November 2, 2024

Passage Read: Titus 1-2
Meditation Verse: 2:15

Thought

The servant of God is called to teach what is in accord with sound doctrine, so that those who listen to him will not be people who claim to know God but deny Him by their actions. These things that Paul has recorded in this chapter, specific instructions for older men and older women, younger men and younger women, slaves and teachers like himself, these things he is supposed to require of the people who claim to believe in God. He is supposed to teach these things with all authority, correcting and reproving as needed. He is not to let anyone disregard him. These things are that important. They are not optional, but required. If God's people do not follow these instructions, they deny the God they claim to believe. They are as bad as the false teachers that need to be silenced.

Application

I can't offer these things up as suggestions for people who want to go deeper with God. These aren't optional things for those who really want to be dedicated to God. These are basic instructions for all God's people, regardless of location or generation or society or any other factor. These are things I'm supposed to live by and things I'm supposed to require of the people I teach. I don't have a choice in teaching or not teaching these things. I don't have a choice in requiring or not requiring these things. These things are the adornment and application of sound doctrine. If believers do not follow these things, then their doctrine is off. They do not know God or His creation or His will, and they deny Him by their deeds. That can't be good for them, not just in that they'll harm themselves and those who learn from them, but what will God think of them? Paul tells Titus to teach and rebuke with all authority and let no one despise him. Those are strong words! These are vital teachings. Believers must not act the part of unbelievers, because they may likely be treated as unbelievers in the end by God!