Wednesday, December 17, 2008

December 18

Letter to Titus -- Titus 1:1-4; Concerning Church Leaders -- Titus 1:5-2:1; Teaching Various Groups -- Titus 2:2-15; The Christian Life -- Titus 3:1-11; Concluding Thoughts -- Titus 3:12-15


Along with more about avoiding "foolish controversies" and "arguments and quarrels about the law," which echoes yesterday's reading, Paul talks about the real heart of doctrine -- how the gospel inspires us to do good.  And it is this good that will do far more to convince people of Whose we are than all of the arguments over what we believe.  You can argue with words and beliefs but you can't argue with service.  Which is why most members of the Church of Christ have great admiration for Mother Teresa.  

Writes Paul:  
"I want you to stress these things [doing good], so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.  These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.  But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law because these are unprofitable and useless." [Titus 3:8-9]
Having said all of this about avoiding quarrels about the law that Paul picks a lawyer out to mention in this letter:  "Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer..." [Titus 3:13]

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