Tag: hope of eternal life
Living in true humility!
Scripture reading for October 28th: Titus 3:1-15
Paul concluded his short letter to Titus with an encouragement to preach and live out the word of God. Jesus Christ, our blessed Hope, would suddenly appear for those who were working and watching. ” These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility to all men.” (Titus 2:15-3:2)
Jesus was Paul’s example of true humility. Jesus left the glories of heaven to take human form, even being born as a baby! He lived a normal human life as God in the flesh in order to serve all mankind by revealing the Father. He humbled Himself by completely obeying His Father and offering His body and blood as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. God exhalted Him back to the highest place, giving Him the Name above all names! (Philippians 2:3-11)
Paul exhorted Titus to teach Jesus’ followers to show true humility to all men as Jesus did. As Jesus gave up the glories of heaven, Jesus’ followers were to give up the glories of man ruling his own life on earth. They were to submit to all rulers and authorities and be completely obedient. They were to be ready to give aide to those in need and do good deeds with their talents and possessions. They were to live in peace, being considerate of the needs of others. This demonstration of true humility was to be a way of life marking true followers of Christ! The reward of true humility is sharing in Christ’s glory for eternity!
Paul instructed Titus to avoid foolish controversies and arguments about the law. “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful, he is self-condemned.” (Titus 3:10-11) Those not living in true humility and claiming to be part of the church needed to be dealt with. Pastoral ministry must humbly confront those dividing the body. Christ Jesus is coming to reward those living in the grace of true humility!