Daily Scripture
“He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.”
Titus 1:9-16
daily Devotion
When I’m reading my Bible, I often think about the context of the verses. It is easy to forget that the verses were added years after the books were written for our reference. When reading verses 10-16, it is important to remember that Titus 1: 1-9 talked about the qualities of a pastor and it spoke to the importance of sound doctrine. (See the devotion on December 4th for more context)
Verses 10-12 talks about there being “many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception”. It always amazes me to see that, because of sin, the world they lived in is the same one we live in. Anyone with the internet can share their voice and it can be hard to separate the truth from the lies of you don’t hold firmly to the message that the Bible teaches as verse 9 tells us.
Verses 13-16 tells us that we must rebuke this meaningless talk and deception and be weary of those who claim to know God but who’s actions deny him. Without the word of God being your foundation, figuring out what is truth and what is a lie will be impossible.
Jacob Fox