Titus 3
June Memory Verse: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Read: Titus 3
Our Words Reveal Our Hearts…
Paul closes out the book of Titus with clear instructions about what we say. Our words reveal our hearts. Jesus said…
James says it this way…
Careful words about our leaders (v.1-2a)
This is so challenging – especially now. Many people have withdrawn themselves from either political party but find themselves not having good things to say about either candidate or party leader. It’s OK to have an opinion and to stand on truth – we should do that! We must however, exercise Biblical discernment in our words and our social media posts in order to reflect the character of Christ.
1. Kind words to everyone (v. 2b)
They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
What does it mean to slander? It means to speak ill of someone in their presence or behind their back. The Bible has much to say about this. It’s so easy to do – we must work hard to avoid it. Instead, we should be gentle and show humility – not pride in our speech.
2. Guarded words in church (v. 9-11)
Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.
Church fights don’t end well. People get hurt. Division damages the body. And most of the time, they are not about anything that’s very important. Avoid foolish discussions about things that don’t really matter. Don’t be a part of causing division in any way.
Why should we carefully guard our words?
If you’re in a relationship with God through Jesus, then God has changed your heart – which should in turn change your words. Salvation is an incredible gift that re-writes everything in the person who trusts in it. Remember what God has done for you today…
By: Tim Parsons
Read: Titus 3
Our Words Reveal Our Hearts…
Paul closes out the book of Titus with clear instructions about what we say. Our words reveal our hearts. Jesus said…
A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45
James says it this way…
People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring. James 3:7-12
Careful words about our leaders (v.1-2a)
Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone…
This is so challenging – especially now. Many people have withdrawn themselves from either political party but find themselves not having good things to say about either candidate or party leader. It’s OK to have an opinion and to stand on truth – we should do that! We must however, exercise Biblical discernment in our words and our social media posts in order to reflect the character of Christ.
1. Kind words to everyone (v. 2b)
They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
What does it mean to slander? It means to speak ill of someone in their presence or behind their back. The Bible has much to say about this. It’s so easy to do – we must work hard to avoid it. Instead, we should be gentle and show humility – not pride in our speech.
2. Guarded words in church (v. 9-11)
Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.
Church fights don’t end well. People get hurt. Division damages the body. And most of the time, they are not about anything that’s very important. Avoid foolish discussions about things that don’t really matter. Don’t be a part of causing division in any way.
Why should we carefully guard our words?
If you’re in a relationship with God through Jesus, then God has changed your heart – which should in turn change your words. Salvation is an incredible gift that re-writes everything in the person who trusts in it. Remember what God has done for you today…
Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. (v.3-7)
- Take a moment and thank God for His incredible gift of salvation…
- Now – evaluate your words last week. Anything need to change? Confess that and take steps to avoid it this week.
By: Tim Parsons
2 Comments
Great job Pastor Tim!! We do need to pray and confess our words and sins that we have done.
Thank you so much!!