Titus 1: 10 For there are many,
especially the converts from Judaism, who rebel and deceive others with their
nonsense. 11 It is necessary to stop
their talk, because they are upsetting whole families by teaching what they
should not, and all for the shameful purpose of making money. 12-13 It was a Cretan himself,
one of their own prophets, who spoke the truth when he said, “Cretans are
always liars, wicked beasts, and lazy gluttons.” For this reason you must
rebuke them sharply, so that they may have a healthy faith 14 and no longer hold on to
Jewish legends and to human commandments which come from people who have
rejected the truth.
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“Wear a suit
because you want to give GOD your best” was a statement told to me so I wore
suits to church. But when I went into the neighborhood to invite people to come
to church, a person said “I don’t have anything to wear” meaning I can’t dress
up like that.
- This made me question what rules I was following that were barriers to CHRIST.
- This made me examine the manmade rules for church versus following what GOD says.
- This made me wonder what other lies have I been following that are mixed in with the truth.
Paul warns Titus
about those who were converting from traditional Judaism to following CHRIST.
This was a tumultuous time when followers of JESUS were getting thrown out of
communities and, even worse, killed for their belief. Unfortunately there were
some who saw an opportunity to make up their own groups to bilk people out of
money.
My Observations
- JESUS died and was raised from the dead and is now alive reigning over everything.
- My belief in JESUS gives me eternal life and abundant life in the present.
- Following JESUS means loving people versus following rules.
“Love one another”
was the greatest command given by JESUS. This command broke rules, traditions
and reasons to keep people out of the club. This command makes me examine
myself versus blaming someone else for what he or she is doing or not doing.
Love sets me free
from having to follow the rules and gives me thankfulness for being set free
from my well-deserved eternal death. I am glad there is a path to healthy faith
and that is through JESUS, who sends the HOLY SPIRIT as my guide.
Challenge
- What is the warning of the writer?
- What rules are you following or have made for yourself that do not come from GOD?
- Will you examine yourself to see why you sometimes feel far from GOD and determine if you are being too hard on yourself and others today?
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