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.
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Have a blessed day,
Deborah
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