Day 352, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Titus, 1Peter 1:1–2:12
Christianity That Fits
Most of us have worked on jigsaw puzzles. We may have hundreds or even thousands of pieces to work with, but we know we need just the right size and shape of one piece to fit into the others. When we are done, the puzzle becomes a picture. This is sort of like Christianity; Christians should have standards and live their lives in keeping with God’s Holy Word, the Bible. When we live that way, our lives fit together in a way that glorifies him.
Imagine trying to build a 5,000 piece puzzle upside down, with all the puzzle parts mixed up. Impossible, right? That’s sort of what it is like when we don’t know God, or we try to fit in with our culture—we can’t put our lives together, and we don’t understand what’s wrong.
When the pieces don’t fit
Here is the problem—we live in an age of moral relativism, so there is an increasing lack of moral absolutes, even among many Christians. Morality is often expressed as, “what is right for you is right for you, and what is right for me is right for me.” This lack of standards is confusing, and no matter how we turn the pieces of our lives, it doesn't work.
Instead, we need to be attentive to the picture on the box—we need to look at Jesus Christ. He is the standard for righteousness, and God wants us to give close attention to him. He wants us to submit to his design —not try to adjust our lives to fit with our ungodly culture.
Perhaps, some of you don’t know Christ. All the pieces of your life are upside-down, and there is no box. You need hope—you are lost in your sin. Good news! God wants to give you a gift, and Jesus’ picture is on the box. He gave his life for you. Just call out to him and tell him your life is in pieces and you need his help (more). You can have forgiveness and peace, and you will start to see how your life can be refitted into something beautiful. Then, one day in heaven, you will see not just a picture of Christ but him in person.
God's standards and grace
In today’s Bible reading, the Apostle Paul writes a letter to Titus, his son in the faith (i.e., he led him to the LORD and discipled him). Paul set him up as a missionary pastor on the island of Crete. He left Titus in Crete to straighten out some unfinished business and set up qualified leaders (elders) to preach and teach God’s Word (Titus 1:5). The qualifications of Titus 1:6-9 are similar to 1Timothy 3:1-7 and were probably written about the same time. They call for the highest standards of character and conduct for church leadership. This is appropriate and fitting for the glory of God and for the benefit of the church.
The Islanders on Crete were not paying attention to the truth, so Paul gave special instructions to Titus regarding the duties of an elder or pastor of the church. They were to live godly, be examples to the congregation, and to preach and teach sound doctrine.
Have we gotten away from the church and the teachings of God’s Word? We need to give attention to his Word, so we are not deceived by the philosophies of this world. They can lead to our ruin, turning our lives upside-down. “[Christ ] gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:14, NIV).
Paul further instructs Titus, “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives” (Titus 3:14, NIV). Are we living lazy, unproductive lives? Let’s remember the grace of God and do good deeds. It fits for those who have received the grace of God to display the grace of God.
Upside-Down Thinking
The Apostle Peter’s first letter to Jewish Christians scattered in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) is written for their encouragement. It gives practical help and instruction on how to live, especially during difficult times of persecution.
Because of their persecution, the believers were alienating themselves from their culture. Although this might be a natural reaction, it is not something God wanted them (or us) to do, and it is not fitting behavior for a child of God.
Like Titus, Peter reminds Jewish Christians that the motivation for godly productive living is the grace of God. He challenges them to remember,
…You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people [they had been rejected for disobedience, John 1:12], but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us, (1 Peter 2:9-12, NIV).Therefore, when we Christians encounter an ungodly culture, we should alienate ourselves from their sinful lifestyles and not compromise to fit into their culture. We shouldn’t, however, alienate ourselves from people. God didn't save us and refit the pieces in our lives just for ourselves. We are to share the grace of God and live such good lives that they will see our deeds and give glory to God. Furthermore, we should love our brothers and sisters in Christ (1Peter 1:22). Love and grace are counter-cultural, but this is Christianity that fits the glory of God.
Discussion
What kind of standards does God have for church leadership?
What is the motivation for doing good deeds as a Christian?
What does God say about alienating ourselves, particulary in times of persecution?
Focus Verses
Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
My Prayer Response: Dear Father, the lover of our souls, although you are righteous and holy, you were merciful and gracious to save us through your Son. Help us remember that and share the message with others so they, too, might be saved. We know you don’t desire that anyone perish, but all come to repentance and enter your kingdom.
Please provide our specific needs today, especially courage to hold fast to your teaching and be an example of grace to others in word and deed. Forgive us for the times we haven’t done this. Help us to forgive others because we have been forgiven. Lead us away from the temptation to be lazy, undisciplined Christians, and help us to be attentive to you, our Lord and God. For your namesake and glory, we pray, Amen
Please send your comments to me
Look Ahead: No one likes the thought of persecution or even to talk about it, but it is as real today as it was in the days of the early church. It may happen at home, work, school, on the job, or out in society. Our Next Lesson from 1Peter is Persecution–How to Respond to It.
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