Titus
Paul's letter to Titus (who was in Crete) gave direction about the sort of person worthy to run a church. Paul explained that he left Titus in Crete to organize churches. Titus was to choose elders to run things. Paul had noticed that some new believers rebelled and deceived others and disrupted everything. What they said and did were two different things.
Paul gave Titus a list of instructions to pass on to older people in the churches to mentor younger members. The men were to help men and the women to help women. He advised Titus to be an example to everyone. Paul said, "For God has revealed His grace for the salvation of all mankind." (Titus 2:11)
Paul asked Timothy to remind the people about the way they should conduct their lives. God fills us with His Holy Spirit and we are put right with Him. Paul advised him not to waste time with foolish arguments about the Law. Also, if a person is acting up and dividing the people, give him two warnings and then have nothing more to do with him. Paul gave Titus final instructions about various people in the ministry and where he wanted them to go. People needed to be taught not to live useless lives. Paul sent greetings from and to everyone, and also God's grace.
Philemon
Paul greeted Philemon (Filly-mon) and the members of the church that met in his sister's house. When Paul prayed, he asked God to bless those who came in contact with Philemon that they would see the blessings of Christ in his life and want that too. Paul complimented Philemon and then asked him for a favor: could he please take back his servant Onesimus and be good to him? He had run away from Philemon and found Paul who converted him to Christianity. Onesimus had become a spiritual son to Paul and he cared deeply for him. Paul wanted to keep him, but he knew it wouldn't be right so he asked Philemon to take him back. If there was anything to pay for, Paul would pay it. Paul sent along greetings from those in prison with him to Philemon. In siging off he asked the grace of the Lord be with them all.
Hebrews
This letter was sent to believers who were near abandoning the Christian faith due to great opposition. The author is unknown. The letter is to elaborate the reasons why Christianity is the best choice. It begins with a reminder that God spoke through the prophets until He spoke through His Son. God created the universe through His Son. "He reflects the brightness of God's glory and is the exact likeness of God's own being, sustaining the universe with his powerful word." (Heb 1:3) The author cites scripture to back up his claim that Jesus is greater than the angels. "What are angels, then? They are spirits who serve God and are sent by Him to help those who are to receive salvation." (Heb 1:14)
The message given to their ancestors by angels has been shown to be true. The angels weren't made to be rulers over everything, man was. Jesus suffered and died for us and God made him perfect through suffering. Jesus leads everyone to salvation.
Tomorrow read Hebrews 2:11-6:20
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment