This past week we completed the sixth and final week of the study, Faithful Household of God. The time has passed both slowly and quickly at the same time. The lessons learned have been applicable and needed in these days we are living.
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We began the week with reading Titus 1:1-9, a letter written to Titus at the church of Crete. In these very few verses, Paul tells us that he has been sent to do two things:Â 1) proclaim faith to those God has chosen and 2) to teach them the truth that shows them how to live godly lives.
Why?
“This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God – who does not lie – promised before the world began.” (verse 2, NLT)
Living godly lives brings confidence. When we are right with God, we know whom we believe, we know what we believe, and we know why we believe. The truth brings purpose to our lives.
The study asks this question: “What is saving faith?”
“Saving faith is what enables people to believe to the saving of their souls. It is the work of the Holy Spirit and is ordinarily accomplished by the preaching of the word.” (from the Westminster Confession of Faith)
Now we can see why the preaching of the word was so important to Paul. More so, we can see why it matters that we also, know and recognize truth, God’s Truth.
Saving faith is critical to us knowing Jesus, living godly lives, and knowing we are secure with eternal life.
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In Titus 2:1-10, we find Paul addressing relationships in the Church. Let’s focus on verse 1:
“As for you, Titus, (but put your name here), promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching” (NLT).
This verse is a call for each of us to promote right living and therefore, right teaching. Right living, and wholesome teaching, will result in wholesome and whole families, relationships, and churches.
The study states:
“He [God] wants us to be vigilant in how we live, not being pulled along by current ideas or philosophies.” (Karen Bozeman, Faithful Household of God, page. 58)
The study then asks: “How does the home serve as a training ground for living the gospel? What might you do to enhance this in your own home?”
Good questions to think on.
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We brought another study to a close with reading Titus 3:1-15.
Paul strongly points out how we were once foolish and disobedient. Yet God reaches out to each one of us in kindness and love. He saves us not because of anything we have done, but solely because of His grace.
And this is the same way we should be acting towards those around us – in kindness, in love, in mercy, and always extending grace.
The principles we have covered in the last 6 weeks, are “good and beneficial for everyone” (verse 8b, NLT).
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Being confident of what we believe,
will help us promote right living and wholesome teaching,
that is good and beneficial for everyone.
Photo 1: Photo 2:Â by Carolyn V on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
I think “memorial stones” are a wonderful way to prepare my home to be a training ground. I’m not good a saving and, sadly, I don’t have as many “momentos” as I would like but I like to have certain things that create conversation and open doors to share God’s goodness and faithfulness – as well as the gospel story!
You know, I’ve had this post sitting in my Feedly account for a while til I could get to it. I “just happened” to click on it today, not knowing it was going to deal with Titus–and I just read Titus 1 this morning for our church’s reading schedule! I love when God does things like that! And I love Paul’s connection from godly teaching and doctrine to godly living.
I love when He does as well!