March 21
________________________________________
INSTRUCTION TO OLDER MEN AND OLDER WOMEN
But as for you, proclaim the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
– Titus 2:1-5
________________________________________Paul instructs Titus to ensure that sound doctrine is clearly given to the believers. He specifically gives how the older male believers need to live a life of purity for the Lord. To walk in the faith, they are required to conduct themselves worthy of their Lord.
1. Temperate – someone who can restrain themselves and shows moderation
2. Dignified – calm and distinguished and respectable
3. Self-controlled- self-disciplined, knows how to govern oneself
4. Sound in faith- someone who can manifest their faith in his life
5. Sound in love- someone who can exercise the love that is sampled by the Lord
6. Sound in perseverance- someone who is diligent in pressing on no matter how hard circumstances or situations are.
For the older women, Paul has a longer list for them to follow.
1. Reverent in their behavior -someone who acts prudent and decent and respectable
2. No gossips- someone who doesn’t slander others or spread rumors
3. Not enslaved to drinking wine- someone who do not over indulge in drinking wine
4. To teach what is good- someone who is a teacher of righteousness
5. Train younger women to love their husband and children
6. To be sensible – someone who is practical and functional rather than decorative
7. To be pure – someone who is not contaminated easily by the world
8. To be workers at home- in other words, domesticated or a home maker
9. To be kind- gentle, generous, caring, thoughtful and helpful
10. To be subject to their own husbands – to submit to their husbands in everything or to honor their husband’s authority and not rebel or try to control them.
Surely, Paul spelled out to them how to live pure and holy lives for Christ.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why is it important for the elder believer to continue to follow these instructions?
Category Archives: Uncategorized
THE PURE AND THE DEFILED ILMA’S VLOG
March 20
________________________________________
THE PURE AND THE DEFILED
15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. – Titus 1:15-16
________________________________________
Paul explains further to Titus in this letter that he needs to ensure that the believers’ faith and integrity are safeguarded. It is of utmost importance that believers in Christ stay pure and sanctified because they are set apart from the world. As he wrote to the Romans earlier than this letter to Titus, he says in Romans 12 :1 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Paul also reiterates Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon in the Mount as “Blessed are the pure in hearts, for they shall see God” in Matthew 5:8. Paul’s letter to the Galatians were written between Ad 49-50. It was the first of all his letters written. This letter to Titus, according to records were written in AD 60-62. In Galatians 5:19, Paul tells the Galatian believers that impurity and debauchery are acts of the flesh. He guides the believers to walk in the Sprit so that they won’t gratify their flesh (Galatians 5:16-18).
Paul delegates his shepherding duties and his authority to Titus (since he was still in prison) in caring for the believers. He differentiates the pure against the defiled just as he explained in his letter to the Galatians, almost over a decade ago that you can only stay pure if you walk in the Spirit. Those who walk in the flesh will defile themselves and nothing will be pure because their minds and hearts are all after their own desires. In verse 16, Paul describes the hypocrisy of these people who says that they know God and yet their lives showcase the works of the evil one.
Matthew Henry comments on these passages as “To those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; they abuse, and turn things lawful and good into sin. Many profess to know God, yet in their lives deny and reject him. See the miserable state of hypocrites, such as have a form of godliness, but are without the power; yet let us not be so ready to fix this charge on others, as careful that it does not apply to ourselves.”
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How can a believer ensure that their purity stays intact in a world full of evil and deceit?
BEWARE OF EVIL RELIGIOUS PEOPLE
href=”http://www.ilmaarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cn-tower-2013-and-wasaga2013-261.jpg”>
March 19
________________________________________
BEWARE OF EVIL RELIGIOUS PEOPLE
10 For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. For this reason, reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. – Titus 1:10-14
________________________________________
In these passages in his letter to Titus, Paul warns the believers of those who are Jewish, who believe that the circumcision is a law that needs to be followed in order to be saved. He wants to correct these legalistic Jews that salvation is a gift of grace by God through faith in Christ alone.
Paul describes these circumcised Jews in verse 10 as rebels, empty talkers and deceivers. Why did Paul call them out as having these vicious traits and cautioned believers to be mindful of these Judaizers? What do rebels (disobedient) empty talkers (or boasters) and deceivers (manipulators) have in common? They are self-seeking and liars. They want to look good and lie to others so they can manipulate them into looking up to their accolades and achievements. In verse 11, Paul instructs Titus to ensure that these legalists are silenced for they have been victimizing whole families and teaching them false things for their own gains. Paul quotes one of these prophets who actually say that Cretans are liars, evil beasts and lazy gluttons.
Barclay comments “That does not imply that they are to be silenced by violence or persecution… it became the normal word for to silence a person by reason.” Matthew Henry says that “Faithful ministers must oppose such in good time, that their folly being made manifest, they may go no further. They had a base end in what they did; serving a worldly interest under pretence of religion: for the love of money is the root of all evil.” He further says that “Christian meekness is as far from cowardly passing over sin and error, as from anger and impatience, but the sharpest reproofs must aim at the good of the reproved; and soundness in the faith is most desirable and necessary.”
Clearly, Paul cares for his flock ensured that believers are not misled and taken advantage of by these corrupt and evil people who are only after selfish gains.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How can we put a stop to religious manipulators who take advantage of others?
QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELDERS ILMA’S VLOG
March 18
________________________________________
QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELDERS
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion. 7 For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined, 9 holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.
– Titus 1:5-9
________________________________________
In this letter of Paul to Titus, he is giving him instructions to bring the church in order and appoint elders in each city that he asks him to go. Paul gave instructions to both Timothy and Titus between AD 62-64 with almost parallel qualifications for leadership in the church.
Let’s look closely what Paul requires for the elders to qualify as leaders in the church. He must be beyond reproach which means that he is a person of integrity, living and following the honorable and pure life that Jesus sampled for his followers. That he is a faithful husband to only one wife. Loyalty to the Lord and devotion to one woman is like the Lord being faithful to his bride, the church. He must have children who walk in the faith and not immoral or rebellious. Why is this important? When you have leaders who cannot manage their own children, how can they be expected to manage the body of Christ? In lieu of this, he must also be a good steward, meaning he takes care of the flock that is assigned to him and responsibly manage God’s people and resources. Can you imagine if someone isn’t accountable to others when it come to managing the body of Christ? They will easily be tempted to mismanage what they are responsible for. He must be honest and not self-willed. He must not be concerned with his own schemes but of God’s will. He cannot be a drunk or a bully or be greedy because this will be someone who is living in the flesh and immature. Hospitality, loving righteousness, prudence, pure and disciplined are also included in the list. I think the most important in this list is that they are faithful to the word of God and can teach sound doctrine and live what they teach so that they can defend the gospel to those who contradict it and encourage maturity in their faith.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think Paul requires so much from the elders of the church?
TITUS, A REMARKABLE MINISTER ILMA’S VLOG
March 17
________________________________________
TITUS, A REMARKABLE MINISTER
Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, 3 but at the proper time revealed His word in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior;4 To Titus, my true son in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.- Titus 1:1-4
________________________________________
This letter of Paul was addressed to his beloved Titus, whom he called here as his true son in faith. We learn that Titus was a Greek, in other words, a Gentile as Galatians 2:3 says. In verse 4 here, we clearly see that Paul was the one who led Titus to Christ as Paul calls him true son in common faith. In Galatians 2:3, we know that Titus didn’t get circumcised as required by the law. He proved that the rite of circumcision is unnecessary for salvation.
Gotquestions.org comments on Titus: As a Gentile Christian, Titus would have been particularly effective in combating the heresy of the Judaizers. The Judaizers insisted that all Christians were bound by the Mosaic Law. Usually, the Judaizers honed in on circumcision: Gentiles must be circumcised, they said, in order to truly be saved (see Paul’s refutation of this teaching in Galatians 5:1-6). Titus knew this teaching well, for the subject had come up in Syrian Antioch, leading to the Jerusalem Council, of which he had been a part.
In this letter, Paul stresses the importance of growth of the faith of the believers and their knowledge of the truth and living godly live. In verse 2, he reminds them of God’s promise of eternal life which was given many years ago, but instructs them to hold on to that hope that they will be recipients of this eternal life as long as they continue to press on their maturity as believers.
This letter speaks very lovingly of his beloved Titus, whom he himself brought to God’s Kingdom. It must have been very heart warming to know that someone you have converted and discipled is walking and growing in the knowledge of God and in the building of the church and bringing the gospel to many places.
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul mentions how Titus’ heart is to grow the church and his passion to do so is a great example for any believer to emulate. A remarkable follower of Jesus.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How can a believer stay passionate with his ministry like Titus?
INSTRUCTIONS TO NYMPHA AND ARCHIPPUS ILMA’S VLOG
March 16
________________________________________
INSTRUCTIONS TO NYMPHA AND ARCHIPPUS
15 Greet the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. 16 When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part, read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus, “See to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.”18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. – Colossians 4:15-18
________________________________________
In an article entitled “Nympha: a house church leader in the Lycus Valley” by Marg Mowczko, an Australian theologian and writer wrote in summary: Whether Nympha lived in Laodicea or Colossae, or even Hierapolis, there is little doubt she hosted a house church. This means she may have been the patron and, most likely, the supervisor of the congregation. That Paul does not greet anyone else connected with the house church, makes the idea fairly certain that Nympha was its leader in verse 15 and Paul definitely approved of her leadership.
According to gotquestions.org, many believe Archippus to have been the son of Philemon and Apphia, close friends of Paul’s. The connection between Archippus and Philemon seems clear in Philemon 1:2–2, “To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker—also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home” Paul is writing to a household. Philemon; his wife, Apphia; and his son, Archippus comprise the family unit. The church of Colossae met in their home.
Some believe Paul’s words to Archippus to “complete the ministry” are a gentle rebuke for having neglected certain of his duties. But a majority see Paul’s admonition to Archippus as simple encouragement,
In this letter, we see how Paul exercises his authority on the churches that was planted as a result of him bringing the gospel to the Gentiles. He specifically instructs those in leadership to ensure that they are fulfilling their roles and exercising their gifts to build the church and bring glory to the heavenly Father.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why is important for church leaders to be accountable to their spiritual head?
THREE JEWISH FRIENDS OF PAUL BRINGING HIM COMFORT ILMA’S VLOG
March 14
________________________________________
THREE JEWISH FRIENDS OF PAUL BRINGING HIM COMFORT
10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’ cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him); 11 and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. – Colossians 4:10-11:
________________________________________
Aristarchus was a Thessalonian believer who was a close companion of Paul. Acts 20:4 says that he was a Macedonian from Thessalonica. Acts 19:29 mentions him again as one of the travel companions of Paul when he was in Ephesus when a riot happened there. In Acts 27:2, Aristarchus was mentioned again as a companion of Paul as he sails to Rome. In Philemon 24 Paul referred to him again as a fellow prisoner of Christ as he tells the Colossians his greetings for them. It seems that Aristarchus was always with Paul especially when Paul was in situations of trouble. William Ramsay suggests that he actually made himself Paul’s slave so that he could travel with him on this journey to Rome.
John Mark who is usually known as Mark, is the author of the gospel of Mark. As Paul mentions here, he is Barnabas’ cousin. In Acts 13:5, Mark and Barnabas were with Paul in his first missionary journey but in Acts 15, we hear that Mark deserted Paul and went home to his mother. According to Bruce, it “It is from this reference alone that we learn that Mark was Barnabas’ cousin – a piece of information which throws light on the special consideration which Barnabas gives to Mark in the narrative of Acts.” It seems that in this letter, Paul has forgiven Mark during those time that he deserted him as he highly endorses him to be welcomed by the believers in Colossae.
According to biblestudytools.com, Jesus Justus is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament, and there is nothing more known about him than is given in this passage, namely, that he was by birth a Jew–“of the circumcision”–that he had been converted to Christ, and that he was one of the inner circle of intimate friends and associates of the apostle during his first Roman captivity.
David Guzik comments that at that time, Paul had only three fellow workers with a Jewish heritage. Yet these three did a great work, they proved to be a comfort to Paul.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How important is it for believers to have fellow-believers who can walk with them through thick or thin?
EPAPHRAS, THE EARNEST BOND-SERVANT OF CHRIST ILMA’S VLOG
March 15
________________________________________
EPAPHRAS, THE EARNEST BOND-SERVANT OF CHRIST
12 Epaphras, who is one of your own, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, always striving earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and Demas does also. – Colossians 4:12-14
________________________________________
Bible Gateway describes Epaphras as the man who was a giant in prayer and as Paul’s “fellow-servant” and “servant,” his “fellow-prisoner,” and a “faithful minister.” He was also Paul’s representative at Colossae where he had founded the church (Col. 1:7) and sought under Paul’s advice to combat prevalent heresies there. The apostle had affection for Epaphras, who ministered unto his need and the need of others.In this translation, he was referred to as a bond-servant. According to gotquestions.com, a bondservant is a slave. In some Bibles the word bondservant is the translation of the Greek word doulos, which means “one who is subservient to, and entirely at the disposal of, his master; a slave.”In Roman times, the term bondservant or slave could refer to someone who voluntarily served others. But it usually referred to one who was held in a permanent position of servitude. Under Roman law, a bondservant was considered the owner’s personal property. Slaves essentially had no rights and could even be killed with impunity by their owners. The Hebrew word for “bondservant,” ‘ebed, had a similar connotation.
Guzik comments that Paul called Epaphras a bondservant of Christ, using a phrase that he often applied to himself, but never to anyone else, except here and in Philippians 1:1 where he speaks of himself and Timothy together as bondservants of Jesus. Vaughn says that Epaphras was a bondservant, and prayer was an important area where he worked hard. Laboring fervently “is a free translation of echei polyn ponon, a phrase the key word of which (ponom) suggest heavy toil to the extent of pain.”
Paul commends Epaphras in this letter to the Colossian believers how blessed they are for having a minister who prays earnestly for their maturity and full assurance in Jesus Christ. He testifies to the deep concern that Epaphras have for his flock and those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. He also mentions greetings from Luke, the physician and Demas.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why should all true believers consider themselves as bond-servants of Christ?
• How different is it to be a servant of Christ than of the world or any man?
MESSENGERS OF PAUL SENT TO ENCOURAGE THE COLOSSIANS ILMA’S VLOG
March 13
________________________________________
MESSENGERS OF PAUL SENT TO ENCOURAGE THE COLOSSIANS
7 As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. 8 For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts; 9 and with him is Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your own. They will inform you about the whole situation here. – Colossians 4:7-9
________________________________________
According to David Guzik’s commentary on this letter to the Colossians, Tychicus, a beloved brother of Paul, didn’t know who Tychicus was. He would carry this letter to them (v.9 indicates that he will inform them about the situation where Paul is. Guzik says that Epaphras, who brought the news from Colossae to Paul in Rome (Colossians 1:7) will not be able to return to them, so Paul sent Tychicus instead.
Tychicus was mentioned in Acts 20:4 as one of the men who came with Paul from the Roman province of Asia to Jerusalem, to carry the offering of those believers to the needy Christians of Jerusalem and Judea. According to Bruce, “The reference to Tychicus is almost word for word identical with Ephesians 6:21-22. He was evidently the bearer of the letter to the Ephesians as well as this one.”
In verse 8, we hear Paul’s great commendation about Tychicus. Paul sounded like he trusts him very well and that his presence will encourage the Colossian believers. It is amazing that while he is in prison, Paul was still thinking about the believer’s faith. He didn’t want them to be discouraged just because he was in prison.
Gotquestions.org says this: We may not know much about Tychicus, but what we do know is impressive and praiseworthy. Tychicus was a trusted messenger, faithful preacher, and loyal friend. Paul placed great confidence in him, sending him to accomplish important works. Tychicus obviously had the ability to minister in a variety of situations, bringing encouragement to those he served.
Onesimus was a slave owned by a believer in Colossae, but he ran away and came into contact with Paul in Rome. There, Onesimus became a Christian and a dedicated helper to Paul. His story is continued in Paul’s letter to Philemon.
I am amazed at how Paul manifested so much love and concern for the believers in Colossae. He had to sent these two messengers to ensure that they are not discouraged.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How did Paul exhibit selflessness and love for the Colossian believers?
INSTRUCTION ON THE BELIEVERS’ PUBLIC LIFE ILMA’S VLOG
March 12
________________________________________
INSTRUCTION ON THE BELIEVERS’ PUBLIC LIFE
5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6 Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. – Colossians 4:5-6
________________________________________
In these verses, Paul continues his instructions to the Colossian believers. In this part of his letter, he instructs them on the following:
1. To exercise wisdom towards people outside their faith or unbelievers
2. To make use of every chance they can to witness to those who do not know God
3. To speak graciously with gentleness and love
4. To be observant of other people so they can be wise in responding to each of them
How do you exercise wisdom to unbelievers? We can’t just be wise without outwardly manifesting it. Why is it important to especially watch yourself when you are with unbelievers? Because they watch every move we do. They want to see if we walk our talk. We need to convince them with our lives; that our faith is making Jesus attractive to them.
According to theologyofwork.com, the ancient city of Colossae was built on a major trade route through the Lycus River Valley in the Roman province of Asia Minor (in the southwest corner of modern-day Turkey). There the Co¬lossians manufactured a beautiful dark red wool cloth (colossinum) for which the city became famous. Their city was busy with trading and most people forget the focus on using connections with others as a way to bring the Good News. Most people are busy earning money and enriching themselves.
How do we become gracious in our speech and be attractive to others? We can’t be able to be gracious if we don’t know Christ. He is the epitome of grace and love. We need to be able to follow how Christ was abundant in grace and love. It is love that makes everything full of grace. Wright comments that “The word ‘grace’ has, in Greek as in English, the possible double meaning of God’s grace and human graciousness.”
To be able to observe others is a gift that comes with those who have walked in the Spirit.
As we become Christians, the Holy Spirit uses us as a vessel to be sensitive to others. He leads us away from “selfishness” to “selflessness.” It is only by depending on God’s Spirit
that we will see others the way God sees them. We can’t see others when we don’t truly love as Christ loves us.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why did Paul emphasized the importance of living a public life with integrity?