Titus 3 - 1.17.25

Scripture:  Titus 3:1-2

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2:to slander none, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward men.”

Observation

Paul is writing to Titus, who was one of Paul’s Gentile converts.  In Titus chapter 1, Paul talks about the Church to be orderly. In chapter 2, he talks about how the church should teach good doctrine, and Chapter 3 is about the Church doing good works.

Our focus here is the beginning of Chapter 3. Why this stood out so much to me is we recently voted to change Presidents from Joe Biden to Donald Trump, and we also had the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. During the fires in Los Angeles, we have seen many different leaders, in different positions, making various decisions. We all have our opinions on these leaders and people in authority. Titus 3 reminds people to be subject to rulers and authorities. In Romans 13:1 Paul wrote. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” The authorities that currently exist have been established by God. We do not need to go against God in this area. We are to be obedient to the leaders, as long as it does not compromise our relationship with God or go against the Bible.

We are to slander no one; we are always to be truthful. Social media and now with A.I. can twist anything we see and say. Be diligent and careful in what you say or post. Be peaceable and considerate of others. Ephesians 4:2 “be completely humble and gentle: to be patient bearing with one another in love.” How do you handle driving when someone cuts in front of you? Show true humility.

Application

We are to serve and respect those in authority or who hold an office. When is the last time we have prayed for our current President, or anyone else in authority that we agree or disagree with? Are they a punch line or a meme in a social media post?  Pray, pray, and then pray some more. We are to pay our taxes as  Jesus taught us in Matthew 22:21,  “Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Monday is Inauguration Day. I believe we need to have a little extra fasting and prayer for our incoming President. We need to do what is good and show everyone we love people.

We have a leader (Pastor) in Church, authorities (Elders, Teachers, Ushers). We should mirror how we treat leaders in our Church to how we treat rulers and political authorities. We need to go further and be subject and obedient to our employers or emergency responders, teachers or anyone else in authority. Pray for all of them.

Prayer

Jesus thank you for teaching us in your Word how we are to be toward those in authority. Help guide my tongue. May my thoughts be aligned with yours. Take any anger, slander or inconsiderate thoughts and actions away. Jesus, give me peace and love and help me always do what is good in your sight, Lord. Let me be an example of a follower of Jesus. Let me love God, love people and let me love those I disagree with. In Jesus name. Amen.

- Robert Oberg

Titus 2 - 1.16.25

Titus 2:3-5

S – 3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

O – Titus was one of Paul’s traveling companions and closest friends. He eventually became the overseer of the churches on Crete. Paul wrote this letter to Titus as a step in the discipleship process. The goal of discipleship is to help others trust and follow Jesus, obeying all His teachings.  Paul was showing Titus how to organize and lead the churches. He emphasized the importance of good deeds in the life of the church and how to relate to the various age groups in the church.

This chapter begins with emphasis on sound doctrine and reminds us to be grounded in the truth of the Bible so that we won’t be swayed by false teachers, tragic circumstances, or the pull of our emotions. We need to learn the Bible, study it, apply the biblical principles and LIVE what we learn.

When we get to verses 3-5 Paul is giving instruction on how to teach women to disciple other women….to encourage them and mentor them. Women who were new Christians had to learn to have harmony in their homes by watching older women who had been Christians for some time. This wasn’t necessarily something that came naturally. Now add in the worldly views of today and we not only have that same need for learning from other Godly women, but it is imperative to our homes in order to protect Christian families. Younger wives and mothers can and should, learn from observing other godly women.

A – So if you are one of the older ladies…and older can still be younger by number, but perhaps you have many years’ experience of walking with Jesus…

1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

…are you being purposeful in mentoring other women in the church? Discipling one another, whether it’s the men or women, is part of the culture of our DSC family, and applies to all of God’s family.  We must be intentional about participating in small groups, Wednesday worship nights, and one-on-ones with other Believers. There are dozens and dozens of studies out there on Titus 2:3-5, for women. I highly recommend finding, and doing one on your own, or with a couple of ladies. I did a Titus 2 study when I first became a Christian and it was life changing!

Here's a link to 7 Titus 2:3-5 traits and something as women we can strive for: 7 Ways a Titus 2 Woman Lives to Honor God - Topical Studies

These verses give shape and purpose to women’s ministry, whether formal or informal. They give us a clear statement of purpose: older women are to teach and train young women how to live as Christian women.

Unless older women take responsibility for teaching young women, it probably won’t happen. Paul encouraged Titus to teach every group in the church—older men, young men, older women, slaves—every group except for young women! Teaching and training young women in godly womanhood is primarily the responsibility of older women, not the pastor or male elders of a church. It’s vital that women and women’s ministries don’t lose sight of this goal. (Thebriefing.com)

This doesn’t take men off the hook. Men, see Titus 2:2 and 6.

2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

God commands us ALL to teach one another! The only way to do that is to take someone along the journey with you as Pastors Katie and Levi tell us often : )

Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) 17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Paul’s words to Timothy remind us that age should never be a hindrance to setting an example for others. Regardless of our age, we can influence those around us by the way we speak, behave, love, exhibit faith, and pursue purity. Our actions and words should align with the teachings of Christ, drawing others closer to Him. (scripturesavvy.com)

P – Lord Jesus I pray that we would all do our part in the family of God, helping others to grow in their faith, in their walk with You, while helping to build the skills of Bible reading, journaling and praying, so that they can know your Word and can walk in confidence as they navigate through some rough and scary times. As we are using these 28-days of prayer and fasting as a special time to meet up in small groups, would you stir the hearts of anyone who is not in a group, to join one. We are only in our 2nd week, and it is never too late to jump in. Lord, if anyone is hesitant to join on their own, would you place them on the heart of another to invite them.  We need you first and foremost, but we also need each other. We need other Christians to walk through life with, encourage us, rebuke us when necessary, and love on us. May you keep me purposeful about bringing others alongside myself as I continue to grow with you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

- Crystal Flory

Proverbs 15 - 1.15.25

Scripture

Proverbs 15:2

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Observation

Far too often I replay conversations in my head and think, “Why did you say that??” I wish my brain was faster, to catch the words before they come out. But the bible says it is not a brain or a tongue issue, it is a heart issue. Matthew 12:34 For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Application

As I read Proverbs 15 this morning, I was convicted. Verse after verse talks about the power of the tongue.

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
    but the hearts of fools are not upright.

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
    but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,
    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

I want to be someone who edifies and builds up others. I want to exercise control and give a gentle answer and calm a quarrel. I want to speak wisdom and truth. I want to glorify God in my words and my actions. And that requires work on my heart. I need to spend time bathing myself in God’s presence. I need to ask him to search my heart and root out the sinful thinking. I need to stop and ask for forgiveness the minute something comes out of my mouth that does not glorify him. There are many things that don’t need to be said – but they don’t need to be thought either, and that is where I must fight.

Prayer

Lord, please forgive me for the sin in my heart. I cannot love others and speak truth unless you are in me and with me every minute of the day. Please fill me and change me and use me as an ambassador for you.

- Debbie Dunn