Titus 1- Order in the Church

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For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. Titus 1:5-6

One of the Apostle Pauls goals was not just evangelism but also to establish structure and order in the Churches. As we went through previously the Apostle Pauls teaching to the Church of Corinth about Order in the Church, here again we see there is an order and structure for the body of Christ. The Church is not to be ran in chaos, there is a hierarchy and structure, just as their is a structure to the family, the husband , wife, and children, this same structure applies to the family of God, the Church

This is why Satan is so determined to attack the natural order of God. The attack on the natural family, the attack on natural biological gender. Satan is opposing the authority and structure of God. And this has seeped into alot of our Churches, many people refusing to use the Word of God as their authority, and structuring the Church however they feel seems fit. But God has ordained a natural structure for the Church, just as he has ordained a natural structure for the family, anything outside of this structure introduces chaos into the hierarchy.

The Apostle Paul begins by saying “that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city”  A couple things we see from this, first Paul recognizes all the Churches need order and structure. Secondly every Church needs a spiritual leader overseeing them to protect the flock. The position of elder and pastor are used and considered interchangeable in the Bible. When you think of the elder position of the Church, you can basically think of it as a Pastor. If your Church is blessed enough to have multiple elders, consider your Church to be blessed. The more strong leadership a Church has, the less likely the Church will fall away from false doctrines

Now when you look at the qualifications of an elder, its very clear Gods intention was it to be a man, as the Apostle Paul said “if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of unruly behavior” Now those who say this a cultural issue, remember this letter Paul is writing is not to a specific Church, but to all Churches. You might ask why would Paul require the overseer to be a man? Well it goes back to Paul’s teaching 1 Timothy 2, the order of Creation, God created Adam and Eve was created from Adam. This is the creation order of the world, including the family and the Church. This is God’s natural design for creation, to go against this order is to go against God’s natural order.

We will continue this examination of the scriptures in the next couple posts as we work through Paul’s teachings here to Titus. I recommend you also study Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy 2

Titus 1- God our Savior

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Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. Titus 1:1-4

As we dive into the epistle of Titus, it’s interesting to reflect that the Apostle Paul became a spiritual father, a mentor, to men of God like Titus and Timothy. I bring this up because this should be the model for the Church and us, we need to continue to disciple and mentor the next generation in The Lord. I have found alot of kids these days, have never heard of The Lord Jesus Christ or the gospel. How can we expect there to be a next generation, if we don’t fulfill our calling of completing the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19)

There are some beautiful and powerful affirmations in Paul’s introduction here, first Paul is a servant of God. Regardless of what your position is in the Church, you are always a servant of God, appointed to serve the Church and your community. Second, this calling is in according to the faith of Gods elect. You have been chosen by God since the beginning of the world, it’s something hard for our minds to fathom. Thirdly, remember God can’t lie. The promises given to you by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, are certain, there is no possibility that your salvation is not secured, God has guaranteed your salvation, through the works of Christ and your genuine faith in The Lord

There are many people who take the pulpit who shouldnt be there. They are not truly called by God, they don’t truly believe anything they are preaching. Notice what the Apostle Paul says “in due time manifested His (Gods) word through preaching” Its a great responsibility and privilege to preach the Word of God, don’t take the pulpit lightly as ever idle word will be judged. Paul also says “which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior” Notice Paul understand the great responsibility he beared being the preacher of God. This was not a job or career, this was a higher calling, that was entrusted to him to preach the true Word of God

But the last point I want to make here, is the Apostle Paul acknowledges and affirms Jesus Christ is God. Notice Pauls mention here “God our Savior” and then later Paul states “Lord Jesus Christ our Savior” notice how Paul speaks of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit interchangeably because they are all in complete unison with one another. However the Apostle Paul makes another statement later in his letter “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13)  

3 John 1- No Greater Joy

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Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 1:2-4

If you could be granted one wish, what would it be? Many people would wish for large sums of money, they would wish to be famous, some would wish for possessions , like a new house or car. But if you really ponder and think about the big picture from an eternal perspective, our wish should be that everyone comes to Christ!

Notice what the Apostle John says “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” There is nothing that can give the Apostle more joy than to see his people, not only become saved in Christ, but that they remain abiding in Christ. This is the heart and love we should have for people, especially our people, the Church. It’s agonizing to know and think, that there will be some who will reject Christ and live in eternal damnation. Not a thought we want to think about, but it’s a grim reality.

So what can we do? We can make a difference, God has called us to preach the gospel to everyone (Matthew 28:19) God has called us to be leaders in our Church (Ephesians 4:11) and our families (1 Timothy 3:4-5), God has equipped us with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11) and the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). But how many of us have neglected our calling? How many people rather pursue after worldly lusts than to care for the flock? 

The heart of the Church needs a heart of Christ! We can’t expect the Church to grow and thrive , if we don’t care about people’s souls. We care alot about budgets and statistics, but do we care about the people outside on the street? Think about the Apostle Paul, how he grieved over the Jewish people, he said” For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren” (Romans 9:3) The Apostle Paul was willing to give up his salvation, if that meant Israel would become saved

And of course remember brethren our Lord Jesus Christ, who demonstrated His love towards us, that he willingly laid down his life, and died on the cross for our sins! There is no greater love than what Christ demonstrated to us! So our question or challenge today is, do you have a heart for people? Do you lament over the souls of people? And what are you doing about it?

There is no greater joy than to see God’s children walking in the truth, abiding in Christ, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit, Amen!

2 John 1- Doctrine Matters

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Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 2 John 1:9-11

 You have heard the expression “Doctrine Matters” well its true, your doctrine does matter. So what is doctrine? The original Greek word is “didache” and I’m not talking about the writings of the early Church, some of you may get that joke. This greek word means teachings or instructions. So when were talking about doctrine, were talking about the teachings of Jesus Christ. What did Jesus teach us in the red letters of the Bible? Does the practices of your Church align with the doctrines of Christ?

Notice what the Apostle John said under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit “Whoever transgresses and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, has not God” Ouch, if you call yourself a Christian and don’t do what Christ called us to do, you are not even saved according to the Word of God. Now you understand why doctrine is so important as a Christian. As Jesus said “You will be known by your fruit” (Matthew 7:16) Christ said he will know us by the way we live our lives. 

Now you might say “How could someone not following the proper teachings of Christ, not be saved” Well it’s pretty simple actually, Jesus said “Unless we are Born Again we can’t see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) Therefor if you are truly saved, you have baptised with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is living inside of you, therefore your heart and soul clings to every word of Christ. You have an appetite for the Word of God, and read it daily. Your desire is to be conformed to the image of Christ. As Jesus said, if you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you, then there should be evidence of the fruit of the Holy Spirit being produced

Now today’s Christianity is all about inclusiveness but is that Biblical? Well again according to the teachings of Christ its not. Jesus said “I didn’t come to bring peace but a sword” (Matthew 10:34) Jesus came to bring truth into the world because Christ is the Truth. Jesus came to bring the light into the world to separate the darkness because Christ is The Light. The idea that all religions can remain together is demonic, there is a separation between the Wheat and the Tares, the Sheep and the goats, The Saved and the unsaved. 

As the Apostle John said “If anyone comes to you, and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him in your house or greet him” Now todays Christianity would say “thats not Christian” but actually it is, its in the Bible. 

I will end with the doctrine of Christ, Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) Do you claim to love Christ? If you do , are you keeping his commandments? Is your life showing the fruit of the Holy Spirit? Remember doctrine matters, read your Bible! Amen!