DECEMBER 15, 2021 READINGS... 1 Timothy 6:11-21 & Titus 1:1-3:15 & 2 Timothy 1:1-18
As we close up the book of 1 Timothy, we move into the book of Titus. Titus is another young pastor who has the very difficult assignment of pastoring the church at Crete. The Cretins had a bad reputation for being offensive, stupid, and vulgar. Their name, even today, is used as an insult to an uncouth person. Titus was a Greek convert to Jesus through Paul’s ministry. It was his call to set things right in the church at Crete. Paul’s instruction to Titus was to organize the church carefully…to ordain qualified persons…rebuke false teachers…preach sound doctrine…and encourage good works. Much of this letter resembles Paul’s first letter to Timothy. One important aspect of this letter is Paul’s encouragement toward good works. He tells Titus to…be a model of good works…to be zealous for good works…to be ready for good works…and to maintain good works. Paul is careful to remind him that it is not by the works of our righteousness that we are accepted of God, but by the work of the Holy Spirit in us. The good works follow the believer in Jesus…they do not make us acceptable to Him.
We also began reading Paul’s second letter to Timothy today. Paul shows his great affection for Timothy, even calling him…” My dear son”. Paul speaks of Timothy’s genuine faith…the faith that was passed to him by his mother and grand-mother. Paul tells him to walk in the gift given to him by God…and do not be afraid. Paul reminds us all that, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and of a sound mind”. Timothy is encouraged to hold fast to the teachings that he heard from Paul…that came from the Lord Jesus. Paul commends Onesiphorus to Timothy…praising his faithfulness in the continued ministry he offers to Paul. There is so much in these letters from Paul to pastors…they set the ground work for properly leading in the church.
Please share your thoughts from today’s readings.
TOMORROW’S READINGS… 2 Timothy 2:1-4:18
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