The Gospel in the Letter to Titus

Mon. 4/30/12: Titus 1:1 – 2 (NKJV)            What is faith of the elect?

Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began

What is faith of the elect? Chosen by God (election) before time began for our faith in Christ.

Tue. 5/1/12: Titus 3:4 – 5 (NKJV)             What is mercy?

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of

regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit

What is mercy? We do not get what we deserve to get –separation from God in the lake of fire for eternity.

Wed. 5/2/12: Titus 3: 6 – 7 (NKJV)            What is justification?

(the Holy Spirit)whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

What is justification? Justification is an accounting term – all debts paid: just-as-if-we-had-no-sin.

Thu. 5/3/12: Titus 2:11 – 12 (NKJV)            What is grace?

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age

What is grace? We get what we do not deserve to get – salvation and eternal life with God.

Fri. 5/4/12: Titus 2: 13 – 14  (NKJV)            What is redemption?

looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

What is redemption? Redemption is release from the penalty, power, and presence of sin.

Lay Hold On

Mon. 4/23/12: Luke 20:19 – 20                  Did the chief priests seize Christ?

And the chief priests and the scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on Him, but they feared the people—for they knew He had spoken this parable against them. So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor.

Did the chief priests and scribes seize Christ? No, they sent spies to use His words against Him.

Tue. 4/24/12: Hebrews 8:9                  How did God deliver Israel from Egypt?

not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord.

How did God deliver Israel from Egypt? God took them by the hand and lead them out: Moses was only the instrument.

Wed. 4/25/12: Hebrews 2:16 – 17                  Does Christ help angels?

For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Does Christ give a helping hand to angels? No, He helps Abraham’s children by solving the sin question.

Thu. 4/26/12: 1 Timothy 6:12 (NKJV)                  How do we grab eternal life?

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

How do we grab eternal life? We grab it during our life here by fighting the good fight of faith.

Fri. 4/27/12: 1 Timothy 6:18 – 19                  How do the rich grab eternal life?

Let them (those who are rich) do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

How do the rich grab eternal life? The rich grab hold of eternal life by sharing their riches willingly.

The Lynch Mob

Mo. 4/16/12: John 7:45 – 49 (NKJV)                  Who never believed in Jesus Christ?

Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?” The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!”

Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.”

Who never believed in Jesus Christ? Neither the rulers nor the Pharisees.

Tu. 4/17/12: John 8:48 – 52                  What was the accusation against Christ?

Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’

What was the accusation against Christ? He was demon possessed.

We. 4/18/12: John 10:22 – 26 (NKJV)                   What did the mob do?

Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

What did the mob do? They surrounded Jesus Christ and stopped Him.

Th. 4/19/12: John 10:25 – 26 (NKJV)                  What did Christ reply?

Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.”

What did Christ reply? Christ told them that they never believed His words and that He and the Father were one, a bombshell!

Fr. 4/20/12: John 10:31 – 33 (NKJV)                  Where did they find stones?

Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?” The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.”

Where did they find stones? Not in the Temple: they came prepared to kill.

Anxious?

Mo. 4/9/12: Matthew 6:26 – 27 (NKJV)                            Why should we NOT worry?

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

 Why should we NOT worry? Worrying doesn't help: ask God.

Tu. 4/10/12: Luke 10:40 – 42 (NKJV)                                    What makes us worried?

But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

What makes us worried? Normal work does leave us worried. Listen to Christ.

We. 4/11/12: 1 Corinthians 12:24b – 26 (NKJV)                What is the sign of caring?           

But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

What is the sign of caring? Taking care of other believers in your group is caring.

Th. 4/12/12: Philippians 2:19 – 20 (NKJV)                               What is sincere caring?

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.

 What is sincere caring? Someone who prays regularly for you sincerely cares.

Fr. 4/13/12: Philippians 4:6 – 7 (NKJV)                What should we be anxious about?

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

What should we be anxious about? We should not be anxious: make your request to God and await His answer.