The Word Is Not Imprisoned

5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.

(Jn. 6:5-6)

The definition of test is this: (2) put to the test, examine, try (RV 2.2); in a good sense of God’s actions toward his people prove, put to the test, try (HE 11.17)

This scene of feeding the 5,000 and the Bread (i.e. manna from heaven) of life explanation parallels the scene in Exodus.

4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.

(Exod. 16:4)

The wilderness was the testing grounds. Upon crossing the Red Sea on dry ground and merely watching the Lord destroy the entire Egyptian Army, you would think that when they encounter the need of water and food they would consider the power and love of God and then trust and ask Him to provide that which they need. As you know, they complained and quarreled with Moses and God.

They had just listened to Miriam sing a song of triumph! They rejoiced over the fall of Pharaoh and his army. They worshiped! And then they murmured.

What happens in John 6 is very similar. Phillip was present when Jesus turned the water into wine. Jesus asked Phillip where bread could be purchased to feed this crowd. Israel thought God had saved them from slavery in Egypt only to let them die in the wilderness. Phillip makes quick work to show Jesus how absurd it was to consider buying only enough bread to barely feed them a bite.

We shouldn’t be surprised by this. I suppose it’s easy to watch these stories unfold and see more clearly than they did. But I’m pretty sure we are/were just like them. I know I still struggle to believe sometimes. It is only by God’s amazing grace that I see anything.

Let’s hear how Phillip responded to the Lord of the test. “Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” (Jn. 6:7).

What would it sound like to believe when Jesus tested him? And just know that we have an advantage in this story. Jesus didn’t say, “Oh, by the way Phillip, I’m testing you,” It’s similar to reading the book of Job and seeing the behind the scenes meeting in heaven. Job wasn’t at the meetings.

Since hindsight is 20/20, what should Phillip have said? How would you have responded? Or better yet, how have you responded?

Well, Phillip should have said, “Lord, I saw you turn water into wine. I believe you are the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus, you have the power and authority to cause bread to fall from the sky. And our forefathers picked up manna from heaven. You can cause quail to be gathered before us all. You can make water flow from a rock. Lord, we don’t need to go anywhere to buy bread. We don’t need any money for supper. If you are the Son of God, then you can do all things. Nothing is too hard for you.”

“Furthermore, I believe you are the Bread from heaven. I need nothing else but you, Jesus.”

There were two tests that day. Jesus tested Phillip but Phillip tested Jesus. Phillip failed the test but Jesus didn’t fail. We need a Savior who doesn’t fail. Indeed, he is sufficient for our failings. I trust you know what to do if you have experienced the merciful salvation of Christ. If you have not, please comment below and I would love to help you know how to be saved.

If you have the Bread of Life, you will never hunger again!

Life is a test. Do you believe in Jesus or not?

The first half of John 5 displays Jesus at work! The second is Jesus explaining why he’s working.

It’s a simple observation, but Jesus only does what he sees the Father doing. So the work that Jesus does is the work and will of the Father. That means God is on a mission to restore and save the world THROUGH His Son.

Over and over you hear Jesus repeatedly say that the Father has sent him and his works bear witness. The Son does the works that testify that God had sent him. His work is that of salvation. The Father is saving broken humanity through the Person and works of His Son.

God is on mission to save by sending and witnessing through His Son. That same pattern continues. God is on mission to save through the finished work of His Son THROUGH those Jesus has saved. Salvation, in part, has the distinct purpose of being sent by God to bear witness about the salvation accomplished by His Son.

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

– John 5:24

This was Jesus’s mission and we who believe have the same mission to tell the gospel to others that they too might hear and believe and have eternal life with Jesus!

How can you make steps towards being on mission with God to make known this glorious gospel?

I had a friend of mine remind me of the purpose of the story of David and Goliath. It’s not about selecting the right stones. It’s not about facing your giants. But rather it is so that the nations would know that there is a God in Israel! (1 Sam. 17).

Who has the Lord put in your path and/or on your mind that needs to hear the gospel? God is on mission through you. You have been sent to bear witness about Jesus!

Is that something you are thankful for or something you dread? I have prayed for every person that reads this blog post to gladly go and make disciples of Jesus. As I was reminded from John 6 this morning: Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” – John 6:27

Simeon Peter, a *servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: – 2 Peter 1:1

When Peter introduced himself in this letter, he stated that he was a servant first and an apostle second. I think that’s very important to see.

As followers of Christ, we are all servants of Jesus first. We may serve in various ways as Peter served as an apostle.

This is important because it serves as the foundation from which we serve the Lord and others. That means, we should seek to serve in the various ways that may be needed.

It’s easy to disregard lesser tasks when your foundational understanding of who we are isn’t a servant of Jesus. May your identity be a servant who seeks to serve Jesus in the capacity and gifts and needs that come up around you.

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. – 1 Corinthians 9:19

May this be so!

10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. – 1 Peter 5:10-11

I didn’t see much in the Word today but the contract between suffering for a little while and the eternal call of God was very encouraging. Because His dominion is forever not just a little while.

That’s it. That’s all. Blessings!

The Mission of the Church: Offering Spiritual Sacrifices and Proclaiming His Glory!

1. Introduction
   1. What is reality?
      1. According to 1 Peter we are aliens and strangers in this world. This is not our home. Our citizenship is in heaven and we await a Savior, Christ the Lord. What we see with our eyes is true reality, but that’s not all. What is our mission and purpose while we wait?
      1. In 2 Kings, Elisha’s servant saw only one of those realities.
         1. 2 Kings 6:15-16  ¹⁵ ¶ When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”  ¹⁶ He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
      1. Now the reality was that a huge Syrian army stand before two men. But that was not the whole story.
         1. 2 Kings 6:17   ¹⁷ Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
      1. The other reality there was another army. Elisha asked the LORD to open the eyes of his servant. Then he saw the other reality. There was no need to fear! True. A huge Syrian army was there to do battle. Yet, the Army of the Lord was there too!
   1. We encounter a similar thing in this passage of Scripture. Yes. Peter said we are elect exiles. However, we are told in this text that we are living stones and we are being built into a spiritual house—God’s house. Where is God’s house? Is it this building? No. We, believers in Christ, are God’s house. You are God’s house that is no longer in Jerusalem but one that extends over the whole earth!
      1. There are things that we see with our eyes that cause us to fear. But we should not fear for we are in God’s house—a house the world cannot see. They, just like ourselves, could not see that we were dead in our trespasses. They hang over the wrath of God by a thread and do not even know it.
      1. We can sing praises when they lock us in jail like Paul and Silas. We could joyfully receive the seizure of our property by the government because they only have it temporarily. What they take is not ultimately theirs. It’s our Father’s. He will give it back to His children one day. There’s no need to worry or fear.
2. Reading of the Text 1 Peter 2:4-10
3. Exposition
   1. Two Points
      1. Being Built Up into a spiritual house to Offer Spiritual Sacrifices (4-8)
      1. To Proclaim His Excellencies (9-10)
   1. Point #1: You are priests that offer spiritual sacrifices
      1. First, our text from two weeks ago ended with a plea to consider if you had in fact tasted that the Lord is good. Those who have tasted that the Lord is good continually come to him. “According to v. 4, the ‘Lord’ of v. 3, who is clearly Yahweh in the OT context of Psalm 34, is none other than Jesus Christ.  2:4   ⁴ ¶ As you come to him…
         1. It is confirmed that “him” is Jesus Christ for he the “living stone.”
         1. This continual coming to him is a “drawing near.” The same word is used of the soldiers coming to Jesus while on the cross to offer him sour wine. Yet, we are to come near to offer spiritual sacrifices.
      1. Peter then describes Jesus as a living stone. This living stone is a difficult image to imagine. Stones were obviously building materials but they would not have been considered “living.” It makes me think of the passage when Jesus comes riding into Jerusalem on a colt and the Pharisees tell Jesus to stop the people from praising him–Luke 19:40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
      1. Peter will be referencing Isaiah 28:16 and Psalm 118:22 that speak of this “stone” but they do not mention it is as “living.”
      1. Schreiner thinks the reason Peter does this is because of the resurrection! I tend to agree.
      1. The idea comes about because this stone is first rejected (humiliated) but then becomes the cornerstone. Jesus becomes the cornerstone through his life, death, and resurrection! Rejection must precede exultation. That is our pattern too.
      1. Peter makes this clear with the first contrast—“a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious”
         1. Rejected by men=the cross
         1. In God’s sight chosen=resurrection
         1. Peter brings both of these together in Acts 4:10-11  ¹⁰ let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead- by him this man is standing before you well.  ¹¹ This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.
      1. Peter then does something unexpected. He compares Jesus, the living stone, with the believers, like living stones, in whom he writes! Why does he do this?
         1. The reason I think he does this is because Jesus was the dwelling of God. The tabernacle and temple represented the dwelling place of God but these pointed to something
            1. John 1:14  ¹⁴ ¶ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
            1. Colossians 2:9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily
            1. Hebrews 1:1-3 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,  ² but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.  ³ He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.
         1. Yet, Jesus has ascended to the right hand of the Father. Does that mean the presence of God is no longer on the earth? Well, no. God’s presence now dwells with his people—the church! Not fully like it will be—hence the “like.” We are his presence on earth by way of the Holy Spirit.
            1. Ephesians 2:18-22  ¹⁸ For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.  ¹⁹ So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,  ²⁰ built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,  ²¹ in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.  ²² In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
      1. For what purpose are believers compared to the living stone—Jesus?
         1. The former “builders” rejected the stone, but we see a new builder now—God himself. 1 Peter 2:5   ⁵ you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
            1. It is an emphatic statement—“you yourselves.”
            1. God, the new builder, is building a spiritual house where all of his people are priest-like figures who offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God THROUGH his Son! “The church is God’s new temple.” Schreiner
            1. This new temple began with Christ as the cornerstone and is being extended throughout the whole earth through our witness of the gospel. God is building the house but he is using his living stones to proclaim his excellencies all over the world. (Beale)
            1. God is also building a spiritual house that will not fail.
               1. Matthew 16:18   ¹⁸ And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
            1. No longer is the priesthood for one tribe among Israel, but to all believers corporately! “The church is the temple and the priests!” Schreiner
               1. This is what Israel was meant to be but failed because of disobedience. Exodus 19:5-6   ⁵ Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;  ⁶ and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”
               1. This can only happen NOW because of Christ. God’s presence can remain and therefore transform the body of believers because our sins are forgiven and we have Christ’s righteousness imputed to us!
            1. This house offers spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ.
               1. It seems the context points us to v.9 where we are to proclaim God’s wonders to this world.
               1. The church is a display of God’s glory. We share the gospel, his excellencies, to a dying world so that they might be born of imperishable seed and lift their voices in praise to God through the Son!
      1. Peter now sets out to prove what he just stated. 1 Peter 2:6   ⁶ For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
         1. This is a quote from Isaiah 28:16. God is pronouncing judgment upon the priests of Jerusalem. They were drunk and vomit completely covered the table. The priests had not lead the people in worship. They trusted lies and falsehood.
         1. Peter notices the only glimmer of hope in the passage: that God has laid a cornerstone in Zion. Peter understands this prophesy to have been fulfilled in Christ! If they will trust in this cornerstone “they will escape judgment.” (Schreiner)
         1. But what comfort is this quotation? For those in whom Peter writes have possibly suffered the same displacement God’s judgment had pronounced. In may be that Peter wants them to know “their painful situation did not reflect the displeasure of God. Far from it: God’s plan includes a division of people around the Son, this cornerstone rejected by so many [Israel’s priests], and the most important thing, both for this life and for the life to come, is to be living stones along with him in the temple of which he is the cornerstone.” (Carson)
         1. Peter draws a conclusion of those who will not be put to shame—judgment. Those who believe in the Son, believes in the living stone—the cornerstone—will be honored. 1 Peter 2:7   ⁷ So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
            1. Peter contrasts those who disbelieve—rebel against God’s word—will not receive honor.
            1. In fact, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”  ⁸ and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 1 Peter 2:7-8  
            1. In this statement, you hear both sides of the same coin. It says they stumble because they disobey the word. They do exactly what they want to do. However, the Lord also destined it. “We have a divine passive verb here that most certainly means God himself appointed them to this end.” (Carson)
            1. We must conclude with McKnight, “God’s act of appointing Jesus as the living stone has become both honor for believers and judgment for unbelievers; this was God’s design, and everything happens according to his will.”
            1. There is much comfort for the readers of this letter in knowing God is sovereign over all things.
            1. When your path crosses the Rock you either believe or reject. You either humble yourself now or you will be humbled. You will receive honor or you will receive shame! There is no in between.
   1. Point #2—The Purpose of the Priesthood is to result in proclaiming his excellencies!
      1.  In contrast to those who “stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.”⁹ ¶ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:8-9  
         1. Those who have repented and believed in Christ are now, whether Jew or Gentile, a part of the chosen race, a royal priesthood, and holy nation, a people of his own possession.
         1. Those who stumble are not chosen. Those who disobey the word are not a royal priesthood that offers spiritual sacrifices. Those who were appointed to do so are an unholy nation. They are not God’s own possession.
            1. They reject the gospel. They reject Christ. They do not proclaim his excellencies throughout the nations. Christ in not praise-worthy in their eyes. He is not glorious to them. They care not about spreading his name over the globe.
         1. But for what purpose are believers a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation?
            1. We are a priesthood. This is a corporate aspect. The church is to display the gospel. In how we love each other and how we maintain our witness in this town and world by meaningful church membership that submits to God’s design of church discipline anytime one of Christ’s church threatens the witness of the gospel.
            1. Our purpose is proclaiming and spreading the fame of Christ’s name. We are in the house of God and his people make him known. This is our mission as a church. This is our goal as the new temple of God that we spread this building over all the earth. That more and more worshippers come to Jesus becoming living stones!
            1. We the church are the lampstand in this new temple that is ever expanding. May we be a light here and to distant nations.
            1. There are no other means by which to expand God’s house than proclaiming the gospel. Are you sharing the gospel? There is no fear. Remember whose house you are in. Remember the unseen reality that unbelievers do not see.
4. Conclusion
   1. What is our purpose here?
      1. We are to offer up spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ.
      1. We are to proclaim his excellencies among the nations.
      1. How can we do that?
      1. Let’s start this week by using this last verse as a means of offering up spiritual sacrifices and proclaiming his excellencies.
      1. As you go throughout your day, tell those around this:I was called out of darkness into his marvelous light.  ¹⁰ Once I was not one of God’s people, but now I am of God’s people; once I had not received mercy, but now I have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10
      1. You walked darkness. You were once cut off from God’s people. You were going to receive the just payment for your sin but God had mercy on you.
      1. If you have never experienced this I would urge you to call on the name of the Lord today. Repent and believe in Christ. you must love him more than husband or wife, mom or dad, brother or sister, job and career. You leave everything and follow him. Will you have him?

As many of you know, our son’s entry into this world was quite eventful. I (Kimberly) am so thankful that I journaled through that experience. The following is what I wrote on one of those days. I should say that at the time, I had been in the hospital on bed rest for 13 days with no date scheduled for us to leave. Baby wasn’t due for another 6 weeks.

“Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007

In my reading of 1 Peter today I couldn’t get past this section:

‘you,

5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith-more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire-may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 1:5-7’

It seems from this that going through a trial will allow me to praise at Jesus’s coming. My faith must be tested in order to get to that point. Our human emotions say, ‘I don’t want this trial.’ But our spirit should say, ‘I welcome this trial because it will increase my faith so that it will be found in praise, glory, and honor one day.’

It is also amazing that God through His power is guarding my faith and I can rejoice in this despite what is going on in my circumstances. So as I think about this situation and how right now I am ‘grieved’ over not being able to take care of my household, I am reminded of the Psalm I also read today:

5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. – Psalm 126:5-6

I am ready to go home and take care of my family. But there’s not really anything I can do about that. I know it is God’s plan for me to be here this amount of time, and I want to learn and see what He wants me to while I am here.”

As I read 1 Peter today, as part of the Foundations reading plan, my mind went back to 2007, as it does each time I read it. We were blessed to watch God do amazing things in our family!

A pastor’s calling is to teach sound doctrine again and again. 3:1 says remind them. There’s no need to come up with something new and profound. I’m thankful for this! I’m thankful for the historical orthodoxy from which we teach. I am thankful for the richness of confessions of faith. I think it is extremely important for a church to be confessional. We know where the fence is! The fence helps us know where our unity should be and who is outside the fence.

It is very clear that Paul always weaves the gospel into his instructions about good works lest we forget that our relationship with God depends not on what we do. Paul never leaves that in question.

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. – Titus 3:4-7

Paul also reminds Titus to help those he is teaching to remember who they once were. It really changes how you treat others when you can easily relate. “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.” – Titus 3:3

Why does Paul want Titus to speak confidently about the gospel and good deeds? So that they might be fruitful like the picture above. Notice this clear statement: The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. – Titus 3:8

These things are excellent and profitable…fruitful! Yet, for the church to remain fruitful there must be something done about those who are unfruitful and want to remain unfruitful. A contrast follows verse 8. “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” – Titus 3:9-11

There are things to be avoided that are worthless and unfruitful. Verse 10 uses the singular “man” or “person.” It only take one among you to stir up division. The one person will recruit. The foolish man will gain some followers. It will grow if left alone. I have not seen this done very well in my lifetime. I’ve had discussions with other pastors who have that one person and his group who are continually harming the church and her witness in the community.

You invite someone to come but they bring up so and so’s name. They want no part of it. Upon investigating, you find out he’s been doing this for years. The church family just makes excuses for him. “He’s always been that way.” “We just overlook him.” “It’s no use.” “He gives more than anybody else.” “If we do something about it, what will the community think?” “We haven’t done anything for years, why do something now?” I could go on but that should be clear enough.

I have wept many tears over this. You feel so helpless and alone. Especially among churches that follow the single pastor model instead of a plurality of pastors. You can teach. You can get agreement. But you cannot move anyone to action. They will often choose the community over what is right. And in choosing the community they didn’t choose the community. They chose the foolish man who keeps the community cut off from them.

I’ve said too much even without being very specific. It is so sad. Many churches cannot reach their community with the gospel because of the influence of one person. And it’s generational, too. They pass it on to others. How do you fix it? You either stand up for the truth and cause a huge fight and then get fired. Or you leave and go somewhere else. And this cycle never seems to end.

I don’t know the answer. The best option is to teach sound doctrine for years and years. You pray earnestly for other mature believers to join the work. You hopefully win some along the way. And then maybe after several years and some have passed on there will be some glimmer of hope. A new identity emerges for your local church. You may never see it come to fruition. But you labor. You train up leaders to carry on the work. Be faithful. Be patient. Love the Lord and love people. And maybe the church will be healthier someday due to God’s amazing grace and your faithful labors.

For the one who left and didn’t stay. I know your pain. If you need someone to talk to, I would be glad to do that. It might help me too. Just know that Jesus loves. Do not lose heart.

Grace be with you all. – Titus 3:15

These are some reinforcements to the last couple of blog posts!

for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. – Proverbs 3:12

8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. – Proverbs 9:8-9

A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. – Proverbs 13:1

A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise. – Proverbs 15:12

A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool. – Proverbs 17:10

Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear. – Proverbs 25:12

5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. – Proverbs 27:5-6

He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. – Proverbs 29:1

Sound doctrine shows up again! I discussed the importance of reproving in the devotion yesterday. I think the reproving was correcting those who were intentionally deceiving and upsetting others in the church in chapter 1. However, the theme of reproving continues and it seems to be for preventing false doctrine from ungodly practices. And we should be aware that ungodly works will lead to the dishonor of God’s word and God Himself.

When we come to Christ, he forgives us completely and counts us righteous (in a right legal standing before God though we are ungodly) by faith alone. Our relationship is completely dependent on the person and perfect work of Jesus. But this faith results in fruit. We are saved by faith alone but faith is never alone. Faith in Jesus produces good works which are one of the purposes of salvation. When we are justified and forgiven, the process of sanctification begins.

We understand this process as discipleship. In discipleship, we learn and unlearn a lot things. Teaching is a huge part of discipleship. We all start in the same place when we are born again. Whether you are old or young or male or female we must all learn to walk with Jesus and learning to walk with Jesus involves unlearning the way we previously walked.

Chapter 2 continues the theme of teaching sound doctrine but it is set off by “bookends.” Verse 1 and 15 are very similar. It’s a great description of how discipleship is supposed to look. But I might stop and ask what should be used for teaching sound doctrine and discipleship? If you thought the Scriptures then you are right.

Let’s be reminded of this:

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 *that* the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

(2 Tim. 3:16-17)

Titus 2 are instructions to Titus to “speak things which are fitting for sound doctrine” to older men and older women. Sound doctrine teaches them to be “temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, [sound] in love, [sound] in perseverance” in older men and also “reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good” in older women SO THAT “they may encourage the young women.”

And something I haven’t noticed before in the next section on younger men (and by the way, younger can mean new…like new disciple). The emphasis is on the teacher or discipler rather than the new believer. The one who is young in the faith is to work on being sensible. The way that happens is by listening and watching those who are older in the faith by example. Did you see that?

Notice: (Tit. 2:6-8) 6 Likewise urge the young men to be sensible (self controlled or sober-minded); 7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, *so that* the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

I think the “yourself” is Titus not the young men. The easiest way to prove this from the Greek because it’s hard to know sometimes in English. The Greek pronoun is singular and cannot refer to the plural “young men.” I thought that before looking at the Greek just from the context. I’m thankful for the Holy Spirit giving me eyes to see that this morning.

Why? Why does Paul instruct Titus to speak things which are fitting for sound doctrine? So what? In the words of how my young kids might say it…’cause why? 🙂 Here it is…

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

(Tit. 2:11-14)

Let’s make disciples who make disciples. Let’s make disciples by teaching sound doctrine that they might be sound in faith. Because the grace of God has appeared to us! God saved us from sin…why would we want to remain in it? God saved us that we might walk with Him not in the ways of the world. God saved us to bring Him glory by becoming like Him. The grace that saves is also the grace that transforms us. May we not remain as we are but mature in the faith for the glory of Christ!

A profound theme among the pastoral epistles, is the call to sound doctrine. Over and over, Paul instructs Timothy and Titus to preserve, teach, and entrust sound doctrine. Because, as 1 Timothy 1 makes clear, that wrong teaching does not lead to sound faith. “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:5

In this letter to Titus, Paul had sent him to set things in order in the office of overseer. The overseers/pastors/elders (same office with differing descriptions of the role) are the primary teachers among the church family. Therefore, so goes the teaching of the leadership so goes the church. If the pastors teach sound doctrine then the church will likely believe and practice sound doctrine that aims to love God and others from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

However, as you may be fully aware, the teaching of sound doctrine doesn’t always happen. Indeed, the churches Paul had sent Titus to were already experiencing problems with the teaching. “For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.” – Titus 1:10 This comes on the heels of the qualifications for the office of overseer who is expected to teach and maintain sound doctrine and correct that which is in error.

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

– Titus 1:9

So, one of the roles of the pastors is to instruct in sound doctrine but also to rebuke (reprove and expose) that which contradicts sound doctrine. What’s the result of unsound doctrine? In verse 10, it says these people deceive and their talk is empty and worthless. They upset whole families. The things these deceivers focus on leads to being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.

In other words, worthless teaching leads to a worthless life…worthless impact in the community and the world. I think I see a lot of that these days. What is the remedy? It’s simple. Pastors that hold to sound doctrine and are able to expose the errors among them. So, to neglect the role of reproving is to allow worthless teaching to take root and result in churches that are dying or will die. Their light has gone out. In some cases, the lampstand has already been removed even while they still meet.

It is unloving not to reprove. It is unloving not to reprove. It is unloving not to reprove.

Not to correct is to care nothing about the health of the church.

Not to correct is to lie about who God is. And if our mission is to make disciples of Jesus and false doctrine is allowed to remain then are you really reaching people with the true Jesus and the true gospel? And if you reach them with this false Jesus and false gospel where will they end up in eternity?

Teaching and maintaining sound doctrine have eternal consequences. If you love the Lord and if you love the church and if you love and want to reach your neighbors, then be cautious about the doctrine taught in the church. It has eternal consequences.

And there is a right and wrong way to do this. Here is the right way:

24 And the Lord’s servant must *not be quarrelsome but *kind to everyone, *able to teach, *patiently enduring evil,
25 *correcting his opponents *with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,
26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. – 2 Timothy 2:24-26