Tag: Titus

In the Faith Part 3

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Titus 3:12-15 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Faith has not the slightest relationship with feelings and sense-evidences. At the times when men think they have all the faith in the world because of feelings, they have the least in the world, and when they think they have the least, they have more than at any other time in their lives. Many people are surprised to get answers to prayer because when they prayed they thought their faith was nothing. People should not believe they are healed because the pain is gone, or that they are saved because they feel they are forgiven. They should not think that their prayers are answered because things are working out that way. Instead, they should always maintain faith because of what the Word of God says. The Word of God should have first place in their lives instead of the senses. All basing of faith upon what we have done, how well we live, or what experiences we have had will lead to failure in answered prayer. God does not answer on these grounds. He answers solely upon the grounds of grace and faith in Him and in His Word.

True faith is not trusting in the goodness and in the faith of another man. It must be personal faith in God and His Word. People continually go about seeking someone who has faith and who can get answers to prayer for them. This may work temporarily while one is learning about God and His Word, but if we do not properly learn and develop a personal faith that refuses to be denied, we shall eventually revert to failure and unbelief, and we shall have to be satisfied with the modern theory that answered prayer is not for everyone.

The true faith that will pay off is that of having personal faith in God, faith in Jesus Christ, faith in the Holy Spirit, faith in the Word of God, faith in the atonement, and total consecration personally to believe God regardless of anything that might happen to hinder prayer. The right program is not talking about faith or the need of it, but the actual exercise of it. Simple faith in the Word regardless of feelings and circumstances is never possible to the man who lives only in the realm of his senses, for he believes only what he can see, feel, hear, or understand to be possible. This was the kind of faith Thomas had when he declared that he would not believe until he had seen. It was the kind that Martha had when she could see nothing but the natural fact that Lazarus had been dead four days and “by this time he stinketh.” This is the kind of faith taught and encouraged by modern religious leaders, but it is not the kind required by the New Testament.

To be continued…

In the Faith Part 2

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Titus 3:12-15 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

There are eighteen definitions of faith (continues): Assurance of God’s faithfulness (Heb. 11:17-19; 10:23). Confidence in things to come (Heb. 11:20-31; 3:6, 14; 10:35; Eph. 3:12; 1Jn. 3:21). Stimulus of the Christian faith (Heb. 11:32 – 12:2). The life-blood of the just (Heb. 10:38). Shield of Christian armour (Eph. 6:16). Down payment of things desired (Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 6:11-12; 10:22-23, 35-39). Guarantee of answered prayer (Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:1-27).

Twelve things those in Christ must Hope for: Salvation (Rom. 8:24-25; 1Thess. 5:8). Righteousness (Gal. 5:5). Calling (Eph. 1:18; 4:4). Christ in them (Col. 1:27; 1Tim. 1:1). Greater New Testament glory (2Cor. 3:7-12). Future life (1Cor. 15:19; Pro. 14:32). Resurrection (Acts 23:6; 24:15; 26:6-7). Final rewards (1Thess. 2:19). Final grace (1Pet. 1:13). Coming of the Lord (Tit. 2:13). Being like Christ (1Jn. 3:1-3). Eternal life (Tit. 1:2, 3:7; Heb. 3:6; 6:11, 18-19; 1Pet. 1:3). 

Twelve kinds of things not yet seen: Restoration of all things (Acts 3:21). Invisible things (Rom. 1:20). Things of the Spirit (Rom. 8:5). Things to come (Rom. 8:38). Things prepared for us (1Cor. 2:9). Eternal things (2Cor. 4:18). Things in heaven (Php. 2:10). Things under the earth (Php. 2:10). Future things (Php. 3:13). Things above (Col. 3:1-2). The Lord (1Pet. 1:8; 1Tim. 6:16). Final salvation (Rom. 8:24-25; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13).

Faith is not feeling that prayer is answered. The average person who seeks to exercise faith depends upon what he can see, hear, or feel. Testimonies concerning faith are usually expressed in connection with feelings and emotions, or the various senses. Sense-faith is based upon physical evidence or upon the emotions and feelings of the soul. All who take this road as the basis of faith will sooner or later be deceived. Faith should be based upon the Word of God regardless of any sense-knowledge, or feeling-evidences. People are constantly looking to feelings as to whether prayer has been heard or not. If they happen to feel good, or if something happens that encourages them, they think that it is easy to believe, but if reverses come and feelings take wings, these same people are in the depths of despair. They are quick to accuse God of being unfaithful and untrue to His Word. If they do not go this far, they are quick to imagine that it was not God’s will to grant the answer. They become satisfied to go without what God has plainly promised.

To be continued…

In the Faith Part 1

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Titus 3:12-15 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

‘Nicopolis’ – A city of Epirus, on the Gulf of Ambracia, near Actium. Another Nicopolis was in Thrace, on the river Nessus.

‘For I have determined there to winter.’ This proves the apostle was free from prison and could winter where he pleased.

‘In the faith’ – The word “faith” is found only twice in the Old Testament, but 245 times in the New Testament. The word “believe” with its various endings occurs 45 times in the Old Testament and 268 times in the New Testament. The word “trust” is the other Old Testament word for faith and believe. It is used with its various endings 154 times in the Old Testament and 35 times in the New Testament.

These words simply mean “to confide in, so as to be secure without fear,” “to flee for refuge to, or to take shelter in,” “to put faith in,” “to stay or rest on,” “to rely on,” “to believe, or to take one at his word,” “to rely upon the promise of another,” and “to put absolute trust in a person without any questioning or doubts as to His faithfulness.”

The Bible definition of “faith” is, “The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1).

There are eighteen definitions of faith: Substance of things hoped for (Heb. 11:1). Evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1, 7). Invisible backing of elders (Heb. 11:2). Creative power of divine works (Heb. 11:3). Divine testimony of right doing (Heb. 11:4). Cancellation of natural laws (Heb. 11:5). Basis of pleasing God (Heb. 11:6). Dependence upon God’s word (Heb. 11:7). Trust in an unknown future (Heb. 11:8-10). Counting things that be not as though they were (Heb. 11:11-12; Rom. 4:17). Seeing invisible things (Heb. 11:13-16).

To be continued…

An Heretic

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Titus 3:10-11 A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinned, being condemned of himself. 

‘Heretic’ [Greek, hairetikos] one who maintains opposition to truth; a choosing, hence, a sect (Acts 5:17; 15:5; 24:5; 26:5; 28:22) and heresy (Acts 24:14; 1Cor. 11:19; Gal. 5:20; 2Pet. 2:1). The word itself has no evil meaning. It simply refers to a doctrinal view or belief at variance with the recognized and accepted tenets of a system, church, or party. The word heretic is used once in Scripture (3:10) and means one who holds a heresy; a dissenter, or a nonconformist. It only takes on an evil meaning when sound doctrine is rejected and fallacy is accepted and taught in preference to the truth. If the doctrine is unsound and one dissent from the main body that holds the fallacy, then he is a heretic in a good sense.

The word signifies a sect or party, whether good or bad, distinguished from all other sects and parties. It formerly was applied to different sects of heathen philosophers. The church of Rome uses it only in an evil sense to apply to all who cannot go along with their many dogmas and rituals that have been added for many centuries to the pure teachings of the Christian faith. A heretic to them is not a papist, and because of this is outside the Christian religion. Almost all denominations use it in the same sense as those who do not see eye to eye with them. True Christians apply it to all false religions that do not accept true Christian doctrines and follow and obey Jesus Christ. Jews called Christians a sect (Acts 24:5, 14; 28:22) and Christians called the Pharisees and Sadducees and other groups sects (Acts 5:17; 15:5; 26:5). All deviation from the truth is heresy (Gal. 5:20; 1Cor. 11:19; 2Pet. 2:1).

‘Reject’ [Greek, paraiteomai] beg off. Translated as “reject” (3:10); “avoid” (2Tim. 2:23); “entreat” (Heb. 12:19); “make excuse” (Luke 14:18); and “refuse” (Acts 25:11; 1Tim. 4:7; 5:11; Heb. 12:25).

‘Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinned, being condemned of himself.’ Three effects of heresy: [1] Subversion, to turn out of how one may be saved. [2] Sin [Greek, harmartano] miss a mark or aim; to wander from the right path that leads to life; go in the path of destruction. Translated “sin” 32 times (3:11; Matt. 18:21; 27:4; Luke 15:18-21; John 5:14; 8:11; 9:2-3; Rom. 2:12; 3:23; 5:12-16; 6:15; 1Cor. 6:18; 7:28, 36; 8:12; 15:34; Eph. 4:26; 1Tim. 5:20; Heb. 3:17; 10:26; 2Pet. 2:4; 1Jn. 1:10; 2:1; 3:6-9; 5:16-18); “to trespass” (Matt. 18:15; Luke 17:3-4); “offend” (Acts 25:8); and “faults” (1Pet. 2:20). [3] Self-condemnation.

Avoid Foolish Questions

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Titus 3:8-9 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 

‘Faithful saying.’ Four “faithful sayings” in Timothy and Titus: Christ came to save sinners (1Tim. 1:15; 4:10; Matt. 1:21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4). Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of life now, and of that which is to come (1Tim. 1:4). If we are dead with Him, we shall also live with Him (2Tim. 2:11-13). They which belief must maintain good works (Tit. 3:8; cp. 1Tim. 3:1; Rev. 21:5; 22:6). This gives the whole span of redemption from the fall of man to the eternal reign with Christ.

‘Affirm constantly.’ Affirm strongly. We are commanded to maintain good works (3:8, 14; 2:14; 2Tim. 2:21; Matt. 5:16).

‘Avoid foolish questions’ [Greek: zetesis] a searching after; investigation. Translated as “question” (3:9; 1Tim. 1:4; 6:4; John 3:25; Acts 25:20; 2Tim. 2:23). Here and in 1Timothy 1:4 it means disputing that causes strife, divisions, and parties. Avoid conversations where people ask questions because they want to argue or prove their opinions.

‘Unprofitable and vain.’ Four things unprofitable and vain: foolish questions; strivings about law; genealogies; contentions.

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).

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.