"Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3 and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior," Titus 1:1-3
God has revealed his truth to us by his servants the Apostles. Here are the truths in the verse above:
The purpose of the message (letter) to Titus was to:
1. Further the faith (trust) of God's elect
2. Promote their knowledge of the truth
3. It is the type of truth that leads to godliness (devotion to God and good living)
4. It was given in anticipation (hope) of eternal life
5. Eternal life (life in oneness with God forever) was promised before the beginning of time
6. That life was promised by God (YHWH) who does not lie
7. This kind of truth, that leads to godliness, has now been revealed by YHWH through Paul's proclamations (messages/preaching)
8. God had waited till the exact right and planned time to unpack (reveal) it.
The Apostles of Christ along with the prophets of old are the foundation on which our faith is built - Jesus our Lord himself being the cornerstone (i.e. Stability) of the whole edifice. Therefore we have THEM as sure examples because we have seen the conclusion and reverberating results of their inspired words, service and devotion to YHWH over these centuries.
To get the results Paul got, we study his understanding of the message Jesus brought, and of the scriptures. This in turn, inspires our thinking and instructs our strategies.
Paul, in a nutshell, was committed to preaching the truth with power over and over again. He was convinced that that led to good living and an unending life with YHWH.
If our way of preparing God's people is by these same proclamations and examples, we will get his results. I love this side note in The Voice translation of the Titus 1:1 verse above; it encapsulates the heart and zeal of the Apostle:
"...Paul leaves no room to sit on the fence; there is no partial truth—the future of the church is at stake."
Insight and discernment are vital for every child of God. We who have come to Christ, have received eyes that can see, ears that can hear and understanding hearts. (Ezekiel 36:26, Acts 28:28, Matthew 13:15).
Understanding God's word is a vital key to discernment. In these days, we must train ourselves and God's people to exercise their spiritual senses. As with natural senses, spiritual senses become more efficient with use and mature through an understanding of the message and life God brought to us in Christ Jesus.
"For everyone that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Hebrews 5:13-14
To understand the message of the righteousness that Jesus Christ brought is to reveal the truth that leads to godliness. This means godliness (refined, holy life) is a natural byproduct of Truth. And this in turn strengthens discernment.
Not everything you see, hear or perceive with the physical senses is reality. Optical illusions and mirages are visual evidence that deceives the human eye to interpret them differently to what they really are, how much more in spiritual things. As Paul states:
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
How then can you discern? By growth in using God’s word to test everything, you see or hear.
Jesus was never preoccupied with finding the devil (we are not called to go devil hunting), he, however, was preoccupied with illuminating the world with proclamations (preaching/speaking) of Truth and destruction of the works of the evil one. [Matthew 4:23 John 9:4]
"For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8
In addition to this, he made his followers aware of the spiritual nature of life and the world they lived in. They were told to be watchful (spiritually observant) and prayerful (connected to God and his wisdom through communication).
It's OK to start small but we need to start using our spiritual senses with God's word as our guide.
Jesus said to his close followers before his death:
" I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me..." John 14:29-31
The Prince (ruler) of this world's society and structure is an adversary (he is actively opposed to you and the truth you present and represent) and there is no truth in him. John 8:44
The test for a lie is the Truth. Search for truth, dont be complacent. The word of YHWH is the only sure truth and reality. But act from a position of confidence, because if we remain in the light we like Jesus is, the adversary has no hold over us but comes so that we can display to the world our love and steadfast devotion to our dearest all-powerful Father. Glory to YHWH!
"Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36
“They defeated him because of the Lamb’s blood and because of the message of their witness. Even when facing death they did not cling to life." Revelation 12:11 CJB
"Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." Isaiah 2:3 NIV
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