Titus 1:1-4 (Day 1)

Greetings from Paul

 ¹ This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. ² This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. ³ And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him.

 ⁴ I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share. 

   May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.

Commentary

And my thoughts :)

1:1 - "the faith of God's elect" (Romans 8:33; Col 3:12).

• Both of these verses talk about how God has chosen us. Which reminds of of 1 Peter 2 when it talks about us being "a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God." I think the biggest part of this is - If this is how God views me: set-apart and special for Him - than I ought to live like it. Which is the reason Paul is writing to Titus: to teach us how to live godly lives. 

"and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness" (1 Tim 2:4; 2 Tim 2:23; 3:7).

• God's goal for my life is not only Salvation, but Sanctification: becoming like Jesus. Holy.
• I view Sanctification as a beautiful dance between knowledge of the truth and repentance: The Word of God convicts us with it's Truth - leading us to repentance, a "change in heart and conduct" which enables Truth to be lived out in our lives. It's one of the many ways that God's Word is "living and active."
• The danger however, is that you can be "always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth." I think this is where my headline comes into play: The Word of God is REVELATION. It is TRUTH not information. A PERSON not facts. I struggle with this a lot because I'm so used to studying for school. I have to constantly remind myself that this isn't so I can pass some test on all the facts, but so that the Holy Spirit can change me in such a way that can only happen if I'm reading Jesus. Maybe I'll start calling it that. Not bible study, . . . but Jesus Reading :) <3

1:2-3 "Resting on" should actually be "with a view to" (Ephesians 2:10). Paul's focus in all his ministry was with a view to eternal life.

     Jesus, I want to thank You for giving us Your word. Giving us the tools we need to allow Your sanctifying work to be completed. Help me in my prayer life and help me continue to start my day in You by reading the Word. Help me to get up when I need to and to live out what You teach me. I pray that as time goes on, I'll need it like I need air or food. I pray that through earnestly seeking You and Your presence my ear will be more readily turned toward You and I may more easily recognize Your voice. In Your amazing Name I pray. Amen.