Titus: Become what you are

Max Lucado once described the most obedient Christian as the one who were most joyful about their forgiveness. Titus picks up on that theme and gets to its epicenter in chapter 3.

3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

The emphasis is stressing our rebirth and renewal as motivation to being and doing good. I have heard many things about being good including: "it's okay to be bad because Jesus forgives us anyway" or "the ten commandments are just a discouragement so that we need Jesus." While those aspects might be true on a Roman's Road level, it does not help the Christian who had been following God his whole life. No, instead, Paul argues that the crux of our piety, love and sacrifice comes from what God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit did to get us there.

I rarely think in those terms. When I am good it is either by accident, by convenience or I just feel guilted into doing a good deed. But Paul says that there is power in our transformation and that should motivate us to do good.

The word self-control pops up a lot in Paul's letter. There are many kinds of self control including: purity, eating, alcohol, temper, ownership and spiritual discipline. From the context and history we can gather that Paul was opposed to how the church was treating its body.

2:3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Pagan life had no boundaries. It was perfectly normal to engage in orgies, drunken parties and soirees. Imagine being around that lifestyle where you lived. Thus the children of the church needed to be reminded that lifestyle was not appropriate.

All my non-Christian friends think I am crazy and severely limited for the godly choices I have made (purity, self-control, belief). It bugs me sometimes that I might be viewed as a tight wad. It would be so easy to drop my beliefs and join them. Fortunately, truth shines through the gray clouds of peer pressure. It's a struggle to follow a path endorsed by an invisible God, while living amongst the loud masses.

Like most Christian areas there were arguments over how Christianity's doctrine should be understood. A certain group of circumcisers were hassling the church. They were hellbent on the Christians following the law.

3:9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Religious argument has frustrated the church's influence on the world for ages. We have been bombarded with psychology, ancient philosophies, new age ideas, sensate opinions and modern science. The Bible does not require that anyone become a science major to dispute these things, but it does ask us to represent sound doctrine (the Bible).

1:9He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Finally, not everyone is going to follow what we believe. If you find yourself having circular arguments with someone then you should just leave them be. Instead, show the example of Christ in your actions and be good.

7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

2nd Timmy Themes

Warnings of Heresy: No surprise, almost every church that Paul visits is infested with some religious group teaching with a different agenda for Christianity. The weight of a heretic had a direct attack against the congregation and put them in danger. The way the heretics hooked the congregation was through stories and tales.

2:16 Avoid godless chatter because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

Guard against Heresy: Paul encourages Timmy to play good defense against persecution and heresy.

2:1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others

Persecution: Paul is currently in chains when he writes this and his outcome is bleak. But in the face of persecution Timmy is told to keep going. In the metaphor of the runner, a Roman runner had to train for 10 months before he would be qualified to be in the race. Paul considers the "10 months" as our suffering and training for the faith. It's what qualifies us.

2:5Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.

2:9for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained.

Persecution and Gifts: Despite persecution, Timmy is encouraged to use his gift of preaching the truth to his congregation.

1:8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,

Persecution and endurance: Many fell away from the faith because of the fear of persecution. Paul reminds that God supplies us with power, love and self-discipline.

1:7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

2:3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4:5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Confidence: Paul is sure that his carrying of the Gospel of truth will help him receive the reward of faith.

4:8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

1:12That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

Worldly Distractions: We are to treat our faith as a full time occupation, not getting caught in a side project of the world. The Roman soldiers treated every task as if it was the most important.

2:4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.

Faithful: Christ is the bigger person when it comes to handling faith. In times where we are faltering and heading toward empty on our belief, he makes a promise to remain faithful. It's his very nature and being.

4:17But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth.

2:13if we are faithless,

he will remain faithful,

for he cannot disown himself.

Desire for virtue: Timmy is not just to play defense, but he is also to advance in the virtues of a godly life.

2:22Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Teaching virtues: Timmy's main job was preaching the truth to his congregation and he was instructed to do it well. Within the atmosphere of spiritual idiocy, Timmy was instructed to be gentle to remove it. Timothy was also to be prepared to preach

2:24 ...instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,

4:2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Danger to Come: persecution will always be against godliness and Paul wants to assure the church that this is part of a Christian's life in a sinful world. Sin was the biggest persecution to holiness.

3:1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

3:12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Importance of scripture: In the face of lukewarm claims in doctrine, scripture should be trusted as the only way to truth. Paul urges this to Tim. Not only does the Bible fend off the false lies, but it also equips Christians to do more.

3:16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Sacrifice: Paul speaks as if he is giving up his life for the cause of Christ. Perhaps this was his last letter before he was martyred for Jesus in the Roman prison.

4:6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.

Loneliness: Paul was alone in prison and barely anyone had visited him. Now that he was on deathrow he wanted some Christian fellowship. Christians need each other; no man is an island.

4:9Do your best to come to me quickly,

1st Timothy OR Playing Good Defense

Timothy was Paul's understudy in the Gospel. in these letters Paul tells Timothy how to handle some of the current issues in his church.

1st Tim Chapter 1-- Supposedly, there were false teachers that were preaching that the resurrection of the dead had already happened. This caused many weak believers chaos and uncertainty. Paul aims to set things right by commanding Timothy to nip it in the bud. This included going to the false prophets who were telling crazy stories and telling them to knock it off.

In today's American culture we don't have anything as radical as prophets telling us that the end has already come, but we do have another false allegation: God is a nice god. People want to focus on God as a loving old man with enough sympathy to let our misbehavings slide as long as we don't kill anyone or do drugs. Let's not even mention the fact that God has to be a judge of our conduct and that our conduct has consequences.

The false teachers of Paul's time used to quote the law a lot to back up their beliefs. Paul has a different interpretation: 

8We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9We also know that law[a] is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers.⁰for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine

Point and case, Paul says the law is not a road anyone can travel to get to God's good side, rather it is a babysitter that helps us see that we have no chance.  Paul's testimony is proof of this.

 ¹⁵Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.'

A little lesson in humility, if the most pious and devoted Christian you know says he is the worst sinner ever, you better rethink your own pride.  This is the verse I use to explain to people that no one can go before God without a saviour.  

¹⁶But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Paul is most known for his major faith in the hyper characteristics of God.  God has unlimited patience.  Its almost to say that God withstood Paul's worst sins and got the better of him in the end.   This answers the question: can I out sin my way out of salvation?  NO! '

¹⁹holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. 

According to my commentary book, a good conscience refers to the collective doctrine of the church regarding Christian beliefs.  The church had a foundation of knowledge in the Lord Jesus and any deviation from it was not Christianity.  The false prophets were deviating from the church's foundation and getting suckers every minute.

I particularly like the idea that we have a foundation of beliefs and that we are not just making it up as we go along.  I feel that anyone with confidence and good skills could say anything about the Bible and people would listen.  This foundation that we have through the gospels is a test to see what is real and what is fake.

Chapter 2

 ¹I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— ²for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

I like this verse because it is very passive and calm.  I often overlook prayer and quietness in my Christianity because it seems that the loud and bold Christians are the ones that get things done.  This is in favor of a quiet life (one that is not drawing attention to yourself) and one that supports everything in prayer.  Paul also sets the example of how we should treat government.  We should be in continual prayer that the people in government have God's will--not bad mouthing them all the time.

Chapter 2 gives a list of attitudes a church member should take:

Prays for society

Peaceful and quiet

Godly and holy

No anger disputes

proper attire for ladies

non-rich attitude

no inexperienced women taking charge

¹¹A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. ¹²I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.

If I ever tried to preach these words in my liberal arts college of Houghton, I would be shot down by a female from the women's dorm.  These words above are what keep some people from accepting Christianity because they think God is sexist.

Let me explain what I have learned.  Imagine you are part of a radical movement that preaches that everyone is free in Christ.  As this movement spreads throughout the towns and villages the followers start reacting radically.  Men start to quit their jobs, children start to disown their family, slaves start hating their masters and women start divorcing their husbands.  What is worse, everyone and their mother wants to start preaching the good news.  The problem, we have all this radical zeal and no knowledge.  Such was the case with women in these times.  They were targeted by the false prophets and easily suckered into their words.  Furthermore, they were taking the freedom of Christ too radically and making many unwise mistakes.  Paul revoked this church's rights to have women in teaching positions because none of them were qualified and women's education was a joke at this time.  Presently, we have two schools of thought on this verse.  One school of thought says that Paul wants all churches of all time to not have female leaders.  Another school of thought says he only meant this particular church at this particular time.  From my personal perspective, if I learn something godly from a female teacher, I cherish it and thank God.

Other notable verses: ⁴who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Chapter 3

God's expectations for his church officials include:

Non-adulterous

blameless

temperate

gentle

good family skills

experienced in the faith

friendly to outsiders

non corruptible

patient

non-confusable

Verse 7 dispels any rumors that Christians are supposed to live in a separate bubble from the world.  We are called to have a good reputation with outsiders.  That means getting into the world around us.

Both chapter 2 and 3 talk about the conduct of Christians.  Paul continually calls us to be holy and blameless.  Sounds like a huge demand for such a grace filled faith.  But we are expected to treat this world as if it could be a better place and it starts with how we act.

Chapter 4

³They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.

The false prophets were notorious for telling Christians what they can't do or what they can't eat.  They lived by a rigid law.  Paul got uber angry whenever someone tried to do this because his belief was that these things were gifts from God for us to enjoy. 

¹²Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

According to my commentary Timothy was 30 when this was written for him.  You're never too young or too old to be an example.

Chapter 6 

(Chapter 5 is all about taking care of widows which is important, but I need to stick to my main points.)

⁶But godliness with contentment is great gain.

My biggest problem is trying to convince myself that I own enough stuff.  So far I am batting a zero.  I work for a resident who constantly moves his bedroom furniture around because he is bored.  I kind of feel that our constant pursuit of getting stuff is like that.

Paul urges the church to not be like the false prophets who were preaching for money, but to rely on the inner virtues of contentment and godliness.  

⁹People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

Riches can be evil if they are the goal of your life.  Anything can be evil if it becomes your goal and God loses his goal in you.  Instead, God wants our hope in him for everything.

17 {hope} in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Finally the chapter ends with Paul encouraging Timothy to guard his church from the false prophets.

 ²⁰Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,