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

 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

I maintain pause my study of 1 Corinthians and focus on a study of 2 Thessalonians and Titus as part of a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  This morning I read Titus 3, assisted by the Christ Centered Exposition Series commentary for 1-2 Timothy and Titus, and focus on vv9-15. Per the commentary:

• Main idea: We must practice church discipline in submission to the Word of God. 
  
• Excerpts from the introduction: The New Testament has a great deal to say about church discipline....[N]o aspect of church life in our day is more neglected than this one. Indeed, the contemporary church’s disregard for this clear teaching of Holy Scripture is perhaps its greatest visible act of disobedience to our Lord....[W]e have been seduced in a far more insidious fashion. Th[e] subtle slide away from biblical faithfulness can be seen in both practical and spiritual aspects. The effects spread throughout the whole church, but the problem finds its origin at the top, with the leadership, with the pastors....Surely the answer must be found in returning to God’s Word, which gives us the model that provides a way out and the way forward. While Titus 3: 9-15 is not a text deemed as one of the major Scriptures on church discipline, it does provide a foundation for a general treatment of this issue as well as specific counsel for particular situations that demand the practice of this necessary and lost treasure of the church. Here Paul provides five principles by which the body of Christ is to conduct the practice of church discipline.
  

Per the commentary, divisions for this text, including excerpts:

1. Avoid the Foolish (3:9): "Paul describes these troublemakers first as those who engage in “foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law.” He says these things are “worthless.” They are unwise and not worth your time. In his context the troublemakers were Judiazers who added both to the words of Scripture and to the work of our Savior. They debated theological minutiae, created fanciful allegories and mythologies based on biblical genealogies, and added works to the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.  Thinking of themselves as the theological elite, spiritual know-it-alls, they tore up and would continue to tear up “whole households” (1:11) if left unchecked. These kinds of persons are not to be debated but denounced and dismissed....Going beyond Scripture, adding to the work of Christ, advocating a “Jesus plus” and a “faith plus” and a “Word plus” theological agenda, these false teachers are “unprofitable.” Nothing good comes from their attitude or their teachings. Avoiding them has as its goal bringing to light their error and their sin. It is redemptive and restorative. It is essential and not optional. The risks are too great. We must avoid the foolish."
   
2. Reject the Divisive (3:10-11): See also Matthew 18:15-20. The ministry of church discipline is mandatory if we are to be faithful to our head, who is Christ. Divisive individuals in the church can be dangerous and destructive and must be confronted and disciplined. With grief, humility, self-examination, and a broken heart, we must confront him and, if necessary, shun and reject him. Following Paul’s directive in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, we must turn him over to Satan with a hope and prayer that the discipline of the heavenly Father (Heb 12:5-13) will bring him to brokenness and repentance and that he will give evidence he is indeed God’s child after all. We have our duty. God has His.
   
3. Follow the Leader (3:12-13): Because Paul would be sending godly, spiritual reinforcements who could handle any troublemakers if more should arise, Titus could set aside this work and move ahead to a new ministry, a ministry that would soon take him to Dalmatia (2 Tim 4:9).
   
4. Maintain Good Works (3:14): Good works must not be neglected - they are a habit of believer's lives. Good works must also meet needs.
   
5. Enlist the Faithful (3:15): Paul prays that the grace God gives supply us with balance, self-control, wisdom, and endurance. By God’s grace and for God’s glory, we will be equipped and enabled to stand and serve, even when the odds are against us and the battle seems all for nothing.
   

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me Godly brothers and sisters in Christ that serve as models for my own faith.  Thank You Jesus!  Thank You for giving me the encouragement and support I need to live for You.  Yet I am undeserving...I continue to sin....daily.  Please forgive me Jesus...please help illuminate my sin, help me turn from it, and turn 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 heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead 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.

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

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

I maintain pause my study of 1 Corinthians and focus on a study of 2 Thessalonians and Titus as part of a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  This morning I read Titus 3, assisted by the Christ Centered Exposition Series commentary for 1-2 Timothy and Titus, and focus on vv1-8. Per the commentary:

• Main idea: We have been born again to live a new life of good works.
  
• Excerpts from the introduction: Per Millard Erickson (Theology, 955-977), regeneration is 'the other [divine] side of conversion. It is completely God’s doing. It is God’s transformation of individual believers, his giving a new spiritual vitality and direction to their lives when they accept Christ . . . it involves something new, a whole reversal of the person’s natural tendencies.'...."The word [regeneration] itself only occurs twice in the New Testament. One is Matthew 19:28, which refers to the cosmic regeneration in the eschaton. The other is here in the text before us in Titus 3:5.  Paul was vitally interested in both the nature of the new birth and the results of the new birth. He was unalterably convinced that the new birth would be evident in a new life— a new life exploding in good works."
  

Per the commentary, divisions for this text:

1. We Must Be Ready for Good Works (3:1-3): God created and saved us for good works (Ephesians 2:10). "Good works never save, but good works flow from those who are saved."  Paul's call remind to remember commands previously given in Titus 2:11-15.  In Titus 3:4-7, Paul provides seven commands in four categories.  (1) Submit obediently to ruling authorities and obey. See also Matthew 22:21, Romans 13:1, and 1 Peter 2:13-14. "Believers should not be anarchists or rebels. We do not subvert the government or disobey the government unless it brings us into direct conflict with the commands of God (see Acts 5:29)." (2) Serve eagerly (see Galatians 6:10).  (3) Speak gently (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Romans 12:18) (4) Show humility (see Philippians 2:3, 5). We must also constantly be mindful of how God reconciled us to Him purely out of mercy - before we were saved, we were deceived by sin, disobedient, enslaved by sin, 'living in malice'  (Hiebert, 88), living in envy (MacArthur, 149), and we were hateful and destructive.  However, since being saved, we are a new creation - praise God!
2. We Have Been Regenerated for Good Works (3:4-7): God loves and cares for us and He changes us.  "Regeneration consists negatively of removal of filth and positively of a renewing, both brought about by the Holy Spirit. Regeneration washes us, makes us clean through the new birth."  See also Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Ephesians 5:26. God has also come for us (through work of Holy Spirit) and comforts us through justification.  "Having saved us, regenerated us, renewed us, and justified us, He now comforts us with a word about our future. We are “heirs with the hope of eternal life.” This is a reality now, though it is not yet our full possession. There is no question that this inheritance will be received. As a work of our triune God, the Father (v.4-5), the Son (v.6), and the Holy Spirit (v.5), it is a signed, sealed, and settled issue."    
   
3. We Will Be Rewarded for Good Works (3:8): Paul "insists" on his commands and a regenerate believer should bear fruit as demonstrated by good works that are seen as "good and profitable for everyone." 
   

The conclusion of the commentary for the text offers closing thoughts on the text: "Only those who have been regenerated by the power of God, been renewed by the Spirit, been justified by grace, and believed in Jesus and Jesus alone will go to heaven. Yes, we all need a new birth for a new life today and forever. This new life overflows into a life of good works that testify to the goodness of our God and His love for all people in Jesus Christ. This is the power of the gospel. This is the new birth for a new life."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and how saved me and made me a new creation - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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 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.

...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.

Titus 3

...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. Titus 3:8

Today I maintain my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians and continue with the study of 2 Thessalonians and Titus based on my participation in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  This is week 6 of 6 and on day 1 of week 6, my focus is an unassisted review of Titus 3.

• V1: Obey earthly authorities and be ready to serve and work - Paul qualifies work indicating that believers should be ready for "good" work - work that glorifies God; reminder that in all that we do we are to do it for the glory of God (see 1 Corinthians 10:31)
• V2: Show perfect courtesy to all people, do not speak evil of anyone, quarrel, and be gentle
• V3: We (believers) were once slaves to sin so we should show empathy towards unbelievers, regardless of how they act with their pursuits and with their malice, envy and hate
• Vv4-7: Reminder of God's grace towards us as believers and the undeserved gift He gave us - salvation and all the associated blessings this carries with it
• V8: Paul establishes his authority by sharing how what he says is trustworthy - we must not only believe and obey in what he says, we are to "insist" on these things - so that we are careful to devote ourselves to good works
• Vv9-11: Avoid divisiveness including foolish controversies, quarrels about lesser aspects of the law; avoid those who stir up divisiveness
• Vv12-13: Instructions for when Paul sends Artemas or Tychicus
• V14: Devote selves to good works, particularly those with urgent need; avoid being unfruitful - works should flow from a heart of faithfulness not some ulterior motive
  
• V15: Final greetings and salutations to Titus and the church in Crete from Paul  
  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and grace.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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 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.

Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Hebrews 9

Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Hebrews 9:25-26

Today I pause both my study of 1 Corinthians and my study that accompanies participation in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  Instead, I lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today explores an unintuitive concept for unbelievers - how Christ's death on the cross represents triumphant shame.  John Piper first shares the hope of the gospel that for those who are saved "a great and holy God can and does welcome dirty, unholy people like you and me into his favor."  Piper then explains how God does this, and he starts by pointing to Hebrews 9:25-26 where Christ's death on the cross was - like it was under the OT sacrificial system - a sacrifice of a perfect blemish-free life.  This sacrifice from the text, however, was unlike the OT sacrificial system as it was done "once for all."  This is a triumph because sin and death are defeated with this "once for all" perfect sacrifice.  Piper explains, again looking at the text, that if Christ had to die repeatedly year after year such an act would "look weak and ineffective" and it would not be a victory.  The result of an annual sacrifice of Christ would nullify the "infinite value of the sacrifice of the Son of God, [as i]t would vanish in the shamefulness of a yearly suffering and death."  Piper then suggests that when you combine Hebrews 9:25-26 with Hebrews 12:2, we see triumphant shame in Christ's perfect "once for all" sacrifice.  Piper concludes the devotion by pointing to 2 Corinthians 4:4 and praying that unbelieving readers of this devotion "see the light of this glory and believe."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and Your death on the cross represents triumphant shame and it is also a victory over sin and death for all who believe.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You give me victory over sin and death.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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 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. 

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 2

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-14

Today, I maintain my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians return to my study of Titus through my participation in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  My focus this morning is preparation to meet with my d-group in person tomorrow to review material for week 5 (see below). Given my objective to memorize Titus 2:11-14 for tomorrow (building on memorization from previous weeks), I leaned on DesiringGod.com's Look at the Book (Lab) The Grace of God Appeared: Titus 2:11–14, Part 1.

Given Piper has four labs that unpack the entirety of Titus 2:11-14, this lab (Part 1 of 4) primarily explores v11, but it also touches on how these verses impact the remaining vv12-14.

• V11: For the grace of God has appeared...leaning on this verse and looking elsewhere in scripture, including 2 Timothy 1:9-10 and Titus 3:4-7 we also see this "appearing" of God's grace and in 2 Timothy we see how this grace [was given to] us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, how it manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, and how it saved us.  Piper summarizes this by sharing that God's grace was planned, given, and purposed for us in eternity and done so before the ages began.  
  
• V11: Bringing salvation for all people...again leaning on this verse and looking elsewhere in scripture, including 1 Timothy 2:1-4, we see how God desires to save all people (not that all people are saved) and this grace not only saves but serves to train believers, redeem us from sin, and to purify us to prepare us for good works. 
  
• Ultimately, Piper concludes and summarizes the text by sharing that this universal extension of grace that appears in Christ for all people, for those who are saved, has a saving purpose beyond salvation for training, redemption of sin, and purification (sanctification).  See also key stages of Christian journey.
  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me Your grace - that saves and blesses me daily!  Thank You Jesus for such love and blessings.  I know I am undeserving of such love and blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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 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 You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  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.

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Romans 1

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21

Today I pause both my study of 1 Corinthians and my study that accompanies participation in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  Instead, I lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today explores the root of ingratitude.  John Piper uses Romans 1:21 (see also John MacArthur commentary introduction to Romans) where Paul writes to believers in Rome, including both Jews and Gentiles, and in v21 and surrounding verses (vv18-32), Paul shares how Gentiles specifically had no excuse in acknowledging a divine Creator.  They pursued idol worship and this is where John Piper picks up today with the devotional.  Piper starts by pointing to yesterday's devotion where a gratitude towards God results in magnification of Him and a desire to bring Him glory.  He then looks at why we don't show gratitude towards God - he shares: "there is a very good reason that human beings by nature do not want to magnify God with thanksgiving or glorify him as their benefactor. The reason is that it detracts from our own glory, and all people by nature love their own glory more than the glory of God. At the root of all ingratitude is the love of one’s own greatness. For genuine gratitude admits that we are beneficiaries of an unearned bequest. We are cripples leaning on the cross-shaped crutch of Jesus Christ....[W]hile a man loves his own glory, and prizes his self-sufficiency, and hates to think of himself as sin-sick and helpless, he will never feel genuine gratitude to the true God and so will never magnify God as he ought, but only himself." This is the futility of thinking Paul writes about.  Piper concludes the devotion by pointing us to Mark 2:17 where Jesus said "[T]hose who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of compassion and grace - I KNOW I need You - for everything - including my salvation and how You intercede for my continuously and forever through prayer.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  My sin is great and I am in DESPERATE need for You...daily.  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 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.

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

Today I pause both my study of 1 Corinthians and my study that accompanies participation in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  Instead, I lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today - using Psalm 69:30 looks at what it how believers magnify God, and why it is important to do so.  John Piper starts the devotion by describing two kinds of magnification: one where we look through a microscope to see a bigger image of something that is actually very small, and two where we look through a telescope to see a bigger image of something that is actually much bigger.  Piper then moves to share that "[w]e are not called to be microscopes. We are called to be telescopes. Christians are not called to be con-men who magnify their product out of all proportion to reality, when they know the competitor’s product is far superior. There is nothing and nobody superior to God. And so the calling of those who love God is to make his greatness begin to look as great as it really is."  Piper then reminds us that magnification of God in this way - to make much of God and to bring Him glory is why we exist.  We are referred to 1 Peter 2:9 where Peter writes how believers are a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation...that you may proclaim the excellencies of him...."  Piper concludes by sharing that "[t]he whole duty of the Christian can be summed up in this: feel, think, and act in a way that will make God look as great as he really is. Be a telescope for the world of the infinite starry wealth of the glory of God."  We are also provided two texts - Ephesians 1:18 and Psalm 103:2 - by Piper as "our first task is to see and to remember the greatness and goodness of God."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God worthy of all glory and magnification!  You are SO good to me and to all of Your children.  I am not deserving of the love and blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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 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.