TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 127
Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. - Colossians 3:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 2009, Morgan Freeman made famous the nineteenth-century poem “Invictus” through his portrayal of South African President Nelson Mandela in the film by the same title. The movie begins and ends with Freeman reciting the poem, including its well-known ending, “I am the master of my fate / I am the captain of my soul.” While many people in our culture subscribe to this belief, according to our passage today this is not true for the people of God.

Psalm 127 contains two segments. The theme of the first is clarified by the three-fold repetition of “in vain” (vv. 1-2). Activities such as building a house, guarding a city, and daily work are futile unless motivated by God’s purposes, accomplished in His strength, and done for His glory. The promise of sleep affirms a rhythm of work and rest that God ordains. When His people submit to this rhythm, they entrust God with their work and its fruit.

The theme of the second section is highlighted by the three-fold repetition of “children” or “offspring” (vv. 3-5). Children are a blessing from the Lord. In ancient Israel, the larger the family, the less vulnerable the family was to the danger of attack or censure in court. Children, like arrows, offered security.

Psalm 127 does not say that families with children have special favor with God or that families without children are cursed by God. The Bible affirms that God has a special place for barren women in His heart and in His kingdom purposes, as seen in Sarah (Genesis 16-18), Rebekah (Gen. 25:21), Hannah (1 Samuel 1-2), and Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-25)—to name only a few.

Psalm 127 is about work and children, two staples of everyday life. The pilgrims know they are dependent on God for life itself and that “every good and perfect gift comes from [God]” (James 1:17). Everything they have, great and small, mundane and extraordinary, comes from God who desires abundant life for His children.

APPLY THE WORD
Are you surrendered to Christ’s Lordship? It is easy to imagine that “I am the master of my fate / I am the captain of my soul.” We might be tempted to charge ahead with our own plans, and then retroactively ask God to bless them. The truth of Psalm 127 completely exposes these false ways of living. Today, take an inventory of your work, family, and other responsibilities. Is God the one guiding your entire life for His purposes or are you, for your purposes?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 130
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
Martin Luther once called Psalm 130 “a proper master and doctor of Scripture.” He believed Psalm 130 taught the basic truth of the gospel: that the human predicament is hopeless apart from God’s freely given grace and forgiveness in Jesus Christ unto salvation.

You will recall from our study of Psalm 32 that Psalm 130 is also among the seven “Psalms of Confession.” The psalmist cries to the Lord “out of the depths” (v. 1). The depths is the realm of death, far from God. The psalmist is drowning in distress, overwhelmed by his sin. He is not simply feeling guilty. He is oppressed by the weight of rebelling against God and its consequences. He is crying out to God for mercy.

He knows that the Lord is the holy judge, and that no one can stand in His presence if He does not forgive. Therefore, he trusts in the Lord’s forgiveness with reverence, and from the depths, he waits expectantly for the Lord’s promised redemption. The psalmist emphasizes the waiting by repeating the word “wait” five times (vv. 5-6). Additionally, the repetition of the phrase “more than watchmen wait for the morning” symbolizes the drawn-out waiting as if to say “waiting, waiting, waiting.”

The original Hebrew word translated as “kept” in verse 3 is found in the word translated as “watchmen.” This is to accentuate the contrast that God does not watch for my sins—I watch for His redemption. The psalmist’s watching and waiting are not in vain, because he is confident God’s word and His hesed love are trustworthy (vv. 5, 7). God’s primary way of relating to humans is not wrathful, expecting and counting every slip up. Rather, the Lord relates to His people with forgiveness, unfailing love, and full redemption. Verses 7 and 8 expand the Lord’s forgiveness beyond the life of the individual psalmist. He pleas, “Israel, put your hope in the LORD,” and he affirms God’s comprehensive and final redemption of God’s people “from all their sins.”

APPLY THE WORD
Your Heavenly Father wants you to experience His forgiveness and freedom of life in Christ in full, and no sin is beyond His redemption. Through prayer, invite the Spirit to give you courage to experience fully God’s forgiveness in Christ. Turn your gaze from the black hole of yourself to the Light of the World, the open arms of your loving Savior.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 22
Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” - Mark 15:34
TODAY IN THE WORD
Remember from our study of Psalm 2 that God made a covenant with David and his descendants, and although persecutors mock the king, God always vindicates His anointed one. The Hebrew word for anointed one is messiah. As we end our month’s study looking at three Messianic Psalms, we will see the pattern from Psalm 2 emerge, as well as the way these psalms are connected with Jesus and the New Testament.

Psalm 22 is attributed to King David. The first section of Psalm 22 is David’s prayer for help (vv. 1-21). From the darkest place of suffering, David cries out to God. David’s fundamental lament is not the threat of death, but rather the anguish of feeling abandoned by God.

David articulates three contrasts: first, the experience of his ancestors compared to his (vv. 3-8); second, his intimacy with God from birth compared to presently feeling forsaken by Him (vv. 9-11). The third contrast is that his enemies“surround” and “encircle” him, yet God is “far off” (vv. 7-8, 12-19). David prays for God to come near and deliver him.

The second section is David’s praise (vv. 22-31). The theme of David’s praise is deliverance, and he invites the congregation to “praise God with me” (v. 23). David’s predicament is completely reversed: God is near and He reigns. The king is rescued from his enemies. David broadens the perspective of his deliverance from his individual circumstance to “all the ends of the earth” (v. 27). David declares, this is who God is; this is how He acts; we can trust Him.

The Gospel writers used Psalm 22 to portray and interpret the end of Jesus’ life (cf. Matt. 27:11-56; Mark 15:1-39). Jesus Himself prays David’s lament: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:33). He takes upon Himself human suffering and lament. Jesus Christ is the King described in Psalms 2 and 22. He experiences persecution from the chief priests and elders; He entrusts Himself to God His Father; and He is vindicated in resurrection.

APPLY THE WORD
Christians might be tempted to ignore or hide suffering by communicating, “I am happy and well!” all the time. This is neither healthy nor biblical. Psalm 22 combines lament and praise, suffering and celebration. Jesus demonstrates that authentic faith includes crying out to God in anguish (cf. Heb. 5:7). He gives His followers an example and encouragement to pray to God for help. Genuine faith exercises hopeful lament in times of suffering and grief.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 110
God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah. - Acts 2:36
TODAY IN THE WORD
In democracies the people elect their president, in monarchical nations rulership is typically passed on through bloodline, and totalitarian governments often attain power through military force. God’s governance of His people is different. In God’s kingdom, God chooses His king to represent both the people and God’s interest.

Psalm 110 was originally used during the Davidic king’s coronation cere-mony. One key to understanding Psalm 110 is that there are three main characters: the narrator, the Lord, and the Davidic king. God’s words are in quotations in many translations (vv. 1-2, 4). The narrator refers to the Davidic king as “my lord” and “you/your.”

The Lord is the one who installs His king to the throne. He seats the king at His right hand, empowered to represent God and carry out His purposes. God promises the king victory over those who oppose God and His king. The Lord anoints him as king and priest “in the order ofMelchizedek” (v. 4). Melchizedek was king and priest of Salem, the one who blessed Abraham in Genesis 14:18-20. The priestly king is the perfect mediator between God and His people, atoning for the sins of the people and ruling over them justly. “Until” and “on the day of his wrath” correlate and look ahead to God’s final victory over all resistance to His rule (vv. 1, 5).

Though Psalm 110 is about the king, no human king served in this role faultlessly. The prophets criticized the kings of Israel and Judah who did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and they looked ahead to a future king who would serve God faithfully. The New Testament identifies Jesus as the final and perfect Davidic King who fulfills the Messianic Psalms (Acts 2:29-36). After Jesus’ resurrection, God exalts Jesus to His right hand (Eph. 1:20; Heb. 1:3, 13), and designates Jesus as the perfect high priest (Heb. 5:7-10; 8:1; 10:12). Jesus is the crucified and risen one who has been installed as the King through whom God is working His purposes in the world.

APPLY THE WORD
We know Jesus as our high priest, the perfect sacrifice who atones for our sins. But do we serve Jesus as King? Because Jesus is exalted at God’s right hand and is King and Ruler of the entire world, every area of our lives and every aspect of our will belongs to Him. Today spend some time in prayer reflecting on Jesus’ kingship, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the ways in which your will can more deeply submit to Jesus the exalted King.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 72
For he will deliver the needy who cry out. - Psalm 72:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Celebration, Florida was envisioned by the Walt Disney cooperation in the 1990s as a picture-perfect community. Residents moved to Celebration optimistically seeking the promised “small-town values with walkable and safe communities.” Dreams were shattered, however, in December 2010 when this city experienced its first homicide. The Bible teaches that apart from the kingdom of God ruled by God’s chosen King, there is no perfect community. Today’s text exalts God’s King and looks forward to the new era inaugurated by His reign.

Psalm 72 declares the foundations of the reign of God’s chosen King: justice and righteousness (vv. 1-2). Everything else depends on these two virtues. Verse 3 clarifies that prosperity is the fruit of righteousness. The Hebrew word translated as “prosperity” is shalom, God’s peace and wholeness. The psalmist prays for the King that He would defend the poor and oppressed (v. 4), that His reign would be everlasting, ever restoring His kingdom (vv. 5-6), and that the righteous would be the ones who thrive in God’s kingdom (v. 7). Verses 8 through 11 teach that God’s King will be King of all kings, ruler of the whole earth, and that everyone will bow at His feet.

The “for” at the beginning of verse 12 explains why this King is exalted above all others. It is because His reign is first and foremost characterized by care for the needy, because He cares deeply for them (vv. 12-14). In the words of one Bible scholar: “Saving justice for the helpless is the distinctive mark of the reign of God, [it is] the sign of the one who represents the Lord of all the world.”

The psalmist once again lifts up praises and petitions for the King’s eternal and prosperous reign (vv. 15-17), followed by an echo from Genesis: “All nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed” (Genesis 12; 18; 22). Psalm 72 is a Messianic Psalm. It points to Jesus, God’s Anointed One. Only God’s King, Jesus, can fulfill the promise originally made to Abraham, because only Jesus perfectly embodies God’s saving justice and righteousness.

APPLY THE WORD
“Lord, teach us to pray,” Jesus’ disciples beseech Him in Luke 11. Jesus teaches them to pray “your kingdom come, your will be done” (Matt. 6:10). When we pray this prayer, we pray for the consummation of God’s kingdom, for Christ the King to be exalted and worshiped, and for God’s justice and righteousness to abound. As you pray the Lord’s Prayer, long for Jesus the King of Psalm 72 to bring God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 1:1-4
The hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time. - Titus 1:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Did you know Chicago is called the Windy City not because of its gusty Lake Michigan wind chills, but because of the “windy,” blustery oratory of the politicians? The old expression “full of wind” was applied to Chicago lawmakers because they often couldn’t stand behind their boasts. The city’s nickname was given in the late 1800s (around the same time Moody Bible Institute was founded). The notion that politicians often twist words, lie, or make “blustery” promises they can’t keep is certainly not new!

Today’s passage is the beginning of a letter from the apostle Paul to a church on the island of Crete. The church, originally started by Paul, was now being led by a pastor named Titus. The problems facing the church were, in part, due to the godless society surrounding it. Paul feared the church would turn from its original foundation on truth and begin to be influenced by the persuasive lies of that culture.

Paul suggests ways believers can avoid being held captive by lies. First, they must remember in whom they believe. In the first sentences, Paul turns their attention away from himself and toward God. He is one, Paul declares, “who does not lie” (v. 2). This is an incredible promise! Our God does not promise more than He can deliver. Every word spoken by God can be counted upon with our lives, because we trust in a God who does not change and cannot lie. His Word, like His character, is completely true and reliable.

It is worth noting Paul’s chosen title: “servant.” This first verse sets the tone for our study this month of the books of Titus, Philemon, and James. Paul doesn’t present himself here as the esteemed apostle, but as a man whose life has been taken captive, a servant who does the will of his Master.

Paul explains that God’s message has been “promised before the beginning of time” (v. 2). We, like Titus, share a “common faith” (v. 4) with the apostle. We, too, have been called to follow God. We can count on this One in whom we believe, a God who is faithful, not “full of wind.”

APPLY THE WORD
The three letters we will study this month are meant not only to encourage us in our faith but also to challenge us to live in a way that shows we are held captive by God. Pray today that God will use this study to reveal any areas of your life that are outside of God’s boundaries. How would your life change if you truly recognized your role, as Paul does, as a “servant” of the Almighty God? Give thanks today that our Lord is faithful and gracious.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 1:5-9
Encourage others by sound doctrine. - Titus 1:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
A recent survey published by Training Journal revealed a dwindling trust in leaders after surveying approximately 300 employees. Leaders destroyed trust by 1) being out of touch with what is happening with employees, and 2) by saying one thing and doing another. One employer said, “Trust is crucial in the workplace . . . Leaders need to focus on what they do, only then will they truly win the hearts and minds of their people.”

Paul’s letter to Titus quickly turns to the organizational structure left behind to manage these fledgling churches. Paul reminds Titus that he must “appoint elders in every town” (v. 5). Leadership, good leadership, would be crucial to the successful growth of the church. And these leaders must be carefully selected. They must reflect the God whom they are called to serve. Bad leadership would harm the church and its followers.

The verses outline the qualities these leaders should have, and the words chosen paint a portrait of the highly selective qualifications: “blameless, hospitable, holy, and disciplined.” There are also specific guidelines on what a good church leader should not be: “quick-tempered, violent, dishonest, or over-bearing” (vv. 6-8).

It is clear that a negative leader will cast a dark shadow on the truth of God’s Word. As noted in other epistles of Paul (1 Tim. 1:6), false leaders would creep up and threaten to destroy the young church. “Command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer” (1 Tim. 1:3). These false prophets would mislead others, twist truth, and cause others to fall away. Paul’s warning throughout his epistles is strong and without subtlety. Good leaders were (and are) vital!

As the survey about leadership reminds us, a leader’s life and actions must be consistent with his words. We cannot say one thing and do something else. Our lives, once taken captive by God, must now be fully in His control. A good leader will also know Scripture and doctrine, holding firmly to truth and encouraging others to be grounded in God’s Word (v. 9).

APPLY THE WORD
While the list of godly qualities in today’s passage applies to specific leadership roles, it is good to take a quick personal inventory of the characteristics that Paul identifies. How does our own life match up with this list? Would people identify us with the positive or the negative characteristics listed here? Is our life a good witness for Christ? Or, are our personal negative traits threatening to overshadow the message of God’s love?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 1:10-16
They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. - Titus 1:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
If you plan to vacation in a new city and are looking for a hotel, you probably read travel reviews. Websites like Hotels.com and Travelocity offer photos, maps, and reviews about specific properties. Some are scathing: “This hotel is nothing like the pictures. It was the smallest room I have ever stayed in!” Travelers use these reviews to protect themselves from deceptive hotel ads that do not live up to their promises.

In today’s passage, Paul continues to advise Titus about the leadership of the church. He warns that not all members of the church have the best intentions. Some, he says, are “full of meaningless talk and deception” (v. 10). These people, he insists, “must be silenced” (v. 11).

Paul explains that when individuals begin teaching false things, or when they teach with dishonest motives, they cause havoc in the church. The church should be like a family, a “household” (v. 11). One rebellious member could affect the others and destroy the sense of community. This links closely to other teachings about the body of Christ. If one part of the body suffers, the rest of the body becomes weak and far less effective (see 1 Cor. 12:26).

Being silent or simply ignoring these individuals was not an option. Paul instructs Titus to “rebuke them sharply” (v. 13). This was crucial to the growth and reputation of the body of Christ.

How did these individuals get into the early church? How do such individuals get into our churches today? Paul suggests here that in part, they make promises that they don’t keep. On the surface, they seem to know God and to proclaim His truth, but they are “liars” (v. 12). He states it even more strongly, saying that “both their minds and consciences” are corrupt. They may claim one thing, but they do another.

This should challenge all believers that it matters how we live and how we relate to our fellow servants of God. Followers of Christ are called to practice what they preach. Believers are encouraged to hold true not to their own motivations and intentions but to God’s.

APPLY THE WORD
“Say what you mean!” Do your words match your actions? People of God are called to be true to His Word and also to be true to their own. Make your words count. Hesitate to overpromise something that you can’t—or won’t—deliver. Be sure to stand by your words and to act in a manner worthy of your calling. One bad action can cast a negative light on not just your own testimony but also that of your fellow believers.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 2:1-10
In everything set them as an example by doing what is good. - Titus 2:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
In May 2011, the United Kingdom celebrated a royal wedding. Prince William and his bride Catherine Middleton wed amidst pomp and circumstance that reminded many of William’s parents. In 1981, the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana drew unprecedented publicity. Viewers watched a “fairy tale” marriage that began with a horse-drawn carriage. Unfortunately, the union ended with allegations of cheating, depression, divorce, and a tragic death. The “fairy tale” crumbled before our eyes.

In today’s passage, Paul turns the spotlight from the church to shine on the home. How is the quality of a believer’s faith reflected in relationships? How should belief in Christ affect our daily lives and those with whom we live and whom we love?

Paul examines each member of the household, outlining individual duties and responsibilities. To older men, he encourages them to be “worthy of respect” and to exhibit “self control,” among other qualities (v. 2). Older women are to live reverently and teach good (v. 3). Notice how both are called to consider others more important than themselves. Older men and women are called to live exemplary lives for younger people to follow.

The letter next encourages a pattern of discipleship for older adults to teach the things they have learned. “In everything set them an example by doing what is good” (v. 7). Whenever you teach, Paul notes, be mindful of the example you are setting so that nothing you do can discredit your message. For old and young, he encourages believers to live lives so that opponents have no opportunity to make credible charges of wrongdoing (v. 8).

We should not assume that the mention of slaves in verse 9 provides any justification for slavery, even granting that slavery in the first century often looked different from chattel slavery or contemporary labor bondage. But the text here reminds us that no matter our situation, we can still have the dignity of bringing glory to God. We can still extend honesty and respect to others.

Why must we subject ourselves to others? Why should we treat others with respect? This seems counter-cultural in a “me-first” generation. Yet, Paul firmly reminds believers that our lives are a direct reflection upon God and His Word. Our lives are to be held captive by Him. We must live exemplary lives so that “in every way [we] will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive” (v. 10).

APPLY THE WORD
Today, take a moment to pray for those who live in the closest relationship to you: your spouse, your children, or your siblings. You can also pray for a parent, a boss, or a neighbor. Ask God to strengthen these key personal relationships. Ask Him to help you hold your tongue when necessary, and to honor your loved ones with the respect they deserve. Ask God to guide and strengthen you to make your relationships a positive, selfless reflection on His name.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 2:11-15
While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. - Titus 2:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the Peanuts episode, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” Linus is convinced that the Great Pumpkin will appear on the night before Halloween. He convinces Sally to join him for an all-night vigil, but the Great Pumpkin fails to appear. Charlie Brown consoles him: “Don’t take it too hard, Linus. I’ve done a lot of stupid things in my life, too.” Linus retorts, “What do you mean ‘stupid’ Just wait till next year, Charlie Brown. You’ll see!” Linus was convinced that his patience would bring great reward.

For believers in Paul’s era, the knowledge of Jesus Christ’s appearance on earth and the promise of the Lord’s return was motivation to change their worldly behavior. This was not imagination or childish fantasy. The Lord had promised to return—and that changed everything.

“The grace of God . . . that offers salvation” (v. 11) refers to Christ’s appearance, death, and resurrection. Many had been firsthand witnesses to this event. It had radically changed the lives of the Apostles and teachers of the church. The incarnation of Christ instructs believers how to live godly lives.

Living with a focus on Christ’s Second Coming will cause believers to adjust earthly priorities. Followers of Christ will be less focused on immediate rewards and more focused on eternal gain. We will be less consumed by “worldly passions” and temporary pleasures (v. 12). We will exhibit self control and avoid wickedness.

Temporal and eternal priorities are contrasted here. What may seem important now becomes temporal in light of His return. As one hymn writer wrote, “Only one life / t’will soon be past. / Only what’s done for Christ will last.” As believers, we are to be not only grudgingly obedient to Christ’s commands, but also “eager to do what is good” (v. 14). The word “eager” suggests a high level of motivation, a willing attitude.

Believers should live mindful that the return of our Savior is imminent. He could appear at any moment, and we must be ready.

APPLY THE WORD
Each year, many people set goals. Some people have lifelong dreams and aspirations. What are you waiting for? What motivates you on a daily basis? While earthly goals are often worthy, our eternal mindset should be our primary motivation for our moment-by-moment choices. Ask yourself: will this count in light of eternity? The great message of our reading today is that Jesus’ return matters for our lives today—it inspires our joy, obedience, hope, and testimony.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 3:1-7
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. - Titus 3:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the novel Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, a bishop invites a poor man, Jean Valjean, to live in his home. Valjean then steals silverware from the bishop. The police arrest Valjean and bring him back to the bishop’s home, but the bishop does something remarkable. He tells the police that he gave the silverware to Valjean, and he adds valuable candlesticks to Valjean’s bag. The bishop’s mercy changes the man’s life.

This was an act of grace—a gift that was completely undeserved. Paul reminds us that “at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved” (v. 3). Even those of us who have never experienced physical imprisonment still know what it means to be “enslaved” by sin.

Paul begins this chapter with a focus on our responsibility to “rulers and authorities” (v. 1). This relationship, in which we extend respect to leaders, should be representative of our relationship toward others. We are to be people who treat others—no matter who they are—with consideration, avoiding slander (v. 2). The reason is that we, too, have been shown great mercy by God.

New life in Christ has set the believer free from the power of sin, and instead takes us captive for God. Paul reminds us that God saved us “not because of righteous things we had done” (v. 5). We did not earn salvation. Not one person has ever proven good enough or righteous enough to claim salvation. Instead, we are the beneficiaries of incredible grace and mercy. The Greek word for mercy means to give help to the afflicted, to show kindness toward the wretched. Like Valjean, we are wretched and in need of forgiveness for what we do and for who we are.

Our lives are changed by the extraordinary merciful act of our Lord and Savior who died to set us free. The letter details the act of salvation here, specifically the cleansing through our “rebirth” and the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. This change is not one we produce, but it’s a generous gift from God. We are transformed from enslaved into “heirs” (v. 7).

APPLY THE WORD
Once he has been shown mercy, Jean Valjean shows mercy to others. He adopts a poor girl and saves the lives of men who wish to harm him. We have been shown extraordinary mercy by God, and we must be just as merciful to others. Consider how God would want you to treat others based on His kindness and forgiveness in your life. As you pray today, ask the Holy Spirit to show you if you need to extend forgiveness to someone, or treat someone with more respect.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 3:8-11
But avoid foolish controversies . . . because these are unprofitable and useless. - Titus 3:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the most famous feuds in American history is the battle between the Hatfields and the McCoys. The Appalachian families began quarreling during the Civil War over a stolen pig. The feud intensified with an illicit romance and ended with murders on both sides. In 1891, after years of fighting, the two families called a truce. In recent years, the families have held joint reunions, and in 2003 they appeared together on television’s Family Feud, putting an end to their quarrels.

Quarreling, if unresolved, has a way of leading to destruction. In today’s passage, Paul urges believers to devote their lives not to promoting discord, but rather to “doing what is good.” Paul links back to the passage before: “This is a trustworthy saying” (v. 8). The word “this” refers to his emphasis on God’s mercy. Because of the great mercy God has extended to us, we are to show mercy to others and “devote” ourselves to doing good.

It was important that these new, struggling churches “avoid foolish controversies.” Paul particularly emphasizes that quarrels about the law are, in the end, “unprofitable and useless” (9). Note the contrast to the instruction in verse 8: whereas quarreling and controversies about esoteric matters are unprofitable, doing good is “excellent and profitable for everyone” (v. 8).

It is easy to quarrel about things we believe passionately. Even today, believers and congregations quarrel about interpretations of Scripture. The focus of believers, Paul seems to warn, must not be on these types of disagreements. Our priority is not to be on division and asserting our claims on particular minutiae as authoritative. We are to focus on living in a way that glorifies God.

The letter articulates how to handle people who seek out division in the body. Paul says to “warn a divisive person once” (v. 10). Those who do not heed warnings are to be viewed as a threat to the church. Confronting the division within the church quickly is important so that problems don’t linger and grow.

APPLY THE WORD
Every family, both our birth families and our church families, seem to struggle with problems of argument, feuding, and division. As believers, we are called to be peacemakers and reconcilers. How can you act as an instrument of God’s peace? This doesn’t mean avoiding conflict. Consider ways you can help alleviate arguments and reconcile warring factions. How can you speak words of peace into a tense situation? God has called you to this important task today.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 3:12-15
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to . . . not live unproductive lives. - Titus 3:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many missionaries have found Facebook helpful in raising support and staying in contact with donors. Northern Canada Evangelical Mission reports, “The benefits are obvious—urgent prayer requests can be sent instantly to many homes. Regular prayer letters are also increasingly sent by email. It saves on postage costs.” Facebook has enabled missionaries to stay in touch with those they are trying to reach, expand their circle of “friends,” and update supporters.

In the manner of first-century Facebook, Paul closes his letter to Titus by introducing new “friends” and commending his current friends for work well done. His friend Tychicus was mentioned earlier in the book of Acts (20:4), as one who accompanied him in his early days of ministry. Here, he reconnects old and new friends.

In these closing verses, he issues a status update of sorts. He tells them that he has decided to spend the winter in Nicopolis and asks them to visit (v. 12). The communion and dependence of believers in the early church was a key to their growth. Believers had a responsibility to one another for encouragement and provision.

To demonstrate this, Paul asks Titus and the church for a favor. He asks them to help friends in need: Zenas and Apollos. He asks the church to extend the hospitality he has been speaking about to these fellow believers and to “see that they have everything they need” (v. 13).

The theme of the book, acting out our faith in Christ, is motivation to “learn to devote themselves to doing what is good.” This is to be our life’s purpose—not a focus on selfish concern, but on building one another up and helping others in both spiritual and physical ways. Our lives are to be productive (v. 14).

The evidence of love between members of the church is evident in the closing verses of Paul’s letter. Greetings are exchanged by “those who love us in the faith” (v. 15). This was a community whose lives had been taken captive by their faith in Christ, and it showed in their love for one another.

APPLY THE WORD
If you use social networking sites, why not view them through the lens of ministry? How can you encourage someone on your “friend” list today? Who needs your prayers? To whom can you extend a hand of friendship? How can you connect or promote ministries in need? If you don’t use the Internet, your address book might work just as well. Consider how you can be a minister of networking, connecting those in need with those who would like to give.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philemon 1:1-7
You, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. - Philemon 1:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
“Ready to refresh the world?” Pepsi-Cola recently sponsored a “refresh everything” contest. They asked people to submit ideas on how to refresh their communities. One entrant was an Ohio-based nonprofit Shoes 4 The Shoeless. The group collects new shoes and socks for kids in need. Recently, the Shoeless group sent two large trucks packed full of supplies, including shoes, to tornado victims in Missouri. Chairwoman Kris Horlacher said, “If you’re going to send things to people who need them, send your very best.”

This aligns with Paul’s instructions in this letter to Philemon, which was written in A.D. 61 or 62. He begins his letter, in the custom of letter-writing in the first century, by identifying himself. Although he is a literal prisoner of the government—writing from his prison cell in Rome—he chooses to be known as a “prisoner” of Jesus Christ (v. 1). Paul placed his identity in his relationship with Christ, not others.

He is writing to Philemon, “our dear friend and fellow worker” (v. 1). Paul also addressed two other workers in the church, Apphia and Archippus. Paul’s epistles, while relevant to churchgoers today, were written to specific individuals who were active in the ministry of the early church. They were workers who encountered great opposition and challenge. They most likely depended on Paul’s words of counsel and encouragement. Because these individuals hosted the church in their home, they were most likely all leaders in the church and had positions of influence (v. 2).

We are told two specific things about this church and its reputation. In verses 4 and 5, Paul says that he thanks God every time he remembers them for two reasons: 1) their faith in Jesus—”I hear about your faith,” and 2) their love for the followers of Jesus. This is a church that is known by its love, and it brought “joy” and “encouragement” to Paul (v. 7).

Paul viewed this church as a partner in his ministry (v. 6). In addition to giving thanks for them, he also prayed for them, that they would continue to grow and be effective, a similar theme that we saw in the book of Titus.

APPLY THE WORD
If we aren’t official leaders in our church, we might forget that they rely on us to partner in the work of the gospel. Make a decision today to pray regularly for the pastor and other leaders in your church. You might also select a missionary who is supported by your church to commit to regular prayer. You can also send notes or e-mails of encouragement, especially during times of stress, to remind them that they don’t serve alone in the work of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philemon 1:8-14
I appeal to you on the basis of love. - Philemon 1:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
A network television show asks: “What Would You Do?” The show contrives difficult situations and uses hidden cameras to see how people will react. For example, a mother loudly criticizes her overweight daughter (both portrayed by actors) in a crowded restaurant. Many of the patrons are bothered, but most simply shake their heads in disgust. A few, however, do respond. One man chose to confront the mother. When asked why, he responded, “I had to do the right thing.”

In this letter to Philemon, Paul appeals to his colleague to do the right thing in a difficult situation. He is writing to Philemon about Onesimus, who was Philemon’s former slave. Some extra-biblical accounts explain that the slave had robbed Philemon and fled to Rome. There, the slave came in contact with Paul, and Onesimus’s life was forever changed by the gospel.

Onesimus, Paul agrees, was formerly “useless” to Philemon (v. 11). Much has changed, however. Paul not only appeals to Philemon’s forgiving side, but also now describes the former slave as a “son” and as “useful” (vv. 10-11). Even more radically, he states in verse 12 that Onesimus “is my very heart.”

Once a rebellious slave, Onesimus was changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul appeals to Philemon to accept this change and to take his servant back based on two motivations. First of course, is that both Paul and Philemon themselves are prisoners of God and bound by love (vv. 8-9). They are taken captive by the will of Christ.

The second reason is that Philemon and Onesimus now share a bond in Christ. Paul appeals to Philemon for this favor and wants him to do it of his own accord and not because he felt forced to do it. He wants Philemon to make the choice himself, do not only do the right thing, but to go beyond what is expected because of his love for Paul and his love for Christ.

Note that this is not a small request. Philemon was asked to forgive someone who had wronged him, to welcome him back with honor, and to work alongside him for the sake of the gospel of Christ.

APPLY THE WORD
In this spirit of “lavish love,” consider taking an extra step of love toward someone today. Pray for someone in your church who has hurt you, and also send them an encouraging note. Offer to help in a ministry like the nursery or grounds crew that has a need, even if it isn’t your favorite. Cook or take out the trash so that your spouse or family member doesn’t have to. These actions please God when motivated by love.