Titus 2 Live the word of God Part 28


Titus 2:15

“These, then, are all the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.”

If we look back to Titus 2:1, it says, “You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.” Paul starts with a command and then gives instructions for following it. He tells Titus what and how to teach the various groups of people. In verses 11-14, Paul tells us why we are to live as he has instructed; God gives us grace so that we can live this way while we await “the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13). Christ redeemed us and continually purifies us so that we are His people and will seek to do what is good. This brings us to our text today, in which Paul reiterates his point. All the things Titus has been told to teach must be taught with encouragement but also rebuke when necessary. Paul reminds Titus that God is our authority. By the working of the Holy Spirit, he is to share the word of God. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” We are called from the darkness, into the light, to be prophets, priests and kings for God. This means that we also are to be teachers of God’s word, encouraging and rebuking as God tells us to. We cannot, however, leave it there. Our text says, “Do not let anyone despise you.” This goes back to Paul’s theme of Christian living. If you say one thing but do another people will despise you. If your words and actions align, people cannot hold your words against you. Like we’ve previously learned, our tongues must be controlled and used for good. We can only succeed in this by the working of the Holy Spirit. Paul is calling us to action; we must use our tongues to teach but we must also live the word of God. How will you respond to the word of God? Will you submit to His authority? Will you share His word and live it out in your life? Knowing from whom you have received all good things, let your actions speak as loud as your words. Remember where you have come from and look forward to “the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” With a view to eternal life, live as God intended!

1. What does Matthew 28: 18 say about authority?

2. What does Luke 9: 1 tell us about authority? What does this mean for us today?

3. What can we learn from Colossians 3:16 about teaching the word of God?

4. What does James 1:22-25 teach us about being doers of the word?

5. What can we learn from John 14:26?

Gracious God, Lord of all creation, I praise You for Your awesome works and the gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. Help me to be a teacher and a doer of Your word. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and help me to live as one who has been redeemed and renewed. Plant Your word in my heart and on my tongue and let my actions be guided by it. All this I ask, not because I am worthy, but in Jesus name alone, Amen.


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