S – 11 Once he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me. 12
Philemon 1:11–12 CSB
O – Paul is talking about a slave who was once “useless, lazy, disappointing” and now because of his conversion to Christ, a new person and qualities.
A – It is easy to write people off. We can get stuck in they will always be that way. We have to extend the grace that God can do more on the inside than we can see on the outside. It is not our place to judge others. It is better to believe the best.
S – 5 he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. 8 This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. 9 But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless.
Titus 3:5–9 CSB
O – Titus says to “insist on the work of regeneration and salvation through Jesus Christ.” “Avoid foolish debates, quarrels and disputes about the law.”
A – There are still a lot of disputes about the Bible that do not focus on salvation and the daily work of the Holy Spirit. All of scripture is inspired by God and is equally important. The message of Christ was acceptance of Him. He fulfilled and embodied the law. Our focus should be on Him and our daily relationship.
S – For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people
Titus 2:11 CSB
O – Commentary focuses on all people being all classifications of people: Jewish, Gentile, slave, leader, servant. As I read it today, I thought of all types of people in my life – churchgoers, non-church goers, those I like, those I am challenged by, people who make sense, the “crazies,” the popular and the ones who people walk by. God died for them all.
A – What would your day look like today if, at the end of it, you could identify God working in that person’s life? What would it look like if you knew their inner struggle and how it reflects in their outer exchange with you? We might give more grace and less judgment.
S – An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who are not accused of wildness or rebellion. 7 As an overseer of God’s household, he must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not an excessive drinker, not a bully, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.
Titus 1:6–9 CSB
O – These are the requirements for someone to be an overseer (leader, officer of the church). It is an extensive list of “do’s” and “don’ts” for the individual to fulfill. The purpose is to steward and protect the church.
A – As a pastor and leader in the church, I love the actions and attitudes described here. It doesn’t make life easier. But, I love the church. Big church (worldwide) and little church (GFC). I feel the responsibility to live a life that reflects more of God’s love. Each one of these quantities or actions is a choice. I am not perfect but I desire to choose God’s way each day.
R – Lord, help me to do this in a way that honors you today.
S – But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry
2 Timothy 4:5 CSB
O – Paul turns the crosshairs and puts them directly on Timothy for this statement. “Self Control” – be sober, watch all that goes on. “Endure hardships”- persevere in affliction trouble in all things daily. “Evangelist” – be prepared to share the gospel. “Fulfill your ministry” – accomplish your service daily.
A – This is a great challenge for us today. We can relate to all of this. Sharing the gospel doesn’t have to be a message behind a pulpit. It is something we share though our lives – our words and actions. We can do this!
S – But know this: Hard times will come in the last days. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, 4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people
2 Timothy 3:1–5 CSB
O – A strong list of bad behaviors and attitudes. Apparently, this isn’t just those who are unbelievers. There are Christians who struggle with these as well and put on the “shell” of being a Christian. In doing so, they know of Him but lack the transformational relationship in knowing Him. Stay away from these people.
A – The last days are described as the days of the early church until Christ’s return. So, it was evident in Paul’s time until today. Any of these qualities are evident in today’s society. There are people who demonstrate this in their words, thoughts and actions. Vs. 5 is pivotal. In a genuine relationship with Christ, we don’t put on a front of accepting Him. We believe and move toward being more like Christ. The struggle is real and is evident that the person isn’t playing games. Avoid the person who mocks God by knowing about Him but doesn’t engage Him as Lord and Savior.
R – Lord, help me to be genuine in my own struggle of following you. Help me to love those who don’t. And help me to set boundaries to keep my journey without anything that would sideline me from you.
S – Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his,, and let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness
2 Timothy 2:19 CSB
O – Whether false teaching, quarrels, and a myriad of “human” driven tangents, God’s foundation remains intact. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ endure as the plan of salvation for us today. In choosing Him, we also choose to live a life that honors him by choosing holiness over our own sin.
A – The problems in the church and society are similar to those today. People drift from the truth and build beliefs on their own constructs. It is imperative to know God’s word and to live a life according to it.
S – Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power,, love, and sound judgment
2 Timothy 1:6–7 CSB
O – Two strong concepts:
1. God gives us gifts and we must continue to feed them like a fire.
2. The result of that statement is that we are not to give into fear (man, situations or events).
Instead, God has given us power, love and sound judgment.
A – Every fire starts with a spark of combustion. Then, it needs to be fed continuously with fuel. Starting small and growing big is a process. Then comes the challenge…you have to continue to feed the fire for it to remain hot and effective. We go through seasons where that is easy and others where it is challenging. Either way, the principle of feeding our gifts is the same. A relationship fed on a continuous basis will remain vibrant and strong. I am not saying it is easy or the results are fantastic.
Since that is true, we cannot yield to fear. Fear is healthy until it is unhealthy. It gives us a reason to not be arrogant and to see a situation with a realistic view. If we do that and we reevaluate a situation and take another path, that is a good choice. If we do that shrinking back because of the “what ifs,” that is not good. We must walk in a faith that demonstrates power, love and sound judgment.
S – But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.
1 Timothy 6:6–7 CSB
O – Pursue our relationship with God. Recognize I am “self-sufficient” in His provision and relationship. He is my provider. This attitude gives me a healthy perspective on all that I desire and enjoy in this world. It also allows me to enjoy it in the present knowing that I shouldn’t hoard it for the future.
A – This is a good reflection of freedom. When you work hard and are content with what the Lord has provided. Planning and strategy are important for the future but taking the striving out of it is liberating. Also, enjoying the fruits of your labor is important.
S – Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters with all purity.
1 Timothy 5:1–2 CSB
O – Observations from these verses:
Don’t devalue an older man but demonstrate respect wisdom to him to show him your thoughts/action.
Treat young men as peers – truthful, no pretense, pull no punches
Older women with respect and honor, ready to help them.
Younger women with honor and empowerment to be all that God called them to be.
*** All in the foundation of love that is based in honor and serving that person.
A – As I get older, this verse takes on a special meaning. I have all four relationships in my life but I am doing it from the “older man” perspective. I want to demonstrate Christ in all of them. With my parents and older people I know and all the younger people I come in contact with on a daily basis. Great template to work from each day.
Just Add Water . Chris Bonham 