Christian Principles 12.11.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are studying the books Titus and Philemon, please read Titus Chapters 1-3 and Philemon Chapter 1 in your Bible or you can click the following links to read them online. If the links do not work you can copy and paste them into your browser.
Titus : biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus%201-3&version=9 Philemon : biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philemon%201&version=9

Today we will be reading about the qualifications of church officers; a warning about false teachers; Christian conduct; and Paul's appeal for Onesimus. Today's message focuses on Christian principles. It is not enough to do good, we must do it according to God's Will.

The book of Titus is the 17th book/12th epistle of the New Testament and contains 3 chapters. The author of the book is Paul and it was written to Titus, a Greek convert and fellow worker with Paul. The purpose of the letter is to correct problems and establish proper order in the churches located on the island of Crete. What we are to learn from it is that founding a good work is not enough. That work must be established and organized according to the principles of God's Word.

The churches on the island of Crete needed spiritual leadership, so Paul instructed Titus to ordain qualified men to fill these positions. "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." (Titus 1:5-9). The Church belongs to Christ. His qualifications for spiritual leaders must be followed; man's alternative options are unacceptable to God.

Paul also gave instruction that older men and women should teach the younger men and women, instructing them to forsake evil passions and worldly ambitions, and to live honorably before the Lord. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." (2:11-15). Our teaching must be based upon the threefold work of Christ for His people as a result of His death upon the cross. 1) He set us free and redeemed us from all iniquity. 2) He set us apart and purified to Himself a peculiar people (special possession). 3) He called us to be zealous (eager) of good works.

The book of Philemon is the 18th book/13 epistle of the New Testament and contains 1 chapter. The author of the book is Paul and it was written to Philemon, a Christian who lived at Colosse. The purpose of the letter was to appeal for Onesimus, the runaway slave of Philemon who had become a believer. What we are to learn from it is that Christian principles must be applied to social relationships.

Paul simply identifies himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ. "Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philemon 1:1-3).

Although Paul was imprisoned by the Roman Empire, he knew who really had control of his life. In his letter to Philemon he expressed the same attitude of gratitude. "I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus." (1:4-6). No matter what struggles we face they are all allowed by God. Struggles allow us to draw closer to Him, to seek Him more, and acknowledge that He is in control.

God does not want to see us suffer, but He knows what we can handle and works everything together for our good. Stay faithful to Him and do not cease from praying, You will see victory.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We are so thankful that there is nothing in our past or future that can separate us from Your love or daily provision for our lives. Though the enemy seeks to disrupt our lives, pollute our minds and sear our conscience we will not be defeated by evil. Instead we overcome evil with the steadfast goodness You instill in our hearts as we hold dearly to the light of Your Word. We say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passion as we eagerly wait for our great hope in the second coming of Your Son, Jesus, who will unite us with You, our Father, in heaven. In Jesus' name.........Amen.

Enjoy your day/night.

God Bless and Merry Christmas,
Christina

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