August 25, 2010

Titus 1:1-16 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Encouraging Others in Faith

Introduction

Titus 1:1-16: Today we begin reading Paul's letter to Titus. In this passage, Paul reminds Titus that his work is to appoint leaders and officials for the churches of Crete. He tells Titus what qualities he should expect these leaders to have and reminds him of the importance of sticking to the true message. Paul also warns Titus about false teachers who apparently were upsetting families and causing trouble with their teachings.

Today’s Scripture: Titus 1:7

For since a church leader is in charge of God's work, he should be without fault. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered, or a drunkard or violent or greedy for money.

Today’s Reading

¹From Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I was chosen and sent to help the faith of God's chosen people and to lead them to the truth taught by our religion, ²which is based on the hope for eternal life. God, who does not lie, promised us this life before the beginning of time, ³and at the right time he revealed it in his message. This was entrusted to me, and I proclaim it by order of God our Savior. ⁴I write to Titus, my true son in the faith that we have in common. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace. ⁵I left you in Crete, so that you could put in order the things that still needed doing and appoint church elders in every town. Remember my instructions: ⁶an elder must be without fault; he must have only one wife, and his children must be believers and not have the reputation of being wild or disobedient. ⁷For since a church leader is in charge of God's work, he should be without fault. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered, or a drunkard or violent or greedy for money. ⁸He must be hospitable and love what is good. He must be self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. ⁹He must hold firmly to the message which can be trusted and which agrees with the doctrine. In this way he will be able to encourage others with the true teaching and also to show the error of those who are opposed to it. ¹⁰For there are many, especially the converts from Judaism, who rebel and deceive others with their nonsense. ¹¹It is necessary to stop their talk, because they are upsetting whole families by teaching what they should not, and all for the shameful purpose of making money. ^12-13It was a Cretan himself, one of their own prophets, who spoke the truth when he said, “Cretans are always liars, wicked beasts, and lazy gluttons.” For this reason you must rebuke them sharply, so that they may have a healthy faith ¹⁴and no longer hold on to Jewish legends and to human commandments which come from people who have rejected the truth. ¹⁵Everything is pure to those who are themselves pure; but nothing is pure to those who are defiled and unbelieving, for their minds and consciences have been defiled. ¹⁶They claim that they know God, but their actions deny it. They are hateful and disobedient, not fit to do anything good.

Reflect

According to this passage, how are the appointed church leaders and officials to live? Do you think church leaders, pastors and priests are expected to live according to a higher set of standards than anyone else? Why or why not?

Pray

God of empowerment, you have set some people apart for leadership in the community of faith. Guide their work and their lives, that they may serve as shining examples of Christ. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Ministers, pastors and priests