In the Book of Titus we read how the Apostle Paul has left Timothy in Crete to with a big to do list:
- 5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished
- Appoint Elders in every town
- Train Elders to be God's man
- Rebuke those parties that need rebuking (Cretans and the Circumcision Party)
- teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine
- Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
- Teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
- encourage the young men to be self-controlled
- In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us
- Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone
- avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless
- Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned
When Paul first leaves Titus with these men in this church, to the average eye, this would seem like a hopeless task. But with God, everything is possible as we read in the following texts in Titus:
- Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
- Titus 3:3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone
Remember this: For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Left on our own devices we can be overwhelmed, stressed and left hopeless, but with the Word of God we can see how Titus takes these men in Chapter 1 (those who are lost, liars, Cretans and evildoers) and we see the Word of God, a Man of God and the Spirit of God changing these men to God's men!
The Word of God changes lives!
The Word of God can teach us!
The Word of God gives us Wisdom! (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom).
Don't leave home without the Word of God.
Blessings,Dante