Author: Stan Cox

This is a hard thing for children. It might be because a child thinks that if he admits he has done wrong, there will be consequences. In fact, some children will continue to proclaim “I didn’t do it” or “It wasn’t me” even if they were caught red handed!

It can be the same for Christians as well. Why would a Christian who has sinned deny, or rationalize,  or excuse their actions? Well, it may be that they fear what others may think if they admit to not being perfect! But, no one is perfect, and that shows too much concern for what others think, rather than what God thinks! “But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6). Continue reading “Acknowledging Responsibility for Wrong” →

Our text here refers to Paul’s ministry as an apostle of Jesus Christ.  Said ministry impacted the Colossians, but was for all of the body of Christ, which is the church.

He was happy to do this, as this was a privilege (and duty) granted to him by God.  He was a steward (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:2), to preach the mystery of Christ, and such fulfill the word of God.

The saints, the chosen of God, are called by the gospel of Christ (cf. Romans 1:16). It was at this time in history (the last days) that God “willed to make known” the benefits of believing and accepting Jesus Christ, “the hope of Glory.”

And so, Paul preached.  His message consisted of warning those who were not obedient to God, and to teach Christians, that “we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”

He was fully devoted (cf. Romans 1:15).  It was “to this end I also labor.” He did not consider himself to do anything of his own accord (cf. Galatians 2:20). What Paul did as an apostle were works God had given him to do! (cf. Ephesians 2:10).

In Titus 2:15, after revealing things that Titus should concern himself with at Crete, he wrote, “Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.”

Who was Titus?  Well, he was a Greek man that Paul had converted. It seems that he was younger than Paul, because he is often put into the same category by the apostle and others as the young man Timothy. Paul’s words here seem to echo his admonition to Timothy in  1 Timothy 4:12, and he calls himself a spiritual father to both men because of his influence in having them converted. (cf. 1 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4). Regardless, Paul had confidence in Titus as he did the work of an evangelist on the isle of Crete.

The phrase “rebuke with all authority” brings the question, who is Titus to speak to others in this way, and why should he not be despised for doing so? Well, the authority of Titus did not exist in his person or age, but in his work. The rebukes ultimately came from the Holy Spirit! In effect, Titus was merely the mouthpiece, a servant doing the Master’s bidding. His words had authority because what he was repeating in his exhortations and rebuke had their genesis with the Lord.

The phrase, “Let no one despise you” seems to be within the power of Titus. And so it is less about the unfair scorn of others, and more about Titus conducting himself so as to not be taken advantage of by evil men. He had to be diligent to refute error and deal with sophistry.

An examination of the phrase found in Habakkuk 2:4, establishing the difference between the proud and insolent, and the believer who humbles himself before God.

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A lesson that discusses the teaching of Psalm 10, showing the care and protection of the righteous by God.

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In discussing the characteristics of the old man of sin, which accurately described the Colossians at one time, the apostle then told them in Colossians 3:9-10, “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”

The old man is described  as one guilty of:  fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, covetousness, disobedience, anger, wrath, blasphemy, filthy language, and as seen in verse 9, lying. Continue reading “The New Man Compared to the Old” →

In Colossians 3:5, the apostle Paul told the Christians there to “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry.” The reason for this admonition? “Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience…” (vs. 6).

The phrase “members which are on the earth” is an interesting one. These things “members” are aspects of a person that precludes him from serving God acceptably. Specifically, while these things could be considered sinful themselves, they are also the attitudes and characteristics that lead a person to sinful actions. These “members” are characteristic of a lustful, lascivious, hateful and greedy person. So, Christians should “put them to death.” Continue reading “Put to Death Your Members Which Are on the Earth” →

Two possibilities were acknowledged by Paul while in prison.  He could die (be executed) or he could be spared and continue his ministry.

Which was best for Paul? For him, it was to die. This is true for every faithful Christian. It is not a death wish to acknowledge the preference for eternity. Here we are limited in our fellowship with God. Beyond death is the reward of eternity in God’s presence, without the troubles and trials of life.

Which was best for the Philippians? It was for Paul to live. They needed him. As an apostle, a preacher of the gospel, and their companion in the faith, Paul helped supply their spiritual needs.  His loss would challenge them spiritually. “Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (24).

Because others needed Paul to remain, his confidence was that he would be released to do his work. He trusted that God did not want his life to end, and if God did not want it to end, he had faith his work would “continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith” (25).

I write this as a concise primer, a reminder, a help to anyone who wants to share the gospel with the world, or who themselves have not accepted God’s supreme gift to mankind. It is a bit barebones for space purposes. If any questions arise, you can talk to, email or message me and I will be sure to answer you ASAP.

First, God created man to be different from all other life. We are told we alone are created in the image of God, (cf. Genesis 1:27). This does not mean that we physically look like God (if so, we would not be unique). It means that we alone are created with a soul. We alone have been given free will, and we can choose to obey or disobey God. Both have consequences. Continue reading “God’s Scheme for Redeeming Man” →

In Ephesians 5:15-16 the apostle Paul wrote, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” It is an interesting passage, expressing the need to live our lives as God directs, and expressing the motivation for our discipleship. Consider the following: Continue reading “Walk Circumspectly” →

“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word” (Psalms 119:9).

Our encouragements to read and study God’s word are constant.  That is because they are important. It only takes a few minutes to consider why:

1. God is in control.
2. God requires us to do His will in order to please Him.
3. His will is wholly contained in scripture which is readily available to all, and we are encouraged to use it!

It is like being able to take an open book test in school.  Even the smart kids are going to take advantage of the open book.  However, religiously many feel free to guess, to assume, to opine, to invent—all when God’s word is easily opened, and God’s will is easily found.

So, consider these truths while thinking about whether you are interested in reading the Bible through in this next year. It only take a few moments a day.  It shouldn’t be the sum total of your Bible study in the new year, but it is a good place to start.

A simple examination of the text. The pronouns regard God in the first instance, and His Son in the last three.

God gave Jesus a place of preeminence in the world. This is best demonstrated in the church, which is figuratively described as His body. As the head is to the body, so is Christ to the church. He is the authority, He is the guide, He is the director.

As the church (His body) does His will on earth, it accomplishes everything God intends. This is our purpose as we live here — do Christ’s will, and accomplish His purpose.

Another truth in the metaphor of the head and the body is that there is one of each. One head and multiple bodies is a monster. There is only one body, on church (cf. Ephesians 4:4).

One body with multiple heads is a monstrosity as well. For any to exalt themselves by taking authority that belongs to Christ is wrong. He has “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).

Christ fulfills us completely. His power, goodness, might, love & preeminence empower us in all things  (1 Corinthians 15:58).