Unruly and Vain Talkers and Deceivers – Part 1

July 27, 2023July 4, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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.

‘Gainsayers’ [Greek, antilego] contradictors of truth. Translated “gainsayer” (1:9; Rom. 10:21); “speak against” (Luke 2:34; John 19:12; Acts 13:45; 28:19-22); “answer again” (2:9); “contradict” (Acts. 13:45); and “deny” (Luke 20:27).

Twenty characteristics of gainsayers: Unruly – rebellious to truth (1:10); Vain talkers – empty boasters; Deceivers – pretenders of truth; Subvert (overthrown) whole houses (1:11; 2Tim. 2:18); Teach false doctrines; Greedy of money (1:11; Php. 1:21; 3:7); Liars (1:12); Evil beasts – ferocious; Slow bellies – gluttons, hoggish; Unsound in faith (1:13); Consecrated to false doctrines (1:14); Obey human commandments (Matt. 15:1-39); Reject truth (2Tim. 4:1-4); Unclean and unbelieving (1:15); Only profess godliness(1:16; 2Tim. 3:1-17); Defiled in mind and conscience (1:15); Deny God in life and conduct (1:16); Abominable – unnatural in lusts; Disobedient to God and truth; Reprobate to all good works.

To be continued…

A Bishop Must Be – Part 2

July 26, 2023July 4, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Titus 1:6-9a If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he had been taught…

Sixteen qualifications for bishops (elders) [continue]: [11] Sober (1:8) [Greek, sophron] of sound mind; prudent; moderate; self-controlled. Translated sober, meaning no intoxication or fogginess of the mind (1:8; 1Tim. 3:2); temperate (2:2); discreet (2:5). [12] Just (1:8) [Greek, dikaios] Translated just 33 times; righteous 36 times; right 5 times; and meet 2 times. [13] Holy (1:8) [Greek, hosios] Translated holy (1:8; 1Tim. 2:8; Heb. 7:26; Rev. 15:4); mercies (Acts 13:34); and Holy One (Acts 2:27; 13:35). The bishop must be like God’s Holy One. [14] Temperate (1:8) [Greek, engkrates] having control of oneself; self-disciplined. [15] Holding fast to sound doctrine (1:9) [Greek, antechomai] to hold one’s hand; to shade one’s eyes; to be a help. Translated support (1Thess. 5:14); hold fast (1:9); and hold to (Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:13). [16] Able to exhort believers, and convince the gainsayers (1:9). Compare the qualifications for bishops and deacons in 1Timothy (1Tim. 3:2, 8).

‘Having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.’ This is what men expect from teachers’ children.

‘Bishop’ [Greek, episkopos] translated as “overseer” or “bishop” (Php. 1:1; 1Tim. 3:2; 1Pet. 2:25). A bishop was a preaching elder. Bishops and presbyters were the same.

A Bishop Must Be – Part 1

July 25, 2023July 4, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘Blameless, the husband of one wife …’ Sixteen qualifications for bishops (elders): [1] Blameless [Greek, anengkletos] blameless (1:6-7; 1Cor. 1:8; 1Tim. 3:10); unreproveable (Col. 1:22). [2] Husband of one wife; i.e., not a polygamist. One could be a bishop without a wife, as Paul (2Cor. 9:5). [3] Having faithful children (1:6; cp. ruling one’s own house, 1Tim. 3:4-5, 12). [4] Not self-willed (1:7) [Greek, authades] stubborn; headstrong; unfeeling; self-willed (2Pet. 2:10). [5] Not soon angry (1:7) [Greek, orgilos] prone to anger; hot-headed; passionate. [6] Not given to wine (1:7). [Greek, paroinos] a winebibber (1Tim. 3:3). [7] No striker (1:7). [Greek, plektes] not quarrelsome; one not ready to strike back at those who displease him; no persecutor of those who differ with him (1Tim. 3:3). [8] Not given to filthy lucre (1:7) [Greek, aischrokerdes] not desirous of base gain; not using wrong methods to raise money to increase his own income (1:7; 1Tim. 3:3, 8). [9] A lover of hospitality (1:8) [Greek, philoxenos] lover of strangers (1:8; 1Tim. 3:2; 1Pet. 4:9; cp. Rom. 12:13). [10] A lover of good men (1:8) [Greek, philagathos] lover of goodness.

To be continued…

Set In Order

July 24, 2023July 4, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou should set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee

‘Crete’ – An island in the Aegean Sea about 225 kilometres long and 48 kilometres wide. If Paul had been to Crete and established congregations during the period of Acts it no doubt would have been recorded by Luke. Therefore, it seems clear that this was done after the close of Acts. If so, then Paul was liberated from prison for a time. It seems that he left Crete before the congregation was fully established.

‘Ordain’ [Greek, kathistemi] Translated “ordain” (1:5; Heb. 5:1; 8:3); “appoint” (Acts 6:3); “conduct” (Acts 17:15); “set” (Heb. 2:7); “make ruler” (Matt. 24:45-47; 25:21-23; Luke 12:42-44); and “make” (Luke 12:14; Acts 7:10, 27, 35; Rom. 5:19; Heb. 7:28; 2Pet. 1:8).

‘Elders’ [Greek, presbuteros] The word “elders” in the Old Testament meant the heads or rulers of the tribes, cities, and nations (Deut. 1:13). In the Gospels and Acts it generally refers to the Sanhedrin (Matt. 15:2; 16:21; 21:23; 26:3; Acts 4:5, 8, 23). In the early congregational era, elders were the ministers and deacons of the local congregations (Acts 11:30; 14:23; 16:4; 20:17, 28; 21:18; 1Tim. 5:17; Tit. 1:5; Jas. 5:14). All apostles were elders (Acts 11:30; 1Pet. 5:1; 2Jn. 1:1; 3Jn. 1:1), but all elders were not apostles (Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4). The elders of Acts 20:17, were the overseers of Acts 20:28. The elders of 1Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5-10 and 1Peter 5:1-2 were thr preaching elders or bishops, the ones who read (teach) from the written Word, the written books of the apostles. The business elders were deacons (Acts 6:1-15). Bishops and deacons are mentioned in Philippians 1:1 and 1Timothy 3:1-13. The word presbuteros is also used of older men and women (Luke 15:25; John 8:9; Acts 17:1-34; 4:22; 1Tim. 5:2). It is used also of heavenly ranks (Rev. 4:4, 10; 5:6, 8, 11, 14; 7:11, 13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4). It is found 68 times and is translated “elder” except in John 8:9; Acts 2:17; 4:22.

‘Appointed’ [Greek, diatasso] Translated “appoint” (1:5; Luke 3:13; Acts 7:44; 20:13); “ordain” (1Cor. 7:17; 9:14; Gal. 3:19); “give order” (1Cor. 16:1); “command” (Matt. 11:1; Luke 8:55; 17:9-10; Acts 18:2; 23:31; 24:23); and “set in order” (1Cor. 11:34). Timothy was appointed to chose elders (bishops) as those to oversee the congregations.

In Hope of Eternal Life – Part 3

July 21, 2023July 4, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Titus 1:2-4 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But had in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

‘Promised’ [Greek, epangello] announce; command; gives orders. Translated “promise” (Tit. 1:2; Mark 14:11; Acts 7:5; Rom. 4:21; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 6:13; 10:23; 11:11; 12:26; Jas. 1:12; 2:5; 2Pet. 2:19; 1Jn. 2:25) and “profess” (1Tim. 2:10; 6:21). To whom such promise was announced, that God would give eternal life to men who were not yet created, is not known. If He made such a plan before the ages of time or in eternity past, there were beings or creatures then to whom He gave such information. This takes us back even before the pre-Adamite world of Genesis 1:1-2; Isaiah 14:12-14; Jeremiah 4:23-26; Ezekiel 28:11-17 and 2Peter 3:5-8. That the announcement and promise of eternal life concerned man and our times are clear in Titus 1:3 and Ephesians 1:4; 3:1-6.

‘World’ [Greek, ‘chronon’ and ‘aionion’] means ages of time (1:2; 2Ti. 1:9; Rom. 16:25). It means eternity; before the ages of time began. It is not the Greek words katabole which means disruption or overthrow of the world, or themelios which means founding of the world. Aionios is translated as “eternal” 42 times and everlasting 25 times.

‘Committed unto me’ – Referring to Paul’s commission (Acts 9:15-17; Gal. 1:15-16; 2:2). It is clear from these Scriptures that we cannot claim the same commission as the one given to him by Jesus Christ.

‘Commandment’ [Greek, epitage] translated “commandment” (1:3; Rom. 16:26; 1Cor. 7:6, 25; 2Cor. 8:8; 1Tim. 1:1) and “authority” (Tit. 2:15). The apostles were apostles by the commandment of God, it was by appointment.

‘Titus’ – like Timothy, Titus was a convert and fellow worker of Paul (Tit. 1:4; 2Cor. 2:13; 7:6-14; 8:23; 12:17-18; Gal. 2:1-3). He was given charge of Cretian congregations (Tit_1:5).

‘From God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ Again and again, God the Father and Jesus Christ are referred to as being separate persons.

In Hope of Eternal Life – Part 2

July 20, 2023July 4, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Thirty limitations of God are noted in Scripture (continues): He cannot forgive one unconfessed sin (Luke 13:1-5; 1Jn. 1:9). He cannot keep one saved who lives in sin (Rom. 8:12-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8). He cannot automatically cancel the death penalty when people sin and incur that penalty (Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 16:1-27-23; 8:1-13). He cannot do away with free moral agency and moral responsibility (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 1Jn. 1:7). He cannot make one a slave to Himself so that he can never go back into sin if he chooses (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; 1Jn. 1:7). He cannot guarantee that every saved man will continue in Christ (John 15:1-8; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 1Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19-20; 9:27; Gal. 1:6-8; 5:4; Ex. 32:32-33; Ezek. 33:12-20). He cannot make any man a son of God in the same sense Jesus is (John 1:18; 3:16; Rom. 8:14-16). He cannot look upon the sins of the saved as being unreal, or deal with them on a different basis from those of the unsaved (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8). He cannot cancel any reaping for what is sown (Rom. 8:12-13; Gal. 6:7-8). He cannot force a man to serve Him against his own will (John 3:16; 7:17; 8:34; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; 1Jn. 1:7; Rev. 22:17). He cannot recognize any man as His child or His servant who serves sin and the devil (Matt. 6:24; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; 1Cor. 3:16-17; Gal. 5:19-21; 1Jn. 3:8-10). He cannot keep the saved from sin if he chooses to go back into sin (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; 1Cor. 3:16-17; 6:9-10, 6:19-20; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; Jas. 5:19-20; 1Jn. 2:1-2; Ezek. 33:12-20). He cannot keep one from incurring the death penalty should he go back into sin (Ex. 32:32-33; Ezek. 18:4; 33:12-20; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 1Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; Jas. 5:19-20). He cannot be lenient with any who sin or encourage anarchy in moral government (Gen. 2:17; Ezek. 18:4; 33:12-20; Rom. 1:18-31; 5:12-21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Jas. 5:19-20).

To be continued…

In Hope of Eternal Life – Part 1

July 19, 2023July 4, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘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.).

‘Cannot lie’ – Three things God cannot do: Lie (Tit. 1:2). Deny Himself (2Tim. 2:13). Be tempted with evil (Jas. 1:13).

Thirty limitations of God are noted in Scripture: He cannot break His own laws (Ps. 119:89). He cannot lie (Heb. 6:17-19). He cannot deny Himself (2Tim. 2:13). He cannot have respect of persons (Rom. 2:11; Jas. 2:9-10). He cannot save one soul apart from grace and faith in Christ (Rom. 3:26; John 3:16). He cannot be unrighteous (Rom. 9:14). He cannot bless men apart from faith (Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). He cannot curse men when they meet His terms (1Jn. 1:9). He cannot do away with or change His own eternal plan (Acts 15:18; Eph. 2:7; 3:11). He cannot save rebels who persist in rebellion, refusing to meet His terms (Pro. 1:22-33; 29:1; Matt. 18:3; John 3:3, 5). He cannot be tempted with evil (Jas. 1:13-15). He cannot tolerate hypocrisy (Isa. 1:13). He cannot spare Himself or Christ in the redemption of the human race from eternal hell (Matt. 27:42). He cannot turn down one soul that comes to Him according to His terms (John 6:37). He cannot judge the righteous with the wicked (Gen. 19:22; Rev. 20:5-6, 11-15). He cannot fail to answer prayer when unwavering faith is exercised (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8).

To be continued…

According to the Faith – Part 2

July 18, 2023July 4, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness

‘According to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness.’Two things that constitute apostleship: The faith of God’s elect [Greek, pistis] confidence, faithfulness, trust, and pledge of good faith. Used 244 times. Translated belief (2Thess. 2:13); fidelity (Tit. 2:10); assurance (Acts 17:31); and faith 239 times (Heb. 11:1-39; 12:2; etc.). Acknowledging [Greek, epignosis] full knowledge, of the truth which is after godliness (Col. 2:2; 2Tim. 2:25; Tit. 1:1; Phm. 1:6). Ignorance is the state of the average heathen who gets to know only a little about nature. Christianity teaches man the true and full knowledge of God and nature and the origin and destiny of all things (Acts 15:18; Eph. 2:7; 3:9-11).

‘God’s elect’ – The Christians who have taken the place of Jews as the elect of God during the time of their being cut off (Matt. 21:43; 23:37-39; Romans 9-11). Four Elects of God noted in Scripture: Christ (Isa. 42:1; 1Pet. 2:6). All Christians (Rom. 8:33; Col. 3:12; Tit. 1:1; John 15:16; Eph. 1:4; 2:10; 2Thess. 2:13; 2Jn. 1:1, 13). Israel (Isa. 45:4; 65:9, 22; Matt. 24:21-31; Mark 13:22, 27; 1Pet. 1:2). Angels (1Tim. 5:21).

Anyone chosen of God at any time, Jew or Gentile, is the elect of God (Rom. 9:11; Rom. 11:5, 7, 28; 1Thess. 1:4; 1Pet. 5:13; 2Pet. 1:10). Note that ‘chosen’ doesn’t mean ‘saved’ as in the examples of many Israelites that failed God and rejected Christ as do most Christians through all the ages, and even the angels fell such as Lucifer and one-third of God’s angels. All men are called to become God’s elect or chosen ones and can be if they will choose God and live in obedience to His Word (Matt. 11:28-30; 20:16; John 1:12; 3:16-20; 6:37; Eph. 1:4; 2Thess. 2:13; Jas. 2:5; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 17:14; 22:17).

According to the Faith – Part 1

July 17, 2023July 4, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness

This epistle was perhaps written from Macedonia about 67 A.D. (1Tim. 1:3) by the apostle Paul who wrote 14 epistles (Romans to Hebrews). For his history see Acts 8-28 and his epistles. This is the second of three instructional epistles – 1Timothy, 2Timothy and Titus – that give instructions concerning the congregational order, doctrine, and discipline for Christians. Titus has much in common with 1 Timothy in that both concern order and sound doctrine. 2 Timothy deals primarily with one’s personal walk during times of apostasy.

This is the 56th book of the Bible and it has 3 chapters, 46 verses, 921 words, no questions, 45 verses of history and 1 verse of unfulfilled prophecy.

‘Servant’ [Greek, doulos] bondslave. The only place Paul designates himself as a servant of God. He calls himself a servant of Jesus Christ in Romans 1:1 and Philippians 1:1.

‘Apostle of Jesus Christ’ – a delegate, one sent with the full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of the apostles, it means God sends them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is found 81 times and translated as apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16). Twenty-four apostles are recorded in Scripture: Simon Peter and his brother Andrew (Matt. 10:2). James, son of Zebedee and John his brother (Matt. 10:2). Philip and his brother Bartholomew (Matt. 10:3). James, son of Alphaeus and Judas his brother (Luke 6:16) and Matthew, son of Alphaeus, the brother of James and Judas (Mark 2:14; Luke 6:15). Thomas (Matt. 10:3). Simon Zelotes, brother of James and Judas, according to tradition (Luke 6:15). Judas Iscariot (Matt. 10:4). Matthias (Acts 1:26). Barnabas (1Cor. 9:5-6; Acts 13:1-3; 14:4, 14; Gal. 2:9). Andronicus and Junia (Rom. 16:7). Apollos (1Cor. 4:6-9). James, the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19; 2:6; Jas, 1:1). Silas (1Thess. 1:1; 2:6). Timothy (1Thess. 1:1; 2:6). Titus (2Cor. 8:23). Epaphroditus (Php. 2:25). Paul (Gal. 1:1; 2:8). Jesus Christ (Heb. 3:1).

For lists of the twelve apostles see Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:13, 26. Their commission, duties, and power (Matt. 10:1-42; 28:19-20; Mark 3:14-15; 6:7-13; 16:15-20; Luke 9:1-5; 24:47-53; John 20:22-23; 21:15-19; Acts1:4-8). Please note that those were commands and commissions to those who were apostles of Jesus Christ and chosen by Him to write what He taught.

To be continued…

The Lord Jesus Christ Part 2

July 14, 2023June 17, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

‘The Lord Jesus Christ’ All Christians must believe and understand the following (continues): That man is justified by faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, resulting in a supernatural regeneration from above (Matt. 1:21; 18:3; John 3:1-8, 3:16; Rom. 5:1; 2Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:8-9; Col. 1:14, 20; Tit. 3:5; 1Pet. 1:18-23). He is not justified by works or self-effort and the natural development from within.

That man, animals, and plant life have degenerated and are under a curse. Man chooses to continue in sin, sickness, and the sufferings of the earth. Only through redemption in Christ will the whole creation be restored to original perfection and goodness (Gen. 3:1-24; 6:5-22; Rom. 5:12-21; 8:17-24; 1Cor. 15:24-28; 2Pet. 3:7-13; Rev. 21:1 – 22:5). No single species has evolved from a lower to a higher plane of life.

That all people who accept Christ and conform to God’s plan for man will be saved and resurrected from the dead to immortality to help God administer the affairs of the universe forever (John 3:16; 5:28-29; Rom. 8:17-24; 1Cor. 6:2; 15:1-54; 2Tim. 2:12; Rev. 1:6; 2:26-27; 5:10; 11:15; 22:4-5).

That all people who reject Christ and do not conform to God’s plan will pay the eternal death penalty for sin, being resurrected to immortality and punished eternally in the lake of fire (Mark 16:15-16; John 3:16-20; 5:28-29; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15; 21:8; 22:15).

That the Bible IS the Word of God, not that it merely CONTAINS the Word of God (2Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12; 2Pet. 1:16-21).

Any denial of God or His plan for man in Scripture makes Him a liar and damns the soul. If some through ignorance of the Bible think they can believe in any form of false religion and the Bible at the same time, they are highly deceived by satan, the deceiver of the world (2Cor. 4:3-4; 11:14-15; Rev. 12:9). One cannot know the statements of both the Bible and other false religions and believe both, nor can he be neutral. He must take a stand either for God and the Bible or for his false beliefs and guesses.