We’re over halfway through This Is the New Testament, our thematic overview of the New Testament. 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.
What Is 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 points 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.
1. His kindness feels so tender; He is so approachable. So gentle, and loving, and “for” me. He truly wants what is best for me.
2. I am blown away by Titus 3:4-5! “But when the kindness of God our Saviour and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us — not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy — through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
I am redeemed because of God’s kindness and love, not because I am “good enough” or “deserve it”. I will never be good enough or deserve it, but praise God for sending his Son and Spirit to redeem me! He is so good.
MAURA, my dear friend, I loved your insights from Isaiah 64!! Very anointed and oh so true!!! Thank you for sharing with me!!! I am glad that you had yesterday off from work and got to rest!! What a gift rest is!!! Especially when it’s done in our Father’s loving arms!!
Can you believe that we are almost done with reading Isaiah?!! Tomorrow is the last chapter!!! What a journey it has been!! I am so grateful that you joined me in this…I have learned and grown so much!!! Truly appreciate you dear friend!!
Isaiah 65:1-25 What an awesome chapter!!! The header of it says “Judgement and Salvation” and it couldn’t be more true!!! I see a God of mercy, of justice, of love, and of faithfulness all throughout these verses!!! So many little nuggets to grasp and to let God breathe life and revelation onto..
Here are the verses I highlighted:
1-2 “I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. To a nation that did not call on My name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’ 2 All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations”
5-16 “Such people are smoke in my nostrils, a fire that keeps burning all day. 6 “See, it stands written before me: I will not keep silent but will pay back in full; I will pay it back into their laps— 7 both your sins and the sins of your ancestors,” says the Lord. “Because they burned sacrifices on the mountains and defied me on the hills, I will measure into their laps the full payment for their former deeds.” 8 This is what the Lord says: “As when juice is still found in a cluster of grapes and people say, ‘Don’t destroy it, there is still a blessing in it,’ so will I do in behalf of my servants; I will not destroy them all. 9 I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and from Judah those who will possess my mountains; my chosen people will inherit them, and there will my servants live. 10 Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for my people who seek me. 11 “But as for you who forsake the Lord and forget my holy mountain, who spread a table for Fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny, 12 I will destine you for the sword, and all of you will fall in the slaughter; for I called but you did not answer, I spoke but you did not listen. You did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.” 13 Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; my servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; my servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. 14 My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts, but you will cry out from anguish of heart and wail in brokenness of spirit. 15 You will leave your name for my chosen ones to use in their curses; the Sovereign Lord will put you to death, but to his servants he will give another name. 16 Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the one true God; whoever takes an oath in the land will swear by the one true God. For the past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes.”
and finally 17-25 “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. 19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more. 20 “Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed. 21 They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; My chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them. 24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.”
with verse 24 really speaking out to me!! What an INCREDIBLE promise!!! God, our Father is SO incredibly GOOD to us!!!! Here’s to New Heavens and to a New Earth!!! Amen!!
ERB I love this part of Isaiah, especially the verse where God says there will never be an infant that lives but a few days. I always cry at that- when I was going through training my most difficult days were the ones in peds neuro where we would take care of infants born with terrible diseases, who lived for only a few days or months in horrific pain and suffering before dying. I could never understand how God could allow these innocents to suffer so, but this verse really gives me hope for the future. Sometimes I wish it could be now! Ps I hope you are doing well with your seizures and your medication regimen. I am praying for you
Just because I have a need to acknowledge God’s goodness….. my daughter was called back to her “dream job” yesterday after a very long 16 months . He provided an interim job where she did gain some experience in different areas and that was a blessing in itself. She had been so hopeless and headed toward anxiety, but God’s timing is perfect we know, even if it seems long to us. I just want to thank HIM …
Amen Cindyquilts so happy to hear this!
Not my works but His Mercy that brings my salvation! God’s Mercy astounds me- and I hope it always does. It humbles me and encourages me to die to myself, leave my worries at His Feet and fix my eyes on Him. This awesome God who holds the whole world in His Hands, with Righteousness and with Mercy. What more could I ask for?
Sissy praying peace and wisdom.
@ Lauren, praying you stay consistent in seeking God through this study. May he teach you new things through this time.
Asking for prayer myself. I got myself in a bad situation with my car and now my transmission might be dead. I didn’t listen to prompting of Spirit and went somewhere I shouldn’t have and then my car broke down. Just got my car last year & thankfully it is paid off, but I can’t afford a new one… Not making much money. I know God can redeem this mistake I made. Prayers for wisdom, grace, and faith.
Thank you.
Sisters, I don’t often post in comments, but I wanted to ask if you would pray for peace today. I am a Kindergarten teacher, and we have an overcrowding problem at our school currently. Between large class sizes, struggling with classroom management, and Covid cases on the rise, I am just one big bundle of nerves. I know God has a plan for this school year and a reason for placing what seems like 500 kids in my class, but I’m just feeling lost and overwhelmed and could use some prayer today. Thank you so much! I love reading and praying over the comments y’all make every day! ❤️
@Sissy M – Praying you are able to see each child and bring them joy today – thank you for what you do! And Praying for protection, wisdom and peace!
I am a teacher too. Today is my first day. Leadings to you!
Sissy M praying for you!
My prayers have been for teachers everywhere, y’all are unsung heroes
Taylor, so funny!! I’m not a coffee drinker (I’m not a huge fan of coffee in general)…I thought college might make me into one but I made it through on the occasional caffeinated tea haha. Hope you have a great day too!!