Remind Me Lord…

Titus was a young Gentile the Apostle Paul led to Christ.  Titus traveled with Paul on several missionary journeys. At one point, Titus accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem. Paul’s intent during that visit was to preach the Gospel message to the Jewish leaders, in private.  The Jewish leadership expressly told Paul that Titus be circumcised.  Paul opposed this.   Galatians 2:3-5 ”  But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.”  After Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, Titus accompanied Paul to preach the Gospel in the east.  Landing on the island of Crete, they spread the Good News of salvation through Jesus to different cities there.  Paul could not stay, so he left Titus to help put in place some the new congregations.  However, Titus met with quite a bit of opposition.  Paul’s short letter is spiritual advice for Titus (possibly in response to a request from Titus).

Titus 3: 1-11 “ Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious (other translations use divisive) man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.”

These first 11 verses of chapter 3 I have read every day for a week.  I was feasting on the Word! (see Deuteronomy 8:3) The spiritual wisdom Paul shared with Titus reminded me as well; as Paul begins this chapter “Remind them…”  Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and discernment when reading this, as with any of God’s Holy Word. ♥ Streim