March 25
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ON FOOLISH DISPUTES, STRIFE AND DIVISIVE PEOPLE
8 This statement is trustworthy; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and beneficial for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless. 10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a person has deviated from what is right and is sinning, being self-condemned.
– Titus 3:8-11
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Paul, once again gives additional instructions to Titus to ensure that those who have believed in God will follow godly living. In these passages, he warns the believers to always engage in doing good for it is beneficial for people. As believers, we can gain more insight from this letter of Paul to Titus as to how to live holy lives that edifies the body of Christ and glorify God.
What does a Christian life look like? It is a life that is not self-centered but God-centered. It is a life that isn’t trying to only think of one’s needs, but it is a selfless life, focused on serving God and others. What are good deeds? They are deeds that doesn’t bring a good image to oneself, but they are acts of genuine care and love for others. They are not transactions where one gives for the sake of gaining something back.
Paul further warns the believer to stay away from foolish controversies, disputes and arguments about the Law, because they are futile and a waste of time. Human reasoning and debates and arguments on anything are only an exercise of boasting. When people want to exchange about their opinions and assumptions, it doesn’t lead to anything. They are just perceptions and not true. Instead of these foolish and useless talk, why not meditate on the word of God and His laws?
In verses 10-11, Paul expounds on watching out for people who create division, animosity and conflict. They are people who want to tear down unity in the church and challenge the peace in the body. He tells the believers to confront a divisive person a first and a second warning because each believer is responsible to rebuke and correct someone who is sinning. He further explains that when someone wants to divide the body of Christ, they are purposefully doing evil. It is sad to watch so many churches now that do not confront or rebuke other believers who outrightly create division.
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REFLECTION
• How can we safeguard the body of Christ from divisive and quarrelsome people?
Tag Archives: Christian devotional
SAVED BY GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE ILMA’S VLOG
March 24
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SAVED BY GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people. 3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. – Titus 3:1-7
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In this letter, Paul instructs the believers to submit to authorities and be obedient to them. Paul wants the believers to learn to follow and obey the people whom God has positioned as their leaders. It will show that they honor the Lord when they respect those whom God has assigned to be their head. If one cannot submit to human leaders who are visible to them. how can they submit to God whom they do not see? Following authority is a manifestation that one is teachable and open to grow. The believers are expected to be always prepared for all occasions to do good and never to assassinate any person’s character by slandering the. This is a form of murder in the spirit, almost just like killing someone physically in person. The person’s character is maligned with malicious intentions.
Paul emphasizes to Titus, that believers should not be quarrelsome and must be kind and considerate to all people. Paul’s reason for giving kindness and grace is that we too, were given such by God when we were once unwise, rebellious, lost, in bondage to the flesh and cravings and engaging in hatred, jealousy and hating one another. It is humbling how Paul admits his sinfulness as well in verse 3. In verse 4, we find more reasons why we need to give grace and kindness to others: because Christ’s kindness and His love for all humanity, is enough purpose for us to give others the same mercy we were given. Christ saved us, not on the basis of our works and performance, but by his mercy and love, He poured his love for all of us by giving his only Son to make us heirs of eternal life.
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REFLECTION
• Why are there so many people who have a hard time understanding grace and mercy?
DENY UNGODLINESS AND WORLDLY DESIRES ILMA’S VLOG
March 23
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DENY UNGODLINESS AND WORLDLY DESIRES
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, 12instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds.15 These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. No one is to disregard you. – Titus 2: 11-15
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This part of the letter of Paul to Titus ties up the reason why the believers need to walk in faith. He mentions in verse 11 that the grace of God has arrived to bring salvation to all people. This letter may have been written in the times after the death of Christ, but they still all apply to all believers now.
Before the cross, we were all under God’s wrath. God hates sin and evil and because we inherited our sins from Adam and Eve, God made a way so that those consequences may be cleansed. So, He gave us the perfect sacrifice in His Son’s death on the cross. What was the aftermath of Jesus’ death? Grace was one of the results of Jesus’ sacrifice. He saved mankind from God’s wrath. So, he gave the invitation to all men that they can be saved. Although many Christians do not actually realize the magnitude and power of the cross, they have to be able to say “yes” to that invitation to the reconciliation through repentance and commitment to make Jesus your Lord and Savior. Paul stresses the importance of accepting this gift of salvation through Jesus’ death and also following the conditions that go with the commitment to Christ.
For all believers, we are instructed to turn our backs on evil and all cravings and worldly desires, to live wisely, always pursuing the righteousness of Christ. Sadly, many Christians haven’t counted the cost of what it takes to be a follower of Jesus. No one can truly be his disciple if one hasn’t given up everything and turn to follow the narrow path to Him. This is why Jesus died for us, so that it is possible to live holy and blameless lives. We cannot do it on our own. In verse 15, he instructs Titus not to be intimidated by anyone. Even though he was a young leader, he was given the authority to speak truth, exhort and rebuke with authority. So many people do not have the confidence and authority because many have not lived in God’s grace, but in their works of the flesh and own efforts.
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REFLECTION
• How is denying ungodliness and worldly desires keys to living holy lives?
FOR THE YOUNG MEN AND SLAVES ILMA’S VLOG
March 22
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FOR THE YOUNG MEN AND SLAVES
Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.9 Urge slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not stealing, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. – Titus 2:6-10
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Paul instructs the young men and the slaves in the following passages from his letter to Titus. For the young men, he wants them to be sensible. Sensible is defined as someone who is aware or conscious of his surroundings or sensations and thoughts, or responsive to physical stimuli. In other words, they are not clueless or insensitive to their surroundings and others. It would be such a shame to have a believer who is oblivious to his thoughts, God’s laws, to his surroundings and others. That would be foolish and selfish. They are also admonished to be role models of righteousness and know principles
of the laws of God in a pure and dignified manner. They are required to speak truth in love and beyond reproach, so that whoever opposes them will have no reason to say anything badly about them. The young men are easily prone to passions and impulses. Paul sees the possible problems that may arise if the youth follow their nature. It was something that Paul needed to emphasize because when you are young and free, one can easily be mindless and reckless which is unattractive to those who do not know Christ. It does not manifest the mind and heart of the Lord.
The slaves were also given instruction that they submit to their own masters in all things, to give their masters joy and satisfaction in how they serve them and not going against their authority and demands. They should not take anything that doesn’t belong to them and show them all the respect that they will also show God himself. In other words, they need to do to their masters, what they would do to God as well. As believers, Paul expects them to follow how humbly Jesus served mankind by dying for humanity to free them from sin.
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REFLECTION
• What is the relevance of these instructions to our youth and workers today?
INSTRUCTION TO OLDER MEN AND OLDER WOMEN ILMA’S VLOG
March 21
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INSTRUCTION TO OLDER MEN AND OLDER WOMEN
But as for you, proclaim the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
– Titus 2:1-5
________________________________________Paul instructs Titus to ensure that sound doctrine is clearly given to the believers. He specifically gives how the older male believers need to live a life of purity for the Lord. To walk in the faith, they are required to conduct themselves worthy of their Lord.
1. Temperate – someone who can restrain themselves and shows moderation
2. Dignified – calm and distinguished and respectable
3. Self-controlled- self-disciplined, knows how to govern oneself
4. Sound in faith- someone who can manifest their faith in his life
5. Sound in love- someone who can exercise the love that is sampled by the Lord
6. Sound in perseverance- someone who is diligent in pressing on no matter how hard circumstances or situations are.
For the older women, Paul has a longer list for them to follow.
1. Reverent in their behavior -someone who acts prudent and decent and respectable
2. No gossips- someone who doesn’t slander others or spread rumors
3. Not enslaved to drinking wine- someone who do not over indulge in drinking wine
4. To teach what is good- someone who is a teacher of righteousness
5. Train younger women to love their husband and children
6. To be sensible – someone who is practical and functional rather than decorative
7. To be pure – someone who is not contaminated easily by the world
8. To be workers at home- in other words, domesticated or a home maker
9. To be kind- gentle, generous, caring, thoughtful and helpful
10. To be subject to their own husbands – to submit to their husbands in everything or to honor their husband’s authority and not rebel or try to control them.
Surely, Paul spelled out to them how to live pure and holy lives for Christ.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for the elder believer to continue to follow these instructions?
BEWARE OF EVIL RELIGIOUS PEOPLE
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March 19
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BEWARE OF EVIL RELIGIOUS PEOPLE
10 For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. For this reason, reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. – Titus 1:10-14
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In these passages in his letter to Titus, Paul warns the believers of those who are Jewish, who believe that the circumcision is a law that needs to be followed in order to be saved. He wants to correct these legalistic Jews that salvation is a gift of grace by God through faith in Christ alone.
Paul describes these circumcised Jews in verse 10 as rebels, empty talkers and deceivers. Why did Paul call them out as having these vicious traits and cautioned believers to be mindful of these Judaizers? What do rebels (disobedient) empty talkers (or boasters) and deceivers (manipulators) have in common? They are self-seeking and liars. They want to look good and lie to others so they can manipulate them into looking up to their accolades and achievements. In verse 11, Paul instructs Titus to ensure that these legalists are silenced for they have been victimizing whole families and teaching them false things for their own gains. Paul quotes one of these prophets who actually say that Cretans are liars, evil beasts and lazy gluttons.
Barclay comments “That does not imply that they are to be silenced by violence or persecution… it became the normal word for to silence a person by reason.” Matthew Henry says that “Faithful ministers must oppose such in good time, that their folly being made manifest, they may go no further. They had a base end in what they did; serving a worldly interest under pretence of religion: for the love of money is the root of all evil.” He further says that “Christian meekness is as far from cowardly passing over sin and error, as from anger and impatience, but the sharpest reproofs must aim at the good of the reproved; and soundness in the faith is most desirable and necessary.”
Clearly, Paul cares for his flock ensured that believers are not misled and taken advantage of by these corrupt and evil people who are only after selfish gains.
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REFLECTION
• How can we put a stop to religious manipulators who take advantage of others?
QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELDERS ILMA’S VLOG
March 18
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QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELDERS
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion. 7 For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined, 9 holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.
– Titus 1:5-9
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In this letter of Paul to Titus, he is giving him instructions to bring the church in order and appoint elders in each city that he asks him to go. Paul gave instructions to both Timothy and Titus between AD 62-64 with almost parallel qualifications for leadership in the church.
Let’s look closely what Paul requires for the elders to qualify as leaders in the church. He must be beyond reproach which means that he is a person of integrity, living and following the honorable and pure life that Jesus sampled for his followers. That he is a faithful husband to only one wife. Loyalty to the Lord and devotion to one woman is like the Lord being faithful to his bride, the church. He must have children who walk in the faith and not immoral or rebellious. Why is this important? When you have leaders who cannot manage their own children, how can they be expected to manage the body of Christ? In lieu of this, he must also be a good steward, meaning he takes care of the flock that is assigned to him and responsibly manage God’s people and resources. Can you imagine if someone isn’t accountable to others when it come to managing the body of Christ? They will easily be tempted to mismanage what they are responsible for. He must be honest and not self-willed. He must not be concerned with his own schemes but of God’s will. He cannot be a drunk or a bully or be greedy because this will be someone who is living in the flesh and immature. Hospitality, loving righteousness, prudence, pure and disciplined are also included in the list. I think the most important in this list is that they are faithful to the word of God and can teach sound doctrine and live what they teach so that they can defend the gospel to those who contradict it and encourage maturity in their faith.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think Paul requires so much from the elders of the church?
TITUS, A REMARKABLE MINISTER ILMA’S VLOG
March 17
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TITUS, A REMARKABLE MINISTER
Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, 3 but at the proper time revealed His word in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior;4 To Titus, my true son in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.- Titus 1:1-4
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This letter of Paul was addressed to his beloved Titus, whom he called here as his true son in faith. We learn that Titus was a Greek, in other words, a Gentile as Galatians 2:3 says. In verse 4 here, we clearly see that Paul was the one who led Titus to Christ as Paul calls him true son in common faith. In Galatians 2:3, we know that Titus didn’t get circumcised as required by the law. He proved that the rite of circumcision is unnecessary for salvation.
Gotquestions.org comments on Titus: As a Gentile Christian, Titus would have been particularly effective in combating the heresy of the Judaizers. The Judaizers insisted that all Christians were bound by the Mosaic Law. Usually, the Judaizers honed in on circumcision: Gentiles must be circumcised, they said, in order to truly be saved (see Paul’s refutation of this teaching in Galatians 5:1-6). Titus knew this teaching well, for the subject had come up in Syrian Antioch, leading to the Jerusalem Council, of which he had been a part.
In this letter, Paul stresses the importance of growth of the faith of the believers and their knowledge of the truth and living godly live. In verse 2, he reminds them of God’s promise of eternal life which was given many years ago, but instructs them to hold on to that hope that they will be recipients of this eternal life as long as they continue to press on their maturity as believers.
This letter speaks very lovingly of his beloved Titus, whom he himself brought to God’s Kingdom. It must have been very heart warming to know that someone you have converted and discipled is walking and growing in the knowledge of God and in the building of the church and bringing the gospel to many places.
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul mentions how Titus’ heart is to grow the church and his passion to do so is a great example for any believer to emulate. A remarkable follower of Jesus.
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REFLECTION
• How can a believer stay passionate with his ministry like Titus?
INSTRUCTIONS TO NYMPHA AND ARCHIPPUS ILMA’S VLOG
March 16
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INSTRUCTIONS TO NYMPHA AND ARCHIPPUS
15 Greet the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. 16 When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part, read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus, “See to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.”18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. – Colossians 4:15-18
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In an article entitled “Nympha: a house church leader in the Lycus Valley” by Marg Mowczko, an Australian theologian and writer wrote in summary: Whether Nympha lived in Laodicea or Colossae, or even Hierapolis, there is little doubt she hosted a house church. This means she may have been the patron and, most likely, the supervisor of the congregation. That Paul does not greet anyone else connected with the house church, makes the idea fairly certain that Nympha was its leader in verse 15 and Paul definitely approved of her leadership.
According to gotquestions.org, many believe Archippus to have been the son of Philemon and Apphia, close friends of Paul’s. The connection between Archippus and Philemon seems clear in Philemon 1:2–2, “To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker—also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home” Paul is writing to a household. Philemon; his wife, Apphia; and his son, Archippus comprise the family unit. The church of Colossae met in their home.
Some believe Paul’s words to Archippus to “complete the ministry” are a gentle rebuke for having neglected certain of his duties. But a majority see Paul’s admonition to Archippus as simple encouragement,
In this letter, we see how Paul exercises his authority on the churches that was planted as a result of him bringing the gospel to the Gentiles. He specifically instructs those in leadership to ensure that they are fulfilling their roles and exercising their gifts to build the church and bring glory to the heavenly Father.
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REFLECTION
• Why is important for church leaders to be accountable to their spiritual head?
THREE JEWISH FRIENDS OF PAUL BRINGING HIM COMFORT ILMA’S VLOG
March 14
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THREE JEWISH FRIENDS OF PAUL BRINGING HIM COMFORT
10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’ cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him); 11 and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. – Colossians 4:10-11:
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Aristarchus was a Thessalonian believer who was a close companion of Paul. Acts 20:4 says that he was a Macedonian from Thessalonica. Acts 19:29 mentions him again as one of the travel companions of Paul when he was in Ephesus when a riot happened there. In Acts 27:2, Aristarchus was mentioned again as a companion of Paul as he sails to Rome. In Philemon 24 Paul referred to him again as a fellow prisoner of Christ as he tells the Colossians his greetings for them. It seems that Aristarchus was always with Paul especially when Paul was in situations of trouble. William Ramsay suggests that he actually made himself Paul’s slave so that he could travel with him on this journey to Rome.
John Mark who is usually known as Mark, is the author of the gospel of Mark. As Paul mentions here, he is Barnabas’ cousin. In Acts 13:5, Mark and Barnabas were with Paul in his first missionary journey but in Acts 15, we hear that Mark deserted Paul and went home to his mother. According to Bruce, it “It is from this reference alone that we learn that Mark was Barnabas’ cousin – a piece of information which throws light on the special consideration which Barnabas gives to Mark in the narrative of Acts.” It seems that in this letter, Paul has forgiven Mark during those time that he deserted him as he highly endorses him to be welcomed by the believers in Colossae.
According to biblestudytools.com, Jesus Justus is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament, and there is nothing more known about him than is given in this passage, namely, that he was by birth a Jew–“of the circumcision”–that he had been converted to Christ, and that he was one of the inner circle of intimate friends and associates of the apostle during his first Roman captivity.
David Guzik comments that at that time, Paul had only three fellow workers with a Jewish heritage. Yet these three did a great work, they proved to be a comfort to Paul.
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REFLECTION
• How important is it for believers to have fellow-believers who can walk with them through thick or thin?