December 09, 2018: SOAP #3293:  1Timothy 5-6; Titus 1-4

Scripture:  Titus (NIV) 2:7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Observation:  Paul is writing to Titus, his spiritual son, and a developing leader in the church.  Titus did not have a leadership series of books, he probably did not have his own copy of the Old Testament scrolls.  He could not go online to find information about church leadership.  So, Paul wrote this letter.

Among the specific instructions I found this one general term: “doing what is good.”  (10+ times in the 46 verses of this book!)  Titus was to live his life “doing what is good.”  He was to encourage and teach others to “do what is good.”  God’s people should be “eager to do what is good.” (2:14) God’s people should be “ready to do what is good.” (3:1)

Paul did not refer Titus to a special book to learn more about this general instruction.  Those who would listen to Titus preach did not have anything available to them other than what Titus would include in his teaching.  Oh, but what they had!!!  They had the Holy Spirit dwelling in each of them, leading them into “what is good.”

Application:  How I appreciate having the Bible so readily available to me!  But I am learning something even more important.  I have the same benefit that Titus had, and the early church had—I have the indwelling Holy Spirit!!!

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, you are the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11) and the same Holy Spirit anointed Paul in his ministry and writings.  You are with me; be my conscience.  With your guidance and empowerment, I too can do “what is good.”  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!