Titus

[trapperhoney]

But why the walk down memory lane? Why is Paul reminding us what we were like before? Certainly we can develop a great gospel message on from vss 3-7. But may i suggest that Paul was not telling Titus to preach this to the lost, but to those that were already saints. Again, why the review of the Gospel? To what end is this line of thinking? If one gets this right, one will have a powerful tool in the sanctification process.

Your comments brought to mind a song I heard growing up:

The things that I love
I hold dear to my heart
They are borrowed and
Not mine at all
Jesus only let me use them
To brighten my life
So remind me, remind me dear Lord

Roll back the curtain of memory now and then
Show me where you brought me from and
Where I could have been
Just remember I'm a human and human's forget
So remind me, remind me dear Lord

Nothing good have I done
To deserve God's own Son
I'm not worthy of the scars
In His hands
Yet he chose the road to Calvary
To die in my stead
Why He loved me I can't understand

Roll back the curtain of memory now and then
Show me where you brought me from and
Where I could have been
Just remember I'm a human and human's forget
So remind me, remind me dear Lord

Just remember I'm a human and human's forget
So remind me, remind me dear Lord

it is titled, "Remind Me, Dear Lord" by Dottie Rambo

I also think that this ties in to 2 Chronicles 7:14.  That verse has come up a lot lately because the condition of society and the direction it is going is very grievous to many Christians, so their minds are turned to revival.  They want to see a revival and the country turn back to God and these horrible sins squashed down again.  They quote and cling to this verse, and they pray fervent prayers asking for revival, but nothing is happening.  I think it lies in the fact that when they quote that verse they frequently stop after "pray" or even "seek my face" and the phrase "turn from their wicked ways" is the most important!  Christians are ignoring sin in their own lives, because they don't recognize it as sin.  They are using the world as a standard, and that makes them look pretty good.  But if we truly humble ourselves (examine our innermost man) and pray (repent) and seek God's face (use his standard and not the world's, get to know who he truly is -- this will reveal in our lives what is hindering revival) and TURN from our wicked ways (put them away from us, a complete change to come in line with God) only then can we have revival.  Reminding the Christians of who they were before Christ and where they would be now but for the grace of God would be a big step in that direction.

Edited September 25, 2015 by trapperhoney

[Standing Firm In Christ]

Your comments brought to mind a song I heard growing up:

The things that I love
I hold dear to my heart
They are borrowed and
Not mine at all
Jesus only let me use them
To brighten my life
So remind me, remind me dear Lord

Roll back the curtain of memory now and then
Show me where you brought me from and
Where I could have been
Just remember I'm a human and human's forget
So remind me, remind me dear Lord

Nothing good have I done
To deserve God's own Son
I'm not worthy of the scars
In His hands
Yet he chose the road to Calvary
To die in my stead
Why He loved me I can't understand

Roll back the curtain of memory now and then
Show me where you brought me from and
Where I could have been
Just remember I'm a human and human's forget
So remind me, remind me dear Lord

Just remember I'm a human and human's forget
So remind me, remind me dear Lord

it is titled, "Remind Me, Dear Lord" by Dottie Rambo

I also think that this ties in to 2 Chronicles 7:14.  That verse has come up a lot lately because the condition of society and the direction it is going is very grievous to many Christians, so their minds are turned to revival.  They want to see a revival and the country turn back to God and these horrible sins squashed down again.  They quote and cling to this verse, and they pray fervent prayers asking for revival, but nothing is happening.  I think it lies in the fact that when they quote that verse they frequently stop after "pray" or even "seek my face" and the phrase "turn from their wicked ways" is the most important!  Christians are ignoring sin in their own lives, because they don't recognize it as sin.  They are using the world as a standard, and that makes them look pretty good.  But if we truly humble ourselves (examine our innermost man) and pray (repent) and seek God's face (use his standard and not the world's, get to know who he truly is -- this will reveal in our lives what is hindering revival) and TURN from our wicked ways (put them away from us, a complete change to come in line with God) only then can we have revival.  Reminding the Christians of who they were before Christ and where they would be now but for the grace of God would be a big step in that direction.

One of my favorite Dottie Rambo songs.

[Alan]

Christian Markle,

Thank you for your post. We do need to go down, "memory lane," and remind ourselves of the wonderful salvation the Lord Jesus freely gave us and the change that He wrought in our lives.

King David said, "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." Psalm 40:2

Trapperhoney and Standing Firm in Christ,

Thank you for the lyrics of the song by Dottie Rambo, "Remind Me, Dear Lord."

I do hope the brethren enjoy the song, "Remind Me, Dear Lord."

May God bless you all as we study the riches of the Grace of God in the book of Titus.

Alan

[Alan]

Titus 3:4-7

The Kindness and Love of God

     Verse 4-7

     (4) But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

   (5) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

     (6) Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

     (7) That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Our righteousness, in the sight of God, as Paul clearly showed in Titus 3:3, is filthy and God will not allow our filthy righteousness to enter heaven. “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6. We deserve to spend eternity in hell because we have sinned against a holy and righteous God. “For the wages of sin is death…” Romans 6:23a. “...But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23b.

Because God is love, 1 John 4:8, He provided a way to pay the penalty for our sins and impute His righteousness into us in order for us to escape the damnation of hell and dwell with Him in heaven for eternity. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

God is truly kind and loving to us. Because of His mercy and grace, God became our Saviour! God did something to prove His love for mankind. He left the glories of heaven, became a man, the man Christ Jesus, and died for us on the cross of Calvary! My friend, that is sincere love.

It is hard to comprehend this kind of love due to the fact that so often we only love those who love us or who are in our immediate family or circle of friends. God loved us while we were sinners, unlovely, ungrateful, and seeking our own will. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8. Brethren, please study Romans chapter 5 more carefully to know more about the love of God. The Lord Jesus died for all of the sinners of mankind throughout the ages.

When the Lord Jesus died on the Cross of Calvary He died for all mankind. “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” 1 John 4:14 The doctrine of the Limited Atonement taught by the Calvinists is not sound doctrine and is heretical.

Our salvation from an eternity in hell is provided completely by the mercy and grace of God through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. There is absolutely nothing we can do in order to merit, gain, or work for our salvation.

King David and Mephiboseth

An illustration of the kindness of God is given in the Old Testament story of King David and Mephiboseth in 2 Samuel 9:1-13 and 2 Samuel 21:14. King David, placed upon the throne of Israel by the direct will of God, had the power and authority to put his enemies to death. This included the descendants of King Saul. Because of the iniquity and rebellion of King Saul, the land of Israel was under the hand of judgment of God. But, because of the kindness of King David, 2 Samuel 9:1, he saved Mephiboseth from a life of poverty. Also, he spared Mephiboseth from death, 2 Samuel 21:7.

"Which he shed on us abundantly"

Because of the kindness and grace of God, He saves us and abundantly blesses our physical and spiritual lives through His Son, the Lord Jesus. Brethren, how can we ever even come close to repaying Him? We ought to serve Christ out of a heart of love and gratitude for what He has done for us. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”. Romans 12:1

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9

Justification

“That being justified by his grace...” Once a person trusts in Jesus Christ as their Saviour, then that person is justified in the sight of God. Our own works cannot save us nor can it justify us in the sight of God. Only the grace of the Lord Jesus can justify us. Please study Romans chapter 3:20-31 and chapter 4 to understand more fully how God imputes His righteousness onto us and then declares us justified.

Once a person is saved, and justified, then that person is an heir of eternal life in heaven. Our salvation is eternal and starts the moment we believe in the Lord Jesus as our Saviour. We are kept secure by the sealing of the Holy Spirit from the moment we get saved.

“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” Titus 1:2. What greater hope could God give us, eternal life in Heaven! Paul said it best in Ephesians 1:13 and 14, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest [deposit] of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

God saves us by His grace and keeps us saved by His grace. Praise the Lord! I am so happy that I cannot lose my salvation in any way due to the fact that it is God, through the sealing of the Holy Spirit that keeps my salvation. Truly the grace of God is wonderful and beyond all of our comprehension in our present life. But, I am very joyful in the fact that once we are in the presence of God in heaven, He will give us a better comprehension of His marvelous grace.

 

[Alan]

Brethren,

I do hope that the following song by Charles Wesley, "Amazing Love, How Can It Be?" is a blessing to your heart.

May God richly bless all of you.

Alan

Edited September 28, 2015 by Alan
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[Alan]

The love and kindness of God exhibited on the Cross of Calvary for the eternal salvation of our souls is wonderful and marvelous. If anyone has a testimony concerning these verses being a blessing to your heart I am sure we would all appreciate you sharing it.

 

[Christian Markle]

Thought: How we treat our most stubborn enemy is a commentary on how well we understand how God has treated us. Sadly, I am still learning to put into practice what I say I believe about the Amazing salvation I have so undeservingly received.

[Alan]

Thought: How we treat our most stubborn enemy is a commentary on how well we understand how God has treated us. Sadly, I am still learning to put into practice what I say I believe about the Amazing salvation I have so undeservingly received.

ChristanMarkle,

Thank you very much for your thoughts and testimony.

Living a live with grace towards others is why the Lord Jesus said, "That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:45 God uses the natural world to bless His most stubborn enemies.

One of the aspects of the teaching of grace of God in our lives, (see Titus 2:11 and 12), is to treat our enemies who wrongly persecute us with grace. The Lord Jesus, "Grace Exemplified,' said also in the Sermon on the Mount concerning how to treat our enemies, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Matthew 5:11 and 12

And, "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." Matthew 5:39 Brethren, if a person physically harms us for the a testimony that we give for the cause of Christ we need to turn the other cheek and let him do it again.

The Sermon on the Mount was given to us to teach us to have grace in our hearts towards others.  As you pointed out admirably, all of us are learning how to live a life of the grace of salvation: which we undeservingly received.

Alan

 

Edited September 30, 2015 by Alan
spelling

[trapperhoney]

King David and Mephiboseth

An illustration of the kindness of God is given in the Old Testament story of King David and Mephiboseth in 2 Samuel 9:1-13 and 2 Samuel 21:14. King David, placed upon the throne of Israel by the direct will of God, had the power and authority to put his enemies to death. This included the descendants of King Saul. Because of the iniquity and rebellion of King Saul, the land of Israel was under the hand of judgment of God. But, because of the kindness of King David, 2 Samuel 9:1, he saved Mephiboseth from a life of poverty. Also, he spared Mephiboseth from death, 2 Samuel 21:7.

2Sa 9:1 And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?

The kindness given to Mephiboseth by David was because of his love for Jonathan, not simply because of any innate kindness of David.  The love David had for Jonathan flowed over to encompass any family Jonathan had left.  I am sure there is a deeper spiritual application for that truth, because in a way we are similar to Mephiboseth in that grace and mercy is extended to us due to the love God has for his Son who died for us....

[Alan]

2Sa 9:1 And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?

The kindness given to Mephiboseth by David was because of his love for Jonathan, not simply because of any innate kindness of David.  The love David had for Jonathan flowed over to encompass any family Jonathan had left.  I am sure there is a deeper spiritual application for that truth, because in a way we are similar to Mephiboseth in that grace and mercy is extended to us due to the love God has for his Son who died for us....

Trapperhoney,

If you would like to develop this theme concerning David shewing kindness to Mephiboseth due to Jonathan's sake, and include it in this study, I believe it would be appropiate and be a special blessing to all of us.

I also believe that the story of Jonathan, Mephiboseth, and David, as King, is a living story of the grace, kindness, and love of the Lord Jesus, our unworthiness of His blessings and His wonderful grace not only as our Saviour, but as our King. As you mentioned, there are deep spiritual blessings in this story for all of us that can be further untapped.

I will delay the next lesson for awhile to see if you would like to develop it further.

Brethren,

The Kindness and Love of God is a familiar theme in both the Old and New Testaments. Besides the story of King David, Mephiboseth, and the relationship with Jonathan, if there are other examples anyone would like to bring out, or if you would like to further expound on Trapperhoney's thoughts, feel free to bring it for discussion.

Alan

[John81]

Brethren,

The Kindness and Love of God is a familiar theme in both the Old and New Testaments. Besides the story of King David, Mephiboseth, and the relationship with Jonathan, if there are other examples anyone would like to bring out, or if you would like to further expound on Trapperhoney's thoughts, feel free to bring it for discussion.

Alan

It's good to point out the kindness and love of God is there in the Old Testament. It's very popular today, even among some Christians, to view "the God of the Old Testament" as being different than "the God of the New Testament". The fact is, and the simple reading of the whole Bible makes clear, God is God, He is, was and ever will be the same.

Many, mostly due to ignorance of Scripture, think of God in the Old Testament as an "angry, wrathful God", while thinking of God in the New Testament as all "love, peace, acceptance and tolerance". This, of course, is incorrect.

Throughout the Old Testament God tells the people what's best for them. Some try to follow and obey the Lord, which is best, but for the most part we see the people continually going their own way. Yet even with the people being disobedient, turning to false gods and other wicked ways, God always offers them the opportunity to repent and turn to Him. God continually points out the consequences of sinful living, warning the people to turn from such while offering forgiveness to them if they repent and follow Him.

That's not a God of anger and wrath, that's a God of love trying to show His kindness. How patient was God throughout the Old Testament in giving the people many opportunities to turn to Him before He allowed the consequences of their sins to fully impact them! That's a God of love and kindness.

[trapperhoney]

Brethren,

The Kindness and Love of God is a familiar theme in both the Old and New Testaments. Besides the story of King David, Mephiboseth, and the relationship with Jonathan, if there are other examples anyone would like to bring out, or if you would like to further expound on Trapperhoney's thoughts, feel free to bring it for discussion.

Alan

I will certainly be thinking on it, but I also look forward to any one else's insights....

[Alan]

The Kindness, Love & Mercy of God in Isaiah

As God is not only Holy, righteous and just, He is merciful, full of kindness, and love. Due to the matchless love of God mankind can obtain eternal life through the redemption of God our Saviour. This love, kindness, and mercy is not only exhibited in the New Testament by the Lord Jesus Christ, but is observed in numerous episodes given in the Old Testament by God the Father.

We will briefly look at the lovingkindness and mercy towards the nation of Israel in the book of Isaiah.

Sinful in the Eyes of God

In Titus 3:3 we clearly see that due to our sins all mankind deserves to spend eternity in hell as punishment against a just, righteous, and holy God.

The nation of Israel at the time of Isaiah was completely backslidden and worthy of the judgment of God. Isaiah 1:4, “Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backwards.”

Mercy & God’s Choosing

In spite of the corruption of the nation of Israel God would show His mercy to them. “For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined unto them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob. And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.” Isaiah 14:1 and 2

This promise and prophecy that the nation of Israel would once again dwell in their land and have rule over the people who were once their captors has not been fulfilled historically at any time since the time of Isaiah. After the Babylonian captivity this promise and prophecy was not fulfilled nor any time since that age.

The blindness of the nation of Israel is only temporary and the nation of Israel will one day be saved. Romans 11:25 & 26, “For I would not, brethren, that ye ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.” Romans 11:25 & 26 Jeremiah 31:31-34, Isaiah 27:9 and Psalm 14:7

The time of God’s choosing is still yet future. The time of God’s choosing to restore and exalt the nation of Israel with these wonderful promises is during the Millennial Reign of Christ as recorded in Revelation 20:4-6

God, the Saviour of Israel

Here these wonderful words, and promise, from God. “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no Saviour.” Isaiah 43:10 & 11

This is why we read in Titus 3:4, “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward men appeared.” God, in the person of the Lord Jesus, became our Saviour!

The Grace, Mercy, and Judgment of God in Isaiah

Throughout the book of Isaiah, it is very clear that the Israel was completely unworthy of salvation or any blessing from God. As with salvation, only by the Grace of God can we obtain salvation. “And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.” Isaiah 30:18

The Kindness of God in Isaiah

“I will mention the lovingkindness of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of the lovingkindness.” Isaiah 63:7

Isaiah realized that the kindness of God is full of love. Furthermore, even though the nation of Israel did not deserve any of the blessings of God, through His mercy, God would bestow great blessings on the nation of Israel in the future.

 

Alan

[Alan]

Good Works

     Verse 8

     (8) This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

After salvation, it is the will of God for all believers to have good works. God saved us in order for us to have eternal life in heaven and a good and profitable life for Christ, and for others, while on this earth. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

As with many other scriptures, some religious people try and do good works in order to get saved or to stay saved. This is unfortunate. Some believe that they can be baptized, or try and keep the Ten Commandments, help the poor, or some religious ceremony in order to gain, or work for, salvation. But, good works cannot save our souls or keep us saved. God wants us to do good works towards others out of a proper motive.

In the early days of the missionary movement in China, due to the animosity of the people, one of the methods used to work in China was to start orphanages in order to help the people. Due to the practice of infanticide, (the killing of an infant, usually unwanted female babies), the missionaries were able to make inroads with the people. God used this good work for His honor and glory.

One of these early missionaries in China, Dr. Elliott I. Osgood, was an evangelist and a physician in the northern part of China, (Chu Cheo, Anhwui Province), for eight years. In his biography of those years he gives this illustration of a testimony of one of these orphan girls at a commencement at the Nanking Christian Girls’ School in his book, “Breaking Down Chinese Walls.”

 

          The last speaker on the program was a little ten year old girl whose part it was to explain the purpose of Christian missions in opening schools for girls. She spoke to an audience, the large part of whom were atheists or idolaters. Many of them had sanctioned the frequent practice in China of destroying their girl babies…She, herself, had been thrown out by her parents and left to die. Had it not been for the work of missionaries she would have long since been lost in the multitude of babes destroyed by the practice of infanticide.”[1]

 

The good works done for, and in the name of Christ, will be fruit in this life with the salvation of souls and in the hearts and lives of those who do them. As Paul mentioned, “These things are good and profitable unto all men.”

Besides helping, or being in, our government, that Paul had previously mentioned to Titus, some examples of the good works mentioned in the scriptures are as follows. Please note that we need to remember that our good works are a product of our salvation in Christ not to gain eternal life. Our works prove our faith, “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect.” James 2:22

Other Examples of Good Works

     1. Being, or Helping, a Pastor, Evangelist, or Missionary. 1 Timothy 3:1 tells us, “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” The work of the ministry is of the Lord and those who are in it, or help those who are, are accomplishing a good work. The work of the Lord is profitable to our spiritual life and to the lives of those that we minister to.

     3. Helping Others. Acts 9:39. Dorcas is a good example of how she helped the physical needs of those around her. She is an example of what Paul said to Timothy concerning the widows of the church. “Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.” 1 Timothy 5:10. Godly ladies are always a blessing to a church.

     3. Financially. The book of Philemon. Philemon was a good example of a man who was blessed financially and helped those who he could. Philemon used his financial blessings to help those around him and helped Paul, and others, in the ministry when they had a financial need.

     4. As we saw in the area of missions, medical doctors, and other forms of good works done on the mission field. A lot of times, a country may not let missionaries in to preach the gospel, but they will let in medical doctors, language teachers, business people and other occupations in order to help their country socially. God has used these avenues of worldly service for His honor and glory.

Matthew 10:42

After salvation, there are many good works that a Christian may do in our service to Christ that the Lord will bless us for in this life and in heaven. The Lord Jesus taught, “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42

 

 

---

[1] Osgood, Dr. Elliott I. Breaking Down Chinese Walls. (New York: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1908) Page 137-138.

[Alan]

I do hope that you enjoy the hymn, "We'll Work 'Till Jesus comes," sung, and played by, Martha Reed Garvin.

[Alan]

Subjects to Avoid

Titus 3:9

     Verse 9

     (9) But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

God wants His people to have some wisdom and discretion in their lives, speech, and actions and in their relationships with other people. He wants us to avoid foolishness and those who are foolish in their actions, speech, and their silly questions. H. A. Ironside said, “It is easy to give one’s self to the defense of certain views which may not in themselves be of a sanctifying character, but the servant of Christ is exhorted to avoid everything of a merely contentious nature, and first of all to have in mind the edification of the people of God.”[1]

When a person is not interested in getting saved, or learning the truth, a lot of times they will ask foolish religious questions in order to try to intimidate the one who is trying to witness, or speak, to them about Christ and the Bible.

Fools will ask foolish questions and will try to get in a religious argument with others. Remember what Paul had previously told Titus in 1:10? “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcism.”

Also, Paul warns Titus to avoid those who are contentious and who are involved in genealogies. He is specifically warning us about religious groups such as the Mormon Church. The Mormons are noted for their genealogical record searching. Searching genealogies is vanity in the sight of God and is usually used in order to bolster a group’s heritage or culture in comparison with others.

We need to realize that every person, no matter what nation, culture or background every person is a descendent from Adam. Therefore, all people, cultures, nations have the same genealogical background.

Carnal people, lost or saved, have a tendency to want to argue about the scriptures. Paul mentions here specifically that there are those who are contentious and want to strive, (with verbal arguments), about the law of God. We need to remember three things about the Law of God. The Law of God is:

1. Perfect. “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.” Psalm 119:40. The word of God, which includes the Law, is perfect in all aspects. The only thing wrong about the law was that even though it showed us we were sinners, it could not in itself save us. It showed us that a sacrifice was needed in order to save us. The law is perfect; we are not. “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh to God. Hebrews 7:19

2. Good. “But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully.” 1 Timothy 1:8. The Law was given to show us that we are sinners by nature and that only by trusting in God for our salvation could we be saved.

3. If used properly, the law can convert us. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7. The Old Testament saint who trusted in God realized, as we should realize, that the law was perfect, it showed us we were sinners, and that God required a sacrifice in order to obtain salvation. If they, and we, trusted in God, then He would save our souls.

   Paul knew that those who were contentious about the law, or any part of the scriptures, were just like the Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and hypocrites. These types of people are not trusting in God; they are trusting in themselves and only use the Bible to further their own beliefs. In our age, we have groups, like the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons, who delight in getting in religious arguments to prove that they are right and that you are wrong. Paul told Titus, and us, that arguing with them is unprofitable and vain.

   Solomon said, “The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.” Proverbs 17:14

 

---

[1] Ironside, H. A. Timothy, Titus & Philemon. (Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers: 1947) Page 272-273.

[trapperhoney]

Whenever I hear or read the Law is perfect, I immediately think of this passage:

Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

Psa 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Psa 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

Psa 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

 

In junior church many years ago we had a couple who taught us and they taught us that the Jews used to sing the psalms in their worship, and they taught us this passage set to music.  It has stuck in my head all these years.  A very good passage to set to memory.

[beameup]

Whenever I hear or read the Law is perfect, I immediately think of this passage:

Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

Psa 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Psa 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

Psa 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

 

In junior church many years ago we had a couple who taught us and they taught us that the Jews used to sing the psalms in their worship, and they taught us this passage set to music.  It has stuck in my head all these years.  A very good passage to set to memory.

But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD,

I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

[Alan]

Trapperhoney and beameup,

Thank you for your posting. Great verses!

I especially like Psa 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

King David knew that the true knowledge of the scriptures, whether it be the Law or Grace, was a belief from the heart; the inward part of man.

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Hebrews 8:7-13

Alan

 

[Alan]

Brethren,

I do hope the song, "The Law of the Lord is Perfect," blesses your heart.

 

God Bless,

Alan