concerning them that they always lied about many things, for example they claimed to have the tomb of Zeus who was the supreme god of ancient Greek mythology. The revered poet Epimenides wrote (sarcastically) that because the country was void of wild animals, then the human occupants replaced them as the wild beast of the land in accordance with the normal behavior of most of the people in the land. The phrase 'slow bellies' describing the people of Crete implies that they were lazy, but wanted to always satisfy their bellies with food, that is, they were gluttons. These words were not that of Paul about the people of Crete, but they were from the poets (like Epimenides) speaking of their own people.
Paul, however, was never moved to retreat when confronted by any people (no matter the characterization), for he knew that the Gospel of Grace had no limits or retstrictions as to where and to whom it could convert or awake from spiritual blindness and death, therfore, Paul writes these next words to Brother Titus, "This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;" (Titus 1:13) (KJV). Paul affirms everything the prophet/poet wrote concerning the people of Crete to be true, however, Paul also knows that the Gospel of Christ had made 'new creations' (2 Corinthians 5:17) among some of the people there, so he tells Titus that the Elders in the Churches their are to 'rebuke' 'sharply' those who had fallen back into some of their old ways. The English word 'rebuke' is translated by the Greek word elegchō meaning to confute, admonish: - convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove. The English word 'sharply' is translated by the Greek word apotomōs which means (to cut); abruptly, that is, peremptorily, that is, in a commanding manner: - sharpness. In other words, the Elders were to tell the fellow Brother or Sister in Christ their fault admonishing them sharply with the commanding authority of our Lord Jesus Christ being with them. The purpose of this was that they may be sound in the faith, meaning that they (and we today and of every era and generation) might not allow their/our old nature to corrupt their/our walk with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Here is what Matthew Henry said about Paul instructing Titus to rebuke the believers sharply, "When Paul wrote to Timothy he bade him instruct with meekness; but now, when he writes to Titus, he bids him rebuke them sharply. The reason of the difference may be taken from the different temper of Timothy and Titus; the former might have more keenness in his disposition, and be apt to be warm in reproving, whom therefore he bids to rebuke with meekness; and the latter might be one of more mildness, therefore he quickens him, and bids him rebuke sharply. Or rather it was from the difference of the case and people: Timothy had a more polite people to deal with, and therefore he must rebuke them with meekness; and Titus had to do with those who were more rough and uncultivated, and therefore he must rebuke them sharply; their corruptions were many and gross, and committed without shame or modesty, and therefore should be dealt with accordingly. There must in reproving be a distinguishing between sins and sins; some are more gross and heinous in their nature, or in the manner of their commission, with openness and boldness, to the greater dishonour of God and danger and hurt to men: and between sinners and sinners; some are of a more tender and tractable temper, apter to be wrought on by gentleness, and to be sunk and discouraged by too much roughness and severity; others are more hardy and stubborn, and need more cutting language to beget in them remorse and shame. Wisdom therefore is requisite to temper and manage reproofs aright, as may be most likely to do good."
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, August 21, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 8
Paul Gives Titus the Elders Job in the Church Part 2
Titus 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. KJV
Paul tells Brother Titus in no uncertain terms that the Elders are to put a stop to the error or the erroneousness teaching coming into the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, for the enemy (the devil) has found that he cannot disconnect, disintegrate, or destroy the faith of true believers in Christ Jesus our Lord, but what he can do is get false believers into the Churches and see them become teachers and leaders in the Churches and then through error prevent those who come into the Church for the truth from hearing it declared or proclaimed. Through this method the enemy has rendered hundreds and thousands of once thriving Churches to become dead spiritually and cold and unaffective in reaching lost sinners in the world with the true Gospel because it has now been compromised. Therefore, these are Pauls next instructions to Brother Titus warning him and us today and of every era and generation of these type of people who have slid, slipped, and slithered into the Church of Jesus Christ, "Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake." (Titus 1:11) (KJV).
The English phrase 'mouths must be stopped' is translated by the Greek word epistomizō (used this one time only in the New Testament) it means to put something over the mouth, that is, (figuratively) to silence: - stop mouths. The Psalmist King David wrote these words declaring this same concept, "But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him shall glory; but the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped." (Psalm 63:11) (MKJV). In other words, just like an unruly horse has a bit placed into its mouth to control his unruly behavior, the Elders job is to use the Word of God to refute the heretical teaching of others, so that every soul who is seeking the truth of God will find it. As it has been said by many in the past, we must use the Word of God itself to prove the Word of God, for God has never been unclear or ambiguous or contradictory in what He has declared and He has stated 'The Truth' many times in His Word through many different prophets. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about stopping their mouths, "They be silenced, by reasons and arguments fetched out of the Word of God; as were the Sadducees and Pharisees by Christ, so that they durst ask Him no more questions; and as the Jews at Damascus were by Saul, who confounded them, proving in the clearest and strongest manner, that Jesus was the very Christ." Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about stopping their mouths, "Unmask them at once; exhibit them to the people; make manifest their ignorance and hypocrisy; and let them be confounded before the people whom they are endeavoring to seduce."
When Paul writes, 'who subvert whole houses', he means that these false teachers win over the parents with their false gospel and subsequently the children are then ruined as well. The English word 'subvert' is translated by the Greek word anatrepō meaning to overturn (figuratively): - overthrow, subvert; cause the downfall of spiritually. In other words, these false teachers declare a false gospel and in so doing they make the faith of those hearing it and receiving it as false, fake, and fraudulent as the one declaring it to them. These men and women who did this then and continue to do this today are instruments and tools of the devil to draw sinners away from the truth of the Gospel of Grace (that is Jesus plus nothing = salvation) into a gospel where you need to do this or do that outside of Jesus Christ and you will be saved or the false gospel that Jesus wants you to be healthy and wealthy, and saved. Whatever is proclaimed outside of the Cross of Jesus Christ is false and has no power to save souls (none). When Paul writes, 'teaching things which they ought not', he means what we just said and that is adding something to the Cross of Jesus Christ. Then, these false teachers were teaching that people still needed to be circumcised and follow the Jewish law of Moses, even Gentile converts. However, today there are many things being added to Christ death on the Cross, His buriel, and His resurrection from the dead, for example there are some who teach water baptismal regeneration, some teach you need to speak in tongues in order to be truly saved, and there are many more false teachings that must be stopped by simply declaring the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).
The purpose of these false teachers then and now is exactly the same and that is to make merchandise of the Gospel. Paul wrote this same concept to Brother Titus with these words, 'for filthy lucre's sake', which simply means they wanted to tell people what they wanted to hear so they could get their money from them. Greed is the primary motivation of the false teacher, for he or she is not really and truly concerned about seeing the sinner's soul being saved from sin and hell, but only about living their heaven on earth by gaining wealth from deceiving people. What they are doing and being is just like their father the devil as our Lord Jesus told the Jewish religious rulers when He walked the earth, "Why do you not know My speech? Because you cannot hear My Word. You are of the Devil as father, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and did not abide in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it." (John 8:43-44) (MKJV). You see salvation is free to every true seeking sinner and it cost him or her nothing to come to Christ and they have nothing they can bring to Him but their sin. Our Lord Jesus Christ also showed His displeasure, disappointment, and disgust with those who were using God's Temple as a house of merchandise as documented for us by the Apostle John with these words, "And the Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money-changers sitting. And when He had made a scourge of small cords, He drove them all out of the temple, also the sheep and the oxen. And He poured out the money-changers' money and overthrew the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, Take these things away from here. Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise." (John 2:13-16) (MKJV).
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about these false teachers doing this for filthy lucre's sake, "For gain. That is, they inculcate such doctrines as will make themselves popular, and as will give them access to the confidence of the people. They make it their first object to acquire influence as ministers of religion, and then abuse that in order to obtain money from the people. This they would doubtless do under many pretences; such as that it was needful for the support of the Gospel, or for the relief of the poor, or perhaps for the assistance of distant Christians in persecution. Religion is the most powerful principle that ever governs the mind; and if a man has the control of that, it is no difficult thing to induce men to give up their worldly possessions. In all ages, there have been impostors who have taken advantage of the powerful principle of religion to obtain money from their deluded followers. No people can be too vigilant in regard to pretended religious teachers; and while it is undoubtedly their duty to contribute liberally for the support of the Gospel, and the promotion of every good cause, it is no less their duty to examine with care every proposed object of benevolence, and to watch with an eagle eye those who have the disbursement of the charities of the Church. It is very rare that ministers ought to have much to do with disposing of the funds given for benevolent purposes; and when they do, they should in all cases be associated with their lay brethren."
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 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. KJV
Paul tells Brother Titus in no uncertain terms that the Elders are to put a stop to the error or the erroneousness teaching coming into the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, for the enemy (the devil) has found that he cannot disconnect, disintegrate, or destroy the faith of true believers in Christ Jesus our Lord, but what he can do is get false believers into the Churches and see them become teachers and leaders in the Churches and then through error prevent those who come into the Church for the truth from hearing it declared or proclaimed. Through this method the enemy has rendered hundreds and thousands of once thriving Churches to become dead spiritually and cold and unaffective in reaching lost sinners in the world with the true Gospel because it has now been compromised. Therefore, these are Pauls next instructions to Brother Titus warning him and us today and of every era and generation of these type of people who have slid, slipped, and slithered into the Church of Jesus Christ, "Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake." (Titus 1:11) (KJV).
The English phrase 'mouths must be stopped' is translated by the Greek word epistomizō (used this one time only in the New Testament) it means to put something over the mouth, that is, (figuratively) to silence: - stop mouths. The Psalmist King David wrote these words declaring this same concept, "But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him shall glory; but the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped." (Psalm 63:11) (MKJV). In other words, just like an unruly horse has a bit placed into its mouth to control his unruly behavior, the Elders job is to use the Word of God to refute the heretical teaching of others, so that every soul who is seeking the truth of God will find it. As it has been said by many in the past, we must use the Word of God itself to prove the Word of God, for God has never been unclear or ambiguous or contradictory in what He has declared and He has stated 'The Truth' many times in His Word through many different prophets. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about stopping their mouths, "They be silenced, by reasons and arguments fetched out of the Word of God; as were the Sadducees and Pharisees by Christ, so that they durst ask Him no more questions; and as the Jews at Damascus were by Saul, who confounded them, proving in the clearest and strongest manner, that Jesus was the very Christ." Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about stopping their mouths, "Unmask them at once; exhibit them to the people; make manifest their ignorance and hypocrisy; and let them be confounded before the people whom they are endeavoring to seduce."
When Paul writes, 'who subvert whole houses', he means that these false teachers win over the parents with their false gospel and subsequently the children are then ruined as well. The English word 'subvert' is translated by the Greek word anatrepō meaning to overturn (figuratively): - overthrow, subvert; cause the downfall of spiritually. In other words, these false teachers declare a false gospel and in so doing they make the faith of those hearing it and receiving it as false, fake, and fraudulent as the one declaring it to them. These men and women who did this then and continue to do this today are instruments and tools of the devil to draw sinners away from the truth of the Gospel of Grace (that is Jesus plus nothing = salvation) into a gospel where you need to do this or do that outside of Jesus Christ and you will be saved or the false gospel that Jesus wants you to be healthy and wealthy, and saved. Whatever is proclaimed outside of the Cross of Jesus Christ is false and has no power to save souls (none). When Paul writes, 'teaching things which they ought not', he means what we just said and that is adding something to the Cross of Jesus Christ. Then, these false teachers were teaching that people still needed to be circumcised and follow the Jewish law of Moses, even Gentile converts. However, today there are many things being added to Christ death on the Cross, His buriel, and His resurrection from the dead, for example there are some who teach water baptismal regeneration, some teach you need to speak in tongues in order to be truly saved, and there are many more false teachings that must be stopped by simply declaring the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).
The purpose of these false teachers then and now is exactly the same and that is to make merchandise of the Gospel. Paul wrote this same concept to Brother Titus with these words, 'for filthy lucre's sake', which simply means they wanted to tell people what they wanted to hear so they could get their money from them. Greed is the primary motivation of the false teacher, for he or she is not really and truly concerned about seeing the sinner's soul being saved from sin and hell, but only about living their heaven on earth by gaining wealth from deceiving people. What they are doing and being is just like their father the devil as our Lord Jesus told the Jewish religious rulers when He walked the earth, "Why do you not know My speech? Because you cannot hear My Word. You are of the Devil as father, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and did not abide in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it." (John 8:43-44) (MKJV). You see salvation is free to every true seeking sinner and it cost him or her nothing to come to Christ and they have nothing they can bring to Him but their sin. Our Lord Jesus Christ also showed His displeasure, disappointment, and disgust with those who were using God's Temple as a house of merchandise as documented for us by the Apostle John with these words, "And the Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money-changers sitting. And when He had made a scourge of small cords, He drove them all out of the temple, also the sheep and the oxen. And He poured out the money-changers' money and overthrew the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, Take these things away from here. Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise." (John 2:13-16) (MKJV).
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about these false teachers doing this for filthy lucre's sake, "For gain. That is, they inculcate such doctrines as will make themselves popular, and as will give them access to the confidence of the people. They make it their first object to acquire influence as ministers of religion, and then abuse that in order to obtain money from the people. This they would doubtless do under many pretences; such as that it was needful for the support of the Gospel, or for the relief of the poor, or perhaps for the assistance of distant Christians in persecution. Religion is the most powerful principle that ever governs the mind; and if a man has the control of that, it is no difficult thing to induce men to give up their worldly possessions. In all ages, there have been impostors who have taken advantage of the powerful principle of religion to obtain money from their deluded followers. No people can be too vigilant in regard to pretended religious teachers; and while it is undoubtedly their duty to contribute liberally for the support of the Gospel, and the promotion of every good cause, it is no less their duty to examine with care every proposed object of benevolence, and to watch with an eagle eye those who have the disbursement of the charities of the Church. It is very rare that ministers ought to have much to do with disposing of the funds given for benevolent purposes; and when they do, they should in all cases be associated with their lay brethren."
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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