Today's Reading:
Nehemiah 11:1-12:26
Titus 1:1-16
Psalm 119:129-136
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses:
Titus 1:7-9
7 Since
an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not
overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent,
not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He
must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so
that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who
oppose it.
Insight:
Paul
instructed Titus that it was essential that spiritual maturity be
evident before people are given leadership roles in Christian community.
Many people claim to know God, but their actions contradict this claim
(v.16). It's not enough for Christians to say what they believe; they
must demonstrate it in the actions of their lives.
Spiritual
maturity isn't just for those in leadership; it is for everyone who
follows Jesus. The marks of maturity listed in these verses are
appropriate for anyone who is growing in Christ. A mature Christian is
not overly controlling, slow to get upset, not prone to excess, not
rough or abusive, and not interested in dishonest gain.
Christians
should be ready to share and quick to welcome others into their home.
They should love what is good, be self-controlled, and lead lives that
are upright and holy. Because they hold firmly to the teachings of Jesus
and the apostles, mature Christians are able to identify and refute
anything contrary to the way of Christ.
Response and Action:
I
want to grow in Christ. I want my faith to be more than words or empty
claims. I want my life to demonstrate that Jesus' Spirit is really at
work in my life. I will hold firmly to the trustworthy message of the
Scriptures. I will surrender fully to God and take hold of his grace and
power to make me a person who is self-controlled, disciplined, and
wise. I will commit myself to growing in Christ so that I can discern
between what is false and true. I will do my best to be a person who
encourages others.
Thank
you for your word, O God. Help me to get a firm grip on the trustworthy
message of Christ so that it might direct and support me. By the power
and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape and
strengthen me, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways
to the glory of your name. Make my life a praise to you and an
encouragement to others. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Hebrews 5:12-14
12 ...though
by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you
the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not
solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an
infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But
solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained
themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Resources:
Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ
by Greg Ogden
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