Author Archives: Deborah H. Bateman

Daily Bible Reading “Exhort Servants to be Obedient” (Titus 2:9-15)

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Exhort Servants to be Obedient

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Titus 2:9-15. Paul exhorts Titus to teach servants to be obedient to their masters. The Christians of the ancient world shocked their culture by having slaves and masters worship together.

”I do not think for a moment Paul believed that the practice of slavery ought to exist. He believed to the fullest extent that the great principles of Christianity would overthrow slavery anywhere, and the sooner they did so the better pleased would he be; but, for the time being, as it was the custom to have slaves, they must adorn the doctrine of God their Savior in the position in which they were.” (Charles Spurgeon, Spurgeon’s Sermons, vol. 41, 1895)

They weren’t to steal from their masters, but were to be loyal to them, so they might honor God in everything. Obviously, there was a problem where servants would steal from their masters and Paul wanted Titus to address this. God’s grace that results in salvation is for all men. It teaches us that we should reject ungodliness and earthly desires and live sober, blameless, and holy lives in this world.

We should be on the lookout for the glorious coming of God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave Himself on the cross for us, so He could redeem us from our sins, and cleansed us to make us His chosen people, eager to do good works. Paul admonishes Titus to teach, encourage, and admonish the people of these things, with all power and not to let anybody look down on him for taking a stand.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Titus 2:9-15

9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

 

Things to think about:

  • If you are an employee, are you submissive to your boss?
  • Are you looking for the return of Christ?
  • How can we strive to do well?
  • Have you received the grace of God?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in Titus where Paul exhorts servants to obey their masters. Help us to be obedient to You. Help us to turn away from ungodliness and worldly desires and live godly lives. Help us to look for Your appearing. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God …

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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.

– Titus 2:13-14

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Titus: Paul’s Letter to Titus is a Daily Bible Reading study by Deborah H. Bateman. Titus is considered to be one of the Pastoral Epistles. Paul wrote these letters to help instruct the leaders of the churches how to handle certain situations and how to properly establish the churches of his day. The book of Titus is found in the New Testament of the Bible right after 2 Timothy.

The Book of Titus: Paul’s Letter to Titus contains six Daily Bible Reading lessons. Included in each lesson is a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion which Deborah calls: “Things to think about,” and a prayer to go along with the study. This Bible study is great for personal or group studies.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Teach Sound Doctrine” (Titus 2:1-8)

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Teach Sound Doctrine

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Titus 2:1-8. In this Scripture, Paul exhorts Titus to teach sound doctrine. What does Paul mean by this? He wants Titus to teach the people how to live godly lives, just as Jesus talked about in Matthew 28:19-20.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” -Matthew 28:19-20

First, Paul addresses the aged men, saying teach them to be sober, grave or serious, temperate or self-controlled. Teach them to be sound in faith or grounded in faith, in charity or in love, in patience or endurance. Titus had to teach these men in a loving, kind, considerate way, since he was much younger than they were, so as not to offend them, but to encourage them to live godly lives.

Next, Paul tells Titus to teach the older women to behave in a way that becomes holiness or godliness, they are not to be slanderers or gossipers, they are to be sober, and be an instructor of good things. So they can teach the younger women to be sober, to love their husbands and children, to be discreet or tactful, to be chaste or pure. He was to teach them to be home keepers, to be good, to be obedient or submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God would not be blasphemed or cursed. The older women can use their wisdom and their experiences of life to help guide the younger women.

Paul instructs Titus to teach the young men also to be sober minded or clear-headed, setting an example of good works. In doctrine they are to be honest, serious, and authentic, speaking in a way that can’t be condemned by those opposing their doctrine, because they can’t find one bad thing to say about them. When we conduct ourselves in a godly way, people can’t criticize us, because there is nothing for them to accuse us of.

It seems that the people of Crete must have had a problem with drinking too much wine, since Paul addressed the issue with all the different age groups. The enemy (devil) uses this snare to trap people. They start with a little bit and eventually become overwhelmed by it.

Even though our sins are covered under the blood of Jesus, we should still strive to live godly lives. We need to live in a way that is above reproach, so that we can be an example for our children and for younger Christians. We need to pray and ask God to help us with these things.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Titus 2:1-8

1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

8 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.

 

Things to think about:

  • Do you conduct yourself in a way that is pleasing to God?
  • How can you improve on the way you behave?
  • How can we get help with this?
  • What is one area of your life in which you could use some improvement?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Titus. Paul exhorts Titus to teach the people how they should act. Help us to use the guidelines as an example for ourselves. Even though we are covered under the blood of Jesus, help us to strive to live godly lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

– Titus 2:1-2

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Titus: Paul’s Letter to Titus is a Daily Bible Reading study by Deborah H. Bateman. Titus is considered to be one of the Pastoral Epistles. Paul wrote these letters to help instruct the leaders of the churches how to handle certain situations and how to properly establish the churches of his day. The book of Titus is found in the New Testament of the Bible right after 2 Timothy.

The Book of Titus: Paul’s Letter to Titus contains six Daily Bible Reading lessons. Included in each lesson is a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion which Deborah calls: “Things to think about,” and a prayer to go along with the study. This Bible study is great for personal or group studies.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Paul Instructs Titus” (Titus 1:10-16)

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Paul Instructs Titus

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Titus 1:10-16. In this Scripture, Paul reminds Titus that there are many disobedient people; especially those of the circumcision (his own Jewish people). He says they are useless talkers and deceivers. Do you wonder why Paul says this about them? They weren’t willing to submit to God’s leadership. These were people in the church, not people on the outside.

Paul was concerned that these people with a Jewish background in the Christian church were still trying to tell people that they had to live under the Law of Moses (the first books of the Old Testament) instead of teaching the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

Their teaching must be stopped because they are weakening entire churches. They were teaching things that weren’t true for dishonest financial gain. One of the Cretan prophets, called all the Cretans “liars, wicked animals and lazy gluttons.” It was a very prejudicial statement, even if everyone felt that way about the, but Paul, who had spent time on Crete, tells Titus, “This is a true observation; therefore, you need to reprimand them harshly, so that they stand true to the faith. “

Since apparently this was their culture, it was very important that Titus appoint leaders there to help lead the people in the right direction. Paul didn’t tell Titus to cast them off because of their ways, but to help transform them with the truth of God’s Word for His glory.

Paul reminds Titus they aren’t to pay attention to Jewish legends and commandments of men that twist the truth. To people who are pure (Christians) all things are clean, but to people who are corrupt unbelievers, nothing is wholesome. Even these people’s mind and conscience is tarnished. They confess that they know God, but by their actions, they contradict their claims. Paul declares they are repulsive and rebellious troublemakers to every good effort. Do you know people like this?

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Titus 1: 10-16

10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.

12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

 

Things to think about:

  • Do you know anybody like Paul is talking about in this lesson?
  • What can we do to be on guard so people like this don’t deceive us?
  • Does anything Paul talks about in this lesson describe you?
  • If so, what do you need to do about it?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Titus. Paul warns Titus about people who are disobedient and cause trouble. Help us not to be those kinds of people. Help us to be obedient to Your Word. Help us to study the Bible so we will know the truth and will not be deceived by people like the ones Paul is talking about in this lesson. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and …

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unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

– Titus 1:15

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Titus: Paul’s Letter to Titus is a Daily Bible Reading study by Deborah H. Bateman. Titus is considered to be one of the Pastoral Epistles. Paul wrote these letters to help instruct the leaders of the churches how to handle certain situations and how to properly establish the churches of his day. The book of Titus is found in the New Testament of the Bible right after 2 Timothy.

The Book of Titus: Paul’s Letter to Titus contains six Daily Bible Reading lessons. Included in each lesson is a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion which Deborah calls: “Things to think about,” and a prayer to go along with the study. This Bible study is great for personal or group studies.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “For This Cause” (Titus 1:1-9)

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For This Cause

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Titus 1:1-9. Paul’s epistle (short letter) to Titus starts with a greeting from Paul, who calls himself a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ. It is almost like an introduction of himself and his belief. Why do you think Paul has such a long introduction when Titus knows who Paul is? Maybe so we can know who Paul was and what his beliefs were.

Paul talks about his faith as one of God’s chosen servants, his acknowledgment of the truth which is following godliness. He also speaks of his hope in eternal life, because he knows God can’t lie and God promised it before the beginning of the world. Paul continues by saying, God has in the appropriate time made clear His Word through preaching, which Paul is dedicated to by the instruction of God our Savior.

Paul then says that the letter is to Titus, who he considers to be his son in faith. He sends a greeting of grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. Paul reminds Titus he was left in Crete to put things in order and to ordain elders in all the cities, as he was instructed.

He then jogs Titus’ memory to the qualifications of the elders. They are to be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who are not disobedient. Paul goes into the qualifications for the bishop next. A bishop must be blameless; he can’t be stubborn or easily angered, not a drunkard, or a fighter, and not unclean. He must be hospitable, sober, just, self-controlled, and a follower of good men. He must hold true to the Word of God he was taught so he will be able to encourage and persuade unbelievers.

The people who hold these positions are the leaders of the church and they are held to high standards. As members of the body of the church, we should look up to them. We should also model our behaviors after them. If God requires this type of behavior of them, they can be examples to the believers in the church. These are great guidelines for everyone.
Daily Bible Reading:

Titus: 1:1-9

1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Things to think about:

  • Do you have faith in God?
  • Is your hope in eternal life through Christ?
  • How many of the qualifications that Paul mentions describe you?
  • What are some areas in your life you need to improve?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Titus. Paul talks to Titus about his faith and hope in You and Your Son. Help us to hold onto our faith and have hope in You and in Jesus Christ. Paul talks about the qualifications of a bishop. Help us to look at these qualifications and see where we need to improve our own lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

– Titus 1:5-6

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Titus: Paul’s Letter to Titus is a Daily Bible Reading study by Deborah H. Bateman. Titus is considered to be one of the Pastoral Epistles. Paul wrote these letters to help instruct the leaders of the churches how to handle certain situations and how to properly establish the churches of his day. The book of Titus is found in the New Testament of the Bible right after 2 Timothy.

The Book of Titus: Paul’s Letter to Titus contains six Daily Bible Reading lessons. Included in each lesson is a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion which Deborah calls: “Things to think about,” and a prayer to go along with the study. This Bible study is great for personal or group studies.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Redeem the Time” (Colossians 4:1-18)

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Redeem the Time

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is fromColossians 4:1-18. The book of Colossians emphasizes that Christ is the head of the church. Paul wrote this letter to the church of Colosse because of his concern for the heresies that were cropping up in that area. Paul didn’t attack the heresies, but he exalted Jesus Christ. Why do you think Paul did it in that way?

In this chapter, Paul started talking to masters, or slave owners, telling them to treat their servants just and fair, remembering that they have a Master in heaven. Paul instructed them to devote themselves to prayer, to be watchful and always thankful for everything.

Paul reminded them to pray specifically. He wanted them to pray that God would open doors for them to preach about the mystery of Christ. The mystery of the gospel is that the gospel of Christ was also for the Gentiles. Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel.

Paul asked them to pray that he might be able to teach and make known this mystery. He exhorted them to walk in wisdom toward the lost so they could redeem the time. Paul reminded them that they should speak with grace, seasoned with salt, so they would know how to answer everyone.

Paul sent Tychicus, his beloved brother and faithful minister, to the Colossians to let them know how they were doing and to encourage them in the Lord. He, along with Onesimus, who was also a faithful and beloved brother, and was one of the Colossians, would let Paul know what is going on with the Colossians.

Aristarchus, who was in prison with Paul, sent his greetings to the Colossians as well. Marcus, who is Barnabas’ cousin, sent his greetings also. Paul encouraged the Colossians to welcome Mark if he came to minister to them. Jesus, whom we call Justus, also sent his greetings. These were Paul’s co-laborers for the kingdom of God, who were a great comfort to Paul.

Epaphras, a servant of Christ, who was one of the Colossians, also sent his greeting to the Colossians.  He was always praying for them that they might stand perfect and complete in the will of God. Paul bore witness of his great concern for the Colossians and for those at Laodicea and Hieraplis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas also sent their greetings. It sounds like Paul had a whole team of people working with him.

Paul reminded the Colossians to say hello to the brethren at Laodicea and the ones who had church in the home of Nymphas. He told them to make sure they read this letter to the church of Laodicea also. Paul told them to tell Archippus to be sure and carry out the work the Lord had given him to do. Paul ends the letter by saying, “Grace be with you.”

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Colossians 4:1-18

1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him:)

11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only [are my] fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. [[[The following was added by editors of the KJV: Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.]]]

 

Things to think about:

  • What was Paul’s concern for the Colossians in this Scripture?
  • Who were the partners who Paul named in this passage? What do you know about them?
  •  What lessons have you learned from Paul’s letter to the Colossians?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Colossians. We have learned a lot from this letter Paul wrote to the Colossians. We see in this part of the letter that Paul puts a special emphasis on prayer. Help us to pray without ceasing and to be watchful for Your return. Help us to be thankful for everything You have done for us and given us, especially the gift of salvation. Help us to have wisdom and grace when dealing with those that are lost, that we might win them for Your kingdom. Thank You for the people You send to serve and worship along with us. We love You, LORD. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. – Colossians 4:5

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