But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. Titus 3:9-11

If there is a theme for social media, its right here, as the Apostle Paul said “Avoid stupid arguments” Ok I’m paraphrasing that , but we get the point. Stop wasting our time on dumb arguments that are not fruitful for anything. As the Apostle Paul says here “they are unprofitable and useless”

Next time you get into one of these arguments or debates, ask yourself “What is the point of this conversation”? Are you glorifying God or are you just trying to win an argument? Some people just want to argue for the sake of arguing, they have no real desire for truth. Discern , is this person really interested in hearing the truth? 

Another good question , “Is this topic relevant to their salvation”? Alot of Christians like to waste alot of time on non salvational issues, such as the timing of the Rapture or is the Earth old or new? While these can be interesting topics, and we can really dive into these, getting these “wrong” is not going to condemn you to Hell. We need to stay Kingdom focused. 

Now what about the person who just continually argues with you about the same thing over and over again? Well the Apostle Paul addressing this also “reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition or warning” If someone is preaching heresy and you correct them, if they won’t listen, you are to move on. One thing we need to learn is we are not the Holy Spirit. We are not going to be able to change peoples hearts and minds, we are not going to be able to make people repent of their sins, we are not going to regenerate them, these are all jobs of the Holy Spirit. All we can do is preach the truth faithfully

Many Christians spend too much time trying to convert a particular individual, thats not your job. If you shared the gospel with them and the love of Christ, there is nothing more you can do. Let God do his work and we do our work, the Church wastes too much time in pointless arguments and trying to be the Holy Spirit. 

As the Apostle Paul states “these people are self condemned” if you already shared the gospel with them, and they rejected the gospel, they have condemned themselves. You are not the Holy Spirit that is going to change their mind and heart, move on to more lost souls that are willing to receive the gospel, preach the gospel to all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen!

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:6-7

What gives you hope in life? There is only one thing that can give you real hope in this world and that is Jesus Christ! As the Apostle Paul teaches us today by inspiration of the Holy Spirit “Made heirs according to the hope of eternal life” Through Christ we are made Heirs of Hope, this is a living hope, not like the world that is fading away

As we talked about previously, we must be Born Again (John 3:3) we must be regenerated by the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul continues today “Which He (Father) shed on us (Holy Spirit) abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, notice the Trinity in clear display here for your salvation. The Holy Spirit is poured down upon the children of God, this is the baptism of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5) this is the regeneration.

And not only are we Born Again, then as the Apostle Paul says “being justified by His grace” We then become justified before God the Father for our sins, how? This is why Jesus Christ went to the cross, to pay the penalty for your sins, so we can be justified before God the Father. As the Apostle Paul says “He made him, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that we can become the righteousness of God in Him (Christ)” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

So God cleans us and then redeems us, through the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit. This is our living hope, this is the true gospel, everyone who repents and puts their faith and trust as Jesus Christ as Lord, shall be saved (Mark 1:15, Acts 2:38) 

So again I ask you the question, what gives you hope? Is your hope in yourself? Is your hope in your wealth? In your health? In your own righteousness? Our only living hope is through The Lord Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins, and rising on the 3rd day , giving us eternal hope and victory!

As the Apostle Paul says here “Made Heirs according to the hope of eternal life” We are Heirs of Hope because Christ Is Risen, Christ Is Risen Indeed! Amen!

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Titus 3:3-5

One of the doctrines that doesn’t get talked about very much today is regeneration of the Holy Spirit. There are many who claim to be Christians, yet see no change in their life. There are others who claim to be Christians, and then one day decide they no longer believe. How does this happen? Well the simple question is, were they ever Born Again (John 3:3)? 

Christianity is not just another religion, its not just a title or status someone claims or is born with. To be a Christian, meaning your identity is in Christ, you have to be regenerated or reborn by the Holy Spirit. This is a total supernatural transformation of your entire soul. As the Apostle Paul said “You are either Alive in Christ or dead in sin” (Ephesians 2:5) 

As the Apostle Paul says here “for we ourselves also were” notice the past tense, before we became saved we were depraved, we were dead in our sins. When we become saved in Christ, we don’t remain the same as we were. It’s impossible to become Born Again, baptized by the Holy Spirit (John 3:5) and not be transformed in Christ. If you are still the same creature you were when you became saved, then I would have to say , something is wrong! You can’t have the Holy Spirit living inside of you and not transforming you!

Now the next point I want to make, is we are saved by the grace of God and not of ourselves. (Ephesians 2:8-9) As the Apostle Paul says here “ But after the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared” Why are any of us saved? Because God loves you, that’s simply it. God has chosen you and saved you because He loves you (Ephesians 1:4) 

The fact you are saved is all glory to God and no credit to yourself, as the Apostle Paul says “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” Its by the works of Christ we are saved not by ourselves. If we did anything to save ourselves then it wouldn’t be grace. The only reason your saved is because Christ has chosen you and showed his love and mercy towards you

So what happens when we become saved? As Jesus said “You must be Born Again” (John 3:3) As the Apostle Paul says here “washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” You are made alive in Christ by the Holy Spirit, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all working together in unison for your salvation. The question I want to leave with you is Are you Born Again? Have you been regenerated by the Holy Spirit? Are you a new creation in Christ? Amen!

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. Titus 3:1-2

As we look around the world, we see chaos and the breakdown of civil law and order. So how does God maintain Law and Order in a fallen world? This is why God has ordained the governments and law authorities and put them in place, to try and restrain evil and maintain some sense of order. 

As the Apostle Paul said this under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit , “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” (Romans 13:1) We learn a few things here, first God ordained all the governments of the world for order and structure, and we are to respect the authorities that are above us, to the best of our abilities.

This is the same the Apostle Paul is saying here to Titus “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates” We as Christians are to strive to live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:18) To be a good example for the rest of the fallen world, that includes paying our taxes and obeying the laws of the land. As the Lord Jesus said “Render to Caesar what is Caesers and Render to God what is Gods” (Mark 12:17) Give to the governments what belongs to the governments, and give to God what belongs to God. 

Now of course because we live in a fallen world, the governments are all corrupted, and some are very wicked and evil. Some governments abuse their authority and use it to oppress the people. So what do we do when the laws of the governments conflict with the laws of God? Well as the Apostle Peter and the other Apostles  said “We obey God rather than man” (Acts 5:29) When the laws of the government conflict with the laws of God, we always obey God first before men. This obviously sometimes will have repercussions, but we must stay obedient to our one and only Lord Jesus Christ

A good example is when King Nebuchadnezzar was forcing everyone to bow down to his golden statue. The Hebrew men refused because it violated the law of God, which overrides the law of man. The consequences meant death, as they were thrown into the fiery furnace, however there was a 4th man in there, the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who spared their lives. We must remain faithful to God even if it means persecution or even death. (Daniel 3)

We worship a God of Law and Order, not a God of chaos or confusion (1 Cor. 14:33) Obey The Lord and strive to live in peace with everyone, the world is not our home, our Kingdom is eternal with The Lord, Amen!

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; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. Titus 2:11-15

Today we look at some powerful words and revelation from the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” God has become flesh in our Lord Jesus Christ, those who deny the Trinity deny the Word of God. Salvation has appeared to everyone, the Word became Flesh and dwelled among us, Christ was not just another man or prophet, Jesus Christ is God in human form.

What did The Lord Jesus teach us? As it is written in the Word of God, “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts” This idea we just say we are a Christian and continue to live in our sins is unBiblical. The liberal , progressive, watered down gospel of today saves nobody, as Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you can’t see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) You must be reborn , you must be regenerated by the Holy Spirit, you can’t remain dead in your sins and alive in Christ (Ephesians 2)

How should we live? As it is written, “ we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world”  There should be evidence of our conversion, there should be fruits of the Holy Spirit being produced, if you continue to live like the world, dead in your sins, then what did Jesus save you from? Christ came to set you free , not keep you in bondage of sin (John 8) If the Holy Spirit is truly living inside of you, then how can there be no fruit of the Holy Spirit being produced? (Galatians 5)

So what is our hope? As it is written “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” Again notice the Apostle Paul literally calls Jesus Christ God. Secondly, all our hope is in Jesus Christ and not ourselves. We have this living hope, because Christ is Risen, Christ has overcome the world and the grave, we have Victory in Jesus Christ, our great God and Savior

What did Christ do for us? “He gave himself for us” Christ died for our sins, why? “That He might redeem us” Christ justified us before The Father by paying the penalty for our sins. And then notice what Christ did, “And purify for Himself his own special people” Christ baptized us with the Holy Spirit, regenerating us and setting us apart as His Church, the Children of God

The Apostle Paul ends with instructions “Speak these things” Preach the true and undefiled gospel, Repent of your sins and put your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, who died for you, redeemed you, and purified you , Amen!

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. Titus 2:9-10

Today we look at a text that many non-believers will claim supports the idea of Western cultural slavery. And at first glance in the English translation, it might seem that way. But to understand the Bible , we need to understand the cultural context and look at the original Greek language. With a little research, the skeptic claims are easily debunked. After all , historically speaking, The BIble was used as the foundation to end slavery by Abraham Lincoln. What was the difference? Context is key, many who quote the Bible , have no true understanding of The Bible

So as we look at our controversial word, the original Greek “Doulos” which is translated in English several ways as slave, servant, and bondservant. So which English translation is correct? Well if we understand the cultural context, they are all technically correct, but the question is do we understand the Greco-Roman concept of a slave? Most people don’t , they use their Western cultural idea of slave, which is not the context of the Bible. We when try to apply our 21rst century ideas to the context of the BIble, that’s when error begins

As we look at different commentaries, Elliots commentary begins “The accurate translation here is bond servants” If we look at alot of our reliable English translations such as ESV, NASB,  and NKJV , they all translate to Bond Servants/Slaves also. I would argue this is the best translation in our English language also, why? Because Bond Servant gives us the best context and understanding of what is being conveyed here. 

What is a Bond Servant? Bond Servants are almost what we consider employee/employers relationships today. Bond Servants often voluntarily committed themselves as servants to a master in exchange for housing and food. This is not the same concept as we would think of a slave in Western culture. It’s not someone held against their will to a ruler, its more of a employee/employer relationship

So what is the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit trying to teach us? That in all things we should be obedient to authority. Just as we are obedient to our Lord Jesus Christ , we should also be obedient and subject to our employer, or government, or families ect. We should have a “servant-like” mentality as a Christian. We should be willing to serve and glorify our God. We should work honestly and hard working, not living immoral or any behavior that is disgraceful to our Lord , because in everything we do , we do it for the glory of God

Now when come to remaining loyal to our employers or government, I understand there are limitations. If our governing bodies are corrupted and wicked, then we obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29) But primarily our goal is to “strive to live in peace with everyone” (Hebrews 12:14) Be the salt and light of Christ , (Matthew 5) be the hands and feet of Christ in everything we do, all Glory to God! Amen!

Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Titus 2:6-8

As I want to continually remind you we are in a spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6) Satan wants to destroy your soul and Jesus wants to save your soul. Every human alive is in this battle, and they don’t even know it. While the world like to seduce and deceive the masses, by keeping them intoxicated and slaves to sin, God is raising up a Holy Army to fight the demonic forces of this world.

Where are the Men of God in this generation? People like to complain about the problems of this world, the moral collapse of society and the family, the root of this problem is the majority of men have abandoned their God ordained role as a Man of God, the Head of the Family and Church.  The collapse of the family and the Church are direct result of most men living in disobedience to God. Just as the angels abandoned their God ordained positions to fornicate with the world (Jude 1:6), most Men have done the same

So what does God expect of us? Be sober minded or self controlled. How can you hear the voice of the Great Shepherd when your never sober? How can you keep your flesh under control of sin when you’re intoxicated? The reality is most crime happens when people are under the influence. The battle begins in your mind, once you become drunk, you already lost the battle, your vulnerable for the devil to devour you like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) 

As a Man of God, you are a leader , you need to set a good example for the community. When you fall to sin, not only do you fail yourself, but you failed your entire family and community. As the Apostle Paul says here “Show yourself to be a pattern of good works” Do others see Christ in you? If you want to see a change in your family or Church, you be the change, set the tone, make a difference, be the Man of God your called to be

The Apostle Paul mentions also “in your doctrine or teaching” As the Man of God you are a teacher for your family and community. How can you be a teacher when you don’t practice what you preach? Live with integrity, reverence, and incorruptibility. The world will oppose you and call you strange, receive this as a badge of honor to serve The Lord Jesus Christ

Lastly, make sure your speech can’t be condemned, preach and speak the truth. The world loves to gossip and brag, making carnal stories. Be a Man of integrity, speaking truth that can’t be refuted. Notice the Apostle Paul calls these people your opponent , make no mistake you are in a spiritual warfare!

Now I know this is a big calling, and its not for the faint of heart, but Christ has given us the Holy Spirit to lives inside of us, the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead is living inside of You! (Romans 8:11) Live for Christ, because Christ died for You! Amen!

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Titus 2:1-5

Church discipline is something most Christians today may not of even heard of, its something that is not practiced or implemented in most Churches today, which is most likely why we see such depravity in the Church today. From the Word of God, there is an order of the Church and their is an expected conduct of the Church also. We can’t claim to be Christians when we look nothing like Christ, the Church should model their lives and conduct after our Lord Jesus Christ

Now as we look at the list of ways the Church should be behaving, this should be common sense. If your calling yourself a Christian, then you should be Born Again, filled and led by the Holy Spirit and in obedience to your Lord Jesus Christ. You should walk in the Spirit and not by the flesh (Galatians 5:16) A Church that is carnally minded and driven is worldly, it’s known by its fruit. Unless a Church be led by the Holy Spirit and not the ways of the world, it will never fulfill its anointed purpose to be the body of Christ

As we see in this teaching by the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, God has a creation order, God , man, woman, and children. This order and structure is the infrastructure to creation and the Church. This is why Satan spends so much time trying to destroy the order of Creation and the family. All of these attacks on the divine nature of creation, are deliberate personal attacks against God. When you break down the order of Creation, not only does society suffer but also the Church suffers, as the Church compromises and adapts worldly ideas that weakens the leadership of the Church

I like how the Apostle Paul concludes this list by saying “that the Word of God may not be blasphemed or discredited” There are many who will reject this list given by the Apostle for the Church, to disregard these instructions is to blasphemy the Word of God. The Church is a family of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, when we act and behave like the family of God, we bring glory to our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen!

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Titus 1:15-16

There is a dividing line between the pure and the defiled and its the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ foundational teaching “Unless you are Born Again, you wont see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) This is the dividing line between a true Christian and a false convert. As the Apostle Paul says under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “Unto the pure all things are pure” So who is the pure, and how can you become pure?

The pure are those who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, those who have been called by the Father and cleansed by the blood of Christ. You are alive in Christ and dead to sin (Ephesians 2) This is the only way to become pure by Christ, and when you have been made alive in Christ, the law of God is written on your heart, you now walk in the Spirit and not the flesh, therefor you have freedom in Christ, because you are no longer under the law but under grace, a concept the world can’t comprehend

But to those who have not been baptised by the Holy Spirit, they are still defiled, therefor they see the world in a depraved state. They live by the flesh and not the Spirit, they are driven by their carnal lusts and needs, which defiles their minds and bodies even further daily. They can’t see the beauty in the gifts from God because they are corrupted and tainted. 

However there are many who claim to be saved, many who claim to be Christians, some even leaders in the Church who are not regenerated. They are wolves in sheeps clothing, so how can you decipher? As the Apostle Paul says “They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him” As the Lord Jesus said “You will know them by their fruit” (Matthew 7) They claim to be Christians but their lives and actions tell a different story. They walk by the flesh and not by the Holy Spirit. 

The NKJV says “they are disqualified for every good work” Just like the Pharisees and Saudacees , there are many corrupt religious leaders in today’s Church, that are disqualified to be serving. What is the difference? They are unregenerate, and  without the Holy Spirit, you are not qualified to serve The Lord

In the words of The Lord Jesus Christ “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8) Amen!

For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Titus 1:10-14

As we continue to take a look at the role of leaders in the Church and their responsibilities and qualifications. It’s very clear, one of the roles of the leader, whether Pastor, Elder, or Bishop, is to protect the Church from false teachers and rebuke those false teachers sharply. Again the word Pastor is latin for Shepherd, so think of the leadership role in the Church as a Shepherd overlooking their flock. This is how God designed the Church

The Apostle Paul also gave some specific examples to Titus to emphasize his points. Paul explains these false teachers are deceivers and rebellious people. In todays Christianity we don’t want to rebuke anyone, we don’t want to offend anyone. But its Biblical, as a leader of the Church, you must protect your flock from false teachers and rebuke those wolves. Failure to do this is failure to fulfill your calling as a leader of the Church

So what is the result if you don’t protect your Church from false teachers? Well the Apostle Paul reveals to us “who subvert entire households, teaching things which they should not teach, for lucrative gain” If you allow these false teachers to penetrate the Church, they will deceive a large portion of the congregation. This will have disastrous results on your congregation, as they will become split and divided

Now here’s an interesting note, the Apostle Paul says “One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said” So what is Paul talking about here? Did God ordain a false prophet? No, to understand this we need to understand the Greco-Roman context of the scripture. It was common in the Greek culture to reference poets as prophets, infact the words were typically used interchangeably. The Greeks were a pagan culture, and believe in many gods, so it’s not suprising they would believe a poet could be divine is some way. So the Apostle Paul is pointing out, one of their famous poets declared “All Cretens are liars, evil brutes, and lazy gluttons”

Its obvious this is a very vague and discriminatory statement made by the poet, however their were people who took this statement as divinely inspired therefor created a false teaching. Do you see how these ideas can quickly escalate and create a life of their own. This is why the Apostle Paul is teaching Titus and us, it’s very important for the leaders of the Church, to rebuke these false teachings and whoever is spreading them without remorse for the greater good of the Church

So what was the Apostle Pauls conclusion for these false teachers “Rebuke them Sharply” don’t allow the wolves to overtake the Church, don’t allow the false teachings to creep into the Church and deceive the bretheren , Amen!