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Read (and listen!) through the New Testament in 8 weeks with your small group or on your own.
Immerse: Messiah is the first of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Messiah takes the reader on a unique journey through every book of the New Testament. Each section of Messiah begins with one of the Gospels, and together they combine to provide a life-changing reading experience centered on Jesus. This fresh arrangement of the books highlights the depth of the New Testament’s fourfold witness to Jesus the Messiah. The Son of God, who fulfills all the longings and promises of the collected Scriptures, can be experienced in Messiah through the rich variety of lenses provided by the books of the new covenant.
The Immerse Bible Series is the proud winner of the prestigious Bible of the Year award from the ECPA Christian Book Awards. Immerse: The Reading Bible is specially crafted for a distraction-free listening and reading experience, helping you dive in and get immersed in Scripture. You’ll have a great experience using Immerse by yourself. But for an even richer experience, try reading with friends.
Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience is an invitation to a different kind of community interaction with the Bible. Less like a Bible study, more like a book club.
- 8 or 16-week Bible listening plans take you through a large section of the Bible like the New Testament or the Torah
- Meet once a week for a free-flowing discussion about the text
- Wrestle with questions and celebrate ‘aha!’ moments together
Nothing impacts spiritual growth more than spending time in Scripture. Immerse removes many of the barriers that make Bible reading difficult and invites communities to become transformed together through the power of God’s word.
Welcome to the saddleback church anchored life challenge which can also by found on the saddleback companion app or by purchasing the immerse messiah book from tyndale.
The anchored life challenge includes speakers such as Andy Wood, Rick Warren, and Stacie Wood.
Immerse Messiah 20
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Stacie Wood: [00:00:00] Welcome to Immersed Messiah Reading for Week 4,
Rick Warren: Day 20.
Rick Warren: Immersed in Titus. After discovering the issues that were going on in Ephesus, Paul asked Timothy to remain there and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. But around the same time, Paul became aware of another crisis requiring his attention. False teaching was spreading among the believers in the churches on the island of Crete, in the eastern Mediterranean.
Rick Warren: These churches were most likely young and lacking in strong local leadership. So Paul sent Titus, another of his trusted colleagues, to rein in the rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. Though probably young like Timothy, Titus was another dependable co worker. He had already played an important role in bringing about reconciliation between Paul and the Corinthians.
Rick Warren: And Paul had also sent him to help the Corinthians arrange their [00:01:00] offering for impoverished believers in Jerusalem. When Paul wrote to the Galatians, he used Titus as an example of a Gentile believer who was serving Christ faithfully without having to follow the Jewish law. Now Paul needed Titus to take on an assignment every bit as challenging as Timothy's in Ephesus.
Rick Warren: On the island of Crete, false teachers, like those in Ephesus, were disrupting entire households with their emphasis on strange myths and speculative ideas. The fallout from their work included foolish discussions and quarrels about following the Jewish law, leading to divisions in the churches. So Paul now writes a letter of instruction to Titus.
Rick Warren: Like his first letter to Timothy, this letter alternates between instructions for the community of believers on Crete and charges to Titus himself. Because this letter is shorter and more general, the shifts between the two are not as pronounced. Instead, Paul moves briskly back and forth between them.
Rick Warren: It's possible that Paul [00:02:00] meant for Titus to read this letter only privately. Paul opens the letter with an emphasis on the nature of the gospel message and his own clear mandate to spread the good news about Jesus to all people. Paul then moves immediately to solving the problem of leadership in the churches of Crete by giving Titus guidance for appointing elders.
Rick Warren: Titus and these appointed elders are called to lead the churches to recommit to living by God's grace, as they did when the Good News was first preached to them. Paul is counting on Titus to influence the believers in Crete to live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.
Rick Warren: After Titus has completed his mission in Crete, Paul hopes Titus can join him for the winter as he prepares for the long anticipated trip to bring the Good News to the western parts of the Roman Empire.
Stacie Wood: The
Andy Wood: Letter to Titus This letter is [00:03:00] from Paul, a slave of God and an Apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised them before the world began.
Andy Wood: And now, at just the right time, he has revealed this message. Which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him. I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.
Andy Wood: I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his [00:04:00] wife, and his children must be believers who don't have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. A church leader is a manager of God's household, so he must live a blameless life.
Andy Wood: He must not be arrogant or quick tempered. He must not be a heavy drinker, violent or dishonest with money. Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught.
Andy Wood: Then, he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching, and show those who oppose it where they are wrong. For there are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation. They must be silenced.
Andy Wood: Because they are turning whole [00:05:00] families away from the truth by their false teaching. And they do it only for money. Even one of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons. This is true. So reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith.
Andy Wood: They must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people who have turned away from the truth. Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving because their minds and consciences are corrupted. Such people claim they know God, but they deny Him by the way they live.
Andy Wood: They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good. As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. Teach the older men to exercise self control, to be worthy of [00:06:00] respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.
Andy Wood: Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure. To work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands.
Andy Wood: Then they will not bring shame on the Word of God. In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can't be criticized.
Andy Wood: Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. [00:07:00] Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.
Andy Wood: For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God. Well, we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
Andy Wood: He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them [00:08:00] when necessary, so don't let anyone disregard what you say.
Andy Wood: Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures.
Andy Wood: Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But, when God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Andy Wood: Because of His grace, [00:09:00] He made us right in His sight. And gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings, so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.
Andy Wood: Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees, or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.
Andy Wood: I am planning to send either Artemis or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter. Do everything you can [00:10:00] to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos with their trip. See that they are given everything they need. Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others.
Andy Wood: Then they will not be unproductive. Everybody here sends greetings. Please give my greetings to the believers all who love us. May God's grace be with you all immersed
Rick Warren: in second Timothy. Paul had sent Timothy on many assignments over the years, most recently to Ephesus to stop those whose teaching was contrary to the truth. Paul supported Timothy in his work from a distance by writing him letters of instruction. Here Paul is sending him a second letter, one that includes an urgent message.
Rick Warren: Come as [00:11:00] soon as you can. Paul was in prison while writing this letter, possibly as a result of the opposition of Alexander the coppersmith whom he warns Timothy about. Emperor Nero is now actively persecuting Christians, and the Roman officials who had previously protected Paul are probably now sympathetic to his enemies instead.
Rick Warren: Paul expects to be executed in the near future because of his faith in Jesus. Considering his life poured out as an offering to God. So he writes to Timothy, telling him to leave Ephesus immediately and join him in Rome. In this second letter, Paul weaves in many words of personal charge to Timothy.
Rick Warren: Simply coming to visit Paul in prison would require as much courage and resolve as Timothy's previous assignment in Ephesus. Paul is preparing his young charge for the challenges he would face under Roman persecution. Attacks would come from all sides, and Timothy needed to know that leaders in particular would be called to follow in [00:12:00] the Lord's steps, persevering in the face of suffering and persecution.
Rick Warren: Some of Paul's co workers in Rome had been intimidated by this opposition and had abandoned him. He sadly reports, The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Paul had to stand alone, as Jesus himself did at his own trial. He urges Timothy to show the same resolve when his time comes.
Rick Warren: Without Paul's presence, Timothy would need to be steadfast in stopping those who reject the truth and lead other believers astray. He would need to focus on the critical work always before him, steadily preaching the Word of God, always prepared to defend the good news as he originally learned it. Paul instructs him, Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead.
Rick Warren: This is the good news I preach. The Bible doesn't record what happened to Paul or Timothy [00:13:00] after Paul wrote this letter. Tradition says that Paul gave his life for Jesus during Nero's reign. Meanwhile, Timothy was no stranger to persecution, as indicated by an imprisonment mentioned by the author of the book of Hebrews.
Rick Warren: I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released from jail. Timothy had already proved himself ready to suffer as Paul did. And Paul certainly assumes in this letter that Timothy would experience further persecution. Paul gives him this charge. You must remain faithful to the things you have been taught.
Rick Warren: You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. We can be thankful that this letter was added to those holy scriptures and that believers today are encouraged to walk faithfully as they wait for the return [00:14:00] of Christ Jesus.
Stacie Wood: The second letter to Timothy. This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus. I am writing to Timothy, my dear son. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
Stacie Wood: Timothy, I thank God for you, the God I serve with a clear conscience. Just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. I long to see you again. For I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again. [00:15:00] I remember your genuine faith.
Stacie Wood: For you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self discipline.
Stacie Wood: So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me either, even though I'm in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the good news. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time, to show us his grace through [00:16:00] Christ Jesus.
Stacie Wood: And now He has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News. That is why I am suffering here in prison.
Stacie Wood: But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me, a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.
Stacie Wood: As you know. Everyone from the province of Asia has [00:17:00] deserted me, even Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me.
Stacie Wood: May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ's return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus. Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people.
Stacie Wood: Who will be able to pass them on to others. Endorse suffering along with me. As a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life. [00:18:00] For then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hard working farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.
Stacie Wood: Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the good news I preach. And because I preach this good news, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal, but the Word of God cannot be chained.
Stacie Wood: So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying. If we die with Him, we will also live with Him. If we endure hardship, we [00:19:00] will reign with Him. If we deny Him, He will deny us. If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is.
Stacie Wood: Remind everyone about these things and command them in God's presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed, and who correctly explains the word of truth.
Stacie Wood: Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred. In this way, they have turned some people away [00:20:00] from the faith, but God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription, The Lord knows those who are his and all who belong to the Lord.
Stacie Wood: Must turn away from evil. In a wealthy home, some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
Stacie Wood: Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again, I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant [00:21:00] arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach and be patient with difficult people, gently instruct those who oppose the truth.
Stacie Wood: Perhaps God will change those people's hearts and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap, for they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days, there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money.
Stacie Wood: They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving. They will slander others and have no self control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will [00:22:00] betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.
Stacie Wood: They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that. They are the kind who work their way into people's homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.
Stacie Wood: These teachers opposed the truth just as Janice and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith, but they won't get away with this for long. Someday, everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Janice and Jambres. But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I [00:23:00] live, and what my purpose in life is.
Stacie Wood: You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. But the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
Stacie Wood: But evil people and imposters will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
Stacie Wood: All scripture is inspired by God, and is useful to teach us what is [00:24:00] true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his kingdom.
Stacie Wood: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct. Rebuke and encourage your people with good teaching, for a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.
Stacie Wood: They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at [00:25:00] telling others the good news, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God.
Stacie Wood: The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. And I have remained faithful. And awaits me. The crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me, but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Stacie Wood: Timothy, please come as soon as you can. Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when [00:26:00] you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
Stacie Wood: When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers. Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. But the Lord will judge him for what he has done. Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said. The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me.
Stacie Wood: Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them, but the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the good news in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.
Stacie Wood: All glory to God forever and [00:27:00] ever. Amen. Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living in the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed at Corinth. And I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings. And so do Putins, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.
Stacie Wood: May the Lord be with your spirit, and may his grace be with all of you.
Rick Warren: This concludes today's
Stacie Wood: Immerse Reading Experience. Thank you for joining us.