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Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God:…

Daily Bible Reading “Christians Response to Government” (Romans 13:1-7)

Posted on October 28, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Christians Response to Government

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Romans 13:1-7. In this Scripture, the Apostle Paul writes to the people about the importance of being in subjection to those who are in authority over us. He reminds us that all those who are in power are ordained by God. That may be hard for some of us to believe.

Not everybody who God allows to be in power is to bless us. Sometimes God puts people in a position of authority over us to judge us.

If you go back and read chapter twelve, you will see that this message comes right after Paul reminds the people that they are to live at peace with everybody, if at all possible. He reminds them that they were not to seek vengeance because that was left up to the Lord to repay.

When we resist the powers that be, we resist the ordinance of God. Those who go against those in authority will find themselves in trouble.

Those who are in authority in government are not there to punish those who do good, but are there to enforce the laws of the land and dole out punishment to those who disobey the laws.

We don’t have to be afraid of those who are in power over us as long as we do what is right. However, if we disobey the laws of the land then we are subject to the wrath that they have the power to execute.

Those who are in authority are ministers of God, so we are subject to them. We are to pay tribute to them and honor them because of their position, even if we don’t agree with everything they say or do.

Remember, Paul and the people of his day were under the rule of the Roman Empire. It was not a democratic government and was not friendly to Christians, but Paul still recognized its authority.

Jesus, during His reign here on earth, suffered under the authority of Pontius Pilate, who was one of the worst rulers of their day. Paul was persecuted under the direction of Nero, who was the worst Roman emperor who ever ruled. But, they both recognized the authority of the government and were subject to them.

Some of the Christians during Paul’s day questioned whether they should be subject to the government rule or only be subject to God. Paul lets them know that they were not only subject to the laws of God, but also to the laws of the land.

As long as those in authority over us do not demand we do something that is against the laws of God, we are to be in subjection to them. As believers, we should be some of the best law-abiding citizens a country could have. We should be honest, pay our dues, and honor those in positions of authority.

Most of all, we should lift our political leaders up to God in prayer. We should ask Him to help them make good decisions for the people. We should ask Him to lead, guide, and direct them in their positions of authority.

Daily Bible Reading:

Romans 13:1-7

1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Things to think about:

Why does Paul say we are to be subject to those who rule over us?
Who should fear those in authority in the government?
As Christians how should we respond to those who are in authority?

What can we do to support those who are in government positions?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture where Paul reminds us of our position as Christians toward those in authority over us. Help us to be respectful, to obey the laws of the land, and be good examples of exemplary citizens. Help us to honor You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Christians Response to Government

the powers that be are ordained of God.

– Romans 13:1

This is an excerpt from Christians Response to Government.

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Deborah

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But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings …

Daily Bible Reading “Avoid Foolish Questions” (Titus 3:9-15)

Posted on October 27, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Avoid Foolish Questions

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Titus 3:9-15. Paul tells Titus to avoid stupid questions, discussions concerning ancestry, and controversy about the law, because they are not beneficial, in fact, they are useless. Why do you think Paul told Titus this?

Paul didn’t want Titus wasting his time on these things, but wanted him to simply preach and teach the Word of God. Paul instructs Titus that once he has warned a man twice about not doing these things, and he refuses to stop, then the person was to be rejected. Paul tells Titus these people aren’t stable. They are sinners who’ll condemn themselves.

Paul advises Titus that he is going to send Artemas or Tychicus to help him. He wants Titus to come to Nicopolis, a city in modern-day Greece, or Macedonia, on the Mediterranean Sea, to visit him, because that is where he will be spending the winter. Paul wanted Titus to bring Zenas, the lawyer and Apollos with him, so they wouldn’t be lacking anything. Paul makes sure that the church members know it is their responsibility to take care of those in the ministry. He reminds Titus to teach the people to continue to do good deeds for essential needs so they can be fruitful.

Paul ends the letter by telling Titus that everyone with him says hello. He tells Titus to tell those who love them in the faith hello. Then, Paul says, “Grace be with you all”. Amen. This letter was written to Titus, who was ordained as the first bishop of the church of the Cretians. Paul wrote it from Nicopolis in Macedonia.

Daily Bible Reading:

Titus 3:9-15

9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.

13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. [The following was added by editors of the KJV: It was written to Titus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia.]

Things to think about:

What did Paul tell Titus to avoid?

What did Paul tell Titus to do with people who didn’t want to listen?

Do you know anybody that likes to argue about useless things?

How should we handle these people?
How can we encourage people in tough ministry situations?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Titus. Paul reminds Titus not to get into useless disputes with people. Help us not to waste our time doing this either. Paul wanted Titus to stick to teaching the Word. Help us to do this as well. We ask Lord that You lead, guide, and direct in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading:

about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

– Titus 3:9

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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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

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey …

Daily Bible Reading “Remind Them” (Titus 3:1-8)

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Remind Them

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Titus 3:1-8. Paul tells Titus to keep reminding the Christians he cared for to be respectful; especially to those who were in authority over them. He told Titus to tell them not to say bad things about anybody. Why do you think Paul was telling Titus to remind them of these things? They must have needed a reminder, just as we need a reminder from time to time. He wanted them to remember to show Christian kindness toward others.

They weren’t to be fighters, but be kind and humble to everybody. Paul admits to Titus that they used to be unwise, rebellious, and misled, partaking in ungodly lusts and pleasures. We too used to live in wickedness and jealousy. We were hateful and hated everybody.

God, because of His mercy saved us. He washed our sins away and birthed us into the family of God. It wasn’t because of anything we did, but by the renewing of the Holy Spirit that God richly blessed us with through Jesus Christ. He changed us within and made us into new creatures. He justified us by His grace, and made us heirs of eternal life. I heard someone say that the word “justified” could be thought of as “just if I had never sinned.” God can do a miraculous work in our hearts and lives, if we accept Him.

In Ephesians 5:26 we see that God cleanses us by washing us with the Word of God. “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.”

Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” This verse reminds us how we should treat one another and why we should treat them that way.

Paul shows his gratitude for God for the work that He did in his heart and life. He was humble and admitted that it wasn’t anything he did, but God’s work in him that made the change. Paul showed kindness and compassion toward people who were in the place he used to be. Paul had seen enough and been through enough that he had the faith to believe if God could change him, He could change others.

Paul reminds Titus what he is saying is true, and asks Titus to confirm the message continually so the people of God would be cautious to keep doing good deeds. The things Paul talked to Titus about are something that is advantageous and excellent for all men to remember. These things are not just for the people of Paul and Titus’ day, but they are things that we need to be continually reminded of today.

Daily Bible Reading:

Titus 3:1-8

1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Things to think about:

What did Paul ask Titus to do?

Why did Paul ask Titus to do it?

Of the things, Paul told Titus, are there any with which you need help?

What can we do if we need help with our behavior?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Titus. Paul reminds Titus to continually talk to the Christians who are in his care about how they should conduct themselves. Help us to look at the things Paul talks about and remind ourselves of how we should act. Some of these things go against our nature, so we ask that You send Your Holy Spirit to help us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

– Titus 3:1-2

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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

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

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

Posted on October 23, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

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:

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:

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
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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