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:

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

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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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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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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:

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

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

Posted on October 22, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

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

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

Posted on October 21, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

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

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

Posted on October 20, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

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

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