Thoughts

Design and Photo: Steve Webb. Trimming the jacaranda tree in 2016. It's four years bigger now. Ugh.

I'm Getting Too Old For This

I’ve been doing some pretty strenuous work around the old homestead over the last couple of days, like pruning an almost 40 foot jacaranda tree…by myself. When I was younger, I would recover pretty quickly. Now at my age, not so much. I'm thinking that perhaps I’ll hire someone next time. So anyway, after I finish this episode, I’m going to lay down.

On To Titus

After Paul’s salutation in the first chapter, he tells Titus what he should be looking for in men who would be leaders in the church there in Crete. It was important to get men of integrity who were above reproach because there were some in their midst who were causing trouble. Especially (in Paul’s words) “those of the circumcision”.

These were supposed converted Jews. But they were legalistically holding on to, and telling others that they should as well, the Jewish traditions, and doing this for monetary gain.

The message of the Gospel, which means Good News, is that Jesus was the final and perfect sacrifice once and for all those who believe in Him. The Law put people under bondage, but Jesus brought grace, which makes us free. 

This Is the Life

Jesus said in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” An abundant life is not a life that is in bondage to laws and traditions.

So, if we are  not to live a legalistic life, does that mean we can do whatever we want?

Not so fast.

Chapter three balances the message. Paul tells Titus what to avoid and what to pursue.

However the bottom line is based not on our behavior, but on Christ’s work. 

Love Letter

Chapter three is a thing of beauty. Verses 4 and 5 state beautifully the message of Jesus: But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy.

In reality, the entire Bible is a love letter from God to you. It really is. As Paul said in verse 8 of this chapter, “This is a trustworthy statement.” 

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 40-41 NIV, Ch. 42-43 ERV

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