David Guzik’s weekly devotional, based on a verse or two from the Bible.

Remember Things that Matter

But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. (Titus 3:9)

In this portion of Paul’s letter to Titus, he reminded his younger co-worker of several different things. With these words, he reminded Titus to focus on the things that matter, to not get distracted with foolish disputes and things that are unprofitable and useless.

This is actually something that was important to Paul. Several times he warned Timothy and Titus about the danger of focusing on foolish disputes and arguments:

He is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions. (1 Timothy 6:4)

Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. (2 Timothy 2:14)

But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. (2 Timothy 2:23)

Don’t Get Tangled Up

In our social media age, it seems easier than ever for God’s people to get caught up in the web of foolish disputes and contentions and things that are unprofitable and useless. We need to pray – a lot – for the wisdom to stay out of those distracting arguments that really don’t accomplish anything.

The church must stand for the truth, but it must not become just another debating society. We have bigger and more important things to talk about than many of the arguments that the culture fights over. We can get so worked up over things that actually have little more purpose or reason than to win the argument.

According to one writer, the word Paul use for “avoid” in the phrase avoid foolish disputes literally means to turn and face the other way. We should turn our back to such useless arguing and keep our focus on God’s Word.

Click here for David’s commentary on Titus 3

apostle paul

Remember Good Works

This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. (Titus 3:8)

Some people like to claim that the Bible contradicts itself. Most of these claims are fairly silly, and can be dealt with easily. Some are a more involved, and take some effort to understand. Titus 3:8 speaks to one of these “more involved” matters.

apostle paul

The claimed contradiction is between Paul and James. The Apostle Paul was one of the champions of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone. The Apostle James emphasized the necessity of good works and a life that honors God.

If you took a single verse from James and a single verse from Paul and set them against each other, you might think there is a contradiction.

Then we read what Paul wrote here in Titus 3:8: those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. You might say that with that statement, Paul summarized the entire theme of the book of James!

Both Are Right

Paul definitely believed in good works, and that Christians should maintain them. In fact, he wanted Titus to affirm constantly this truth. It was a faithful saying. Paul would never say, “Just have faith, give no concern to good works.” Paul knew just as James wrote, that good works are an important part of the Christian life.

Yet, good works are not the reason why we are right with God. We are right with God because of who Jesus is and what He did for us on the cross. What Paul and James want us to know is that if you are made right with God, it will show in good works. We are saved by grace through faith, but it is a living faith – the faith that saves will do something, and many good things for God, His people, and a needy world.

To put it another way, faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone. We must never put the cart of works before the horse of grace.

Ask God for wisdom about your own life. Do you maintain good works? Are you good for something in the here-and-now, or are you good for nothing?

Click here for David’s commentary on Titus 3

receiving

Remember His Great Salvation

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:4-5)

The first two words of Titus 3 are, “remind them,” and I see many things to remember in the chapter. I see that we should remember how to live (Titus 3:1-2) and that we should remember what we were before Jesus changed our life (Titus 3:3).

receiving

Now in Titus 3:4-5, I see something else really important to remember: the great salvation God brings to His people as they put their trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

It all began when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared. When we were in the place described by Titus 3:3 (foolish, disobedient, deceived, and so on), we didn’t rescue ourselves. We were rescued by the kindness and the love of God. He reached out to us long before we reached out to Him.

We didn’t earn His rescue in any way. It was not by works of righteousness which we have done. Our salvation isn’t based on any works of righteousness which we have done. Think of it:

– By itself, response to an altar call does not save.
– By itself, saying the sinner’s prayer does not save.
– By itself, baptism does not save.
– By itself, church attendance does not save.
– By itself, giving does not save.
– By itself, reading the Bible does not save.

Each of these may be wonderful works of righteousness, but by themselves they do not save us. Instead, according to His mercy He saved us. If God had not worked in us first by His mercy, none of these would have any effect.

We can say it simply: He saved us. This is the essence and distinctive of the gospel. We can notice the emphasis: of God… not by works… His mercy… He saved us… of the Holy Spirit. God is always the initiator, and we receive from Him before we give anything back.

So, respond to such a loving, gracious, giving God by trusting Him; surrendering your past, present, and future to Him; loving Him; praising Him; and receiving the great gift given to you according to His mercy.

Remember what you used to be, and have faith that the God who has begun a good work in you will complete it unto the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

Click here for David’s commentary on Titus 3

new life

Remember What You Used to Be

For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. (Titus 3:3)

In Paul’s letter to Titus, this is a section of reminders. Paul wanted Titus to remind the Christians under his teaching and leadership of how to live the Christian life (Titus 3:1-2). But he also wanted Titus to remind them of how they used to live, what they used to be.

new life

It’s as if God tells us, “Don’t ever forget how I have changed your life.” As Paul wrote, “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived.” When in verses 1 and 2 we learned how to live, we learn in verse 3 why it is sometime such a struggle. We didn’t used to live in a godly way, and we have bad habits of thinking and doing to overcome.

Notice that Paul used the word “we” in this sentence. He included himself, and it was quite a list to include one’s self in: foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

For the Christian, all that should belong to the old life. Jesus gives us something new. Remembering this work of God builds four things in us.

First, gratitude  for how God changed us. When we think of what we used to be, we can be so thankful that God has done a work in our life and is still doing that work. We often think that we are not yet what we should be (and that is true); but thank God, we are not what we used to be.

Second, humilityas we see that it was His work that changed us. This was not our own self-improvement program; it was the work of the living God within us. Of course, it involved our will and effort; but even our will and effort were the work of God in us. We have nothing to be proud about.

Third, kindness to others in the same place. Sometimes we are quite judgmental towards those caught in the web of sin, forgetting that we also once were in similar traps. Remembering the changes God has done in our life should make us compassionate towards those who need a similar work of God.

Finally, faith that God can change those who are still in that place. It’s easy to despair when we long to see God work in the lives of others. Sometimes we give up hope. The next time you feel like that, ask Him for the grace to remember that if God changed you, He can change others as well.

Remember what you used to be, and have faith that the God who has begun a good work in you will complete it unto the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

Click here for David’s commentary on Titus 3

rulers and authorities

Remember How to Live

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. (Titus 3:1-2)

The core of the Christian life is what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. Receiving by faith what God gives us in Jesus comes first. That being said, it isn’t the only aspect of the Christian life. Once we receive, we are then to respond. One way we respond is by living in a way that brings God glory. In these two verses, Paul tells us several aspects of living that kind of life.

rulers and authorities

To show the importance of this, Paul started by telling Titus, remind them. I have read that in the grammar of the ancient Greek text, remind is in the present tense. It actually has the sense, “Go on reminding.” Titus was to constantly remind the Christians under his care how to live the Christian life.

The first specific thing Paul told Titus to remind them of was to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey. Normally, Christians are not rebels or troublemakers. We respect the principle shown in Romans 13:1-7: that we are to do this because these governmental leaders are actually appointed by God for the good of society.

I say that “normally” Christians are not rebels or troublemakers, because we do recognize a higher allegiance. When government tells us to sin and disobey God, we honor God first (Acts 5:29) and obey God rather than men. There are times when government oversteps its bounds and the Christian is obligated to say “no” and stand for God and His righteousness.

Paul also noted that it was important for the Christian to be ready for every good work. If we simply focus on being subject to rulers and authorities, it is easy to make the Christian life passive. Titus should not allow this, and also remind them to be ready for every good work. We should always look for ways to do good in the world for Jesus’ sake.

Paul continued, saying that we should speak evil of no one, be peaceable and gentle, showing all humility to all men. This is a distinctively Christian kindness, coming not from simple good manners but from knowing who we are and who others are in the heart of Jesus. We won’t gossip or tell lies about others, we will look to make peace instead of stirring up trouble, we won’t try to dominate others (gentle), and our humility will be evident to everyone.

That’s a great last thought. Maybe you think of yourself as a humble person. Yet the question is, “Is my humility evident to anyone else? Am I actually showing humility to all men?” It’s easy to show humility to some people – those who might be thought to be “above” us. But the Bible says that we should show humility to all men.

Click here for David’s commentary on Titus 3

speak the word

Speak the Word, Live the Life

Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. (Titus 2:15)

These words from the Apostle Paul come at the end of a long section where he told Titus how to lead the churches on the island of Crete. Titus chapter 2 is filled with practical guidance for the pastor and the church leader, and the chapter ends with this interesting statement. Paul told Titus, “Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.”

speak the word

The first thing is to speak these things. Titus, and every one of God’s messengers of grace are directed to speak the things of God’s Word. What Paul wrote to Titus (these things) was and is God-inspired Scripture.

We could have an interesting discussion over the question, “Did Paul knowwhat he wrote was Scripture?” But it really doesn’t matter if Paul was aware of it or not. God guided Paul and the other human authors of Scripture, enabling them to write His inspired Word through their own human personality.

These things were to be the focus of what Titus taught. The preacher must always stay centered on God’s Word.

Next, Paul told Titus to exhort and rebuke– and to do it with all authority. God’s messengers are to remember that they are messengers from a King, holding the word that brings life and turns back hell. The preacher needs to speak forth God’s Word, exalting it high above human opinion and speculation. When the preacher speaks, sometimes it will be encouraging (exhort) sometimes correcting (rebuke).

Finally, Paul told Titus, “let no one despise you.” This didn’t happen by Titus making a rule saying that Christians weren’t allowed to despise him. It happened because Titus lived a life of love and integrity. If Titus spoke with all authority, he had to back it up with his life. Titus had to live in such a way so that no one could rightfully despise him or his message.

One commentator points out that it was common for these letters from Paul to be read in the churches. Therefore, this remark, “let no one despise you,” was also something for the Christians and Crete to hear. When they saw Titus living an honorable and godly life, they had to step up and respect him and his message, even when it was a rebuke.

I’m sure that at some point this week God will have a word to encourage you (exhort) or to correct you (rebuke). Be ready to receive either word and to respond to it.

Click here for David’s commentary on Titus 2

gave himself

He Gave Himself

Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (Titus 2:14)

We believe that the collected letters of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament were inspired by God, that they communicate God’s word to us. There are certain places where this inspiration is more obvious; places where the message of the gospel is given in such a brief and glorious way that it says, “God was in this writing.”

gave himself

I think that this brief statement in Titus 2:14 is one of those places. When Paul wrote, “Who gave Himself for us,” every part of this description of Jesus’ work is beautiful and important.

Jesus gave, which means it was voluntary. He didn’t have to do what He did, but He did it out of love. It’s good to emphasize what John 3:16 says – that the Father gave the Son. But don’t forget that Jesus also gave.

Jesus gave Himself, which means Jesus gave all He could give. It’s possible to help someone, and even to help them in a big way, without really giving yourself. Yet Jesus gave the greatest thing He could ever offer: He gave himself.

Jesus gave Himself for us, which means Jesus was given as a substitute for sinful man. We needed a substitute, someone to stand in our place as guilty sinners before God. Jesus took the guilt for us. He took the shame for us.

Jesus did it all that He might redeem us. Redemption means “to be bought out of slavery by the paying of a ransom.” We are bought out of our slavery to sin and purchased for His service. The death of Jesus wasn’t only to bring us forgiveness, but also to give us new life. We are set free from every lawless deed.

Finally, Jesus did this to make something special of us – to make us His own special people. According to William Barclay, the idea behind this phrase is the spoil of battle that a conquering king set aside for himself. We – His own special people– are His reward, we are the plunder of Jesus great victory at the cross.

There it is – only 25 words in English, but a beautiful summary of God’s great love and great work of us in Jesus Christ. Thank Jesus today that He gave Himself for you, making you one of His own special people.

Click here for David’s commentary on Titus 2

blessed hope

The Blessed Hope

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13)

In the previous verse, Paul told Titus what grace teaches: that we should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that we should live righteous lives. Titus 2:13 carries on the same thought, adding to what grace teaches us.

blessed hope

Said plainly, grace teaches us to look for the second coming of Jesus Christ. In continuing the thought of what grace teaches, Paul wrote that we should be looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

In other words, grace teaches us to expect and prepare for our blessed hope. That hope is not heaven or glory, but Jesus Himself, face to face, closer than ever.

Yet we don’t just wait for the coming of Jesus; we live in active expectation of the return of Jesus. We are looking for it. The return of Jesus Christ should be precious for Christians to consider.

Jesus came the first time to save the soul of man; He will come a second time to resurrect the body.

Jesus came the first time to save the individual; He will come a second time to save society.

Jesus came the first time to a crucifixion; He will come a second time to a coronation.

Jesus came the first time to a cross; He will come a second time to a throne.

Jesus came the first time in humility; He will come a second time in glory.

Jesus came the first time and stood before Pilate; He will come a second time and Pilate will stand before Him.

Jesus came the first time and was judged by men; He will come a second time to judge all men.

Finally, notice whom Paul says will return: our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. From time to time, some people try to say that Paul and other early Christians didn’t really believe Jesus was God. This shows that not only did Paul know Jesus was God, but that He was and is the great God and Savior.

That same Jesus came once – and He will return just as He promised. Let grace teach you to keep looking for His return and be ready for that great day.

Click here for David’s commentary on Titus 2

grace teaches

What Grace Teaches

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 the present age (Titus 2:11-12)

There is hardly a more wonderful theme in the Bible than the grace of God. The truth that God freely gives His favor and approval in Jesus Christ to the believer, and He does this without measuring whether or not that believer deserves such blessing – this is a profound truth, one that sets many free with its power and glory.

grace teaches

I think that it is impossible to take grace too far. The Bible teaches us that there are two principles upon which we can relate to God: the principle of law and the principle of grace. We don’t need to “balance” law and grace; God deals with the believer on the basis of grace, and we must respond back to Him the same way.

If it is impossible to take grace too far, it is possible to take grace wrongly. One wrong way to teach grace is to ignore what Titus 2:11-12 says about grace.

Said plainly, grace teaches us to live godly lives. Those who seem to abuse grace don’t take grace too far; they refuse to listen to what grace teaches. According to one commentator, the idea in this passage is that grace is presented as a person, someone who teaches the believer how to live the Christian life, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts.

Grace puts ungodliness and worldly lusts in our past. Now grace teaches us to renounce those things, not only to avoid them. One may say that in a world where we are tempted to say “Yes” to every desire and feeling, that the reality of our faith can be demonstrated by what we say no to, by what we are willing to deny.

Grace also teaches us how to live in the present age. We must live soberly (self-controlled) in regard to ourselves. We must live righteously in regard to the people around us. And we must live godly (“to take God seriously”) in regard to our God.

Taken together, we see that the fear of the legalist – that preaching grace produces Christians who don’t care about obedience – is unfounded. Grace teaches us obedience.

We need more of God’s grace, not less. You can’t take grace too far, but you can take it wrongly. God’s grace is teaching. Are you listening?

Click here for David’s commentary on Titus 2

shining forth

Shining Forth

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11)

This brief statement of the apostle Paul in his letter to Titus introduces a new thought, but even this starting line has a wonderful truth for us to consider.

Paul begins speaking of the grace of God. We remember the greatness of God’s grace, the undeserved favor and acceptance that God gives to those who put their trust in Jesus Christ.

shining forth

Here Paul considered that the grace of God actually does something: it brings salvation. That’s how great the favor and acceptance of God is. It changes the past, present, and future of the man or woman who receives it. In this sense, salvation isn’t just a ticket to heaven. It means God’s active power and life in the here and now, not just in the eternal future.

Notice also that grace brings salvation. You don’t go out and “get” salvation; it comes to you in the grace of God and you have the opportunity to receive it by faith. That’s one a fundamental difference between Christianity and every other religion or faith system on earth. Many religions tell how to find God and get something from Him. Biblical Christianity is the message of how God, by His grace, brought salvation to us.

There is something else wonderful in this short verse. Paul says that this grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. I see at least two beautiful things here. First, there is one gospel of grace for all men. God doesn’t have a gospel of grace for some and a gospel of law or self-justification for others. All men (and all women) find salvation by the grace of God.

The other beautiful thing here is the phrase translated has appeared. According to Adam Clarke, it is the ancient Greek word epiphaino and it means, “has shined out.” Clarke believe this was a picture taken from the shining of the sun. Just as the sun rises in the east and makes its way across the entire globe, so the wonderful grace of God in Jesus Christ started in Jerusalem and began to shine over the entire human race.

Just as with the grace of God, the light and warmth of the sun is for the whole earth; but it does not shine upon the earth all at the same time, nor in the same intensity from place to place. God shines forth His grace according to His wisdom and plan; but we know that He always shines forth His grace through the Sun of Righteousness, Jesus Christ (Malachi 4:2). Seek Jesus, trust Jesus, and let His grace shine on you today.

Click here for David’s commentary on Titus 2