Paul Reminds Titus of who we were before the Grace of God
Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. KJV
The very next thing the Apostle Paul reminds Brother Titus and we true believers of today and of every era and generation is what our lives were constantly and continually before we were saved by the grace of God with these words, "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another." (Titus 3:3) (KJV). When Paul writes here, 'For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish', he means that prior to our conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgement (John 16:8) by God the Holy Spirit, we were in those days and times with no connection to God the Father and completely without understanding of His Holiness and Purity and how filthily engulfed and engrossed in and by our sin nature we were, as Paul declared to the Ephesian Church with these words, "Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else." (Ephesians 2:3) (Contemporary English Version). Our ignorance of God the Father was at the forefront and we were oblivious to His pending Judgement against sin and sinners. The English word 'sometimes' used by Paul here is translated by the Greek word pote meaning in the old time or in times past. The English word 'foolish' used here by Paul is translated by the Greek word anoētos meaning (as a negative particle); unintelligent; by implication sensual: unwise.
Our foolishness toward God before we received the grace of God was just as that of the unrepentant thief on one of the crosses next to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ when confronted by the other thief on one of the crosses next to Christ as recorded for us by Dr. Luke, "One of the criminals hanging there also insulted Jesus by saying, 'Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and save us!' But the other criminal told the first one off, 'Don't you fear God? Aren't you getting the same punishment as this man? We got what was coming to us, but He didn't do anything wrong.' Then he said to Jesus, 'Remember me when You come into power!' Jesus replied, 'I promise that today you will be with Me in paradise.'" (Luke 23:39-43) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about being foolish in times past, "All of us, whether Jews or Gentiles, were, before our conversion to Christ, foolish, disobedient, and deceived. There is no doubt that the Apostle felt he could include himself in the above list, previously to his conversion. The manner in which he persecuted the Christians, to whose charge he could not lay one moral evil, is a sufficient proof that, though he walked according to the letter of the law, as to its ordinances and ceremonies, blameless, yet his heart was in a state of great estrangement from God, from justice, holiness, mercy, and compassion." The English word 'disobedient' is translated by the Greek word apeithēs meaning (as a negative particle); unpersuadable, that is, contumacious (wilfully obstinate; stubbornly disobedient). The English word 'deceived' is translated by the Greek word planaō meaning to (properly cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue): - go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way.
In other words, to be disobedient and deceived means to be in that perpetual state of being controlled by our fallen nature that every human being is born with by virtue of Adam's sin as it is written, "Adam sinned, and that sin brought death into the world. Now everyone has sinned, and so everyone must die. Sin was in the world before the Law came. But no record of sin was kept, because there was no Law." (Romans 5:12-13) (Contemporary English Version). This is the condition of all who are without Jesus Christ and His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). When Paul writes, 'serving divers lust and pleasures', he means being in slaved by and in bondage to the desires of the flesh, specifically sexual lust and gratification of that carnal pleasure outside the bonds of marriage, as it is written, "Have respect for marriage. Always be faithful to your partner, because God will punish anyone who is immoral or unfaithful in marriage." (Hebrews 13:4) (Contemporary English Version). The English word 'divers' is translated by the Greek word poikilos meaning motley (consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds), that is, various in character: - divers, manifold or many. The English word 'lusts' is translated by the Greek word epithumia meaning a longing (especially for what is forbidden). The English word 'pleasures' is translated by the Greek word hēdonē meaning (to please); sensual delight. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about the serving of divers lust and pleasures, "Being in a state of continual thraldom (the state of being under the control of something or someone); not served or gratified by our lusts and pleasures, but living, as their slaves, a life of misery and wretchedness."
Lastly, when Paul writes, 'living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another', he means to despise other human beings even though they have done nothing personally to the person or persons and being jealous of what others have (this was the sin of Cain which caused him to murder his own brother) (Genesis 4:8) and wanting to hurt other human beings for no reason is the state or condition of sinful humanity without the grace of God (just look at the national and local news every night). The English word 'malice' is translated by the Greek word kakia meaning badness, that is, (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble. The English word 'envy' is translated by the Greek word phthonos meaning ill will (as detraction), that is, jealousy (spite): - envy. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another, "They had not only malice and envy in their hearts against their fellow creatures, but practised it in their lives; yea, their lives were a continued series of malice and envy; particularly this was true of the Apostle, who haled men and women out of their houses, and committed them to prison; breathed out slaughter and threatenings against the saints; was exceedingly mad against them, persecuted them to strange cities, and compelled them to blaspheme, and gave his vote for punishing them with death. This is abominable in the sight of God, as considered in themselves, and on account of their nature and practices; and to be abhorred by all good men; and who, by their continual feuds, quarrels, and animosities among themselves, showed an hatred, an abhorrence of one another."
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, November 20, 2019
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 20
Paul Reminds Titus to Live by the Grace of God
Titus 3:1-2 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. KJV
It is not only the grace of God that saves all we sinners (Ephesians 2:8-9), but it is also the same grace of God that allows we sinners who are now saints to live differently in this world of woe, subjecting ourselves, that is, causing ourselves to experience or suffer or make liable or vulnerable to things which our old man or woman would never tolerate, such as being defrauded of payment of money owed to us by others for service or other things that we have right to compensation for, yet are defrauded. Such is the mind set that we have been given a new to not count the things of this present world (that is passing away) (1 Corinthians 7:31) as something to build into an empire but only as our means to live peacably with all men as much as lieth within us (Romans 12:18), so Paul reminds Brother Titus of this grace of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ with these words first, "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work," (Titus 3:1) (KJV). The English phrase 'Put them in mind' that opens this verse is translated by the Greek word hupomimnēskō meaning to remind quietly, that is, suggest to the (middle voice, one’s own) memory. In like manner this same Apostle Paul told this to Brother Timothy to put the believers into rememberance of how they/we must be good soldiers of our Lord Jesus Christ and what they/we must do to be good soldiers of Him (2 Timothy 2:1-26).
Here Paul wants Brother Titus to put the believers in Crete in remembrance to be subject to and obedient to the principalities, powers, and magistrates on the island of Crete. The Creatian believers were to willingly submit themselves to the laws of the rulers at that time, so long as they were not mandated to disobey what God has declared, decreed, and designated as truth in His Word (Acts 5:29). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about putting the believers into mind to be subject to principalities, powers, and magistrates, "Magistracy is God's ordinance for the good of all, and therefore must be regarded and submitted to by all; not for wrath and by force only, but willingly and for conscience' sake. Principalities, and powers, and magistrates, that is, all civil rulers, whether supreme and chief or subordinate, in the government under which they live, of whatever form it be; that they be subject to them and obey them in things lawful and honest, and which it belongs to their office to require. The Christian religion was misrepresented by its adversaries as prejudicial to the rights of princes and civil powers, and tending to faction and sedition, and to rebellion against lawful authority; therefore to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, and stop the mouths of malicious enemies, Christians must be reminded to show themselves examples rather of all due subjection and obedience to the government that is over them."
When Paul writes, 'to be ready to every good work', he means just what the words declare to do that which is good to other human beings. The Lord Jesus Christ was hassled, harassed, and even hated by many during his 33 years on the earth as the God/Man, yet this is the testimony concerning Him, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and He went about doing good, and healing all those who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38) (MKJV). Therefore, so too must we Christians go about doing good to humanity, rather than doing harm, just as it is written by this same Apostle to the Galatian believers with these words, "But we should not lose heart in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not faint. So then as we have time, let us work good toward all, especially toward those of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:9-10) (MKJV). Paul continues in his reminding Brother Titus and we true believers today and of every era and generation to live by grace with these next words written, "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men." (Titus 3:2) (KJV). The little English phrase 'To speak evil' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word blasphēmeō meaning to vilify; specifically to speak impiously: - (speak) blasphemously, defame, rail on, revile, speak evil. In other words, it is when we are living by the grace of God that we can restrain our tongues from this sin, even despite the fact that we may be dealing with many evil men and women, yet we are to allow grace to set a watch and guard over our mouths and shut the doors of our lips (Psalm 141:3) in this matter. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about speaking evil of no man, "To blaspheme no person, to reproach none, to speak nothing to any man’s injury; but, on the contrary, bearing reproach and contumely with patience and meekness."
When Paul writes, 'not brawlers', he simply means not fighting against any man for dumb reasons, but he does not mean to not defend yourselves with deadly force if you are your family is attacked physically to be hurt or even killed. The Sermon on the mount where our Lord Jesus declares to turn the other cheek is not for the Church today, but for the time of His Millennial Reign on the earth for 1,000 years, for let us remember what our Lord said to the disciples shortly before He was to be Crucified as recorded by Dr. Luke with these words, "And He said to them, When I sent you without purse and wallet and sandals, did you lack anything? And they said, Nothing. And He said to them, But now, he who has a purse, let him take it, and likewise his wallet. And he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one." (Luke 22:35-36) (MKJV). Our Lord Jesus is not commanding us to allow ourselves to be killed without trying to kill in self-defence, He's just not, but He is commanding us to not be quarrelsome and attacking others. We are to be the opposite of quarreling by being gentle, that is, kind and not harsh, but we are to allow the grace of God to lead us to meekness, that is, having a disposition of patience and long suffering, even when we have been wronged in other ways that is not a threat to ourselves and our family and their life. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about not being brawlers but being gentle showing meekness to all men, "Not 'fighters', either by blows or words; not litigious and quarrelsome, wrangling and striving about things to no profit, and to the detriment and disturbance of civil government, churches, neighbourhood, and families; which is very unbecoming the followers of Jesus, who strove not, nor cried, nor was His voice heard in the streets. But gentle, showing all meekness to all men; yielding and giving way, rather choosing to suffer wrong than to brawl, contend, and litigate a point; taking the advice of Christ, carrying it in a meek and humble manner to men of all ranks and degrees, whether superior or inferior, rich or poor, bond or free, Jews or Gentiles, members of the Church, or men of the world."
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 3:1-2 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. KJV
It is not only the grace of God that saves all we sinners (Ephesians 2:8-9), but it is also the same grace of God that allows we sinners who are now saints to live differently in this world of woe, subjecting ourselves, that is, causing ourselves to experience or suffer or make liable or vulnerable to things which our old man or woman would never tolerate, such as being defrauded of payment of money owed to us by others for service or other things that we have right to compensation for, yet are defrauded. Such is the mind set that we have been given a new to not count the things of this present world (that is passing away) (1 Corinthians 7:31) as something to build into an empire but only as our means to live peacably with all men as much as lieth within us (Romans 12:18), so Paul reminds Brother Titus of this grace of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ with these words first, "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work," (Titus 3:1) (KJV). The English phrase 'Put them in mind' that opens this verse is translated by the Greek word hupomimnēskō meaning to remind quietly, that is, suggest to the (middle voice, one’s own) memory. In like manner this same Apostle Paul told this to Brother Timothy to put the believers into rememberance of how they/we must be good soldiers of our Lord Jesus Christ and what they/we must do to be good soldiers of Him (2 Timothy 2:1-26).
Here Paul wants Brother Titus to put the believers in Crete in remembrance to be subject to and obedient to the principalities, powers, and magistrates on the island of Crete. The Creatian believers were to willingly submit themselves to the laws of the rulers at that time, so long as they were not mandated to disobey what God has declared, decreed, and designated as truth in His Word (Acts 5:29). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about putting the believers into mind to be subject to principalities, powers, and magistrates, "Magistracy is God's ordinance for the good of all, and therefore must be regarded and submitted to by all; not for wrath and by force only, but willingly and for conscience' sake. Principalities, and powers, and magistrates, that is, all civil rulers, whether supreme and chief or subordinate, in the government under which they live, of whatever form it be; that they be subject to them and obey them in things lawful and honest, and which it belongs to their office to require. The Christian religion was misrepresented by its adversaries as prejudicial to the rights of princes and civil powers, and tending to faction and sedition, and to rebellion against lawful authority; therefore to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, and stop the mouths of malicious enemies, Christians must be reminded to show themselves examples rather of all due subjection and obedience to the government that is over them."
When Paul writes, 'to be ready to every good work', he means just what the words declare to do that which is good to other human beings. The Lord Jesus Christ was hassled, harassed, and even hated by many during his 33 years on the earth as the God/Man, yet this is the testimony concerning Him, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and He went about doing good, and healing all those who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38) (MKJV). Therefore, so too must we Christians go about doing good to humanity, rather than doing harm, just as it is written by this same Apostle to the Galatian believers with these words, "But we should not lose heart in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not faint. So then as we have time, let us work good toward all, especially toward those of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:9-10) (MKJV). Paul continues in his reminding Brother Titus and we true believers today and of every era and generation to live by grace with these next words written, "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men." (Titus 3:2) (KJV). The little English phrase 'To speak evil' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word blasphēmeō meaning to vilify; specifically to speak impiously: - (speak) blasphemously, defame, rail on, revile, speak evil. In other words, it is when we are living by the grace of God that we can restrain our tongues from this sin, even despite the fact that we may be dealing with many evil men and women, yet we are to allow grace to set a watch and guard over our mouths and shut the doors of our lips (Psalm 141:3) in this matter. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about speaking evil of no man, "To blaspheme no person, to reproach none, to speak nothing to any man’s injury; but, on the contrary, bearing reproach and contumely with patience and meekness."
When Paul writes, 'not brawlers', he simply means not fighting against any man for dumb reasons, but he does not mean to not defend yourselves with deadly force if you are your family is attacked physically to be hurt or even killed. The Sermon on the mount where our Lord Jesus declares to turn the other cheek is not for the Church today, but for the time of His Millennial Reign on the earth for 1,000 years, for let us remember what our Lord said to the disciples shortly before He was to be Crucified as recorded by Dr. Luke with these words, "And He said to them, When I sent you without purse and wallet and sandals, did you lack anything? And they said, Nothing. And He said to them, But now, he who has a purse, let him take it, and likewise his wallet. And he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one." (Luke 22:35-36) (MKJV). Our Lord Jesus is not commanding us to allow ourselves to be killed without trying to kill in self-defence, He's just not, but He is commanding us to not be quarrelsome and attacking others. We are to be the opposite of quarreling by being gentle, that is, kind and not harsh, but we are to allow the grace of God to lead us to meekness, that is, having a disposition of patience and long suffering, even when we have been wronged in other ways that is not a threat to ourselves and our family and their life. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about not being brawlers but being gentle showing meekness to all men, "Not 'fighters', either by blows or words; not litigious and quarrelsome, wrangling and striving about things to no profit, and to the detriment and disturbance of civil government, churches, neighbourhood, and families; which is very unbecoming the followers of Jesus, who strove not, nor cried, nor was His voice heard in the streets. But gentle, showing all meekness to all men; yielding and giving way, rather choosing to suffer wrong than to brawl, contend, and litigate a point; taking the advice of Christ, carrying it in a meek and humble manner to men of all ranks and degrees, whether superior or inferior, rich or poor, bond or free, Jews or Gentiles, members of the Church, or men of the world."
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, November 6, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 19
Paul Gives Titus the Qualities of a Sound Church Part 9
Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. KJV
In concluding this Chapter, the Apostle Paul gives Brother Titus a short but forceful pep talk or motivational speech to carry him through to the satisfying of all that Paul has written to him in verses 1-14 of this Chapter. Paul knowing that Brother Titus (being younger in earthly years, as well as younger in time following our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ) needs to hear from him that he is capable or adequate for doing all that Paul has commanded him to do, by and with the power of God the Holy Spirit, so he writes these words to him to close out this Chapter, "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." (Titus 2:15) (KJV). The 'these things' Paul refers to are again all that he has already written to him in the above verses commanding him to teach sound doctrine at all times and in all places. The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ does no sinner any good if it is not declared in its entirety and without twisting it or making it more comfortable for the sinful ears to hear, for God the Holy Spirit can only convict the hearts of men and women of sin, righteousness, and judgement (John 16:7-11) when they have been convinced of such by the Word of God.
Therefore, Titus and we true believers today and of every era and generation are to 'speak' the truth of the Word of God in season and out of season, just as this same Apostle wrote to Brother Timothy with these words, "Preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. 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. But you watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry." (2 Timothy 4:2-5) (MKJV). The desire of the Apostle Paul for Brother Titus (just as he had for Brother Timothy) was for each of them (and us today) to never change what the Word of God declares or to never cut out parts of it or to never speak anything that does not align with what the Word of God says, just as the Apostle John warned all at the conclusion of the Book of Revelation with these words, "For I testify together to everyone who hears the Words of the prophecy of this Book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add on him the plagues that have been written in this Book. And if anyone takes away from the Words of the Book of this prophecy, God will take away his part out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which have been written in this Book." (Revelatiion 22:18-19) (MKJV).
Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about Paul urging Titus with the words 'these things speak', "Sound doctrine, the doctrine of grace, the doctrines of salvation and redemption by Christ, of peace, pardon, and cleansing by His Blood; these speak out clearly, plainly, publicly, boldly, and faithfully: and the things which become sound doctrine; the duties of religion suitable to every age and sex, a denying of ungodliness and worldly lusts, a sober, righteous, and godly life and conversation, exhort unto; and encourage the saints to be zealous of good works, and comfort them with the expectation of the blessed hope, and glorious appearance of Christ." When Paul writes, 'and exhort, and rebuke with all authority', he means that Titus and we true Christians today and of every era and generation are to exhort or spur on and encourage those who have wandered away from the truth of the Word of God to turn around, but at the very same time Brother Titus and we are to rebuke, that is, confute and admonish severely, even angrily all those who have wrongly, wastefully, and willingly changed or twisted the Word of God to their own destruction and to the destruction of the souls who listen to them and follow after their false teaching (2 Peter 3:16).
Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about exhorting and rebuking with all authority, "Convince and reprove such as contradict or gainsay, or neglect and do not receive the truth as they should, or retain it in unrighteousness - those who hear it not with such a believing and obedient mind and heart as they ought, but, instead of this (it may be) live in contrary practices, showing themselves stubborn and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate. Rebuke with all authority, as coming in the name of God, and armed with His threatenings and discipline, whoever make light of which will do it at their peril. Ministers are reprovers in the gate." Finally, when Paul writes, 'Let no man despise thee', he means for Brother Titus and we true believers today and of every era and generation to not be timid in our speaking and teaching the truth of the Word of God doing it with such exertion, enthusiasm, and energy being forceful in the authority that comes from our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and every Word He has spoken from Genesis to Revelation. It is the Word of God that carries authority and subsequently every man and woman of God who speaks and teaches His Word are speaking with His authority. When the truth of the Word of God is resisted, refused, or rejected all together it is not God's messenger that is being despised (although he or she is) but it is actually God who is being despised, just as Saint Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Church with these words, "Therefore he who despises does not despise man, but God, who also has given us His Holy Spirit." (1 Thessalonians 4:8) (MKJV).
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. KJV
In concluding this Chapter, the Apostle Paul gives Brother Titus a short but forceful pep talk or motivational speech to carry him through to the satisfying of all that Paul has written to him in verses 1-14 of this Chapter. Paul knowing that Brother Titus (being younger in earthly years, as well as younger in time following our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ) needs to hear from him that he is capable or adequate for doing all that Paul has commanded him to do, by and with the power of God the Holy Spirit, so he writes these words to him to close out this Chapter, "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." (Titus 2:15) (KJV). The 'these things' Paul refers to are again all that he has already written to him in the above verses commanding him to teach sound doctrine at all times and in all places. The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ does no sinner any good if it is not declared in its entirety and without twisting it or making it more comfortable for the sinful ears to hear, for God the Holy Spirit can only convict the hearts of men and women of sin, righteousness, and judgement (John 16:7-11) when they have been convinced of such by the Word of God.
Therefore, Titus and we true believers today and of every era and generation are to 'speak' the truth of the Word of God in season and out of season, just as this same Apostle wrote to Brother Timothy with these words, "Preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. 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. But you watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry." (2 Timothy 4:2-5) (MKJV). The desire of the Apostle Paul for Brother Titus (just as he had for Brother Timothy) was for each of them (and us today) to never change what the Word of God declares or to never cut out parts of it or to never speak anything that does not align with what the Word of God says, just as the Apostle John warned all at the conclusion of the Book of Revelation with these words, "For I testify together to everyone who hears the Words of the prophecy of this Book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add on him the plagues that have been written in this Book. And if anyone takes away from the Words of the Book of this prophecy, God will take away his part out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which have been written in this Book." (Revelatiion 22:18-19) (MKJV).
Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about Paul urging Titus with the words 'these things speak', "Sound doctrine, the doctrine of grace, the doctrines of salvation and redemption by Christ, of peace, pardon, and cleansing by His Blood; these speak out clearly, plainly, publicly, boldly, and faithfully: and the things which become sound doctrine; the duties of religion suitable to every age and sex, a denying of ungodliness and worldly lusts, a sober, righteous, and godly life and conversation, exhort unto; and encourage the saints to be zealous of good works, and comfort them with the expectation of the blessed hope, and glorious appearance of Christ." When Paul writes, 'and exhort, and rebuke with all authority', he means that Titus and we true Christians today and of every era and generation are to exhort or spur on and encourage those who have wandered away from the truth of the Word of God to turn around, but at the very same time Brother Titus and we are to rebuke, that is, confute and admonish severely, even angrily all those who have wrongly, wastefully, and willingly changed or twisted the Word of God to their own destruction and to the destruction of the souls who listen to them and follow after their false teaching (2 Peter 3:16).
Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about exhorting and rebuking with all authority, "Convince and reprove such as contradict or gainsay, or neglect and do not receive the truth as they should, or retain it in unrighteousness - those who hear it not with such a believing and obedient mind and heart as they ought, but, instead of this (it may be) live in contrary practices, showing themselves stubborn and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate. Rebuke with all authority, as coming in the name of God, and armed with His threatenings and discipline, whoever make light of which will do it at their peril. Ministers are reprovers in the gate." Finally, when Paul writes, 'Let no man despise thee', he means for Brother Titus and we true believers today and of every era and generation to not be timid in our speaking and teaching the truth of the Word of God doing it with such exertion, enthusiasm, and energy being forceful in the authority that comes from our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and every Word He has spoken from Genesis to Revelation. It is the Word of God that carries authority and subsequently every man and woman of God who speaks and teaches His Word are speaking with His authority. When the truth of the Word of God is resisted, refused, or rejected all together it is not God's messenger that is being despised (although he or she is) but it is actually God who is being despised, just as Saint Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Church with these words, "Therefore he who despises does not despise man, but God, who also has given us His Holy Spirit." (1 Thessalonians 4:8) (MKJV).
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 18
Paul Gives Titus the Qualities of a Sound Church Part 8
Titus 2:14 Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. KJV
Paul finalizes this preaching/teaching to Brother Titus and to we true believers today and of every era and generation of what our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ actually dedicated, devoted, and determined Himself to do for every one of His 'new creations' (2 Corinthians 5:17) that He made by shedding His Blood and dying on the Cross for our sin with these words, "Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:14) (KJV). When Paul writes, 'Who gave Himself for us', he means that He (Christ) died for sin in our place that we would not have to die an eternal death, that being, everlasting seperation from God the Father in hell and the lake of fire as it is written of such with these words, "And I saw a great white throne, and Him sitting on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And a place was not found for them. And I saw the dead, the small and the great, stand before God. And books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead in it. And death and hell delivered up the dead in them. And each one of them was judged according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. And if anyone was not found having been written in the Book of Life, he was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:11-15) (MKJV).
Here is what Dr. John Gill said concerning Christ giving Himself for us, "Not another, or another's, but Himself; not merely His own things, but His own self; not the world, and the riches of it, not gold and silver, and such like corruptible things, as the price of redemption; not the cattle on a thousand hills for sacrifice; not men nor angels, but Himself; all that belong to Him, all that is near and dear, His name, fame, credit, and reputation; His time, strength, and service: all the comforts of life, and life itself; His whole manhood, soul, and body, and that as in union with His divine person; which He gave into the hands of men, and of justice, and to death itself, to be a ransom price of His people, and for a propitiation and sacrifice for their sins, to be paid and offered in their room and stead: not for all mankind, but for many; for us, for all the elect of God, for the Church; and who are represented when He gave Himself, or died for them, as ungodly, sinners, and enemies: this was a free and voluntary gift, and is an unspeakable one; who can say all that is contained in this word 'Himself?' it is an instance of the greatest love, of love that passeth knowledge; God, because He could swear by no greater, swore by Himself; and Christ, because He could give no greater gift, nor any greater instance of His love, gave Himself."
When Paul writes next these words, 'that He might redeem us from all iniquity', he means that Christ Blood washes and cleanses us eternally from all our sins (past, present, and future) at the very moment of our new birth (John 3:3-8), yet as we sojourn and pilgrim here on this earth, we get dirty with sin, but as the Apostle John wrote we get cleansed by His Blood constantly and continuously when we confess our sins to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9). The English word 'iniquity' is translated by the Greek word anomia meaning llegality, that is, violation of law or (generally) wickedness: - iniquity, transgression of the law, unrighteousness. Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His life on the Cross to pay our ransom from the slave master (the devil) as slaves of sin and buy us unto Himself as slaves to righteousness (Romans Chapter 6). Here is what John Wesley had to say about Christ redeeming us from all iniquity, "That He might redeem us - Miserable bondslaves, as well from the power and the very being, as from the guilt, of all our sins." When Paul writes, 'and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works', he means that it is Christ Himself who is in the process of growing us into spiritual maturity by His grace and through our study of His Holy Word. The English word 'purify' is translated by the Greek word katharizō meaning to cleanse (literally or figuratively): - (make) clean, purge, purify. The little English phrase 'a peculiar' is translated by the Greek word periousios (used this one time only in the New Testament) meaning being beyond usual, that is, special (one’s own): - peculiar. In other words, it is the Blood of Jesus Christ that makes us clean in God the Father's sight, for He sees us just as He sees the Lord Jesus Christ, yet it is Christ grace by which we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9) that makes us into the peculiar or special one's on the earth, not by any thing in us that is good or deserving of this title or label, but solely because of and by the grace of God are we now 'new creatures' and actively interested and enthusiastic about doing things that please our Lord Jesus Christ because we love Him.
Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about Christ purifying unto Himself a peculiar people zealous of good works, "All mankind are filthy and unclean by nature, in all the powers and faculties of their souls; nor can they cleanse themselves from their impurity of flesh and spirit, by anything that they can do: Christ has a peculiar people among these, a Church whom He loves, and for whom He has given Himself, that He might sanctify and cleanse them from their sins; which He has done by shedding His blood for them, and washing them in it, which cleanses from all sin, and He has purified them unto Himself, for His own use and service, for His pleasure and delight, and to His glory; that they might be a proper habitation for Him now; and that they might be made ready for Him, to have the marriage between, Him and them consummated; and that they might be presented to Himself a glorious Church, without spot or wrinkle, and be with Him, both in the new Jerusalem state, into which nothing that defiles, or is defiled, enters, and in heaven, to all eternity. Now these people, for whom Christ has given Himself, and whom He has redeemed and purifies, are a 'peculiar people'; for whom Christ has a peculiar love, in whom He takes a peculiar delight, and to whom He grants peculiar nearness to Himself, and bestows peculiar blessings on them, and makes peculiar provisions for them, both for time and eternity; these are Christ's own, His possession, His substance, what He has a special right to by His Father's gift, His own purchase, and the conquest of His grace; and they are a distinct and separate people from all others, in election, redemption, effectual calling, and in Christ's intercession, and will be in the resurrection morn, at the day of judgment, and to all eternity; and they are, as the word also signifies, an excellent and valuable people; they are Christ's portion and inheritance; they are His peculiar treasure, His jewels, whom, as such, He values and takes care of. The Syriac version renders it, 'a new people'. And they who are redeemed and purified by Christ, through the power of His grace upon them, become a people 'zealous of good works'; not in order to their justification and salvation, but in obedience to the will of God, and to testify their subjection and gratitude to Him, and for His honour and glory, and for the credit of religion, and the good of men, These not only perform them, but perform them from principles of truth and love, and with a zeal for the glory of God, and the honour of His Gospel; and with an holy emulation of one another, striving to go before, and excel each other in the performance of them."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Titus 2:14 Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. KJV
Paul finalizes this preaching/teaching to Brother Titus and to we true believers today and of every era and generation of what our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ actually dedicated, devoted, and determined Himself to do for every one of His 'new creations' (2 Corinthians 5:17) that He made by shedding His Blood and dying on the Cross for our sin with these words, "Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:14) (KJV). When Paul writes, 'Who gave Himself for us', he means that He (Christ) died for sin in our place that we would not have to die an eternal death, that being, everlasting seperation from God the Father in hell and the lake of fire as it is written of such with these words, "And I saw a great white throne, and Him sitting on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And a place was not found for them. And I saw the dead, the small and the great, stand before God. And books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead in it. And death and hell delivered up the dead in them. And each one of them was judged according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. And if anyone was not found having been written in the Book of Life, he was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:11-15) (MKJV).
Here is what Dr. John Gill said concerning Christ giving Himself for us, "Not another, or another's, but Himself; not merely His own things, but His own self; not the world, and the riches of it, not gold and silver, and such like corruptible things, as the price of redemption; not the cattle on a thousand hills for sacrifice; not men nor angels, but Himself; all that belong to Him, all that is near and dear, His name, fame, credit, and reputation; His time, strength, and service: all the comforts of life, and life itself; His whole manhood, soul, and body, and that as in union with His divine person; which He gave into the hands of men, and of justice, and to death itself, to be a ransom price of His people, and for a propitiation and sacrifice for their sins, to be paid and offered in their room and stead: not for all mankind, but for many; for us, for all the elect of God, for the Church; and who are represented when He gave Himself, or died for them, as ungodly, sinners, and enemies: this was a free and voluntary gift, and is an unspeakable one; who can say all that is contained in this word 'Himself?' it is an instance of the greatest love, of love that passeth knowledge; God, because He could swear by no greater, swore by Himself; and Christ, because He could give no greater gift, nor any greater instance of His love, gave Himself."
When Paul writes next these words, 'that He might redeem us from all iniquity', he means that Christ Blood washes and cleanses us eternally from all our sins (past, present, and future) at the very moment of our new birth (John 3:3-8), yet as we sojourn and pilgrim here on this earth, we get dirty with sin, but as the Apostle John wrote we get cleansed by His Blood constantly and continuously when we confess our sins to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9). The English word 'iniquity' is translated by the Greek word anomia meaning llegality, that is, violation of law or (generally) wickedness: - iniquity, transgression of the law, unrighteousness. Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His life on the Cross to pay our ransom from the slave master (the devil) as slaves of sin and buy us unto Himself as slaves to righteousness (Romans Chapter 6). Here is what John Wesley had to say about Christ redeeming us from all iniquity, "That He might redeem us - Miserable bondslaves, as well from the power and the very being, as from the guilt, of all our sins." When Paul writes, 'and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works', he means that it is Christ Himself who is in the process of growing us into spiritual maturity by His grace and through our study of His Holy Word. The English word 'purify' is translated by the Greek word katharizō meaning to cleanse (literally or figuratively): - (make) clean, purge, purify. The little English phrase 'a peculiar' is translated by the Greek word periousios (used this one time only in the New Testament) meaning being beyond usual, that is, special (one’s own): - peculiar. In other words, it is the Blood of Jesus Christ that makes us clean in God the Father's sight, for He sees us just as He sees the Lord Jesus Christ, yet it is Christ grace by which we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9) that makes us into the peculiar or special one's on the earth, not by any thing in us that is good or deserving of this title or label, but solely because of and by the grace of God are we now 'new creatures' and actively interested and enthusiastic about doing things that please our Lord Jesus Christ because we love Him.
Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about Christ purifying unto Himself a peculiar people zealous of good works, "All mankind are filthy and unclean by nature, in all the powers and faculties of their souls; nor can they cleanse themselves from their impurity of flesh and spirit, by anything that they can do: Christ has a peculiar people among these, a Church whom He loves, and for whom He has given Himself, that He might sanctify and cleanse them from their sins; which He has done by shedding His blood for them, and washing them in it, which cleanses from all sin, and He has purified them unto Himself, for His own use and service, for His pleasure and delight, and to His glory; that they might be a proper habitation for Him now; and that they might be made ready for Him, to have the marriage between, Him and them consummated; and that they might be presented to Himself a glorious Church, without spot or wrinkle, and be with Him, both in the new Jerusalem state, into which nothing that defiles, or is defiled, enters, and in heaven, to all eternity. Now these people, for whom Christ has given Himself, and whom He has redeemed and purifies, are a 'peculiar people'; for whom Christ has a peculiar love, in whom He takes a peculiar delight, and to whom He grants peculiar nearness to Himself, and bestows peculiar blessings on them, and makes peculiar provisions for them, both for time and eternity; these are Christ's own, His possession, His substance, what He has a special right to by His Father's gift, His own purchase, and the conquest of His grace; and they are a distinct and separate people from all others, in election, redemption, effectual calling, and in Christ's intercession, and will be in the resurrection morn, at the day of judgment, and to all eternity; and they are, as the word also signifies, an excellent and valuable people; they are Christ's portion and inheritance; they are His peculiar treasure, His jewels, whom, as such, He values and takes care of. The Syriac version renders it, 'a new people'. And they who are redeemed and purified by Christ, through the power of His grace upon them, become a people 'zealous of good works'; not in order to their justification and salvation, but in obedience to the will of God, and to testify their subjection and gratitude to Him, and for His honour and glory, and for the credit of religion, and the good of men, These not only perform them, but perform them from principles of truth and love, and with a zeal for the glory of God, and the honour of His Gospel; and with an holy emulation of one another, striving to go before, and excel each other in the performance of them."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 17
Paul Gives Titus the Qualities of a Sound Church Part 7
Titus 2:13 Looking for that Blessed Hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; KJV
Paul now affirms to Brother Titus and to we true believers today and of every era and generattion what the reception of such grace should implant into our inner man or inner woman as a buried treasure that cannot be lost and that is, "Looking for that Blessed Hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" (Titus 2:13) (KJV). The little phrase 'looking for' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word prosdechomai which means (as used here) by implication to await (with confidence or patience). The little phrase 'that blessed' is translated by the Greek word makarios which means (as used here) supremely blest, that is, highly favored or fortunate (as by divine grace); well off. The English word 'hope' is translated by the Greek word elpis meaning (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: - faith, hope; it is literally confident expectation. In other words, Paul wanted Titus then and us today to not be waivering, wobbly, or wanting in our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ to fully save us from sin, death, and hell eternally and to keep us or guard us now in time from the many winds of doctrines that are distributed, downloaded, and diffused every single day by the devil and his ministers (2 Corthians 11:13-15). Instead, we are to be strong in faith just like the Patriarch Abraham was as it is written by Paul of him with these words to the Church @ Rome, "(As it has been written, 'I have made you a father of many nations') —before God, whom he believed, who makes the dead live, and calls the things which do not exist as though they do exist. For he who beyond hope believed on hope for him to become the father of many nations (according to that which was spoken, 'So your seed shall be'). And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body already dead (being about a hundred years old) or the deadening of Sarah's womb. He did not stagger at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully persuaded that what God had promised, He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:17-21) (MKJV). Just like the 100 year old Abraham did not waiver at God's promise to Him that he would father a child, even with his wife being 90 years old at the time, so must we not waiver concerning our redemption, restoration, and resurrection from the dead by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
When Paul writes, 'and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ', he means that we (as a collective body 'the Church') and (as individual members of His Body) are to trust and know that our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ will return for His Church (that is, all true born again believers) just prior to His 2nd Coming, as it is written by this same Apostle Paul to the Thessalonian believers with these words, "But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep/dead, that you be not grieved, even as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him all those who have fallen asleep/died in Jesus. For we say this to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall not go before those who are asleep/dead. For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall ever be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) (MKJV).
It is also true that our Lord Jesus Christ will return for every individual member of His Mystical Body the Church that dies 'in Him' just as He did with the saint Stephen when He was murdered, mauled, and martyred for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ and having faith in Him, as it is written and documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And hearing these things, they were cut to their hearts. And they gnashed on him with their teeth. But being full of the Holy Spirit, looking up intently into Heaven, he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, Behold, I see Heaven opened and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. And crying out with a loud voice, they stopped their ears and ran on him with one accord. And throwing him outside the city, they stoned him. And the witnesses laid their clothes down at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen, who was calling on God and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And kneeling down, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, do not lay this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep/died." (Acts 7:54-60) (MKJV).
Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "Expecting the grand object of our hope, eternal life. This is what the Gospel teaches us to expect, and what the grace of God prepares the human heart for. This is called a blessed hope; those who have it are happy in the sure prospect of that glory which shall be revealed. The glorious appearing this clause, literally translated, is as follows: And the appearing of the glory of the great God, even our Savior Jesus Christ. Some think that the blessed hope and glorious appearing mean the same thing; but I do not think so. The blessed hope refers simply to eternal glorification in general; the glorious appearing, to the resurrection of the body; for when Christ appears He will change this vile body, and make it like unto His Glorious Body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Titus 2:13 Looking for that Blessed Hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; KJV
Paul now affirms to Brother Titus and to we true believers today and of every era and generattion what the reception of such grace should implant into our inner man or inner woman as a buried treasure that cannot be lost and that is, "Looking for that Blessed Hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" (Titus 2:13) (KJV). The little phrase 'looking for' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word prosdechomai which means (as used here) by implication to await (with confidence or patience). The little phrase 'that blessed' is translated by the Greek word makarios which means (as used here) supremely blest, that is, highly favored or fortunate (as by divine grace); well off. The English word 'hope' is translated by the Greek word elpis meaning (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: - faith, hope; it is literally confident expectation. In other words, Paul wanted Titus then and us today to not be waivering, wobbly, or wanting in our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ to fully save us from sin, death, and hell eternally and to keep us or guard us now in time from the many winds of doctrines that are distributed, downloaded, and diffused every single day by the devil and his ministers (2 Corthians 11:13-15). Instead, we are to be strong in faith just like the Patriarch Abraham was as it is written by Paul of him with these words to the Church @ Rome, "(As it has been written, 'I have made you a father of many nations') —before God, whom he believed, who makes the dead live, and calls the things which do not exist as though they do exist. For he who beyond hope believed on hope for him to become the father of many nations (according to that which was spoken, 'So your seed shall be'). And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body already dead (being about a hundred years old) or the deadening of Sarah's womb. He did not stagger at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully persuaded that what God had promised, He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:17-21) (MKJV). Just like the 100 year old Abraham did not waiver at God's promise to Him that he would father a child, even with his wife being 90 years old at the time, so must we not waiver concerning our redemption, restoration, and resurrection from the dead by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
When Paul writes, 'and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ', he means that we (as a collective body 'the Church') and (as individual members of His Body) are to trust and know that our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ will return for His Church (that is, all true born again believers) just prior to His 2nd Coming, as it is written by this same Apostle Paul to the Thessalonian believers with these words, "But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep/dead, that you be not grieved, even as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him all those who have fallen asleep/died in Jesus. For we say this to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall not go before those who are asleep/dead. For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall ever be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) (MKJV).
It is also true that our Lord Jesus Christ will return for every individual member of His Mystical Body the Church that dies 'in Him' just as He did with the saint Stephen when He was murdered, mauled, and martyred for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ and having faith in Him, as it is written and documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And hearing these things, they were cut to their hearts. And they gnashed on him with their teeth. But being full of the Holy Spirit, looking up intently into Heaven, he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, Behold, I see Heaven opened and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. And crying out with a loud voice, they stopped their ears and ran on him with one accord. And throwing him outside the city, they stoned him. And the witnesses laid their clothes down at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen, who was calling on God and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And kneeling down, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, do not lay this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep/died." (Acts 7:54-60) (MKJV).
Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "Expecting the grand object of our hope, eternal life. This is what the Gospel teaches us to expect, and what the grace of God prepares the human heart for. This is called a blessed hope; those who have it are happy in the sure prospect of that glory which shall be revealed. The glorious appearing this clause, literally translated, is as follows: And the appearing of the glory of the great God, even our Savior Jesus Christ. Some think that the blessed hope and glorious appearing mean the same thing; but I do not think so. The blessed hope refers simply to eternal glorification in general; the glorious appearing, to the resurrection of the body; for when Christ appears He will change this vile body, and make it like unto His Glorious Body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 16
Paul Gives Titus the Qualities of a Sound Church Part 6
Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; KJV
Paul now gives to Brother Titus and to we true Christians today and of every era and generation what 'grace' is and what it means for us as we pilgrim and sojourn here on this earth away from our heavenly home with these words, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men," (Titus 2:11) (KJV). This English word 'grace' is translated by the Greek word charis which means (as used here) figuratively or spiritually; it means the divine influence upon the heart (that is, the inner man or inner woman of the born again son and daughter of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ), and its reflection in the life; including gratitude for receiving such undeserved favor from God). In other words, it is the grace of God freely given to every sinner that makes him or her a new creature or new creation, for 2 Corinthians 5:17 says this, "So that if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (MKJV). This is the reason so many sons and daughters of God say things like, "My eyes were open and I saw this world in a whole new light." For example, in my own personal case, when my Lord Jesus Christ opened my blind spiritual eyes, I completely did a 180 from being pro-choice to being pro-life and that is because I now see human life as it truly is the creation of God at the moment of conception, for He(God/Jesus) knows every human being, even before He forms them in their mother's womb, this is what He told the Prophet Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I consecrated you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5) (MKJV). Notice the pronoun 'I' used four times in this verse being God speaking of Himself and what He did.
When Paul writes next, 'that bringeth salvation', he is speaking of the grace of God as that which makes men and women into the new creatures and it is what brings the salvation of God for sinful men and women and not His love, for His love is what brought to us the Savior (Jesus Christ our Lord) as it is written, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes on Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-18) (MKJV). When Paul writes here, 'hath appeared to all men', he simply means that the grace of God has been made visible for all humanity to behold and to receive in the God/Man Jesus Christ our Lord. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about this verse, "It is grace in respect of the spring of it - the free favour and good-will of God, not any merit or desert in the creature; as manifesting and declaring this good-will in an eminent and signal manner; and as it is the means of conveying and working grace in the hearts of believers. Now grace is obliging and constraining to goodness: Let not sin reign, but yield yourselves unto God; for you are not under the law, but under grace, Romans 6:12-14. The love of Christ constrains us not to live to self, but to Him (2 Corinthians 5:14-15); without this effect, grace is received in vain. This Gospel grace brings salvation (reveals and offers it to sinners and ensures it to believers) - salvation from sin and wrath, from death and hell. Hence it is called the Word of Life; it brings to faith, and so to life, the life of holiness now and of happiness hereafter. The law is the ministration of death, but the Gospel the ministration of life and peace. This therefore must be received as salvation (its rules minded, its commands obeyed), that the end of it may be obtained, the salvation of the soul. And more inexcusable will the neglecters of this grace of God bringing salvation now be, since, It hath appeared, or shone out more clearly and illustriously than ever before. The old dispensation was comparatively dark and shadowy; this is a clear and shining light; and, as it is now more bright, so more diffused and extensive also. For, It hath appeared to all men; not to the Jews only, as the glory of God appeared at mount Sinai to that particular people, and out of the view of all others; but Gospel grace is open to all, and all are invited to come and partake of the benefit of it, Gentiles as well as Jews."
Next Paul tells Titus and us what the grace of God teaches to us as we sojourn away from our heavenly home with these words, "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" (Titus 2:12) (KJV). The English word 'teaching' used at the very beginning of this verse is translated by the Greek word paideuō meaning to train up a child, that is, educate, or (by implication) discipline (by punishment): - chasten, instruct, learn, teach. The English word 'denying' is translated by the Greek word arneomai meaning to contradict, that is, disavow, reject, abnegate: - deny, refuse. The English word 'ungodliness' is translated by the Greek word asebeia meaning wickedness. When Paul writes 'worldy lust', he means the longing for the things of this world system (run by the devil) that are against the will of God. In other words, the grace of God that has brought to each and every one us who have been born again instructs us like a father and mother would do with their young child training us up into spiritual maturity by educating us in the will of God by the Word of God to deny wickedness or that which is evil by rejecting and refusing it and even disciplining or chastening us when we step out of the truth of God's will found in His Holy Word. We are to live in this present world, but we are not to be of the world, as it is written, "Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever desires to be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (James 4:4) (MKJV) and also as it is written here, "Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:15-17) (MKJV) and lastly also as it is written here, "You are of God, little children, and you have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world, therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us. The one who is not of God does not hear us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error." (1 John 4:4-6) (MKJV).
Therefore, with this to guide and to remind us Paul declares that we should live 'soberly' (which is translated by the Greek word sōphronōs used this one time only in the New Testament meaning with sound mind, that is, moderately: - soberly), 'righteously' (which is translated by the Greek word dikaiōs meaning equitably or justly), and 'godly' (which is translated by the Greek word eusebōs meaning piously or devoutly to God who saved us) in this present world. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "Instructing us as children are instructed. Christ is the great teacher; and men, in order to learn, must become His disciples - must put themselves under His tuition, and learn of Him. Denying all things contrary to God; whatever would lead us to doubt His being, deny any of His essential attributes; His providence or government of the world, and His influence on the souls of men. Every thing, also, which is opposed to His true worship; theoretical and practical atheism, deism, and irreligion in general. Worldly lust such desires, affections, and appetites, as men are governed by who have their portion in this life, and live without God in the world. Gluttony, drunkenness, lasciviousness, anger, malice, and revenge; together with the immoderate love of riches, power, and fame. We should live soberly having every temper, appetite, and desire, under the government of reason, and reason itself under the government of the Spirit of God. Righteously rendering to every man his due, injuring no person in his body, mind, reputation, or property; doing unto all as we would they should do to us; and filling up the duties of the particular stations in which it has pleased God to fix us, committing no sin, omitting no duty. And godly just the reverse of what is implied in ungodliness. In this present world not supposing that any thing will be purified in the world to come that is not cleansed in this. The three words above evidently include our duty to God, to our neighbor, and to ourselves. We are to live soberly in respect to ourselves. Righteously in respect to our neighbor. And Godly, or piously, in respect to our Maker."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; KJV
Paul now gives to Brother Titus and to we true Christians today and of every era and generation what 'grace' is and what it means for us as we pilgrim and sojourn here on this earth away from our heavenly home with these words, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men," (Titus 2:11) (KJV). This English word 'grace' is translated by the Greek word charis which means (as used here) figuratively or spiritually; it means the divine influence upon the heart (that is, the inner man or inner woman of the born again son and daughter of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ), and its reflection in the life; including gratitude for receiving such undeserved favor from God). In other words, it is the grace of God freely given to every sinner that makes him or her a new creature or new creation, for 2 Corinthians 5:17 says this, "So that if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (MKJV). This is the reason so many sons and daughters of God say things like, "My eyes were open and I saw this world in a whole new light." For example, in my own personal case, when my Lord Jesus Christ opened my blind spiritual eyes, I completely did a 180 from being pro-choice to being pro-life and that is because I now see human life as it truly is the creation of God at the moment of conception, for He(God/Jesus) knows every human being, even before He forms them in their mother's womb, this is what He told the Prophet Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I consecrated you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5) (MKJV). Notice the pronoun 'I' used four times in this verse being God speaking of Himself and what He did.
When Paul writes next, 'that bringeth salvation', he is speaking of the grace of God as that which makes men and women into the new creatures and it is what brings the salvation of God for sinful men and women and not His love, for His love is what brought to us the Savior (Jesus Christ our Lord) as it is written, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes on Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-18) (MKJV). When Paul writes here, 'hath appeared to all men', he simply means that the grace of God has been made visible for all humanity to behold and to receive in the God/Man Jesus Christ our Lord. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about this verse, "It is grace in respect of the spring of it - the free favour and good-will of God, not any merit or desert in the creature; as manifesting and declaring this good-will in an eminent and signal manner; and as it is the means of conveying and working grace in the hearts of believers. Now grace is obliging and constraining to goodness: Let not sin reign, but yield yourselves unto God; for you are not under the law, but under grace, Romans 6:12-14. The love of Christ constrains us not to live to self, but to Him (2 Corinthians 5:14-15); without this effect, grace is received in vain. This Gospel grace brings salvation (reveals and offers it to sinners and ensures it to believers) - salvation from sin and wrath, from death and hell. Hence it is called the Word of Life; it brings to faith, and so to life, the life of holiness now and of happiness hereafter. The law is the ministration of death, but the Gospel the ministration of life and peace. This therefore must be received as salvation (its rules minded, its commands obeyed), that the end of it may be obtained, the salvation of the soul. And more inexcusable will the neglecters of this grace of God bringing salvation now be, since, It hath appeared, or shone out more clearly and illustriously than ever before. The old dispensation was comparatively dark and shadowy; this is a clear and shining light; and, as it is now more bright, so more diffused and extensive also. For, It hath appeared to all men; not to the Jews only, as the glory of God appeared at mount Sinai to that particular people, and out of the view of all others; but Gospel grace is open to all, and all are invited to come and partake of the benefit of it, Gentiles as well as Jews."
Next Paul tells Titus and us what the grace of God teaches to us as we sojourn away from our heavenly home with these words, "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" (Titus 2:12) (KJV). The English word 'teaching' used at the very beginning of this verse is translated by the Greek word paideuō meaning to train up a child, that is, educate, or (by implication) discipline (by punishment): - chasten, instruct, learn, teach. The English word 'denying' is translated by the Greek word arneomai meaning to contradict, that is, disavow, reject, abnegate: - deny, refuse. The English word 'ungodliness' is translated by the Greek word asebeia meaning wickedness. When Paul writes 'worldy lust', he means the longing for the things of this world system (run by the devil) that are against the will of God. In other words, the grace of God that has brought to each and every one us who have been born again instructs us like a father and mother would do with their young child training us up into spiritual maturity by educating us in the will of God by the Word of God to deny wickedness or that which is evil by rejecting and refusing it and even disciplining or chastening us when we step out of the truth of God's will found in His Holy Word. We are to live in this present world, but we are not to be of the world, as it is written, "Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever desires to be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (James 4:4) (MKJV) and also as it is written here, "Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:15-17) (MKJV) and lastly also as it is written here, "You are of God, little children, and you have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world, therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us. The one who is not of God does not hear us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error." (1 John 4:4-6) (MKJV).
Therefore, with this to guide and to remind us Paul declares that we should live 'soberly' (which is translated by the Greek word sōphronōs used this one time only in the New Testament meaning with sound mind, that is, moderately: - soberly), 'righteously' (which is translated by the Greek word dikaiōs meaning equitably or justly), and 'godly' (which is translated by the Greek word eusebōs meaning piously or devoutly to God who saved us) in this present world. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "Instructing us as children are instructed. Christ is the great teacher; and men, in order to learn, must become His disciples - must put themselves under His tuition, and learn of Him. Denying all things contrary to God; whatever would lead us to doubt His being, deny any of His essential attributes; His providence or government of the world, and His influence on the souls of men. Every thing, also, which is opposed to His true worship; theoretical and practical atheism, deism, and irreligion in general. Worldly lust such desires, affections, and appetites, as men are governed by who have their portion in this life, and live without God in the world. Gluttony, drunkenness, lasciviousness, anger, malice, and revenge; together with the immoderate love of riches, power, and fame. We should live soberly having every temper, appetite, and desire, under the government of reason, and reason itself under the government of the Spirit of God. Righteously rendering to every man his due, injuring no person in his body, mind, reputation, or property; doing unto all as we would they should do to us; and filling up the duties of the particular stations in which it has pleased God to fix us, committing no sin, omitting no duty. And godly just the reverse of what is implied in ungodliness. In this present world not supposing that any thing will be purified in the world to come that is not cleansed in this. The three words above evidently include our duty to God, to our neighbor, and to ourselves. We are to live soberly in respect to ourselves. Righteously in respect to our neighbor. And Godly, or piously, in respect to our Maker."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 15
Paul Gives Titus the Qualities of a Sound Church Part 5
Titus 2:9-10 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. KJV
During the time that the Apostle Paul lived and wrote this letter to Brother Titus, slavery was a common occurrence and practice. Therefore, Pauls next words to Titus here may seem to us today as cavalier, careless, or even cold, but the facts then were that there were many people that were owned by other people and some of these slaves came into a saving knowledge of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ through hearing the preaching of the Gospel of Christ and became members of the Body of Christ and remained slaves after their conversion, because their earthly state, status, or situation in this life did not change upon becoming a Christian, but their inner man and inner woman did change along with their eternal place of residency (heaven now), so Paul now writes these words to Brother Titus instructing him on what to teach these slaves on how they should now conduct themselves with their masters, "Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;" (Titus 2:9) (KJV). The English word 'servants' used at the beginning of this verse is translated by the Greek word doulos meaning (as used here) a slave (literally and involuntarily). The little English phrase 'to be obedient' is translated by the Greek word hupotassō meaning to subordinate; reflexively to obey: - be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
In other words, now the born again slave is to voluntarily subject himself to his owner or master knowing all the while that his or her true master is in heaven seated at the right hand of God the Father, that is, our Lord Jesus Christ, for Paul wrote this same directive or command with these words to the believers in Ephesus, "Slaves, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men (knowing that whatever good thing he does, he shall receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or a freeman)." (Ephesians 6:5-8) (MKJV). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about slaves being obedient to their masters pleasing them in all things, "The Apostle refers to those who were slaves, and the property of their masters; even these are exhorted to be obedient, to their own despots, though they had no right over them on the ground of natural justice. They were to endeavor to do this in all things, though they could not hope to succeed in every thing." When Paul writes, 'not answering again', he means that the born again slave was to obey the commands of his earthly master without complaining or disputing the command or even grumbling, that is, making a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone at his or her displeasure of the command and the state of being a slave. This truly is easier said than done and must require the power of God the Holy Spirit to work in the disposition or temperament to carry out such an attitude of non complaint when one was living in such a state or condition as this.
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this matter of not answering again, "Not contradicting, or not disobeying. They were to do what the master required, if it did not interfere with the rights of conscience, without attempting to argue the matter - without disputing with the master - and without advancing their own opinions. Where this relation exists, no one can doubt that this is a proper frame of mind for a servant. It may be observed, however, that all that is here said would be equally appropriate, whether the servitude was voluntary or involuntary. A man who becomes voluntarily a servant, binds himself to obey his master cheerfully and quietly, without gainsaying, and without attempting to reason the matter with him, or propounding his own opinions, even though they may be much wiser than those of his employer. He makes a contract to obey his master, not to reason with him, or to instruct him." Paul then makes this also the requirement of the servants or slaves with their masters for the end result of showing Christ even in the absolute most worst of living conditions as a pilgrim on this earth, "Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." (Titus 2:10) (KJV). The English word 'purloining' is translated by the Greek word nosphizomai meaning (apart or clandestinely); to sequestrate for oneself, that is, embezzle: - keep back, purloin.
In other words, it is a big Greek word for stealing or taking something that belongs to the master and using it for yourself, that is, making off with the belongings or property of others and in this case the property of the master. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about the servant not purloining, "Not to appropriate to themselves what belongs to their masters. The word 'purloin' means, literally, to take or carry away for oneself; and would be applied to an approbation to oneself of what pertained to a common stock, or what belonged to one in whose employ we are - as the embezzlement of public funds. Here it means that the servant was not to apply to his own use what belonged to his master; that is, was not to pilfer - a vice to which, as all know, servants, and especially slaves, are particularly exposed." However, instead of doing this the slave that has come to Christ, that is, been born again must show to his master 'good fidelity' which simply means that he or she must be faithful to his or her master, which is also what a Christian man or woman must do today to their employer, for their true employer is our Lord Jesus Christ, so the child of God must work for their employer as if they are working for Christ Jesus Himself which they are. In doing this they will then adorn or garnish themselves with the doctrine or instruction or teachings of God our Savior, that being our Lord Jesus Christ. Here is what John Wesley had to say about adorning the doctrine of God our Savior in all things, "Showing all good fidelity - Soft, obliging faithfulness that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour - More than St. Paul says of kings. How he raises the lowness of his subject! So may they, the lowness of their condition."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Titus 2:9-10 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. KJV
During the time that the Apostle Paul lived and wrote this letter to Brother Titus, slavery was a common occurrence and practice. Therefore, Pauls next words to Titus here may seem to us today as cavalier, careless, or even cold, but the facts then were that there were many people that were owned by other people and some of these slaves came into a saving knowledge of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ through hearing the preaching of the Gospel of Christ and became members of the Body of Christ and remained slaves after their conversion, because their earthly state, status, or situation in this life did not change upon becoming a Christian, but their inner man and inner woman did change along with their eternal place of residency (heaven now), so Paul now writes these words to Brother Titus instructing him on what to teach these slaves on how they should now conduct themselves with their masters, "Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;" (Titus 2:9) (KJV). The English word 'servants' used at the beginning of this verse is translated by the Greek word doulos meaning (as used here) a slave (literally and involuntarily). The little English phrase 'to be obedient' is translated by the Greek word hupotassō meaning to subordinate; reflexively to obey: - be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
In other words, now the born again slave is to voluntarily subject himself to his owner or master knowing all the while that his or her true master is in heaven seated at the right hand of God the Father, that is, our Lord Jesus Christ, for Paul wrote this same directive or command with these words to the believers in Ephesus, "Slaves, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men (knowing that whatever good thing he does, he shall receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or a freeman)." (Ephesians 6:5-8) (MKJV). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about slaves being obedient to their masters pleasing them in all things, "The Apostle refers to those who were slaves, and the property of their masters; even these are exhorted to be obedient, to their own despots, though they had no right over them on the ground of natural justice. They were to endeavor to do this in all things, though they could not hope to succeed in every thing." When Paul writes, 'not answering again', he means that the born again slave was to obey the commands of his earthly master without complaining or disputing the command or even grumbling, that is, making a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone at his or her displeasure of the command and the state of being a slave. This truly is easier said than done and must require the power of God the Holy Spirit to work in the disposition or temperament to carry out such an attitude of non complaint when one was living in such a state or condition as this.
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this matter of not answering again, "Not contradicting, or not disobeying. They were to do what the master required, if it did not interfere with the rights of conscience, without attempting to argue the matter - without disputing with the master - and without advancing their own opinions. Where this relation exists, no one can doubt that this is a proper frame of mind for a servant. It may be observed, however, that all that is here said would be equally appropriate, whether the servitude was voluntary or involuntary. A man who becomes voluntarily a servant, binds himself to obey his master cheerfully and quietly, without gainsaying, and without attempting to reason the matter with him, or propounding his own opinions, even though they may be much wiser than those of his employer. He makes a contract to obey his master, not to reason with him, or to instruct him." Paul then makes this also the requirement of the servants or slaves with their masters for the end result of showing Christ even in the absolute most worst of living conditions as a pilgrim on this earth, "Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." (Titus 2:10) (KJV). The English word 'purloining' is translated by the Greek word nosphizomai meaning (apart or clandestinely); to sequestrate for oneself, that is, embezzle: - keep back, purloin.
In other words, it is a big Greek word for stealing or taking something that belongs to the master and using it for yourself, that is, making off with the belongings or property of others and in this case the property of the master. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about the servant not purloining, "Not to appropriate to themselves what belongs to their masters. The word 'purloin' means, literally, to take or carry away for oneself; and would be applied to an approbation to oneself of what pertained to a common stock, or what belonged to one in whose employ we are - as the embezzlement of public funds. Here it means that the servant was not to apply to his own use what belonged to his master; that is, was not to pilfer - a vice to which, as all know, servants, and especially slaves, are particularly exposed." However, instead of doing this the slave that has come to Christ, that is, been born again must show to his master 'good fidelity' which simply means that he or she must be faithful to his or her master, which is also what a Christian man or woman must do today to their employer, for their true employer is our Lord Jesus Christ, so the child of God must work for their employer as if they are working for Christ Jesus Himself which they are. In doing this they will then adorn or garnish themselves with the doctrine or instruction or teachings of God our Savior, that being our Lord Jesus Christ. Here is what John Wesley had to say about adorning the doctrine of God our Savior in all things, "Showing all good fidelity - Soft, obliging faithfulness that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour - More than St. Paul says of kings. How he raises the lowness of his subject! So may they, the lowness of their condition."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
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