Titus 3:1-8, Objective: Edification, Significant Pursuits (2)

v Living a holy life.  The Bible is clear that for the people of God, the call for holiness is fundamental.  Meditate on these passages, noting the variety of practical situations where our behavior is based on the need for this pursuit.

o   The reason for discipline in a local church (delivering a person to Satan for the destruction of the flesh) is that (bold print identifies hina) his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 5:5).  The Corinthians were called to purge out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened (1 Cor. 5:7). 

o   When the righteous life of a fellow believer is at stake, we are to show discretion lest I make my brother stumble (1 Cor. 8:13). 

o   Our practice of forgiving others, among other things, is essential lest Satan should take advantage of us (2 Cor. 2:10-11).

o   Paul exhorted the Philippians to do all things without complaining and disputing so that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (Phil. 2:14-15).

o   An essential purpose in Timothy’s teaching ministry was that they might be blameless (1 Tim. 5:7).  He was to publicly rebuke elders who sinned that the rest also may fear (1 Tim. 5:20).

o   Peter tells us that Jesus’ bearing our sins on His body on the tree was that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness (1 Pt. 2:24).

o   John said that his purpose in writing his first epistle was so that you may not sin (1 John 2:1).

o   This call to holiness appears in a family context, indicating the need to build up one another to live properly at home.  Both Eph. 5:26-27 and Col. 3:21 call upon husbands/fathers to promote holiness in all the family relationships.

o   Doing works of service.  The Bible is equally clear that the people of God are to be known for good works.  Christ gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works (Titus 2:14).  One of the “faithful sayings” in the Pastoral Epistles was given that those who believed in God should be careful to maintain good works (Titus 3:8).  The way believers work together in the matter of evangelism is so that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together (John 4:36).  Caring for the poor (Gal. 2:10) and risking one’s life for the work of Christ (Phil. 3:20) fulfill the purpose of doing good works.  Heb. 12:12-13 call us to strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.