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).

Given by Inspiration of God Part 3

June 30, 2023June 17, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Degrees of Inspiration: Some parts of Scripture give the exact words of God (Ex. 32:16; Deut. 5:4, 24; Matt. 3:17). Some words were put into the mouths of the speakers who spoke as the Spirit inspired them (Ex. 4:12; Num. 23:5; Ezek. 2:7; 3:10-11; Acts 3:21). Some words were written as the Spirit moved men (Ex. 34:27; 2Pet. 1:21). In some parts of Scripture it was left up to the writers to choose their own words to relate truth by the inspiration and guidance of the Spirit (Dan. 12:8-9; Luke 1:1-4; John 20:30-31; Acts 1:1-2). The Spirit used the faculties and abilities of the writers to record things, past, present, and future. He gave direct revelations, guided them to choose records of men, and superintended the writers in all their work until we now have a perfect and infallible record of the origin and destiny of all creation.

‘Profitable’ [Greek: ophelimos] to convince men of truth. Translated “profitable” (3:16; 1Tim. 4:8; Tit. 3:8) and “profit” (1Tim. 4:8).

‘Doctrine’ [Greek: didaskalia] teaching (1Tim. 4:13).

‘Reproof’ [Greek: elengchos] reproof (3:16) and evidence (Heb. 11:1).

‘Correction’ [Greek: epanorthosis] to restore things to their proper use and place, correcting false theories and practices.

‘Instruction’ [Greek: paideia] It means here the schooling of mankind in true scriptural righteousness, perfecting the man of God, and filling him with power for all good works (3:16-17; 2:19-21).

‘Perfect’ [Greek: artios] complete; exactly fitted as a joint.

‘Thoroughly furnished’ [Greek: exartizo] to finish out; equip fully. Translated “accomplish” in Acts 21:5. When one is thus fully equipped he will be able to do the works of Christ (Matt. 17:20; 18:18; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16). The Scriptures are to bring this about in the man of God (3:16-17).

Knowing of Whom Thou have Learned Part 2

June 27, 2023June 17, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 3:14-15 But continue thou in the things which thou have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom thou have learned them; And that from a child thou have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

‘Able to make thee wise unto salvation.’ Seven things the Word of God can do: Make wise unto salvation (3:15; Rom. 1:16; Jas. 1:21). Produce faith (Rom. 10:17). Make Jesus Christ known (John 5:39; 1Cor. 15:1-8). Build up (Acts 20:32). Give inheritance (Acts 20:32). Produce profit in doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (3:16). Make the man of God perfect (3:17).

‘Salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.’ Salvation is always through faith in Jesus Christ – never through works, rituals, water baptism, communion etc. (3:15; Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 3:24-31).

According to Hebrews 2:10, Christ was made the captain of our salvation and perfected through His sufferings. He is the Originator of salvation and without suffering He could not have died; without dying He could not have made atonement for sin; and without completing His redemptive work He could not have been perfected.

Hebrews 2:3 states the following: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation…” – we who have the greater light in Christ will be punished for each sin also. What a fool’s dream to think there is no moral responsibility on Christians to live right under grace, or that grace does not see their sins if they commit any!

Taking Vengeance on Them – Part 2

January 18, 2023December 28, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Thessalonians 1:8-9 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Thirty-four purposes of the Second Coming (continues): To restore all things (Acts 3:19-21). To bind satan and his angels (Rev. 20:1-10; Isa. 24:21-23). To punish the inhabitants of the earth for sins (Isa. 26:21; 27:1; Rev. 11:18). To give man one more probationary trial (Rev. 20:1-10; Isa. 11:1-16; 65:20-25). To fight the battle of Armageddon and restore man’s dominion (Rev. 19:11-21; Matt. 5:5; 25:31-46; Ps. 8:1-9). To establish a theocratic government (Ps. 2:1-12; Isa. 2:1-4; 4:1-3; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13-14; Zech. 14:9; Rev. 20:1-15). To gather together in one all things in heaven and on earth (Eph. 1:10). To heal everyone (Isa. 32:1-5; 33:24; 35:5). To fulfil the Abrahamic, Davidic, and other covenants with man (Gen. 12:1-3; 2Sam. 7:1-29; etc.). To be glorified in the saints (1:10, 12; Matt. 25:31-46). To be admired by believers (1:10). To prepare the earth for the eternal habitation of God (Isa. 35:1-10; Zech. 14:1-21; Rev. 20-22; 1Cor. 15:24-28). To purge man of all possibility of future rebellion, so that the original program with man can be finally and eternally realized (Gen. 1:26-31; 8:22; 9:12; Ps. 8:1-9; 1Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 20-22).

‘Flaming fire’ [Greek: phlox] flame of fire (Luke 16:24; Acts 7:30; Heb. 1:7; Rev. 1:14; 2:18; 19:12).

‘On them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel.’ Two classes of people to be judged: They that know not God – that put forth no effort to know or understand Him (2Cor. 4:4; Matt. 13:19). They that obey not the gospel – that put forth no effort to obey it (John 3:17-20, 36; Acts 7:51; Rom. 1:21-32).

‘Punished with everlasting destruction.’ Eternal punishment [Greek: dike] penalty awarded by a judge; suffer punishment. Translated as punishment (1:9); judgment (Acts 25:15); and vengeance (Acts 28:4; Jude 1:7). The penalty here is eternal destruction. The Greek for destruction is olethros, ruin; undoing; that which causes destruction, a plague, pest. Translated as destruction (1:9; 2Cor. 5:5; 1Thess. 5:3; 1Tim. 6:9). Whatever it is that causes the destruction or ruin is eternal. It is not annihilation, for the destruction is eternal and the ones being so punished eternally are as eternal as the destruction itself. There will be no possibility of their ever being reconciled to God beyond this life, for they are eternally banished from the presence of God and the glory of His power (1:10; Heb. 9:27). This in itself would be dreadful punishment, but besides this, there will be the punishment in eternal hell (Matt. 8:12; 13:49-51; 25:41, 25:46; Mark 9:43-49; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15; Isa. 66:22-24).

Faithful is He – Part 1

December 9, 2022November 22, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Thessalonians 5:24-28 Faithful is he that called you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. The first epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.

‘Faithful is he’ – Twelve times God and Christ are called faithful (Deut. 7:9; Isa. 49:7; 1Cor. 1:9; 10:13; 2Thess. 3:3; Heb. 10:23; 11:11; 1Pet. 4:19; 1Jn. 1:9; Rev. 1:5; 3:14; 19:11).

God is faithful and will not let one endure more temptations than he can bear (1Cor. 10:13-14), nor will He allow one to be lost without doing all in His power to save him (John 3:16; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17). If a man falls into sin or is lost it is his own responsibility. He has not taken God’s way, as the psalmist did (Ps. 119:30, 173). As a last resort, God may allow trouble and even permit satan to afflict with disease to bring a man back to righteousness (Job 33:14-29).

‘Brethren, pray for us.’ Constantly Paul asked for the prayers of the saints. He recognized their prayers as more valuable than all their wealth and help otherwise.

‘Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.’ This was an Eastern custom and was used amongst believers.

‘I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.’ A reason for this is not clear unless there may have been some danger of it not being read to all the believers of the Christian congregations, or perhaps local groups in and around Thessalonica.

‘Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.’ Paul begins and ends the epistle with a statement about the grace of Christ.

To be continued…

Sanctify You Wholly – Part 2

December 8, 2022November 21, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

All souls are fully conscious between death and the resurrection, the righteous souls being conscious in paradise and heaven (2Cor. 5:8; Php. 1:21-24; Heb. 12:22-23; Rev. 6:9-11), and the wicked souls in hell (Isa. 14:9; Luke 16:19; Rev. 20:11-15). For example, compare Acts 2:27 with Psalm 16:10; 1Corinthians 15:45 with Genesis 2:7; etc.

Psuche (G5590) is used for: Lower animals (Rev. 8:9; 16:3); Man as an individual (Acts 2:41, 43; 3:23; 7:14; 27:37; Rom. 2:9; 13:1; 1Cor. 15:45; Jas. 5:20; 1Pet. 3:20; 2Pet. 2:14; Rev. 6:9; 18:13; 20:4). The life of man, which can be lost, destroyed, saved, etc. and translated life (Matt. 2:20; 6:25; 10:39; 16:25; 20:28; Mark 3:4; 8:35; 10:45; Luke 6:9; 9:24, 56; 12:22-23; 14:26; 17:33; John 10:11-17; 12:25; 13:37-38; 15:13; Acts 15:26; 20:10, 24; 27:10, 22; Rom. 11:3; 16:4; Php. 2:30; 1Jn. 3:16; Rev. 12:11). The life of a man, which can be lost, destroyed, saved, etc. and translated soul (Matt. 10:28; 16:26; Mark 8:36-37; Luke 12:20; 21:19; 1Thess. 2:8; 5:23; Heb. 4:12; 6:19; 10:39; 13:17; Jas. 1:21; 1Pet. 1:9; 2:11, 25; 4:19). Man, to emphasize self, such as my soul, or myself (Matt. 11:29; 12:18; 26:38; Mark 14:34; Luke 1:46; 12:19; John 12:27; Heb. 10:38; 1Pet. 1:22). The powers of one’s being (Matt. 22:37; Luke 2:35; 10:27; Acts 4:32; 3Jn. 1:2; Eph. 6:6; Php. 1:27).

‘Body’ – The body is the house of the soul and spirit and goes back to dust again at death (Gen. 3:19) and becomes immortal in the resurrection (1Cor. 15:54-58).

‘Unto’ [Greek: en] Translated as “at,” 1Thessalonians 2:19; 3:13. It is at the rapture that saints will be set apart wholly unto God and His eternal will and made whole in body, soul, and spirit (1Cor. 15:51-58; Php. 3:21; Rom 8:18-25; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13).

‘Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ In each chapter of this epistle, the coming of the Lord is presented in a different aspect: 1Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23.