Tag: Christianity

The Hope of Eternal Life Part 2

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Titus 3:4-7 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; 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.

There are twenty-three conditions of eternal life in the Word of God: Come to Christ (John 6:37, 44, 45, 65). Eat His flesh – drink His blood [communion] (John 6:50, 51, 53, 58). Labour (John 6:27). Reap – win souls by living Christ’s example of perfect (no sin) human life (John 4:35-38; 1Pet. 2:21-23). Hate (love less) the life in this world (John 12:25). Know God and Christ (John 17:2-3). Enter the right gate (Matt. 7:13-14). Cause no offence (Matt. 18:8-9). Keep commandments (Matt. 19:17). Forsake all (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30). Live free from sin (Rom. 5:21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Tit. 2:11-14). Continue in well-doing and seek eternal life (Rom. 2:7). Sow to the Spirit (Gal. 6:7-8). Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on it (1Tim. 6:12, 19). Be sober and hope to the end for it (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13 with Rom. 8:24). Endure temptations (Jas. 1:12). Let the promise of it remain in you and continue in God and Christ (1Jn. 2:24-25; 5:11-20). Love everybody (1Jn. 3:14-15). Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for eternal life (Jude 1:20-24). Overcome sin (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). Be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10; Heb. 12:14-15). Believe and obey the gospel (John 3:15-19, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:40, 47, 54; 2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 1:5). Be born again, hear Christ, and follow Him (John 3:1-36; 10:27-29; 1Pet. 2:21-23).

We get eternal life now and keep it forever if we meet the above conditions, but it does not become an unforfeitable eternal possession until we enter into it (Matt. 7:13; 18:8-9; 19:17; Rom. 6:22); receive it (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:12; 1Pet. 1:13; Rev. 2:10); reap it (Gal. 6:7-8); and inherit it in the world to come (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30), and at the end of this life (Rom. 6:22).

The Hope of Eternal Life Part 1

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Titus 3:4-7 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; 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. 

‘But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.’ Sevenfold salvation of the soul: The manifestation of the kindness and love of God toward man (3:4). Not by works of righteousness by man to merit it (3:5; Eph. 2:8-9). By God’s mercy, He saved us. By the washing of regeneration in the precious blood of Christ and the Word (Matt. 26:28; Eph. 5:26; Col. 1:14-22; 1Pet. 1:18-23; Jas. 1:18). Renewing of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5; Eph. 4:24; Rom. 12:2). Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ (3:6; Rom. 5:5; 8:14-16; 2Cor. 12:13). Justified by His grace, we are made heirs of the hope of eternal life (3:7; Rom. 3:24-31; 5:1-11; Eph. 2:8-9).

‘Shed on’ [Greek, ekcheo] to pour forth; bestow; to gush out; run greedily out; shed abroad; to spill out freely (3:6; John 7:37-39; Acts 2:16-21, 33; 10:45; Joel 2:28-29).

‘Abundantly’ [Greek, plousios] richly (3:6; Col. 3:16; 1Tim. 6:17; 2Pet. 1:11).

‘The hope of eternal life.’ Unforfeitable eternal life is now a hope. Hope that is seen is not hope (Rom. 8:24-25). How can it be a hope and a present possession, as stated in John 3:16, 36; 5:24; 10:28-29? Why do we yet hope for it if we have it, as stated in Titus 1:2; 3:7 and 1Timothy 1:1? The simple truth is that it is now given to everyone who is in Christ on condition of remaining in Him (1Jn. 5:11-12; John 15:1-8; Gal. 1:6-8; 4:19; 5:4; etc.).

To be continued…

Be Subject To Principalities

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Titus 3:1-3 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, showing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 

‘Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready for every good work.’ Sevenfold message to the Cretians:

Be subject to principalities and powers (civil rulers, Tit. 3:1; Rom. 13:1-8; 1Pet. 2:13-18). Obey magistrates (local civil officers, 3:1; Rom. 13:1-8). Be ready for every good work (3:1). Speak evil of no man (3:2; Jas. 3:1-18). Be no brawlers (1Tim. 3:3). Be gentle (Php. 4:5). Show meekness to all men (Gal. 5:22-23).

‘For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.’ Sevenfold description of all sinners: Foolish [Greek, anoetos] foolish (3:3; Gal. 3:1, 3; 1Tim. 6:9); unwise (Rom. 1:14); and fool (Luke 24:25). Disobedient (Eph. 2:1-3). Deceived (2Cor. 4:4; Rev. 12:9). Serving divers lusts and pleasures (Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 2:1-3). Living in malice and envy. Hateful. Hating one another.

That Blessed Hope

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Titus 2:13-15 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. 

‘Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.’ The first and last prophecy in Titus (2:13). A promise to all Christians to hold fast to the promise of the rapture [the first resurrection or the resurrection to life] (John 14:1-3; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; Php. 3:20-21; 1Thess. 4:15-17; 2Thess. 2:7; Rev. 4:1).

‘Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.’ Two great benefits of Christ’s death: To redeem us from all iniquity (Matt. 26:28; Col. 1:14-22; Rev. 1:5). To purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. From Galatians 3:14 we also have two things Christ died for here: That Abraham’s blessing of justification by faith might come to the Gentiles [all other nations] (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:1-25; Gal. 3:6-14). That we might receive the promised Spirit through faith (Matt. 3:11; John 1:31-34; Acts 1:4-8; 2:33-39; 11:14-18; 15:7-13.) It is referred to as a promise (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 2:33-39; Gal. 3:14).

‘These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.’ Four admonitions to Titus: Speak these things. These things exhort. Rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise you.

The Grace of God

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Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world 

‘For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.’ Three great blessings of grace: [1] It brings salvation (2:11; Eph. 2:8-9). [2] It has appeared to all men (2:11; John 3:16; Rev, 22:17). [3] It teaches seven great lessons: (1) To deny ungodliness (2:12). (2) To deny worldly lusts. (3) To live soberly (1:8; 2:2-7). (4) To live righteously (Heb. 12:14; Rom. 6:14-23; 8:12-13). (5) To live godly (2Tim. 3:12). (6) To live right in this life. (7) To look for the rapture and the second coming (2:13; Php. 3:20).

‘Grace’ [Greek: charis]. Indeed, grace cannot be withheld from man because of demerit, lessened by demerit, or be mixed with the law of works; but this does not prove that there are no conditions men must meet to get the benefits of grace. Not one scripture teaches unconditional grace, or that God gives grace to men who disobey the gospel. If so, then God is under obligation to save all, even sinners who disobey if He saves even one (Rom. 2:11). God is under obligation to saints only when they walk in the light and remain true to the gospel (1Jn. 1:7). He is not under obligation to sinners until they come to full obedience of the gospel. Grace teaches men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly here and now (Tit. 2:11-12). If people do not obey its teaching grace can go no further. Anyone may: Receive grace in vain (2Cor. 6:1). Frustrate it in his life (Gal. 2:21). Fall from it (Gal. 1:6-8; 5:4). Fail of the grace of God (Heb. 12:15). Turn it into lasciviousness (Jude 1:4). Sin despite it (Rom. 6:1). Continue or discontinue in it (Acts 13:43). Minister it to others (1Pet. 4:10). Grow or not grow in it (2Pet. 3:18). Receive or reject it (John 3:16; Rev. 22:17; Heb. 12:15; Jas. 4:6).

‘Teaching’ [Greek, paideuo] instruction as to children and in 2Timothy 2:25 we see that the opposers to the truth needed chastening by being turned over to satan and his destruction to bring them to repentance if at all possible (1Cor. 5:5; 1Tim. 1:19-20).

Be Sober-minded

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Titus 2:6-10 Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing 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. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. 

‘Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded.’ Four commands to young men: [1] To be sober-minded [Greek, sophroneo] sober in mind (2:6; Mark 5:15; Luke 8:35; 2Cor. 5:13; Rom. 12:3; 1Pet. 4:7). Not intoxicated in any way. [2] To be a pattern of good works [Greek, tupos] example (Php. 3:17; 1Cor. 10:6, 11; 1Thess. 1:7; 2Thess. 3:9; 1Tim. 4:12; 1Pet. 5:3); pattern (2:7; Heb. 8:5); manner (Acts 23:25); fashion (Acts 7:44); form (Rom. 6:17); figure (Acts 7:43; Rom. 5:14); and print (John 20:25). [3] To be uncorrupt, grave, and sincere in teaching (2:7). [4] To have sound speech that cannot be condemned [Greek, hugies] sound (2:8) and whole (Matt. 12:13; 15:31; Mark 3:5; 5:34; Luke 6:10; John 5:4-15; 7:23; Acts 4:10). It means healing words – the gospel of healing, not only spiritual but physical (Matt. 8:17; 1Pet. 2:24; Jas. 5:14).

‘Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again.’ Five commands to servants: Be obedient to your masters in the Lord (Eph. 6:5). Please masters in all work-related things (2:9). Do not contradict or gainsay work-related orders. Do not steal the goods of the master entrusted to you (2:10; Acts 5:2-3). Show faithfulness in all things.

In Behaviour as Become Holiness

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Titus 2:3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as become 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. 

‘The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as become holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things. Five commands to aged women: Live holy lives – in consecration to represent  Christ (1Pet. 2:21-23). Be not slanderers. Not given to [to drink] wine. Be teachers of good things (2:3). Teach the young women (2:4)

‘Young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children.’ Eight commands to young women: To be sober [Greek: sophrosune] discretion; self-control; chastity; temperance. Translated “soberness” and “sobriety” (1Tim. 2:9, 15; Acts 26:25; cp. 2Tim. 1:7; Tit. 2:4, 12). To love their husbands. To love their children. To be discreet [Greek, sophron] of sound mind; prudent; moderate; self-controlled. Translated sober (2:8; 1Tim. 3:2); temperate (2:2); discreet (2:5). To be chaste [Greek, hagnos] properly clean, that is, (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect: – chaste, clean, pure (2Cor. 7:11; 11:2; Php. 4:8; 1Tim. 5:22; Jas. 3:17; 1Pet. 3:2; 1Jn. 3:3). To be homemakers [Greek, oikourgos] caring for and working at home. To be good [Greek, agathas] virtuous (2:5). To be obedient to their husbands in the Lord (Eph. 5:22, 33; Col. 3:18; 1Pet. 3:1-6).

Be Sober…

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Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 

‘That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.’ Six commands to aged men: [1] Be sober [Greek, nephaleos] drinking no wine or alcohol; be sober. Translated vigilant (1Tim. 3:2); and sober (1Tim. 3:11; Tit. 2:2). [2] Grave [Greek, semnos] grave (2:2,4) and honest (Php. 4:8). [3] Temperate [Greek, sophron] of sound mind; prudent; moderate; self-controlled. Translated sober (2:8; 1Tim. 3:2); temperate (2:2); discreet (2:5). [4] Sound in faith [Greek: pistis] confidence, faithfulness, trust, pledge of good faith. Translated belief (2Thess. 2:13); fidelity (2:10); assurance (Acts 17:31); and faith 239 times (Heb. 11:1-39; 12:2; etc.). [5] Sound in love – there are nine ingredients of divine love: (1) Patience – love passive: no hurry; suffers long; bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things with the exclusion of allowing other’s sin (1Cor. 13:4, 7). (2) Kindness – love in action: never acts rashly or insolently; not inconsistent, puffed up, or proud (1Cor. 13:4). (3) Generosity – love in competition: not envious or jealous (1Cor. 13:4). (4) Humility – love in hiding: no parade; no airs; works then retires (1Cor. 13:4). (5) Courtesy – love in society: does not behave unseemly; always polite; at home with all classes; never rude or discourteous (1Cor. 13:5). (6) Unselfishness – love in essence: never selfish, sour, or bitter; seeks only good of others; does not retaliate or seek revenge (1Cor. 13:5). (7) Good temper – love in disposition: never irritated; never resentful (1Cor. 13:5). (8) Righteousness – love in conduct: hates sin; never glad when others go wrong; always gladdened by goodness to others; always slow to expose; always eager to believe the best; always hopeful, always enduring (1Cor. 13:6-7). (9) Sincerity – love in profession: never boastful and conceited; not a hypocrite; always honest; leaves no impression but what is strictly true; never self-assertive; does not blaze out in passionate anger, nor brood over wrongs; always just, joyful, and truthful; knows how to be silent; full of trust; always present. [6] Sound in patience – Set yourself to expect God to answer (Ps. 37:7).

Sound Doctrine

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Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine 

‘But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.’ Titus was to teach Jesus Christ and live the utter opposite of the Judaizers of Titus 2:10-16.

‘Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.’ Titus was commanded, just as Timothy, to teach the gospel as given by Christ and His apostles. Eightfold command – teach sound doctrine: To the old men (2:1-2). To the aged women (2:3-4). To the young women (2:4-5). To the young men (2:6-8). To servants (2:9-10). To men – concerning grace (2:11-12). To men – concerning the rapture and the second coming (2:13). To men – concerning redemption (2:14-15). In Biblical days, people had no Bibles to read from and the disciples and apostles were to spread the Word of God through teaching and writing the Word as we have today.

All of these classes can today pick up the Word of God and study it for themselves and everyone in Christ have a responsibility to know the Word of God and not to listen to teachings on it which contain mostly false doctrine and distorted truth. KNOW GOD’s WORD!!! Man should read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. He should read it so that it might fill his memory, rule his heart, and guide his feet in righteousness and true holiness (Rom. 10:17). Listening to others talking about God’s Word is not the same as studying it!

Unruly and Vain Talkers and Deceivers – Part 2

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Titus 1:9b-16 …that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.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 always 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. 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.

‘They of the circumcision.’ Jewish teachers of the law.

‘Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.’ So-called Christian leaders run cults through religion; they make decisions for their followers and control their lives in various ways. Everything they do, they do in God’s name and quote Scripture to back everything, but their whole intent is always for self-gain.

‘A prophet of their own.’ This was Epimenides, 538 b.c. He wrote many poems and uttered prophecies.

‘Slow bellies’ [Greek, argos] idle, doing nothing; lazy. Translated “idle” (1Tim. 5:13; Matt. 12:36; 20:3, 6) and “barren” (2Pet. 1:8).

‘Unto the pure all things are pure.’ For those who live in purity, that which they do will always be in purity still and they will never defile themselves with anything of this world that is unholy and defiled.