By Jim Miller
Gray, Maine
From time to time I like to go back and read Paul's instructions to Titus. We all know Titus was left in Grete to appoint elders in every city and Paul instructed Titus of the character these me must have. I have always thought that we men today who strive to preach Gods word should be as strong as those that were appointed to be bishops. Even if we do not meet the qualifications to be an elder these qualities should be striven for by all men.
Today we face so much error and false teaching that it is sometimes difficult to keep up with it all in its different forms. Take some time when you get the chance to read Titus 1.
Here is part of it that I would like for you to consider and seek to apply to your daily life.
Tit 1:9 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.
Tit 1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
Tit 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
Tit 1:12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
Tit 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
Tit 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
Tit 1:15 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.
Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
If we are to be successful at saving souls from hell we first have to hold fast to the word without sound doctrine you can not fight against the false doctrines put forth by others who seek to deceive all they can.
Some have been convinced that you must use kid gloves today so as not to offend those you are teaching. Here Paul gives clear instruction that false teachers are to be SHARPLY rebuked to bring them back to the faith.
We must always be ware those with smooth speech teaching doctrines that tickle the ears of the hearer. Let us not be numbered among those that profess to know God but seek the glory for themselves.
If you will read and think about Paul's instructions here, he is not calling for a watered down all is love attitude he is stating that one must be strong and willing to take the knocks and bangs that will come from defending Gods word. I hope you will gain the strength and desire to stand and fight against the wiles of the Devil.
Don't become a weak and watered down preacher or teacher souls are at stake here and some must fall under the sword of Gods word to be reached.
