I maintain a pause of my deductive study on prayer and fasting based on John Piper's book A Hunger for God - Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer. This morning I examine Titus 2:9-10 as supplemental text for 1 Timothy 6:1-10 the latter of which will serve as the basis for our sermon and small group discussion today at church. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: The gospel is God's story and the focus should be on Him, and how He is deserving of all praise, honor and glory. Paul encourages Titus to serve in such a way as to demonstrate "good faith" and to "adorn the doctrine" of Christ. This requires us to know doctrine and then to allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify us whereby He molds us into more of His image. We then highlight and amplify the doctrine for others to see in and through us.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: People are often tempted to pursue conflict in church and this is driven often by a desire for selfish gain or self-glory. Motives for selfish gain or self-glory take the focus away from God. This is why God sees unity in the church as so important - others cannot see God as well if there are some who pursue self-glory or self-gain. Great harm has been done in the church because we pursue our own agenda vs God's will for our lives.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must avoid focus on self. Claim the promise that God will start and finish a work in believers. Follow the example of Paul who upon conversion allowed God to work through him to bring the Gospel to the gentiles. Seek God and His glory.
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving me, and for working in me to purify me and to mold me into more of Your image. Thank You! I am not deserving of how You save and bless me as my sin continues and it is great. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
