Thursday, July 25, 2013

Titus 1 - Choosing Leaders

I am a big fan of understanding one's purpose in doing something, and also in sharing it with those who are affected by it.  As Paul writes this letter to the younger man, Titus, I love verse 5, "The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you."
A couple thoughts here: first Paul doesn't feel pressure to do it all himself.  He readily admits that there are things he left unfinished and is willing to trust others to continue his work.  Then, we get into what leaders of the church in Crete ought to look like.  In verses 6-9, we can read those qualifications.

In verses 10-16, we see why Titus is encouraged to be thoughtful and careful when choosing leaders.  He doesn't want to wind up in a situation where his selected leaders have turned out to be among those who "claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him."  Those who are responsible to appoint and train leaders ought to be equally careful.

Friday, July 12, 2013

2 Timothy 4 - Keep Your Head!

Here's what I learned or was reminded of in Chapter 4.

-  Jesus will indeed judge the living and the dead
- people will be hostile toward the gospel message and will rework it to suit their desires
- in the midst of these situations, our job is to stay focused, to "keep your head in all situations" as Paul writes to Timothy
- Paul is not a lone ranger, asking for help and remembering those who contributed to the work he did (v. 9-21)

On to Titus!

Friday, July 5, 2013

2 Timothy 3 -- Bad news/Good news

The bad news is relayed in verses 1-9.  Here is the reality of how those who follow the way of the world are going to be dealing with each other.  It isn't pretty.  The list found in verses 1-8 is depressing.

But the message begins to take a turn in verse 9, when Paul rights that these evildoers won't get very far.  In the end, we know who comes out on top in this struggle.  The instructions that Paul provides in verses 10-17 are an inspiration to anyone who desires to live a godly life.  Paul is confident enough to use his life as an example, not of perfection, but of having a heart turned toward God.  He encourages Timothy (and us) when persecution comes, telling him that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (v. 12).

In verses 14-15 he tells Timothy (and us) to continue in what we've been taught.  And he points Timothy (and us) toward the Word of God, declaring its power to change hearts and make us more of who we were created to be.  Ultimately, that we might be prepared to do every good work.  One question I wonder about sometimes, did Paul have any concept at all when he was writing letters like this, that one day, they too would become part of what we are convinced is God's Word?  Crazy to think about.