WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:00.030 --> 00:00:02.860 Henry: Welcome To Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience. 00:00:02.988 --> 00:00:03.748 Day 39. 00:00:04.625 --> 00:00:06.095 immersed in Titus. 00:00:08.645 --> 00:00:12.935 After discovering the issues that were going on in Ephesus, Paul asked Timothy 00:00:12.935 --> 00:00:16.985 to remain there and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. 00:00:17.825 --> 00:00:20.615 But around the same time, Paul became aware of another 00:00:20.615 --> 00:00:22.235 crisis requiring his attention. 00:00:23.015 --> 00:00:26.375 False teaching was spreading among the believers in the churches on the island 00:00:26.375 --> 00:00:28.655 of Crete in the Eastern Mediterranean. 00:00:29.255 --> 00:00:33.365 These churches were most likely young and lacking in strong local leadership. 00:00:33.935 --> 00:00:38.255 So Paul sent Titus another of his trusted colleagues to reign in. 00:00:38.255 --> 00:00:42.335 The rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others, 00:00:43.085 --> 00:00:47.285 though probably young, like Timothy Titus was another dependable coworker. 00:00:47.975 --> 00:00:51.365 He had already played an important role in bringing about reconciliation 00:00:51.365 --> 00:00:52.925 between Paul and the Corinthians. 00:00:53.555 --> 00:00:57.245 And Paul had also sent him to help the Corinthians arrange their offering for 00:00:57.245 --> 00:00:59.045 impoverished believers in Jerusalem. 00:01:00.035 --> 00:01:04.055 When Paul wrote to the Galatians, he used Titus as an example of a Gentile 00:01:04.055 --> 00:01:08.765 believer who was serving Christ faithfully without having to follow the Jewish law. 00:01:09.845 --> 00:01:12.845 Now, Paul needed Titus to take on an assignment every bit as 00:01:12.845 --> 00:01:14.645 challenging as Timothy's an Ephesus. 00:01:15.350 --> 00:01:16.340 On the island of Crete. 00:01:16.670 --> 00:01:19.970 False teachers like those in Ephesus were disrupting entire 00:01:19.975 --> 00:01:24.080 households with their emphasis on strange myths and speculative ideas. 00:01:24.710 --> 00:01:28.400 The fallout from their work included foolish discussions and quarrels 00:01:28.670 --> 00:01:32.210 about following the Jewish law, leading to divisions in the churches. 00:01:32.810 --> 00:01:35.690 So Paul now writes a letter of instruction to Titus. 00:01:37.385 --> 00:01:38.885 Like his first letter to Timothy. 00:01:39.245 --> 00:01:42.155 This letter alternates between instructions for the community 00:01:42.155 --> 00:01:45.755 of believers on Crete and charges to Titus himself. 00:01:46.415 --> 00:01:49.985 Because this letter is shorter and more general, the shifts between 00:01:49.985 --> 00:01:51.395 the two are not as pronounced. 00:01:51.935 --> 00:01:55.115 Instead, Paul moves briskly back and forth between them. 00:01:55.685 --> 00:01:59.225 It's possible that Paul meant for Titus to read this letter only privately. 00:02:00.065 --> 00:02:03.785 Paul opens the letter with an emphasis on the nature of the gospel message 00:02:04.205 --> 00:02:08.015 and his own clear mandate to spread the good news about Jesus to all people. 00:02:08.735 --> 00:02:11.975 Paul then moves immediately to solving the problem of leadership in the 00:02:11.980 --> 00:02:16.865 churches of Crete by giving Titus guidance for a appointing elders Titus. 00:02:16.870 --> 00:02:20.945 And these appointed elders are called to lead the churches to recommit, to living 00:02:20.945 --> 00:02:24.905 by God's grace, as they did when the good news was first preached to them. 00:02:25.730 --> 00:02:30.260 Paul is counting on Titus to influence the believers in Crete to live in this 00:02:30.260 --> 00:02:36.050 evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God after Titus 00:02:36.050 --> 00:02:37.550 has completed his mission in Crete. 00:02:37.910 --> 00:02:42.170 Paul hopes Titus can join him for the winter as he prepares for the long and 00:02:42.170 --> 00:02:46.760 anticipated trip to bring the good news to the western parts of the Roman Empire. 00:02:52.040 --> 00:02:53.510 The letter to Titus. 00:02:55.925 --> 00:03:00.965 This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. 00:03:01.535 --> 00:03:05.615 I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to 00:03:05.615 --> 00:03:09.455 teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. 00:03:09.995 --> 00:03:15.245 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God who does not 00:03:15.245 --> 00:03:18.035 lie, promised them before the world began. 00:03:18.815 --> 00:03:22.955 And now at just the right time, he has revealed this message. 00:03:23.255 --> 00:03:24.755 Which we announced to everyone. 00:03:25.445 --> 00:03:28.355 It is by the command of God, our savior, that I have been 00:03:28.355 --> 00:03:30.245 entrusted with this work for him. 00:03:31.685 --> 00:03:37.745 I am writing to Titus my true son in the faith that we share may God 00:03:37.745 --> 00:03:42.695 the Father, and Christ Jesus our Savior, give you grace and peace. 00:03:44.765 --> 00:03:49.415 I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint 00:03:49.420 --> 00:03:51.665 elders in each town as I instructed you. 00:03:52.355 --> 00:03:54.725 An elder must live a blameless life. 00:03:55.175 --> 00:04:00.155 He must be faithful to his wife and his children must be believers who don't have 00:04:00.155 --> 00:04:02.975 a reputation for being wild or rebellious. 00:04:03.665 --> 00:04:07.325 A church leader is a manager of God's household, so he 00:04:07.325 --> 00:04:09.155 must live a blameless life. 00:04:09.755 --> 00:04:12.275 He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered. 00:04:12.785 --> 00:04:16.925 He must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. 00:04:17.750 --> 00:04:23.390 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home and he must love what is good. 00:04:23.990 --> 00:04:26.300 He must live wisely and be just. 00:04:26.780 --> 00:04:29.420 He must live a devout and disciplined life. 00:04:29.930 --> 00:04:33.830 He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught. 00:04:34.250 --> 00:04:38.240 Then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching. 00:04:38.600 --> 00:04:42.770 And show those who oppose it where they are wrong for. 00:04:42.770 --> 00:04:47.510 There are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. 00:04:48.170 --> 00:04:52.610 This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation. 00:04:53.240 --> 00:04:57.590 They must be silenced because they are turning whole families away from 00:04:57.590 --> 00:04:59.310 the truth by their false teaching. 00:05:00.155 --> 00:05:01.805 And they do it only for money. 00:05:02.435 --> 00:05:06.305 Even one of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, 00:05:06.755 --> 00:05:11.615 the people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons. 00:05:12.335 --> 00:05:13.205 This is true. 00:05:13.895 --> 00:05:17.465 So reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith. 00:05:18.035 --> 00:05:22.355 They must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people 00:05:22.355 --> 00:05:24.215 who have turned away from the truth. 00:05:25.415 --> 00:05:27.995 Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. 00:05:28.850 --> 00:05:32.870 But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving because their 00:05:32.870 --> 00:05:35.360 minds and consciences are corrupted. 00:05:35.990 --> 00:05:40.460 Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. 00:05:41.060 --> 00:05:45.560 They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good. 00:05:47.330 --> 00:05:51.950 As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. 00:05:52.565 --> 00:05:56.735 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of 00:05:56.735 --> 00:05:58.955 respect and to live wisely. 00:05:59.555 --> 00:06:03.335 They must have sound, faith, and be filled with love and patience. 00:06:03.995 --> 00:06:08.105 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. 00:06:08.765 --> 00:06:11.795 They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. 00:06:12.365 --> 00:06:15.275 Instead, they should teach others what is good. 00:06:15.875 --> 00:06:18.935 These older women must train the younger women to love their 00:06:18.935 --> 00:06:20.225 husbands and their children. 00:06:20.675 --> 00:06:26.375 To live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be 00:06:26.375 --> 00:06:30.965 submissive to their husbands, then they will not bring shame on the word of God. 00:06:31.745 --> 00:06:36.575 In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely, and you 00:06:36.575 --> 00:06:38.585 yourself must be an example to them. 00:06:38.915 --> 00:06:44.705 By doing good works of every kind, let everything you do reflect the integrity 00:06:44.735 --> 00:06:46.535 and seriousness of your teaching. 00:06:47.240 --> 00:06:50.930 Teach the truth so that your teaching can't be criticized. 00:06:51.560 --> 00:06:56.240 Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. 00:06:57.230 --> 00:07:01.430 Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. 00:07:02.090 --> 00:07:06.080 They must not talk back or steal, but must show themselves to be 00:07:06.080 --> 00:07:07.970 entirely trustworthy and good. 00:07:08.600 --> 00:07:13.490 Then they will make the teaching about God our savior, attractive in every way. 00:07:14.600 --> 00:07:19.040 For the grace of God has been revealed bringing salvation to all people, 00:07:19.670 --> 00:07:24.260 and we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. 00:07:24.860 --> 00:07:28.760 We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, 00:07:29.090 --> 00:07:30.380 and devotion to God. 00:07:30.860 --> 00:07:34.430 While we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the 00:07:34.430 --> 00:07:38.570 glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will be revealed. 00:07:39.410 --> 00:07:42.800 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin. 00:07:43.205 --> 00:07:46.865 To cleanse us and to make us his very own people. 00:07:47.195 --> 00:07:49.535 Totally committed to doing good deeds. 00:07:50.465 --> 00:07:54.305 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. 00:07:54.875 --> 00:07:58.655 You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don't let 00:07:58.660 --> 00:08:00.515 anyone disregard what you say. 00:08:02.015 --> 00:08:05.435 Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. 00:08:05.915 --> 00:08:09.125 They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. 00:08:09.770 --> 00:08:13.160 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. 00:08:13.730 --> 00:08:17.990 Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. 00:08:18.800 --> 00:08:24.080 Once we too were foolish and disobedient, we were misled and became 00:08:24.080 --> 00:08:26.360 slaves to many lusts and pleasures. 00:08:27.050 --> 00:08:31.280 Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 00:08:31.880 --> 00:08:38.270 But when God, our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us. 00:08:38.705 --> 00:08:42.455 Not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his 00:08:42.455 --> 00:08:47.855 mercy, he washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life. 00:08:47.855 --> 00:08:52.595 Through the Holy Spirit, he generously poured out the spirit upon us 00:08:52.595 --> 00:08:54.605 through Jesus Christ, our savior. 00:08:55.295 --> 00:09:00.665 Because of his grace, he made us write in his sight and gave us confidence 00:09:00.665 --> 00:09:02.765 that we will inherit eternal life. 00:09:03.245 --> 00:09:08.045 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings. 00:09:08.345 --> 00:09:12.065 So that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. 00:09:12.665 --> 00:09:15.725 These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. 00:09:16.355 --> 00:09:22.175 Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels 00:09:22.180 --> 00:09:24.725 and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. 00:09:25.475 --> 00:09:28.025 These things are useless and a waste of time. 00:09:28.775 --> 00:09:33.275 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. 00:09:33.845 --> 00:09:36.335 After that, have nothing more to do with them. 00:09:37.010 --> 00:09:40.310 For people like that have turned away from the truth and 00:09:40.310 --> 00:09:41.990 their own sins, condemn them. 00:09:44.090 --> 00:09:49.610 I am planning to send either Artemis Ortus to you as soon as one of them arrives. 00:09:49.970 --> 00:09:54.710 Do your best to meet me at Nicolos for I have decided to stay there for the winter. 00:09:55.460 --> 00:09:59.930 Do everything you can to help Xenos the lawyer and Apollo with their trip. 00:10:00.500 --> 00:10:02.540 See that they are given everything they need. 00:10:03.230 --> 00:10:07.040 Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others. 00:10:07.520 --> 00:10:09.320 Then they will not be un productive. 00:10:10.910 --> 00:10:12.680 Everybody here sends greetings. 00:10:13.100 --> 00:10:16.610 Please give my greetings to the believers all who love us. 00:10:17.900 --> 00:10:20.060 May God's grace be with you all. 00:10:21.740 --> 00:10:24.500 This concludes today's immerse reading experience. 00:10:24.650 --> 00:10:25.850 Thank you for joining us.