NorMel House Devotions

Titus 3:9 “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” Have you ever argued with someone about something that really has no solution or is completely unimportant? In our text, Paul warns against foolish arguments. At the time, some were adding names and stories to the genealogies and then getting into arguments about them. They were turning the truth into myth. Some people were adding laws and stipulations to the law and then quarreling about their legitimacy and importance. Paul has just taught us about what is profitable for everyone and now warns us against something that is profitable to no one. Paul warns Titus about getting involved in these petty arguments and foolish quarreling. We must not let ourselves be distracted from the gospel truth by those who embellish history or add to God’s law. This doesn’t mean we can’t have honest discussions that lead to wisdom or understanding. In fact, t...

Titus 3:8 “This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”  Throughout the letter to Titus, Paul has stressed the importance of doing good works and living a Christian lifestyle. He wants Titus to teach “what accords with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1), and He reminds us that we can trust what he has been saying because Christianity is not characterized by hopes, wants, and dreams, but rather, it is based on historical facts. What Paul has just told us in verses 4-7 is trustworthy because it is true, rational, and verifiable. Christianity is unique; religions of the world tell us to do this or do that, but Christianity tells us to look at what WAS done. The good news is what God has already accomplished for sinners. This verifiable truth is why Paul reminds us that what he has told us is trustworthy: Jesus came, ...

Titus 3:7 "So that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." It's amazing how so much can be packed into such a short sentence. In our text Paul says, "that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." We've already taken a look at justification but, now, let's look at what it means to be heirs of God. On several occasions, in the Bible, we are called heirs of God and even co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). What does this mean for us? It is a promise of much but, also, an obligation; both of which should have a great impact on our lives. Jesus said, "My Father's house has many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" As Heirs, we have the promise of a home with God. We can also look forward to a feast as Jesus often spoke about a heavenly banquet. There are also verses in the Bible that te...