Scripture Reading: Titus 2:11-15, Titus 3:1-7, Micah 7:18-19, Matthew 5:13-16, 1 John 3:1-3
This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll finish our look at the Pauline Epistles and begin the General Epistles.
The Book of Titus: The book of Titus is Paul’s letter of encouragement to Titus, a pastor, beloved friend, and son in the faith. This letter covers similar themes to those found in 1 & 2 Timothy. It warns against false teachers and gives instruction for how Christians should live because of the grace shown to them in Christ.
How Titus Fits into the Story: Paul fought for the spiritual health and maturity of Titus by making clear the connection between a follower of Christ’s faith and their behavior. The book of Titus acknowledges that believers can be tempted to live in ways that contradict the faith they profess. Paul pointed to the salvation we have in Christ Jesus as motivation and foundation for living out this new way of life.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does today’s reading from Titus about God’s kindness toward you impact your relationship with Him?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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83 thoughts on "Titus"
Question 1: How does today’s reading from Titus about God’s kindness toward you impact your relationship with Him? It is very motivating and gives me the encouragement knowing that God shows His kindness to everyone of His people. It shows God’s chacter and who He is with also showing us how much He really loves us truly, it’s genuinely a blessing to know that we have a kind loving God.
Question 2: How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior’s death on the cross paid the debt I owed that I deserved to take, it is ONLY by His death on the cross that we have redemption.
It makes me so grateful…He’s been so good to me ‐ I’ll never deserve it, but Hes been so kind to me!!
So, So Good- Phil Whicham and Brandon Lake…! (heart)
Paul’s words to Titus carry timeless weight for young ministry leaders: “And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say”. Much like Paul’s charge to Timothy to overcome age-based prejudice, this passage speaks to many young ministry leaders today. A close friend of mine, newly graduated from Bible school a while back, was placed in a church where the board and elders are old enough to be his parents or grandparents. He frequently wrestled with the challenge of guiding and correcting members whose ways of thinking have become very set ( perhaps in cement). True transformation in Christ requires actively and daily tearing down old mindsets, habits, ways of speaking and doing, with new and transformed motives behind them, but facilitating that change among older leaders can bring a lot of tension. He went through so many headaches. From carefully crafting board emails to mediating disputes over church finances, where to spend, carrying spiritual authority while honoring age differences is one of the toughest challenges a young pastor can face. May we pray for pastors as they navigate many challenges. Yet, look at Paul, “You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say”, Paul is really bold :) i love that.
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Praying:
INES- praying together with you. Please know Jesus “took our infirmities, and bore our sickness” at the cross (Isaiah 53:4). That’s the legal ground we stand to claim all promises in Him are yes and amen. “I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health” (3 John 1:2).
KELLY (NEO)- for this sudden crisis situation, recovery for this young mama, and much grace and favors for your family to care for her 2 year-old child.
LINDA IN NC- relief from allergies
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Be blessed dear sisters.
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Father, reach out your hand and provide a protective touch to Ines today. We do not know what to do, Lord, but our eyes are on You. And while we rest in your loving arms, we will sing your praises because you are worthy of all praise. We know that there is purpose in every season as we lean into You. And we declare in faith that as we sing and praise you, You are setting ambushes against our enemies. Protect Ines and her baby Lord. Give her peace today. Strengthen her body to work as you designed it. Amen.
Amen!❤
Being ready for every good work…that other may see and give glory to God.
What a good reminder that every good thing we do impacts what people think of God and testifies to His glory not mine.
1. Its all because of His Mercy and Grace and Love. I (we) didn’t do anything!! OUR Jesus showed us kindness even when we were deep in our sin. Now that’s OUR JESUS!
2. OUR Jesus continues to LOVE us. He offers salvation to ALL people v11
Happy Tuesday y’all! Day 2 of back to work. Thankfully today and most of yesterday was/is prep time for us in TK.
It’s getting closer…my daughter…just now Amazon came to drop off more essentials for her move. Sigh……
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Reading today’s passage reminds me how loving, patient, kind our Lord is. Sisters, I ask for your prayers in this pregnancy. I started spotting yesterday night and am filled with fear that this is the beginning of the end.
Praying for you and your baby.
Ines, take authority in Jesus’ Name and command the spotting to stop. Command all demonic scheme to leave you and your womb and command it to leave you & your child alone. You tell the problem to obey the Word of God, for God’s will is for you to multiply and be fruitful!
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Anchor verse: “Truly I say to you that whoever shall say to this mountain, ‘Be taken away and be cast into the sea,’ and shall not doubt in his heart but shall believe that what he says happens, it will be done for him”.
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Don’t bow down to the fear of past trauma. Will pray in agreement with you Ines. Walk through this valley and build up your faith in God’s deliverance. Hugs sister.
Praying in Jesus name for protection surrounding every part of this tiny babe and your body. ❤️
Praying the Lord settles your heart and mind. Praying all will be well with your pregnancy
Reading today’s passage reminded me of the loving, patient, and kind nature of our Lord. Sisters, I humbly request your prayers during this pregnancy. I started spotting yesterday night, and I’m filled with fear that this may be the beginning of the end.
Praying for you!
Prayers for you Ines. Dear Jesus, we pray that this is nothing to fear, that you are protecting this pregnancy, and Ines. We cast our fears on you Lord, and you will uphold us with your righteous right hand. Amen
Just prayed for you and baby.
Praying for you❤️
Praying!
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I think this is something that is so frustrating to many Christians- the “why are “Christians” acting like the world?” question. And…BTW, we were all in that category until WE slowly conquered the devil and flesh with the Lord and his convictions. We don’t change overnight, but we are told about sanctification. Transformation. And once we know better we should do better. A proverb and Paul’s preaching and instruction to the church! Don’t be like the world…over and over in his letters. The old testament…”you are set apart!” YOU are my people, my children, the apple of my eyes.” My chosen.
WE were lost, now we are found- live like it! Yes, simple instructions, yet, like I said- we still go round and round in arguments, throwing up our excuses for why we STILL protect “a sin” that we like to do. We like to drink…if it’s not getting drunk. We like to BOAST…if it’s not TOO much. We are prideful…because it’s our truth and how we feel. We are okay with living together…because, you know, it is out of convenience. We gamble- because you know, it’s just for fun…I’m not really a gambler. We lie, to not hurt someone’s feelings.
I could go on and on. But Christ died for us so we can have a new identity – “12 instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
We have instructions. INSTRUCTIONS. To hear, to do. Do we do, or don’t we? And as Sisters, we are told to sharpen each other, to tell and convict each other. And to judge by their fruits. We must do this even though it feels awkward and touchy. If we love that person, it matters. I have many friends that are living with their boyfriends/partners. It has become acceptable but it is not says The Book. It definitely says “they will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.” Ouch. “that’s just my opinion or interpretation” they say. They are not going to be convicted because they would have to act on it and it would be inconvenient. And trust me I say this boldly BECAUSE I lived like this…as a “Christ-follower.” But now I see that it was my will. It was wrong, and although I am forgiven, I wasn’t trusting God enough to work out my situation that I deemed as the excuse. I know every disobedience has repercussions. Sin damages and destroys. Yes, in repentance we are forgiven, praise God, but there will be consequences and blessings we missed out on.
When we knowingly stay in sin, even called and labeled by different names, it hurts our relationship with God, and grieves him. I always think of David, and his sin, and how he had the consequences. It is a perfect example of Christians in sin.
It is only when we stay in the word, prayer, and listening to the Holy Spirit, will we change. And how wonderful it is. We will still make mistakes, and sin, but we feel the conviction. We know we are doing wrong. And we need preachers like Paul to give strong instructions to stay aware! Too often we hear messages that cater to our egos, and are more of a feel good message. They used to be called “sermons” for a reason! Judgement and Grace has to be balanced carefully. Paul does it great!
We are doing this exact lesson in jail tomorrow. It’s hard to put it into one handout. We have done the one page handout of “God’s Fierce Love” for the last 3 weeks, (lot’s of discussion-yay!) but need to end it tomorrow. So we will talk about how his love changes us to love others! Talk about a place to live like Christ! Most have just come back like the prodigal son. So of course they are still working through what that means and entails. But a few have been in their Bibles for over a year, and want to have the fruits in a place that challenges them every minute of the day! I can’t imagine! lol. I want to add some of the verses we have been presented with here over the last couple of weeks! But having trouble putting it all together! Your comments have been so good and helpful!
Amen. Living together before marriage is very damaging though it might look fun on the surface without real responsibilities. Downside it might attract only those who don’t want to hold responsibilities. Gambling is super bad. I am just going over what you said lol. Btw, I saw two dragonflies yesterday on my hostas and i immediately said a prayer for your sister Donna and her family. I hope she is doing all right.
I saw this quote recently- attributed to A.W. Tozer in a book titles, A Disruptive Faith:
“Worship is no longer worship when it reflects the culture around us more than the Christ within us.”
So good! Thank you for sharing.
Most welckoe, Mercy!❤
This passage reminds me of God‘s great kindness for me, and encourages my heart to keep seeking purity and holiness, seeking to live life God‘s way – – which is always better! Lord, when others see me today, may they see you and glorify your name!
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Reflection Questions:
1. How does today’s reading from Titus about God’s kindness toward you impact your relationship with Him?
It’s encouraging to know that God is kind to all His people. That He loves us constantly is a huge blessing that I struggle to understand but am grateful for.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
We have to stay encouraged, we have to stay grateful, we have to stay in the word.
Titus 2:11-15 NLT
11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.
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NKJV ENDURING WORD STUDY BIBLE:
John 3:3- The anticipation of Jesus’ imminent coming and being with Him can have a purifying effect. It makes us want to be ready, to serve Jesus now, to please Him now, and to bring others to Him now.
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SONG SHARE:
Phil Wickham – Song Of The Saints (Official Music Video):
Lyrics:
This we believe
That we have a Father
Creator who was and who is and will be
Who sent us His Son
And poured out His Spirit
With power to heal, resurrect, and redeem
The song of the saints forever will be
Glory to God the Father
Glory to Christ the Risen One
All hail the King
With Heaven sing
Hallelujah
This we believe
That we have a Savior
Jesus the Christ for our sin crucified
Oh yes, we believe
That on the third morning
Gone was the stone for He rose back to life
Forever He reigns let His praise fill the skies
Glory to God the Father
Glory to Christ the Risen One
All hail the King
With Heaven sing
Hallelujah
Amen, amen, amen
Hallelujah
We believe in the saving gospel
We believe in the living word
We believe in the Holy Spirit
Moving in His Holy Church
We believe in the King of Heaven
We believe that Jesus is coming again
Hallelujah, amen
We believe in the blood that washes
We believe in the cross that saves
We believe that the curse is broken
Buried in that borrowed grave
We believe in the resurrection
We believe that Jesus is coming again
Hallelujah, amen
Hallelujah
Glory to God the Father
Glory to Christ the Risen One
All hail the King
With Heaven sing
Hallelujah
Amen, amen, amen
Hallelujah
Amen, amen, amen
Hallelujah, amen
This we believe
Our King is returning
And He will wipe every tear from our eyes
Our crowns at His feet
His throne at the center
The song of the saints forever will rise
Amen
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Love, hugs, and prayers! “The song of the saints forever will rise.” May it be so! ❤
We are saved by His mercy. Nothing we have done or will do except to accept; that Jesus is our Lord.
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Praise God for all His bountiful mercies, compassions and blessings.
For some reason I’m unable to reply after the first one??
I would appreciate your prayers, please. All spring I’ve dealt with allergies. However, since Gene’s homegoing, they’ve developed into a serious asthma flare. I saw the pulmonologist yesterday and have plan for bringing it under control. I started a high dose of prednisone in decreasing amounts, plus other meds. Those of you who have taken prednisone can relate I’m sure.
Love and appreciate you sweet SRT sisters❤
Hey Linda, sorry about your allergies! I haven’t had an asthma flair up in years since moving to SWFL..but remember them well. Praying you feel better soon, and are holding up with Jesus in your loss and grief. Also, that your chronic pain is not any worse.
OH! We found that if you check the box “to remember my email” that it cuts you off to comment anymore! Try refreshing and not clicking the box!
Praying for you Linda in NC! I just went through a treatment with prednisone for my allergies!! It did help!
Praying for you, Linda
I too do not like taking prednisone and it’s side effects.
Linda, I pray those meds work to clear up this issue- along with God’s healing touch! ❤❤❤
Song for the day: Cory Asbury’s “Kind”
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Amen!
God saved me for Himself- not because of anything I ever did or will do SOOO why not actually live like I’m worth saving? Am I sharing the gospel like I should? Heck am I living out the gospel? Can I even show mercy to someone who has offended me?? Feeling very convicted this morning!! Thank you Lord for Your mercy, grace and righteousness!!!
Great questions – thank you
Amennnnnn Allison!
Ugh me too!!
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The love, kindness, goodness, grace and mercy of Almighty God. How undeserving we are, yet He showers us with these things. Mind blown, though that is an understatement.
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Titus 3:3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
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Each of us has been at least some of the above listed behaviors, some of us check every box. Yet at perhaps at our most unworthy point, “the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared” and “according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” All truth, sisters, Hallelujah! Whoop worthy (KELLY (NEO)) ❤️
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KELLY (NEO) praying for young mama’s swift recovery
MARI V ❤️ praying for you in handling your soon-to-be empty nest, I know you are so proud of them both
RHONDA J ❤️
B ❤️ agreeing with you in prayer for the lost and untracked
CEE GEE ❤️ every tool! Amen.
SUSAN BURLEY ❤️ praying for the software transition to go well
SUSAN BONNER ❤️ praying for Tom’s continued recovery
TANYA EVANS ❤️ praying for Rita
MERCY ❤️
MICHELLE P ❤️
MOLLIE ❤️
ASHLI ❤️ praying for husband’s job search
SANDI MCAVINEY ❤️
INES HODZIC ❤️
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amen
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Whoop wlrthy- indeed!❤
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God’s grace offers salvation to all people. He offers it freely, yet so many still reject Him. God has been so kind to me – He loved me and sent His Son to die for me when I was wallowing in sin. He saved me, cleansed and purified me. Then, when I wandered away from Him – rejected Him, mocked Him even – He came after me, never letting me go. That has made an impact! Now, all I want to do is to please Him by living a godly life and I want the courage and boldness to share the gospel of Christ with others.
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Praise God for His compassion!
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Praise God He pardons & forgives sin!
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Praise God He hurls our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
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Praise God for His mercy & grace!
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Praise God from Whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above, you heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
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Happy Tuesday She’s – praying for your requests.
Praise God indeed ❤️
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Knowing that He saved me not because of anything I had done, but because of His mercy, fills me with so much gratitude and makes me want to live in a way that reflects His love. Obedience isn’t about earning God’s favor it’s my response to the grace I’ve already received!
Today’s reading also deepened my understanding of the story of redemption because it reminds me that salvation is entirely God’s work! Through Jesus, we have been washed, renewed, and given new life by the Holy Spirit. From beginning to end, redemption is a story of God’s kindness, mercy, and grace.
Amen to all of the above!
He saved us not by our own works but because of his righteousness and mercy. A sweet reminder to start the day. ❤️
Amen❤️
God’s kindness toward me impacts my relationship with Him by drawing me in toward repentance and restoration ìnstead of rejecting me when I have sinned against Him or others.
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Today’s reading shows the practical ways my redemption is lived out until Jesus returns (or calls me home).
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Thanks for your prayers for my young mama. My husband has the 2 year old all day while I am at work…pray for him! I am asking for an accommodation to work from home the rest of the week, pray that I find favor.
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Praying for you all and your requests through the day.
I’ve already been praying this morning, sister, that the little one would feel safe with y’all and be easily pacified. I have piles of things to entertain him, but for the hundreds of miles between us. I keep saying I need to clean out that room because all are now past the age, but am asked by the great nieces and nephews “please don’t, those are our memories.” Praying for your husband today for patience and countless ideas, for favor with your job to work from home and that sweet memories will be made while the two of you are caring for this little guy ❤️❤️❤️
Praying for you Kelly – may you be allowed to work from home the rest of the week, strength for your husband as he looks after the 2 year old, and God’s hand upon this mama. Praying it gets worked out for this little one’s accommodations.
Have prayed❤️
Praying
Praying, Kelly!
Praying for you and your husband in this situation! How amazing you stepped in and took the 2 year old! What a blessing to the mom. Praying ya’ll are giving just what is needed in the situation! We had a 18 month old in our house for about an hour and a half (WITH the mom and sister) and we were a little crazy with the energy and grabbing of every thing, lol!) My husband made a very funny comment once they left! Like–“that was exhausting!” So praying for your hubs today! :)
Praying!! ❤️
Praying Kelly ❤️
Praying, Kelly!
Been praying, Kelly, but will add favor in request being granted! For hubby, too!❤❤❤
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Because of our Savior Jesus “who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people” to share in eternal life with Him, I should daily be “zealous for good works” and filled with gratitude for His great mercy, grace and the free gift of salvation (redemption)!
Thank You Jesus!!
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Praying for you all today!
Thank you❤️
Same❤️