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About the government
- 1st – Attitude towards the government… vs. 1-2
- 1st – REMIND (imperative) them to be SUBJECT… vs. 1
- SUBJECT (present) – hypotassō – to be under the authority of another…
- We are to be under the authority – RULERS and AUTHORITIES…
- Because all authority comes from God – no government is there by accident!
- Roma 13:1 – “Ang kada isa sa inyo dapat magmatinumanon sa mga nagadumala sa gobyerno, kay ang tanan nga paggobyerno halin sa Dios kag ang mga manugdumala ginbutang sang Dios sa ila puwesto.”
- We have a hard time with this concept – we might think – not our government
- We look at the corruption – poor policies – the injustice all around us…
- And what about evil governments – Muslim / Communist / Iran / North Korea…
- Surely God cannot approve of these governments – much less be responsible!
- Paul wrote this during the time Caesar Nero was the emperor of Rome…
- The ruler who clothed Christians in animal skins – then fed them alive to the lions…
- Who rode his chariot down the road lined with burning Christians for light…
- This was the Government of Paul – the one he was saying to SUBMIT to!
- If we want all people to have a rich and easy life – all governments should be PERFECT…
- But if we want people in heaven – BAD governments work best!
- If governments were PERFECT – we would never learn to look to and trust in God…
- It is in the imperfections of our governments we see our NEED for the Lord!
- It is NOT that all the governments are good – God just USES them all for our GOOD!
- SUBJECT (present) – hypotassō – to be under the authority of another…
- 2nd – OBEY – to follow the commands of a RULER… vs. 1
- We OBEY – because God has given the Government authority over us …
- If we RESIST the government – we RESIST God – and will be judged…
- If we do evil – we will be in danger of being judged by the law…
- The government carries the sword of God – the authority to judge – even death penalty!
- As a general rule – if we do bad things – steel / cheat / NOT pay taxes…
- We have good reason to FEAR the government – because we are going to get caught…
- And when we are caught – the government has the authority to punish us!
- If we obey the law – do GOOD – we will instead receive praise from the government…
- Therefore we should obey out of fear of consequence and for conscience sake…
- Someone who has done nothing wrong does NOT FEAR a police officer…
- Someone who only does what is GOOD – does not jump at the sound of a siren…
- Good motivation to live a good life with a clear conscience – no reason to FEAR!
- Roma 13:2-5 – “Gani dapat magpasakop kita sa aton gobyerno; indi lang tungod sa kahadlok naton sa silot, kundi tungod nga nahibaluan ta nga amo ini ang dapat naton nga himuon.”
- This INCLUDES paying taxes…
- Roma 13:7 – “Gani bayaran ninyo ang inyo nagkalain-lain nga klase sang buhis. Kag tahura ninyo kag padunggi ang mga may awtoridad.”
- Again we might have a hard time with this – we know where those taxes go…
- We might think – the money will only go to the pockets of corrupt politicians…
- We are not responsible for what the government does with our taxes!
- When asked by the religious leaders if Jews should pay taxes to Rome…
- Jesus answered whose FACE and words are on the coin – Caesar…
- Then give back (restore) to Caesar what is his – Mateo 22:19-21
- Should we pay taxes – look at a peso – whose picture…
- Give back to the government what is theirs – but give to God what is His…
- We were created in the image of God – we carry His writing – the WORD…
- We are to give our lives back to the Lord – they are His anyways!
- Is there a time when we should NOT obey…
- In China today it is Illegal to go to church – to own / read a Bible!
- We are to obey the Law of God – BEFORE we are to obey the laws of MEN…
- When the laws of MEN contradict the Law of GOD – we obey God!
- We OBEY – because God has given the Government authority over us …
- 3rd – Be ready for every GOOD work… vs. 1
- ALWAYS be (present) ready – our life is to be defined by…
- Every GOOD work – agathos – emphasizes the moral goodness of something or someone…
- It is NOT external works – but genuine GOOD works from a transformed heart!
- If we as believers are known for committing crimes / getting in trouble…
- What kind of example would we be giving to a world that does not know Jesus…
- Come to church / learn about the Bible – so you can end up in prison!
- We as believers should be ready to do GOOD works – obey the LAW / pay TAXES…
- Being a good citizen – helping out those in need – being an example for Jesus!
- Tito 3:14 – “ Tudlui ang aton mga utod dira nga magtinguha nga mag-obra sing maayo agod indi sila pagkulangon sa ila mga kinahanglanon. Sa sini nga paagi indi sila magakabuhi nga wala sing pulos.”
- We are equipped to do GOOD works – by the power of the WORD…
- If we are unsure ourselves about the Truth of Word of God…
- We are not going to be very effective in sharing that Truth with others…
- But as we grow in our faith – are strengthened by reading the Word…
- We will have the answer when others question us – tell them the Truth of Jesus!
- 2 Timoteo 3:16-17 – “Ang bug-os nga Kasulatan ginsulat paagi sa gahom sang Dios…agod nga ang tawo nga nagaalagad sa Dios matudluan sa paghimo sang tanan nga klase sang kaayuhan.”
- ALWAYS be (present) ready – our life is to be defined by…
- 4th – Do not SPEAK EVIL of anyone… vs. 2
- SPEAK EVIL – blasphēmeō – to talk about in a negative way…
- It is REALLY easy to talk BAD about those who are in the government…
- It can be easy to get frustrated with the decisions of our leaders / politicians…
- We can judge them for their foolish rules – blame them for our problems…
- But we need to remember they are ultimately NOT in control – God is!
- And we need to remember they are just men – who also NEED Jesus!
- 5th – Be PEACEABLE… vs. 2
- PEACEABLE – 2x NT – avoid getting into a FIGHT…
- That does not mean we are just to accept whatever a government does…
- We are not to idly stand by and do NOTHING when faced with EVIL leaders…
- BAD people are allowed to rule – because GOOD people do NOTHING about them!
- When a government stops listening to obeying the commands of God…
- It is our responsibility as Christians – is to PEACFULLY stand up to the government!
- 6th – Be GENTLE – showing all HUMILITY to all men… vs. 2
- GENTLE – 5x in NT – from the root word – to be LIKE them – we UNDERSTAND them!
- HUMILTY – 9x in NT – most often translated as MEEK – POWER under control…
- We represent GOD – we have POWER – but we UNDERSTAND all men are sinners!
- It is not our harsh words / or convincing arguments that will bring people to Jesus…
- It is possible for us to win a battle – only to lose the war…
- Our harsh words can close the ears of people to the message of the Gospel!
- So we need to be gentle / humble as we reach out to a lost world!
- 1st – REMIND (imperative) them to be SUBJECT… vs. 1
- 2nd – Where our attitude comes from… vs. 3-8
- 1st – Because of who we were… vs. 3
- Before we knew Jesus – we ALSO were (imperfect) – continually were…
- FOOLISH – to literally NOT THINK – we acted without thought of consequence…
- DISOBEDIENT – the opposite of TRUST – we did not TRUST God…
- DECEIVED – planao – to be led away from the TRUTH – wander from God…
- SERVING (doulos) various lusts and pleasures – we were SLAVES to our sin…
- Living in MALICE / ENVY – living an EVIL life – ENVYING what everyone else had…
- HATEFUL / HATING one another – a life of HATE for God – HATRED for others!
- We ONCE were – but NO longer are…
- In order to really appreciate what God has done – we need to look at who we were…
- Placed on the black backdrop of our past – with the light of Christ shining on us…
- We see the magnificence of what God has transformed us into!
- Efeso 2:4-5 – “Pero maluluy-on gid ang Dios, kag dako ang iya paghigugma sa aton. Bisan patay kita sa iya panulok tungod sang aton mga sala, ginbuhi niya kita upod kay Cristo.”
- It is easy to forget who we were before Christ…
- If we do not remember what we were saved from – we might want to go back…
- We think back on all the GOOD times we had – all the FUN – before we knew Jesus…
- But forget about the hangovers / the conviction / the lack of purpose in life…
- When we remember what we were saved from – sin and death – power of satan…
- We hold on all the tighter to Jesus – determined never to go back!
- If we do not remember – we think we are better than others…
- There is also the danger of forgetting we are no better than any other sinner…
- We become judgmental of others – HOLIER than others – super spiritual…
- Forgetting we were just as much a sinner – but have been redeemed from the world!
- Before we knew Jesus – we ALSO were (imperfect) – continually were…
- 2nd – Because of who we are… vs. 4-7
- When the KINDNESS and LOVE of God toward man APPEARED …
- KINDNESS – most often translated GOODNESS – the GOOD thing God did because of the…
- LOVE of God – philanthrōpia – phileo anthropos – friendship with man…
- APPEARED – speaking of the crucifixion of Christ on the CROSS!
- NOT by WORKS of righteousness we have done…
- According to His MERCY – not giving us what we deserved – He SAVED us!
- NO ONE else could save us – there was NOTHING we could do to save ourselves…
- It was ONLY God who could step in and change our fate – SAVE us from our sin!
- Our old man – our old sinful nature – was crucified and buried with Jesus!
- Galatia 2:20 – “Napatay ako kaupod ni Cristo sa krus. Indi na ako ang nagakabuhi subong, kundi si Cristo na ang nagakabuhi sa akon…”
- SAVED – through the WASHING and REGENERATION and RENEWING of the Holy Spirit!
- WASHING – literally to take a bath – we are washed by His Word…
- Ephesians 5:26 – “…agod batunon ini sang Dios, pagkatapos nga natinluan paagi sa pagbautiso nga kaupod sang pulong sang Dios.”
- REGENERATION – compound word – NEW GENESIS – a new beginning!
- RENEWING – a COMPLETE change for the better!
- In prisons the goal is to rehabilitate SINFUL men – and make them BETTER…
- Yet statistically within five years of release – more than 75% end up BACK in prison!
- Because REHABILITAION does NOT work – we need REGENERATION!
- The Holy Spirit does NOT improve our sinful nature – He crucifies it!
- We are CLEANED from our PAST sins – given a NEW start – CHANGED for the better…
- All by the POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT – who transformed our lives!
- We were given NEW LIFE – freed from sin – so we can live for God!
- 2 Corinto 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
- When the KINDNESS and LOVE of God toward man APPEARED …
- 1st – Because of who we were… vs. 3
- “Ang bisan sin-o nga ara kay Cristo bag-o na nga tawo. Wala na ang iya daan nga pagkatawo, kundi bag-o na siya.”
- Whom He POURED out on us ABUNDANTLY…
- We did not just get a little bit of the Holy Spirit – He was POURED out on us!
- The Baptism of the Holy Spirit / the baptism of fire – Mateo 3:11
- On the day of Pentecost – the Holy Spirit was POURED out on the church…
- Making a group of fishermen – an unstoppable force for Jesus in a lost world!
- We are called to be a light in a dark world – Mateo 5:14
- God POURS us His Holy Spirit to give us the POWER to SHINE!
- Not just once – we need Him ABUNDANTLY – daily filling us so we have His Power!
- HEIRS to eternal life…
- Having been (passive) JUSTIFIED by His GRACE – we should become (subjunctive) HEIRS…
- HEIRS – LEGAL term describes our INTERITANCE – according to the HOPE of Eternal Life!
- Roma 8:15-17 – “…Kag tungod nga kita mga anak na sang Dios, mga manunubli kita sang mga butang nga ginatigana sang Dios para sa aton. Mga manunubli kita kaupod ni Cristo…”
- Roman culture – adoption was a very common practice…
- The adopted child became an HEIR of his new Father!
- We have become heirs to all that God has – joint heirs with Jesus Christ!
- That means God desires to give us EVERYTHING – His KINGDOM – Lucas 12:32
- To the extent we will even sit on the throne of Jesus with Him – Pahayag 3:21
- Often times we are left to wonder if God can/will take care of our needs…
- God does not just want to provide for our needs – we are heirs to His Kingdom!
- 3rd – Faithful saying… vs. 8
- Paul told Titus to CONSTANTLY affirm these things – how to interact with Government…
- Those who have BELIEVED (perfect) in God – new creations – heirs of eternal life…
- Should be (subjunctive) careful to maintain GOOD (kalos) works…
- Not speaking EVIL about our government – instead being an EXAMPLE to them!
- So that the CHURCH has a HEALTHY relationship with the GOVERNMENT!
- Whom He POURED out on us ABUNDANTLY…
- 3rd – Things to Avoid… vs. 9-11
- 1st – FOOLISH questions… vs. 9
- In light of maintaining GOOD works – Paul gave Titus FIVE things to AVIOD…
- FOOLISH (mōros) questions – there are GOOD and BAD questions…
- More often than not when people do not understand something – they ASSUME…
- And more often than not their ASSUMPTIONS are WAY OFF!
- There are always going to be things in the Bible / about God we do not understands…
- If we have a hard time understanding the Word of God – it is GOOD to ask questions!
- ASSUMPTIONS will only get us into trouble – answered questions give us the truth!
- But there are GENUINE questions – then there are FOOLISH questions…
- People will try and get you to argue over silly things – that are a waste of time…
- The important questions we should be answering – how can we get to heaven!
- 2nd – GENEOLOGIES… vs. 9
- GENEOLOGIES – prioritizing family lineage – I am the son of so and so…
- I am saved because of who my family is – or because of my country!
- God has NO grandchildren – and only ONE citizenship counts – belonging to heaven!
- Therefore – we are told to avoid both of these – because they focus on MEN!
- And the ideas and pedigree of men have NO POWER to save us from our sins!
- 3rd – CONTENSIONS – those who want to cause STRIFE / looking for a DEBATE… vs. 9
- 4th – STRIVINGS about the law… vs. 9
- This is not talking about the LAW of God…
- This is talking about the RULES people make up – arguing their STANDARDS!
- Can we watch movies – what rating – can we listen to secular music!
- All of these RULES are UNPROFITABLE and USELESS – they do NOT change the heart!
- People STIVE over RULES – rather than pointing people to the answer – Jesus!
- 5th – DIVISIVE men… vs. 10-11
- DIVISIVE – hairetikos – someone who teaches of follows FALSE doctrine…
- We are to ADMONISH them – SHOW them the TRUTH from the Word…
- But if they do NOT listen – after the SECOND time – REJECT (imperative) them!
- KNOWING (perfect) such a person is WARPED and sinning…
- WARPED – only here NT – to be twisted and bent out of shape!
- And is SELF CONDEMNED – only here NT – already JUDGED!
- We ADMONISH them NOT to be mean – but to CORRECT their FALSE doctrines…
- To bring him back to the simplicity of the Word – point them to Jesus!
- Warn them the FIRST time – but if they continue to cause division – REJECT them!
- Because they do NOT want to hear the TRUTH – they are only there to DISTRACT…
- We know they do NOT want to listen – because they REJECT the Word!
- DIVISIVE – hairetikos – someone who teaches of follows FALSE doctrine…
- 1st – FOOLISH questions… vs. 9
- 4th – Closing instructions… vs. 12-15
Paul closes his letter to Titus – the GRACE of God be with you all – Amen!
1st – Good Examples… vs. 12-13
Paul concludes his short epistle to Titus by giving instructions to FOUR men…
Artemas – gift of Artimus – only mentioned here in the Bible…
Presumably from Ephesus – were the temple of Artimus / Diana stood…
Perhaps a convert to Christianity from one of the missionary journeys of Paul
Tychicus was from the province of Asia – where Ephesus was the capital – Binuhatan 20:4
He carried the letter to the Colossians – Colosas 4:7
It also delivered the second epistle to Timothy – 2 Timoteo 4:12
Paul would send EITHER – Artemas or Tychicus to help Titus on Crete…
So Titus could come (imperative) to come Nicopolis where Paul would spend the winter!
Nicopolis – City of VICTORY- city in western Greece named by Caesar Augustus…
Commemorated the Battle of Actium – Augustus victory over Mark Anthony and Cleopatra!
In the place the Roman Empire was forged – Paul was planning how to send out men…
Three of whom were named after Greek Gods – Artimus / Zeus / and Apollo…
But now SERVED the one TRUE God – going out to forge His KINGDOM!
Zenas the Lawyer – gift of Zeus – like Artemas is only mentioned here in the Bible…
Apollos is the powerful speaker Paul met in Ephesus – Binuhatan 19
He became an important and much loved pastor in the church at Corinth…
Titus was to send (imperative) these two men on their JOURNEY – so they lacked nothing!
2nd – LEARN to maintain GOOD (kalos) works… vs. 14-15
LEARN (imperative) – to learn by using or practice…
To meet URGENT need of others – that they may not be (subjunctive) UNFRUITFUL…
Get the whole picture – we are to be SUBJECT to the government…
Not saying BAD about them – instead being an EXAMPLE of GOOD works for them…
HELPING others – so that we can be FRUITFUL…
BECAUSE we have been SAVED – given a NEW LIFE by Jesus…
And now God wants to USE us – like Artemas / Zenas / Apollo…
To go out and be a part of setting up His KINGDOM – bring SALVATION to a lost world!
Greet (imperative) those who love (phileo) us in the faith…
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