Mining the Scriptures: Titus 2:1-10
It is important to note that here Paul is giving Titus instructions on what to teach. It is important to declare the “whole counsel of God”, (cf. Acts 20:27). An aspect of that declaration is to teach every person, young or old, male or female, how they should direct their lives.
There are specific admonitions that different ages or genders need. This is not sexist or ageist, it is merely an acknowledgment of the order of life, and what God always requires of us. With this in mind, the text is a treasure trove of good instruction.
Older men are to be characterized by sobriety and reverence. The old women as well, and they are to teach the younger women with less experience. The younger women are to show love, deference and care to their husbands and children. The younger men are to be act with maturity. They are to have integrity and soundness in action.
Finally, bondservants are to serve their masters with fidelity as Christians should always do. The exhortations are simple, but needed. As too often they are ignored.
The Withered Fig Tree
In Matthew 21 we are told that Jesus came upon a fig tree while hungry, only to see that it contained no figs, only leaves. In response, Jesus said to the tree, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again” (19), leading the tree to wither away completely.
The disciples were amazed, and wondered how it happened. Well, Jesus did not directly answer them, but it is obvious. As the Creator of the universe, Jesus certainly had power over every aspect of it. The fig tree withered because He willed it. Not in vengeance toward the unfruitful tree, but to teach His disciples a lesson. Continue reading “The Withered Fig Tree”
Sermon: Honesty
A discussion of the destructive impact of Dishonesty. Christ as the perfect example of honesty. And, the divine directive for all of us to be honest.
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Sermon: Jesus’ Prayer for You and Me
Mere Men
The heading found in my Bible (NKJV) in 1 Corinthians 3 is “Sectarianism is Carnal.” Now, the headings are not inspired, it is simply the translator trying to give a very quick and concise summary of the paragraph’s content. But, in this instance, it seems to be well considered. This is certainly true.
Let’s first talk definitions. Sectarianism — excessive attachment to a particular sect or party, especially in religion (Oxford Languages). The word is not found in the New Testament writings, but the concept surely is. In chapter 1 of the text, Paul admonished the Corinthians for following after different men, “Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). Continue reading “Mere Men”
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:1-2
Here the apostle Paul wrote an important admonition to Timothy. “…be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (1). It seems that Paul wanted Timothy to always be mindful of the extended grace of God given through Jesus Christ. This serves as a great source of strength for the child of God. Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:3).
The wonderful thing about such strength and conviction is that it can be passed along to others. Paul wanted Timothy to do this in his work. “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2). It is like a never ending reaction. One thing continually leads to another. The gospel, if it is embraced and shared propagates quickly and well. We do well if we plant and water (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:6), knowing that God will give the increase. Paul knew it, and he wanted his ward to know it too. It was true then, and it certainly remains true for us.
Total Commitment
Sometimes Christians don’t get it, but the Bible very clearly reveals that our walk with the Lord pleases Him only if it is characterized by total commitment. This truth was made very clear by the Lord in Luke 18, where Jesus admonished the young ruler. The young man was diligent is keeping the 10 commandments, revealed in Exodus 20. He said, “All these things I have kept from my youth” (21).
Jesus wanted more from the man. He was very rich, and apparently liked his riches. Jesus knew they were too important to him, so he said, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (22). Continue reading “Total Commitment”
Sermon: Fellowship
Ian Tilley gives a good lesson on the subject of Fellowship, using the rebellion of Korah as an illustration of the concept.
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Sermon: Jesus Prays for His Disciples
In the second of three lessons covering Jesus’ prayer in John 17, the emphasis is placed upon the petitions made to the Father on behalf of Jesus’ present disciples.
Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians Elders
There is much we can learn from the life of Paul. His previous life, his apostleship and his writings contain much to encourage, teach and admonish us in our own lives.
While our examination of his epistles supply us with much of the doctrine that accords with Christ, there is likewise much to be taken from Luke’s account of his life and ministry. Here we wish to consider his final address to the Ephesian elders in Miletus before going on to Jerusalem. He had spent much time in Ephesus (cf. Acts 19), and no doubt had a close relationship with these men to whom he spoke in Acts 20:18-35. Continue reading “Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians Elders”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Timothy 1:8-11
Paul did not have a dislike for the law of Moses. Though his reputation was often attacked, Paul realized the main purpose of that Law. It is “to bring us to Christ” (cf. Galatians 3:24). It was good. But, it had to be used correctly. It had to be obeyed. The law of Moses is not where redemption is found, it was given to prepare and lead to redemption.
The law is abused by the disobedient. He includes in this passage a sampling of that. He references the unholy and profane. Individuals like murderers, fornicators, sodomites, kidnappers, liars, perjurers. These are not exclusive, they are representative of all types of sin.
But, the law is contrasted with what Paul refers to as “the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust” (11). The abuse of the law does teach an important truth, such sins are “contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel” as well, and worthy of judgment, (cf. Romans 1:28-32). The law also is not the end all. The glorious gospel of God, committed to Paul, is.
The Pleasure of God
What makes God happy? This is an important question, and one that most people do not understand. In fact, such misunderstanding has been used as an argument against either God’s existence, or at the least His goodness. Such arguments are shallow, and do not accord with what we understand and apply to other parts of our society. Regardless, a proper discussion of the matter is important to establish some important truths. Continue reading “The Pleasure of God”
Sermon: The Fullness of Christ
A discussion of Colossians 1:9-19 discussing what makes Jesus unique.
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Being Nice!
The book of Ruth shows a trio of characters who understand what it means to be kind in your treatment of others.
Abundant Grace
The apostle Paul was always quick to acknowledge from where he came. He was a Pharisee, and one who sought to do violence to those who followed Jesus. He serves as a significant witness of the Christ, as one who formerly fought against Jesus, who became His Savior.
Paul knew that his position as one of the redeemed came despite the evil he did as a young man. One of the places where he made this clear is in his first letter to Timothy. In the first chapter, he wrote the following: Continue reading “Abundant Grace”
