Titus 3:12-15 (Day 9)

3:12-13 - Titus was supposed to see that Artemas, Tychcius, Zenas and Apollos, had everything the needed.
Servants of Christ who are called to travel from place to place have always received support from the churches (3 John 6-8).
This always kind of scares me because I've heard from multipule churches that the back bone of a lot of their finances comes from the older generation. Whom are likely to die soon. And the younger ones either are small in number, or don't pay tithe. I should probably start praying for this - hopefully I remember - I want to trust that God's got everything in control and it'll all work out but it just seems like satan is flurishing in our society right now and Christians aren't being Christ-like. I shutter to think about how much worse it's going to be once I have kids, but I try to remind myself that Brother Lawrence resolved that he was suprised things weren't worse "given the malice that sinners were capable of."


3:14 - It's important for Christians to be able to provide for at least the daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. Paul was stressing the need for good works, not to earn salvation but to serve others.
I have it in my mind that it is God's will for us to work to be able to provide for ourselves and our families. Nate is so great at getting up and going to work. Once summer starts, I'm looking to get a job and we'll see how that goes . . . 
but I think this verse brings out something that we all think is "a nice thing to do" but how many of us practice it outside of tithing, or maybe supporting a child in a far off country with a fixed amount of money each month. To quote Matthew West: "I throw a 20 in the plate but I never give till it hurts."
I love how Jesus met practical needs before preaching at people. What's that song? "They will know we are Christians by our love"? I think people see that we care about them when they can see it us loving them costs us something. It's not easy, or convieniet, and often "puts us out" - when looking at it from a natural perspective. But I think supernaturally, something happens when we love, and give, and care. Hearts soften and through that are able to receive what the Holy Spirit is trying to say. 
Which is all beautiful but I gotta tell ya - I'm STINGY!! O man, I hold on to my money and I like to build up my nest egg, not tear it apart twig by twig giving pieces to other people!! But it's not my money. And I have to wonder how big of a nest egg Nate and I can have before we're trusting in money and we have miss an assignment to give. 


Jesus, open my hands and free money from the death grip I've placed around it. Help Nathan and I to serve one Master, trusting in You alone. Jesus, when there is an oppurtinity, help Nathan and I to be in accord with it and may our hearts be cheerful when giving. Help me to see the blessing in it and desire from a genuine love to help others. Sometimes that's not in money, but with simple, kind, thoughtful gestures. Whatever it takes, help me to give of myself. Pour out myself like You did, so that I may be refilled by Your Holy Spirit. Amen.





3:15 - the "you" is plural and is meant in a broader sense, not just Titus.

Titius 3:9-11 (Day 8)

3:9 - If sound teaching is profitable for everyone, foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the Law . . . are unprofitable and useless. This is a repeated theme in the Pastorals - Titus was to avoid (lit. "Turn away from") such things.
I'm going to have to remember verse 9 when I want to get all up in someone's grill and tell them what's what ; ) Seriously though, I've done this SO MANY TIMES. I couldn't even count. Sunday school was so boring for me I would love to argue with the teacher -- which wasn't hard, the man's idea of how to live out proper theology was warped-- Jesus help me to to "Turn away from" such things.

3:10-11 - The people who advocate for these useless things and thereby exerting a dividing and destroying influence over the church, Paul's instructions were direct and specific. He was to give them two warnings and if that didn't work, he was to have nothing to do with them.
-Paul's thought here is similar to the Lord's instructions when He taught that after giving and offender 3 changes to repent he is then to be cut off.

• Matt 18:15-17  - When a brother sins against a brother - the two of them should discuss the matter in private (Unless you know you clearly did something wrong, it's the person who's been OFFENDED that supposed to bring it to your attention. Don't stress out over mind games - if they have a problem, they need to let you know.) Then bring in 2-3 witnesses for a clear testimony. If that doesn't work, the situation should be brought before THE ENTIRE CHURCH. If he still refuses to acknowledge his sin, he is to be treated as an outsider.
• 2 Thes. 3:14-15 - Special treatment for the idle  . . . the faithful where not to have social contact with them until they repented. This would make the offender feel ashamed so that he would repent. The goal is repentance, not division. However, he is to be treated as a brother, not any enemy. It's not about cutting off all contact, it's about stopping social conduct and connections. It's important to not view this person as an antagonist against yourself and the church, but to wait patiently to admonish him to forsake the error of his ways.

Jesus, also help me deal with people in the best possible way. Help me to make Your standards better and see what the best way to go about this is. What I should I do in the case of (___)? Gosh, it seems so mean, help me to see it from Your point of view. Help me to listen for the Spirit and follow the Scriptures. *Sigh* I don't like this part . . . 

Titus 3:3-8 (Day 7)

3:3 - Paul never forgot the sinful condition from which he and his converts had been salvaged. Foolish, not sensible. Disobedient, instead of submissive. Deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures instead of self-disciplined and ready for every good work. Far from being peaceable, considerate and humble they were characterized by malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 

I made part of that verse pink because I'm going to try to quote it to myself when I would rather sleep than spend time in the Word before heading of to School. It's not that I can't spend time with God at any other point in the day - cause I'm hoping to enjoy and glorify Him all throughout the day - but without the transforming power of the Word of God I don't think I can live the way He wants me to that day. I think I'll miss the mark.

Secondly, I felt God wasn't pleased with the way I had been talking about someone (slander) so I called up the two people whom I had talked to and asked for forgiveness and tried to do it in a way that they might hold me accountable in the future. I feel like the "malice, envy, being hated and hating" part can really fall in line with girls of my peer group. It is so hard to not look at what they have and compare myself to it and become envious or hateful. I'm learning to depend on Jesus to help me be considerate and humble putting them above myself. Yes, even in my social work classes - peaceable. 

• 1 Cor 6:9-11:  ⁹ Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders ¹⁰ nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹ And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
• Eph 4:17-24: ¹⁷ So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹ Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. ²⁰ You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. ²¹ Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds;²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
• Col 3:5-7: Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. ⁶ Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.^[a] 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. ⁸ But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. ⁹ Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Such is the brutish existence of a people apart from God. No matter how they appear to be.
 I liked these verses and wanted to show case them because I think they put things into perspective. The Orange is part of our responsibility: We have to, must, insist on being done with what's involved with sin, what God hates. And the Green shows how it's by Christ that that can all happen. We "put on the new self" when we are renewed in the knowledge of our Creator - aka enlightened by the Holy Spirit as we read the Word. 


3:4 - All of that changed when the kindness and love ("philanthropia" lit. "love for  man") of God our Savior appeared. The contrast is startling: in verse 3, man is the actor. In verses 4-7 man is merely the recipient, and God becomes the actor. What man could not do for himself, God initiated for him.


3:5 - God in His grace saves those who do not believe, not because of any righteousness in them but because of His mercy. 

• The three words "kindness" "love" and "mercy" all represent aspects of God's grace. 
• The Dual means through which He accomplished this salvation are 1) the rebirth spoken of as a washing from the filth of sin and 2) the renewal by the Holy Spirit - the Agent of Regeneration (cf 2 Cor 5:17). - a change in our attitudes and actions.
• No mention of the role of faith because Paul's focus was on what God had done, not human response.

3:6 - God poured out the Holy Spirit on the world generously through Jesus Christ our Savior. Jesus was the Mediator of the Spirit. The language intensionally conjures up images of the day of Pentecost.


3:7 - God's purpose in pouring out the Holy Spirit was so that, having been justified by His grace, believers might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. - The ministry of the Holy Spirit is intimately involved with bring to fruition God's gracious purposes to save. What God in His grace began, God in His grace will see to the end, through His Spirit. 


3:8 - Titus need to stress these things in order to promote godly behavior in his listeners. - Paul was deeply concerned that God's people devote themselves to doing what is good because these things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Titus was to promote good works for they go hand in hand with sound doctrine. 


     Dear Jesus, I ask that you change me through rebirth by washing a way the filth of sin and the patterns it has placed on my life and that You renew me by the Holy Spirit and the reading of Your Word - changing my heart, attitude, and actions. Help me to depend on You for help when the Holy Spirit convicts my heart. We can do this, we're a team :) God I want to thank You for Your plan. For Your gracious view toward us. Thank You for loving us and wanting us to be with You. Jesus, thank You for giving up everything to hold me :) And that I might share what You earned. Jesus, Holy Spirit, Father, STRESS these things in my heart and mind that I may devote myself to doing what is good which is excellent and profitable for everyone and that I may be a good steward of my Master's reputation. And help me to wake up once school starts. Amen.

Titus 2:15-3:2 (Day 6)

Titus 2:15-3:2 (New International Version 1984, ©1984)

 ¹⁵ These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Titus 3

Doing What Is Good

 ¹ Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

The Gracious behavior that results from Grace

2:15 - Like Timothy, Titus was told to step out aggressively in his public ministry, encouraging those who were doing well, rebuking those who needed to be corrected, being intimidated by no one.

I struggle with this a lot. Even thinking about Paul preaching in Acts. What's the right balance? Can I preach boldly like that? Do I have the proper authority? I don't know. I don't think so because there's so many areas I still need to change in. I think I'll focus on letting my life do the talking but pray that when there is a time for it, God will give me the right words to say (Matt 10:19).

3:1-2 - A large part of any pastor's ministry is reminding the people of what they already know (Phil 3:1).

• Titus was to remind Christians in Crete to be good citizens within their communities - a virtue in which Cretans were notoriously deficient. 
• This behavior will adorn the gospel and make it attractive to others. 

This falls inline with what Paul wrote earlier in not wanting younger women to malign the Word of God. I think we as Christians must very much underestimate how our example could lead people to Christ and could drive them away forever. This was a big deal to Paul, and it's an even bigger one with God. I don't want to be the cause of anyone not wanting to be a Christian. Jesus, please help me to see the seriousness of this. Help me to change and live my life is such a way that I make Your story attractive.

What's Expected of Christian Citizens

1. To be subject to rulers and authorities
2. To be obedient
3. To be reading to do whatever is good
4. To slander no one
5. To be peaceable
6. Considerate
7. and to show true humility toward all men

• A Christian citizen should be an influence for good in the community in every way, demonstrating the loveliness of Christ to all through courteous and gracious behavior. 
• This is precisely the lifestyle that results from understanding God's grace. ie. the instructions in Titus 2:15-3:2 must be seen as concrete examples of the behavior required of one who understands God's grace. 

Ready to do whatever is good - slander no one - peaceable - considerate - showing true humility toward all men. Let me just say that I struggle greatly with these. I want to demonstrate the loveliness of Christ, through courteous and gracious behavior. Jesus, help me to understand Your grace so that this is more of an outflowing of Your Spirit than me have to strive to live up to them. I think I struggle with this the most in my Social Work classes. A lot of their beliefs are so far from mine and it seems like the best way to handle it is to be big and bad so people hear your voice and know you're serious. That way they know they can't walk all over you if you have a different opinion. Jesus, help me to show these things in my social work classes. I think I'll write this verse on the inside of my journal and read it before each class. I pray that You'll work in me and help me to truly make You look attractive in my thoughts, opinions and actions. I want You to be what they see and that's not going to happen if I'm acting, talking and looking like the rest of the world. Jesus, thank You for Your Word. I pray that it continues to change me and that I continue to make it a priority once school starts next week. Thank You, God. Amen.

Titus 2:11-14 (Day 5)

Titus 2:11-14 (New International Version 1984, ©1984)

 ¹¹ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. ¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

The Educating Power of Grace


2:11- "For" (gar) suggests that here is the theological foundation for what the apostle had just written. When fully understood, it is the grace of God that teaches men how to live. "Brought to all men" = His grace is universally applicable. 


2:12 - The message of God's grace, when its full implications are seen, leads Christians, negatively, to say "No" to ungodliness and worldy passions (cf Heb 11:24-26), and positively, to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age. -- All the specific instructions of Titus 2:1-10 can fit into these two negative and positive categories. --
-Faith chooses between the attractive but temporary pleasures of sing and the prospect of disgrace for the sake of Christ because, like Moses, it sees the reward (Heb 11:24-26 Comm.)
I feel like this definitely falls in line with the "reverent lives" older women are supposed to live and how when younger women live as they ought, no one can "malign the Word of God" because they have been good stewards of His reputation. 
Our love for Him should drive us to want to know more about Him, to get closer to Him. This happens by reading His Word because not only is the Word - Jesus. But also because His Son is the primary way God has chosen to speak to us today (Hebrews 1:2). The Word will renew our minds and transform our hearts. By reading Him and being enlighted by the Holy Spirit, our hearts soften because of Him and our ears are more atuned to hear His voice. Then, when the Holy Spirit convicts us, we can say "No to ungodliness and wordly passioins" and in turn become more like Christ, taking more and more power away from the Enemy. 


2:13-14 - The gospel of grace affects one's present behavior, on the one hand, by focusing on God's unmerited favor in the past (Matt 18:23-35 for how this should work). But the Gospel also promotes godly living by focusing on the future. Christians look forward to the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God ad Savior, Jesus Christ (2 Tim 4:8). 

• It is crucial, moreover, that this One whom Christians look forward to meeting is the same One who gave Himself to redeem us ("set free by payment of a price") us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good. A holy people was His purpose for the cross.
• Therefore knowing all that Christ has done and why He did it, Christians who truly love Christ and look forward to His return will pay any price to bring their lives into conformity with their beloved Lord's will, so He's not disappointed when He returns. 
• John wrote of this saying "Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as He is pure" (1 John 3:3). A full understanding of these things leads inexorably to godly living. Conversely, ungodly living in a Christian is a clear sign that either he does not fully understand these things or does not actually believe them. 

     O Lord my God, please reveal to me the gospel of Your grace. There is so much that I don't understand and can't wrap my head around. Jesus, help me to obey as You teach me how to say "no" to the things of this world, that are contrary to You and Who You are. Help me to live a godly, upright, holy life so You can make me the Morgan You dreamed of. So I can be long to that holy people You desire to make Your own, fully Yours, eager to do what is good in Your eyes. Help me, Lord. I need You so much. Amen.

Titus 2:1-10 (Day 4)

Godly Behavior

2:1 You should actually be "As for you" Titus teach what is in accord with sound doctrine, "Healthy Teaching."

2:2 - Older Men
Characteristics of Maturity:

• Temperate - "Well-Balanced" 
• Worthy of respect "Serious-minded" ie not clowns
• Self-controlled

Marks of Godliness

• Faith
• Love
• Endurance - closely aligned with "hope" especially for those who have lived  long lives. 

2:3 - Older Women
Behave Reverently

• Not to be Slanders (1 Tim 3:11) - the verb slander comes from the noun "devil" the chief of slanders. 
• Not addicted to much wine (1 Tim 3:8)

- Both were real possibilities for women whose families were grown and have have had too much idle time on their hands (cf 1 Tim 5:13-15).

Develop a Ministry of teaching Younger Women 
What is good. Younger women with children were to keep their primary focus at home, but the older women would do well to reach outside their homes and share what they had learned with those who would profit from it most.
By setting an example, young women can imitate and get advice from strong, Christ-like women. I have been extremely blessed in this area: God sent me Mrs. Simpson. Throughout my older teenage years, through dating Nathan, entering into marriage and being a married woman, Mrs. S has been there for me 100%! Every phone call, every conversation, every word of understanding and each time she listened to me has been so valuable I will never forget it. Sometimes the conversation would reach 3 hours, I remember one week I called her close to every day. While preparing for the wedding, she would take me to McDonald's every Thursday and we would talk, bible study and pray. I have learned SO much from her and even the fact that I had someone to help me through some of the darkest times in my life and be there for all the others has made a tremendous difference and I don't ever want to think about where I would be without her. I pray that God blesses her for all she's done for me - not only that, but she was kind, gracious, considerate and trustworthy every time. She never made me feel like I was a burden to her and with her personal stories of life experience I could cope and later rejoice in my situation. I pray that every girl has a woman like her in their lives, and that I can one day be that woman for someone else. 


* Green = Jeremiah Bolich
2:4-5 - Younger Women
The proper priorities for a young wife and mother:

• Lovers of their hubbys! - Love = "Phileo" neighborly love ie - as yourself.
• Lovers of their children - Love = ""
• Self-controlled - Not as in Galatians 5:23 but "Sober-minded. Fixed, focused, dwelling upon Christ."
• Pure - "hogious" = holy/sacred. Same world for the the instruments in God's temple = we are for His use only!
• Busy at home "domestic" - Wherever God has you, be productive.
• Kind - Distinguishable among others = Set-apart.
• Subject to their husbands - to a man who "Looks like Jesus." You do not want to be marred to a man who treats you less that Jesus would treat you. Like He treated the Church. 

If Christian wives and mothers can be sure that if they value what the Lord values he will ultimately vindicate both His Word and those who are faithful to it.

I just finished a study on Proverbs 31 through Revive our Hearts and I think that everything mentioned her can be produced when Fear of the Lord is involved. When reading God's Word we develop a deeper and deeper sense of awe for God that allows us to live in greater reverence to Him. As we read the Word and are convicted by the Spirit, Jesus can change our hearts and that will flow through to our actions. O Jesus, I pray this will happen in my life. May it be true of me!

2:6-8 - Younger Men 

• Self-Controlled - Not Gal 5 = "Sober-minded fixed, focused, dwelling upon Jesus (like he would a football game).
• "Show himself" an example to all in every good work (cf 1 Tim 4:15-16 watching your private life and your public ministry closely). -Hold out in:
• Integrity - Character. Reputation. Trust worthy. ("That's not my husband" Ex of a wife being told that her husband was at a bar with another woman.)
• Seriousness - "Gravity" in Greek. Sustenance : What I say is what I mean. Doesn't just say what you want to hear. 
• Soundness of speech that cannot be condemned. - Clear in your speech 1) speaks in a way that he knows how to communicate with his wife. In a way she understands. 2) Vulgarity and Profanity = Gross and unintelligent "Aww, are you retarded?"
• Good (all of it) Parable of the Sower - Good Soil: Everyone planted in his life is effected by his relationship with Jesus Christ. They are changed. Closer to Jesus because of his walk with Him.

So as to not provide opposing forces with ammunition for their attacks.

This list may seem overwhelming - and you may not be able to even think of a guy who fits this description. When I read this message (probably 16) I felt the same kind of hopelessness. Don't limit God! He's so big and great sometimes I think He gets tired of the box we put Him in because He wants to wow us! O how He's done that for me. I had in my mind and heart what I wanted and God had to brake that - seriously, one of the most painful times in my life (Thank God for Mrs. S!). I had resolved myself to think I might get married at 40 if I was lucky. About a month later He brought Nathan into my life. I wish I could describe to you what this has meant for my life. You should read about the 47 things I love about Nathan on areidlybeginning.blogspot.com ; ) 


I am daily thankful for Nathan in my life; how God has blessed me and how Nate goes above and beyond my expectations for a good husband: he loves Jesus, has enormous integrity and has a persistent resolve to do what is right. He understands me so well and makes every effort to communicate with me. Yesterday, while driving, I told him that I felt like he was playing a certain computer game too much and when he asked me what he could do differently, I told him that I was probably just being too jealous and making it to big of a deal. He persisted and said "No, I can't have my wife being discontent. I thrive on you feeling loved and happy. What can I do?" Man, my heart melted all over again. I told him that if every woman was married to a guy like him, there'd be no such thing as divorce. 


I'm not sure how much he's effected others, but I have heard stories that he wouldn't share with me - so modest - from family and friends that leave me feeling blown away. And I know he has changed me. I am so much better of a person and closer to Christ because of him. He truly shows me Jesus.

*Self-control was present in all four groups: Showing the importance of moderation, sensibleness, and self-restrain for all Christians.

2:9-10 - Slaves
As a significant part of the congregation Christians who found themselves serving others were to

• Be subject to their masters in everything
• Try to please them
• Not to talk back to them
• Not to steal from them
• Show that they can be fully trusted

-From the world's perspective a slave should not owe any of these things to his master, but from a Christian's perspective, a Christian slave is not working for his earthly master, but the Lord who will vindicate him in the end (Col 3:23-24).
-In the meantime he was to avoid giving offense, and must concentrate on following Chris' example in every way (1 Peter 2:18-25). In this way his life will prove to be an adornment to the teaching about God our savior.

I think this is applicable to our situations with work or teachers as well. The Bible is very clear on how we are to respect authority - which is why I took off any groups or pages that felt disrespected Obama as a person. I disagree with his politics, but I need to respect him as a man God is allowing to remain in authority over us.

A believer's behavior should be in accord with or befitting sound doctrine.

Titus 1:10-16 (Day 3)

*I wanted to mention 1st, that as I type it is 6:03 in the morning! I've been praying that God would help me get up when it was necessary (at least till school starts). We have to be out of the house today at 8:30 so I was HOPING to get up at 7. Well, I couldn't sleep anymore, looked at my clock and it said 5:13 a.m. I even tried to lay there but I had to pee SO bad. by 5:22 my Bible was open and I was in Titus. Now granted, I had to remain obedient by not going back to bed (and to get to bed by 10), but the Lord was faithful to get me up. Hopefully, it will become a habit soon and won't be such a pain - I really love my sleep.*

Titus 1:10-16 (New International Version, ©2010)

Rebuking Those Who Fail to Do Good

 ¹⁰ For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. ¹¹ They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain.¹² One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”^[a] 13 This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith ¹⁴ and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the merely human commands of those who reject the truth. ¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. ¹⁶ They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

1:10 - 3 Characteristics of those who oppose the truth: 1) rebellious, 2) mere talkers 3) deceivers. All 3 were present in Timothy's opponents, but in Crete Titus had to deal with a Jewish element (the circumcision group) in whom these characteristics stood out prominently. 

1:11 - These false teachers must be silenced because of the damage they were doing to families in the congregation. They had to teach certain things or they would be excommunicated - their motive? Dishonest gain caused them to destroy lives. 

Honestly, I've seen this happen numerous times. And the gain isn't aways money, sometimes it's control. When leaders of the church use their power and position to work things the way they want it peoples lives really do fall apart. It's heartbreaking and horrible. And that's just how I feel - I can't imagine God's stance . . . 

1:12 - The quote originated from the lie that Zeus died in Crete. By Paul's day it was just a general reputation for the Cretans. The verb kretizo was invented to mean "to lie" which shows the general understanding of the Cretan people. 

1:13-14 - "This is true" the false teachers fit the stereotype of the Cretans. Titus was to "rebuke them sharply so that they will be sound ("healthy") in the faith." The ultimate goal in discipline is to recover the pone who is in error. 

1:15-16 - Paul was trying to bring to light the Jewish influences of rules about eating, drinking and purification (Col 2:20-23). 

• Paul had to remind his readers about what Jesus thought of these things: purification is largely a matter of the internal rather than the external (Mark 7:15; Luke 11:39-41).  
• "Nothing outside can corrupt one how is internally pure; but someone who is internally impure corrupts all he touches." The minds and consciences of the false teachers were impure. So though they claimed to know God, their corrupt actions showed their true natures (1 John 2:4).
• Their impure interiors rendered them externally detestable ("abominable") to God, disobedient, and unfit ("disapproved") for doing anything good (2 Tim 3:17). Paul connected their theological error with moral deficiency. 

     Dear Jesus, I pray that You will create in me a clean and pure heart that beats for You. Father, I ask that by renewing my mind through Your Word, You can transform my mind, will, and emotions, making me more like You. Help me to help people in the church without the pursuit of dishonest gain - not for myself but for You. Help me to rebuke people when it needs to be done in the way way it should be done. Give me a love for Your Word that defines my life. Help me to have Your Name on my lips when I wake up and give my heart instruction as I sleep. You are wonderful, You are faithful, and Your goodness to me is so deep I can't wrap my head around it. Jesus, help me to love You first, and help me to love others in the way that You did. Change me moment by moment and help me to be the Morgan You dreamed of. Amen.

Titus 1:5-9 (Day 2)

Titus’s Task on Crete

 ⁵ The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. ⁶ An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. ⁷ Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁸ Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. ⁹ He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Commentary
and my thoughts : )

1:5 - The organization of the Cretan church was unfinished because of the brevity of Paul's visit and Titus was asked to straighten out the situation with the elders in every town.
Wow, I think I would loose it! That's a lot of pressure and I melt when thinking about teaching junior church :(

1:6-8 - Elders/overseeres are to be

1. Blameless - "unreprovable" 2x b/c we're stewards of God's reputation.
2. Husband of but one wife - probably = only married once.
3. Have his own household under control - discipline & positive spiritual influences
4. Believing children who lived godly lives

Must NOT be

1. Overbearing - arrogant, self-willed
2. Quick tempered
3. Violent
4. Given to much wine
5. Pursuing dishonest gain

Must BE

1. Hospitable
2. One who loves what is good
3. Self-controled
4. Upright (just)
5. Holy
6. Disciplined 

Ok, first of all, that's one intense list. The fact that a lot of preachers and leaders don't live up to God's standard is probably the reason why the Church is where it's at. That being said - the same is true of me. I for certain am not blameless, holy, or disciplined. I feel very far from these areas right now. And I can be extremely overbearing, and quick tempered. :( I'm a steward of God's reputation too . . . 

1-9 - "As it has been taught" in Greek is supposed to come first for emphasis. An elder s a conservator of the truth, one who must understand it, hold it fast, encourage others by teaching it and refute those who oppose it.

      Jesus, I know I'm not an elder, but I am a disciple. These words aren't true of my life and I want to have a change of heart and conduct with them. Help me to be blameless, holy, and more disciplined. Help me to turn toward You when I want to be overbearing or quick tempered. Produce in me a quiet and gentle spirit and a mouth that speaks words of wisdom and kindness. Make me the woman You want me to be. And help me stick with the process. Amen.

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.