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.
VICTORIA E. Now that I have read that you worked with those at risk babies, it gives more understanding of the anxiety you are dealing with! May God continue to rescue you from those prevailing threats to your peace and joy of this blessing baby to come. Sending big hugs!
PHOEBE, I chose Titus 3:4-6 for memorization today!
Love the reading and all of your comments today. What a joy and a blessing to know we can gather in the Word even though we can’t gather in one room.
Praying God’s richest blessings of peace, discernment, and grace for each and every teacher and school official! My son is an asst. principal and daughter in law is a teacher, so you all hold a special place in my heart and my understanding. As it says in Matthew, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!!!
Question for myself: what is casting a cover over my light today?
@ Emma K. Amen!❤️ Such great encouragement in all the passages that we read today. I especially enjoyed the words of Micah. “He delights in steadfast love!”
VICTORIA E, (I just read your comment after writing mine to you)
P.S. I bet if your “I-have-to-do-more-or-God-won’t-love-me” feeling AND MY ‘“I have to do more or God won’t love me and I won’t go to Heaven” feeling’ somehow had an arm wrestle,…MINE would win ;) LOL (i.e. I’m feelin’ ya!)
Lord, please put only Your thoughts and view of us into our minds!
VICTORIA E,
Beautiful Soul, I pray for you during this season and your feelings re: your relationship with God. I am praying that ALL the encouragement that YOU (and many SRT sisters) provide to me on my toughest days, especially when I doubt God can redeem the mess I make, will come back to lift you up a hundredfold! I pray that the enemy will not get a foothold, even for the blink of an eye, to steal your joy in this pregnancy and that any fear he tries to plant will be seen as a lie!! Sending you much love… Enjoy ANGIE’S comment!!!
GRAMSIESUE, praying!!
God bless you my Sisters ❤️
I need all the reminders I can get that God saved us because of His grace and mercy, not because of anything we did. I grew up in very perfectionist, works- based house and even though I know we are saved by grace I have difficulty getting rid of that “I have to do more or God won’t love me” feeling. Thank you for all who prayed for me yesterday- CeeGee, Maura, GramsieSue, and others! Your prayers were really effective, I started to feel much better about myself and how God sees me and was able to spend some time basking in His love last night. This community is truly incredible. GramsieSue I am still praying for you and your family and your continued healing!
SHARON, JERSEY GIRL,
Sorry about ER. Glad you’re all clear (Praise Jesus!) but YES you still need to take care of yourself and follow all they ask you re: concussion.
Reduce your screens as much as possible.
I will be disappointed if you don’t comment anymore but I HOPE you are USING “voice-to-text” to ‘write’ on your phone to minimize need to focus eyes on a screen.
Good morning MAURA, please have a nice cup of tea…then tell us how you’re feeling ;)
MICHELLE PATIRE, I’ve prayed a similar prayer to this many times in my life!…I’ll pray it alongside you.
ERB, yes I LOVE this — “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”
MELANIE, sorry Dear one… praying for strength and true resolution of the various challenges you’ve brought forth.
CINDYQUILTS, thanks for sharing your praise! Yay!!
ANGIE, I love the way you wrote about pregnancy :)
SISSY, I pray blessing over you…may God give you to miraculously minister to your 500 ;) students as Jesus miraculously fed the 5000.
Please pray for me…Too often, I am the faith-filled sheep who turns only her head to her Shepherd, not her whole body. Heartbroken over my own stubbornness against sin…that God’s ‘tolerance’ does not equal ‘acceptance’.
It’s HIS kindness that leads me to repentance. My God is gentle and loving and takes me as I am.