KJB Daily Devotion – Following
Jesus In Every
Chapter
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2015
Chapters: Books of Titus & Philemon
Message Title: Beyond Human Nature
Hello My Friend,
The books of Titus and Philemon are the seventeenth and eighteenth books of the New Testament, and the fifty-sixth and fifty-seventh books of the Bible. The author of these epistles is Paul, Titus was written around 63 AD. What we are to learn from the book is that working in the ministry must be established and organized according to the principles of the word of God. “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” - Titus 2:12. Philemon was written around 64 AD. What we are to learn from it is, Christian principles must be applied to social and personal relationships in and out of the church. “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” - Philemon 1:6.
You don't have to know Christ to know that some things are just wrong. For instance, human nature teaches us that having sexual relations with others when in a committed relationship is wrong. Now to those who know Christ, not only is adultery wrong, but any sexual relations outside of marriage is also, it is by choice that we choose to do what is right. You see, human nature teaches morals, but it is Jesus Christ and walking with Him that teaches us what God sees as right. As Christians, we are to be growing in Christ daily so that we can be more than just a saved soul, but a witness that reveals Christ in us. Titus was a Greek convert that Paul used to correct some problems within the churches in Crete, it seems that the church leader was not living as he was preaching. Paul teaches Titus how to spot a true Christian, and warns him about deceivers within the church.
“For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” - Titus 1:10-16.
“for filthy lucre's sake.” This is money gained by deceiving people, or bribes. Do you know how many men and women use Christ's name to get rich, they parade on unsaved, lost people trying to do the right thing? Sadly, they are sending thousands of people to hell with their vain talking. Human nature teaches us that deceiving people is wrong, Jesus teaches us that we are not to believe every spirit, and to remain pure, sober, and under His grace. Paul stresses to Titus the importance of not only knowing the word of God, but living it. “Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. 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;” - Titus 2:9-13.
“Looking for that blessed hope,” Do you know why the majority of people who know of Christ don't follow Him? They have no hope in Him. They don't see a reason to when “Christians” are living worldlier lives than they are. The majority of these people are not Christians at all, and are making a mockery of what Christianity is all about. This is why it's so important that we who do love and follow Christ, live a godly life, proving that a life truly can be changed and blessed when Christ is Lord in it. It's not about following commands, it's about having respect for what Jesus did for you and honoring Him with that respect. Human nature teaches us that we are not perfect, but Jesus teaches us that we are perfect in Him.
“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” - Titus 3:1-7.
“That being justified by his grace,” Grace, not getting the punishment we deserve. It is by the grace of God that we are not punished for all the things we have done in our human nature. But grace is more than that, it's the favor of God, His commitment to us for believing in His Son, and accepting Him, His assurance of eternal life, and His promise to be there for us through the good and bad times. Philemon lived in Colosse, and was sent to seek a runaway slave named Onesimus, who actually penned down this letter for Paul. When Paul wrote to Philemon, he was in a Roman prison, however, he knew who really had control of his life, therefore, he identifies himself as a prisoner of Christ.
“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. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:” - Philemon 1:5-11.
“and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.” Paul didn't mean that he was made a prisoner by Christ, he meant that he was a prisoner for the sake of the Gospel of Christ. He was in prison on the account of professing Him, and preaching in His name, not any crime against him. When we choose to live our lives for Christ we are going to get persecuted, look at how many people this year ended up in jail or court because they stood for Christ, but nothing we go through with Christ is unprofitable, it all comes with eternal rewards. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” - 1 Corinthians 15:52-54,58. Praise God!
Today's Prayer: God, I do want to live a life that is pleasing to You, help me to learn Your will, and to get around other godly people who know and live by Your truths, and let me not stop teaching Your truths to others. Let us not be deceived by Christians, and keep us grounded in Your Word so we can be the godly examples You need us to be to reach the lost. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Receive KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Do You Know For Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://imfollowingjesus.com/index.html
Like I'm Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2015 I'm Following Jesus, All rights reserved.
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2015
Chapters: Books of Titus & Philemon
Message Title: Beyond Human Nature
Hello My Friend,
The books of Titus and Philemon are the seventeenth and eighteenth books of the New Testament, and the fifty-sixth and fifty-seventh books of the Bible. The author of these epistles is Paul, Titus was written around 63 AD. What we are to learn from the book is that working in the ministry must be established and organized according to the principles of the word of God. “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” - Titus 2:12. Philemon was written around 64 AD. What we are to learn from it is, Christian principles must be applied to social and personal relationships in and out of the church. “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” - Philemon 1:6.
You don't have to know Christ to know that some things are just wrong. For instance, human nature teaches us that having sexual relations with others when in a committed relationship is wrong. Now to those who know Christ, not only is adultery wrong, but any sexual relations outside of marriage is also, it is by choice that we choose to do what is right. You see, human nature teaches morals, but it is Jesus Christ and walking with Him that teaches us what God sees as right. As Christians, we are to be growing in Christ daily so that we can be more than just a saved soul, but a witness that reveals Christ in us. Titus was a Greek convert that Paul used to correct some problems within the churches in Crete, it seems that the church leader was not living as he was preaching. Paul teaches Titus how to spot a true Christian, and warns him about deceivers within the church.
“For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” - Titus 1:10-16.
“for filthy lucre's sake.” This is money gained by deceiving people, or bribes. Do you know how many men and women use Christ's name to get rich, they parade on unsaved, lost people trying to do the right thing? Sadly, they are sending thousands of people to hell with their vain talking. Human nature teaches us that deceiving people is wrong, Jesus teaches us that we are not to believe every spirit, and to remain pure, sober, and under His grace. Paul stresses to Titus the importance of not only knowing the word of God, but living it. “Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. 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;” - Titus 2:9-13.
“Looking for that blessed hope,” Do you know why the majority of people who know of Christ don't follow Him? They have no hope in Him. They don't see a reason to when “Christians” are living worldlier lives than they are. The majority of these people are not Christians at all, and are making a mockery of what Christianity is all about. This is why it's so important that we who do love and follow Christ, live a godly life, proving that a life truly can be changed and blessed when Christ is Lord in it. It's not about following commands, it's about having respect for what Jesus did for you and honoring Him with that respect. Human nature teaches us that we are not perfect, but Jesus teaches us that we are perfect in Him.
“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” - Titus 3:1-7.
“That being justified by his grace,” Grace, not getting the punishment we deserve. It is by the grace of God that we are not punished for all the things we have done in our human nature. But grace is more than that, it's the favor of God, His commitment to us for believing in His Son, and accepting Him, His assurance of eternal life, and His promise to be there for us through the good and bad times. Philemon lived in Colosse, and was sent to seek a runaway slave named Onesimus, who actually penned down this letter for Paul. When Paul wrote to Philemon, he was in a Roman prison, however, he knew who really had control of his life, therefore, he identifies himself as a prisoner of Christ.
“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. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:” - Philemon 1:5-11.
“and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.” Paul didn't mean that he was made a prisoner by Christ, he meant that he was a prisoner for the sake of the Gospel of Christ. He was in prison on the account of professing Him, and preaching in His name, not any crime against him. When we choose to live our lives for Christ we are going to get persecuted, look at how many people this year ended up in jail or court because they stood for Christ, but nothing we go through with Christ is unprofitable, it all comes with eternal rewards. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” - 1 Corinthians 15:52-54,58. Praise God!
Today's Prayer: God, I do want to live a life that is pleasing to You, help me to learn Your will, and to get around other godly people who know and live by Your truths, and let me not stop teaching Your truths to others. Let us not be deceived by Christians, and keep us grounded in Your Word so we can be the godly examples You need us to be to reach the lost. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Receive KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Do You Know For Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://imfollowingjesus.com/index.html
Like I'm Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2015 I'm Following Jesus, All rights reserved.
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