| One that you feel closer to God. One that brings your closer to
God. One that helps you grow closer to God. One that believes in God. One
that ......
Hahaha lets just go in this direction. If I was looking for a church
I would look at the preacher (minister). I know, it is said you cannot
just look at the minister. I say bunk. The minister is the head of that
church. He is an example. If he cannot be an example to look towards, then
my feeling is that he no business being a preacher. I will go further,
that church is lacking. Now this is my opinion, but this is what I would
follow.
The Bible gives several concise definitions of what a minister should
be. It is real plain. Since there are references to this topic, I figure
it is important and valid.
I have attempted to out line the characteristics of what the Bible
says a minister should be. There are two interpretations. The
King James and the Living Bible.
The qualifications of those chosen as ministers
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one
wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward
of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker,
not given to filthy lucre;
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good
men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath
been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to
convince the gainsayers.
10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers
and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert
whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's
sake.
12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their
own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke
them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments
of men, that turn from the truth.
15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but
unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their
mind and conscience is defiled.
16 They profess that they know God; but in
works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every
good work reprobate.
Titus 1:6-16 (KJV)
6 The men you choose must be well thought
of for their good lives; they must have only one wife and their children
must love the Lord and not have a reputation for being wild or disobedient
to their parents.
7 These pastors must be men of blameless lives
because they are God's ministers. They must not be proud or impatient;
they must not be drunkards or fighters or greedy for money.
8 They must enjoy having guests in their homes
and must love all that is good. They must be sensible men, and fair. They
must be clean minded and level headed.
9 Their belief in the truth that they have
been taught must be strong and steadfast so that they will be able to teach
it to others and show those who disagree with them where they are wrong.
10 For there are many who refuse to obey;
this is especially true among those who say that all Christians must obey
the Jewish laws. But this is foolish talk; it blinds people to the truth,
11 and it must be stopped. Already whole families
have been turned away from the grace of God. Such teachers are only after
your money.
12 One of their own men, a prophet from Crete,
has said about them, "These men of Crete are all liars; they are like
lazy animals, living only to satisfy their stomachs."
13 And this is true. So speak to the Christians
there as sternly as necessary to make them strong in the faith
14 and to stop them from listening to Jewish
folk tales and the demands of men who have turned their backs on the truth.
15 A person who is pure of heart sees goodness
and purity in everything; but a person whose own heart is evil and untrusting
finds evil in everything, for his dirty mind and rebellious heart color
all he sees and hears.
16 Such persons claim they know God, but from
seeing the way they act, one knows they don't. They are rotten and disobedient,
worthless so far as doing anything good is concerned.
Titus 1:6-16 (Living)
Blameless
1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the
office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband
of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality,
apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy
of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having
his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own
house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with
pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them
which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1 Tim 3:1-7 (KJV)
1 It is a true saying that if a man wants
to be a pastor he has a good ambition.
2 For a pastor must be a good man whose life
cannot be spoken against. He must have only one wife, and he must be hard
working and thoughtful, orderly, and full of good deeds. He must enjoy
having guests in his home and must be a good Bible teacher.
3 He must not be a drinker or quarrelsome,
but he must be gentle and kind and not be one who loves money.
4 He must have a well-behaved family, with
children who obey quickly and quietly.
5 For if a man can't make his own little family
behave, how can he help the whole church?
6 The pastor must not be a new Christian because
he might be proud of being chosen so soon, and pride comes before a fall.
(Satan's downfall is an example.)
7 Also, he must be well spoken of by people
outside the church--those who aren't Christians--so that Satan can't trap
him with many accusations and leave him without freedom to lead his flock.
1 Tim 3:1-7 (Living)
Compassionate
1 For every high priest taken from among men
is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both
gifts and sacrifices for sins:
2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant,
and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed
with infirmity.
3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the
people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.
4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself,
but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
Heb 5:1-4 (KJV)
1-3 The Jewish high priest is merely a man
like anyone else, but he is chosen to speak for all other men in their
dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers to him the
blood of animals that are sacrificed to cover the sins of the people and
his own sins too. And because he is a man, he can deal gently with other
men, though they are foolish and ignorant, for he, too, is surrounded with
the same temptations and understands their problems very well.
4 Another thing to remember is that no one
can be a high priest just because he wants to be. He has to be called by
God for this work in the same way God chose Aaron.
Heb 5:1-4 (Living)
Consistent
21 Thou therefore which teachest another,
teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal,
dost thou steal?
22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit
adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou
commit sacrilege?
23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law,
through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
Romans 2:21-23 (KJV)
21 Yes, you teach others--then why don't you
teach yourselves? You tell others not to steal--do you steal?
22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery--do
you do it? You say "Don't pray to idols" and then make money
your god instead.
23 You are so proud of knowing God's laws,
but you dishonor him by breaking them.
Romans 2:21-23 (Living)
Courageous
22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit
unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in
every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
24 But none of these things move me, neither
count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with
joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify
the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:22-24 (KJV)
22 "And now I am going to Jerusalem,
drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me,
23 except that the Holy Spirit has told me
in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead.
24 But life is worth nothing unless I use
it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling
others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.
Acts 20:22-24 (Living)
Diligent
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am:
and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured
more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was
with me.
1 Cor 15:10 (KJV)
10 But whatever I am now it is all because
God poured out such kindness and grace upon me--and not without results:
for I have worked harder than all the other apostles, yet actually I wasn't
doing it, but God working in me, to bless me.
1 Cor 15:10 (Living)
Endued with power
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father
upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with
power from on high.
Luke 24:49 (KJV)
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the
Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in
Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part
of the earth.
Acts 1:8 (KJV)
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost,
said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
Acts 4:8 (KJV)
31 And when they had prayed, the place was
shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with
the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Acts 4:31 (KJV)
8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter
to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward
the Gentiles:)
Gal 2:8 (KJV)
8 But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you,
you will receive power to testify about me with great effect, to the people
in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth,
about my death and resurrection."
Acts 1:8 (Living)
49 "And now I will send the Holy Spirit
upon you, just as my Father promised. Don't begin telling others yet--stay
here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from
heaven."
Luke 24:49 (Living)
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit,
said to them, "Honorable leaders and elders of our nation,
Acts 4:8 (Living)
7-9 In fact, when Peter, James, and John,
who were known as the pillars of the church, saw how greatly God had used
me in winning the Gentiles, just as Peter had been blessed so greatly in
his preaching to the Jews--for the same God gave us each our special gifts--they
shook hands with Barnabas and me and encouraged us to keep right on with
our preaching to the Gentiles while they continued their work with the
Jews.
Gal 2:7 (Living)
Gentle
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive;
but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose
themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging
of the truth;
2 Tim 2:24-25 (KJV)
24 God's people must not be quarrelsome; they
must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong.
25 Be humble when you are trying to teach
those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and
courteously to them, they are more likely, with God's help, to turn away
from their wrong ideas and believe what is true.
2 Tim 2:24-25 (Living)
A Good Example
1 But speak thou the things which become sound
doctrine:
Titus 2:1 (KJV)
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern
of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned;
that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing
to say of you.
Titus 2:7-8 (KJV)
1 But as for you, speak up for the right living
that goes along with true Christianity.
Titus 2:1 (Living)
7 And here you yourself must be an example
to them of good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect your
love of the truth and the fact that you are in dead earnest about it.
8 Your conversation should be so sensible
and logical that anyone who wants to argue will be ashamed of himself because
there won't be anything to criticize in anything you say!
Titus 2:7-8 (Living)
Humble
25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said,
Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and
they that are great exercise authority upon them.
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever
will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27 And whosoever will be chief among you,
let him be your servant:
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered
unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Matt 20:25-28 (KJV)
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say
well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed
your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye
should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant
is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that
sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if
ye do them.
John 13:13-17 (KJV)
25 But Jesus called them together and said,
"Among the heathen, kings are tyrants and each minor official lords
it over those beneath him.
26 But among you it is quite different. Anyone
wanting to be a leader among you must be your servant.
27 And if you want to be right at the top,
you must serve like a slave.
28 Your attitude must be like my own, for
I, the Messiah, did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give my
life as a ransom for many."
Matt 20:25-28 (Living)
13 You call me 'Master' and 'Lord,' and you
do well to say it, for it is true.
14 And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have
washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet.
15 I have given you an example to follow:
do as I have done to you.
16 How true it is that a servant is not greater
than his master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends
him.
17 You know these things--now do them! That
is the path of blessing.
John 13:13-17 (Living)
Meek
12 And labour, working with our own hands:
being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
1 Cor 4:12 (KJV)
12 We have worked wearily with our hands to
earn our living. We have blessed those who cursed us. We have been patient
with those who injured us.
1 Cor 4:12 (Living)
Patient
10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have
spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction,
and of patience.
James 5:10 (KJV)
10 For examples of patience in suffering,
look at the Lord's prophets.
James 5:10 (Living)
Perserving
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my
name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
23 But when they persecute you in this city,
flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone
over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
24 The disciple is not above his master, nor
the servant above his lord.
Matt 10:22-24 (KJV)
Paul disavows deceit in his preaching
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry,
as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of
dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully;
but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience
in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them
that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded
the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel
of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ
Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine
out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge
of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;
we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down,
but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying
of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in
our body.
11 For we which live are alway delivered unto
death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest
in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in
you.
13 We having the same spirit of faith, according
as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe,
and therefore speak;
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord
Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that
the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the
glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though
our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but
for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are
seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen
are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Cor 4:1-18 (KJV)
22 Everyone shall hate you because you belong
to me. But all of you who endure to the end shall be saved.
23 "When you are persecuted in one city,
flee to the next! I will return before you have reached them all!
24 "A student is not greater than his
teacher. A servant is not above his master.
Matt 10:22-24 (Living)
1 It is God himself, in his mercy, who has
given us this wonderful work of telling his Good News to others, and so
we never give up.
2 We do not try to trick people into believing--we
are not interested in fooling anyone. We never try to get anyone to believe
that the Bible teaches what it doesn't. All such shameful methods we forego.
We stand in the presence of God as we speak and so we tell the truth, as
all who know us will agree.
3 If the Good News we preach is hidden to
anyone, it is hidden from the one who is on the road to eternal death.
4 Satan, who is the god of this evil world,
has made him blind, unable to see the glorious light of the Gospel that
is shining upon him or to understand the amazing message we preach about
the glory of Christ, who is God.
5 We don't go around preaching about ourselves
but about Christ Jesus as Lord. All we say of ourselves is that we are
your slaves because of what Jesus has done for us.
6 For God, who said, "Let there be light
in the darkness," has made us understand that it is the brightness
of his glory that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But this precious treasure--this light and
power that now shine within us --is held in a perishable container, that
is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within
must be from God and is not our own.
8 We are pressed on every side by troubles,
but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don't know why
things happen as they do, but we don't give up and quit.
9 We are hunted down, but God never abandons
us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.
10 These bodies of ours are constantly facing
death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the living
Christ within who keeps us safe.
11 Yes, we live under constant danger to our
lives because we serve the Lord, but this gives us constant opportunities
to show forth the power of Jesus Christ within our dying bodies.
12 Because of our preaching we face death,
but it has resulted in eternal life for you.
13 We boldly say what we believe, trusting
God to care for us, just as the psalm writer did when he said, "I
believe and therefore I speak."
14 We know that the same God who brought the
Lord Jesus back from death will also bring us back to life again with Jesus
and present us to him along with you.
15 These sufferings of ours are for your benefit.
And the more of you who are won to Christ, the more there are to thank
him for his great kindness, and the more the Lord is glorified.
16 That is why we never give up. Though our
bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing every day.
17 These troubles and sufferings of ours are,
after all, quite small and won't last very long. Yet this short time of
distress will result in God's richest blessing upon us forever and ever!
18 So we do not look at what we can see right
now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven
which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys
to come will last forever.
2 Cor 4:1-18 (Living)
Responsible
10 As every man hath received the gift, even
so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace
of God.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the
oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which
God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (KJV)
10 God has given each of you some special
abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others
God's many kinds of blessings.
11 Are you called to preach? Then preach as
though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others?
1 Peter 4:10-11 (Living)
Sincere
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry,
as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of
dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully;
but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience
in the sight of God.
2 Cor 4:1-2 (KJV)
1 It is God himself, in his mercy, who has
given us this wonderful work of telling his Good News to others, and so
we never give up.
2 We do not try to trick people into believing--we
are not interested in fooling anyone. We never try to get anyone to believe
that the Bible teaches what it doesn't. All such shameful methods we forego.
We stand in the presence of God as we speak and so we tell the truth, as
all who know us will agree.
2 Cor 4:1-2 (Living)
Tactful
18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when
I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that
I abuse not my power in the gospel.
making himself, rather, the servant of all
19 For though I be free from all men, yet
have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that
I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law,
that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without
law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that
I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might
gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means
save some.
23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that
I might be partaker thereof with you.
1 Cor 9:18-23 (KJV)
18 Under this circumstance, what is my pay?
It is the special joy I get from preaching the Good News without expense
to anyone, never demanding my rights.
19 And this has a real advantage: I am not
bound to obey anyone just because he pays my salary; yet I have freely
and happily become a servant of any and all so that I can win them to Christ.
20 When I am with the Jews I seem as one of
them so that they will listen to the Gospel and I can win them to Christ.
When I am with Gentiles who follow Jewish customs and ceremonies I don't
argue, even though I don't agree, because I want to help them.
21 When with the heathen I agree with them
as much as I can, except of course that I must always do what is right
as a Christian. And so, by agreeing, I can win their confidence and help
them too.
22 When I am with those whose consciences
bother them easily, I don't act as though I know it all and don't say they
are foolish; the result is that they are willing to let me help them. Yes,
whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that
he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him.
23 I do this to get the Gospel to them and
also for the blessing I myself receive when I see them come to Christ.
1 Cor 9:18-23 (Living)
Willing To Suffer Hardship
An exhortation to constancy and perseverance
1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the
grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that thou hast heard of me
among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be
able to teach others also.
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good
soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with
the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to
be a soldier.
5 And if a man also strive for masteries,
yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first
partaker of the fruits.
7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee
understanding in all things.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of
David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer,
even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's
sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus
with eternal glory.
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead
with him, we shall also live with him:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with
him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful:
he cannot deny himself.
14 Of these things put them in remembrance,
charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit,
but to the subverting of the hearers.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for
they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker:
of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying
that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
The foundation of the Lord's work is firm
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth
sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every
one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
20 But in a great house there are not only
vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some
to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these,
he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's
use, and prepared unto every good work.
Things to shun and things to seek: instructions
for the guidance of God's ministers
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness,
faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid,
knowing that they do gender strifes.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive;
but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose
themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging
of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out
of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
2 Tim 2:1-26 (KJV)
1 O Timothy, my son, be strong with the strength
Christ Jesus gives you.
2 For you must teach others those things you
and many others have heard me speak about. Teach these great truths to
trustworthy men who will, in turn, pass them on to others.
3 Take your share of suffering as a good soldier
of Jesus Christ, just as I do;
4 and as Christ's soldier, do not let yourself
become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the one
who has enlisted you in his army.
5 Follow the Lord's rules for doing his work,
just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins
no prize.
6 Work hard like a farmer who gets paid well
if he raises a large crop.
7 Think over these three illustrations, and
may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you.
8 Don't ever forget the wonderful fact that
Jesus Christ was a man, born into King David's family; and that he was
God, as shown by the fact that he rose again from the dead.
9 It is because I have preached these great
truths that I am in trouble here and have been put in jail like a criminal.
But the Word of God is not chained, even though I am.
10 I am more than willing to suffer if that
will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has
chosen.
11 I am comforted by this truth, that when
we suffer and die for Christ it only means that we will begin living with
him in heaven.
12 And if we think that our present service
for him is hard, just remember that some day we are going to sit with him
and rule with him. But if we give up when we suffer, and turn against Christ,
then he must turn against us.
13 Even when we are too weak to have any faith
left, he remains faithful to us and will help us, for he cannot disown
us who are part of himself, and he will always carry out his promises to
us.
14 Remind your people of these great facts,
and command them in the name of the Lord not to argue over unimportant
things. Such arguments are confusing and useless and even harmful.
15 Work hard so God can say to you, "Well
done." Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when
God examines your work. Know what his Word says and means.
16 Steer clear of foolish discussions that
lead people into the sin of anger with each other.
17 Things will be said that will burn and
hurt for a long time to come. Hymenaeus and Philetus, in their love of
argument, are men like that.
18 They have left the path of truth, preaching
the lie that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; and they
have weakened the faith of some who believe them.
19 But God's truth stands firm like a great
rock, and nothing can shake it. It is a foundation stone with these words
written on it: "The Lord knows those who are really his," and
"A person who calls himself a Christian should not be doing things
that are wrong."
20 In a wealthy home there are dishes made
of gold and silver as well as some made from wood and clay. The expensive
dishes are used for guests, and the cheap ones are used in the kitchen
or to put garbage in.
21 If you stay away from sin you will be like
one of these dishes made of purest gold--the very best in the house--so
that Christ himself can use you for his highest purposes.
22 Run from anything that gives you the evil
thoughts that young men often have, but stay close to anything that makes
you want to do right. Have faith and love, and enjoy the companionship
of those who love the Lord and have pure hearts.
23 Again I say, don't get involved in foolish
arguments, which only upset people and make them angry.
24 God's people must not be quarrelsome; they
must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong.
25 Be humble when you are trying to teach
those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and
courteously to them, they are more likely, with God's help, to turn away
from their wrong ideas and believe what is true.
26 Then they will come to their senses and
escape from Satan's trap of slavery to sin, which he uses to catch them
whenever he likes, and then they can begin doing the will of God.
2 Tim 2:2-26 (Living)
Directions are given to Titus for his teachings and life
1 But speak thou the things which become sound
doctrine:
2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate,
sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in
behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine,
teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be
sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home,
good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern
of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned;
that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing
to say of you.
9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their
own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity;
that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation
hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this
present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the
glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might
redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people,
zealous of good works.
15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke
with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Titus 2:1-15 (KJV)
Farther directions as to the things Titus
should and should not teach
1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities
and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers,
but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish,
disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice
and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4 But after that the kindness and love of
God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have
done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus
Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should
be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things
I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God
might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable
unto men.
9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies,
and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable
and vain.
10 A man that is an heretick after the first
and second admonition reject;
11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted,
and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or
Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined
there to winter.
13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their
journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
14 And let ours also learn to maintain good
works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet
them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
Titus 3:1-15 (KJV)
Directions are given to Titus for his teachings and life (Living
Bible Trans)
1 But as for you, speak up for the right living
that goes along with true Christianity.
2 Teach the older men to be serious and unruffled;
they must be sensible, knowing and believing the truth and doing everything
with love and patience.
3 Teach the older women to be quiet and respectful
in everything they do. They must not go around speaking evil of others
and must not be heavy drinkers, but they should be teachers of goodness.
4 These older women must train the younger
women to live quietly, to love their husbands and their children,
5 and to be sensible and clean minded, spending
their time in their own homes, being kind and obedient to their husbands
so that the Christian faith can't be spoken against by those who know them.
6 In the same way, urge the young men to behave
carefully, taking life seriously.
7 And here you yourself must be an example
to them of good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect your
love of the truth and the fact that you are in dead earnest about it.
8 Your conversation should be so sensible
and logical that anyone who wants to argue will be ashamed of himself because
there won't be anything to criticize in anything you say!
9 Urge slaves to obey their masters and to
try their best to satisfy them. They must not talk back,
10 nor steal, but must show themselves to
be entirely trustworthy. In this way they will make people want to believe
in our Savior and God.
11 For the free gift of eternal salvation
is now being offered to everyone;
12 and along with this gift comes the realization
that God wants us to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures and
to live good, God-fearing lives day after day,
13 looking forward to that wonderful time
we've been expecting, when his glory shall be seen--the glory of our great
God and Savior Jesus Christ.
14 He died under God's judgment against our
sins so that he could rescue us from constant falling into sin and make
us his very own people, with cleansed hearts and real enthusiasm for doing
kind things for others.
15 You must teach these things and encourage
your people to do them, correcting them when necessary as one who has every
right to do so. Don't let anyone think that what you say is not important.
Titus 2:1-15 (Living)
1 Remind your people to obey the government
and its officers, and always to be obedient and ready for any honest work.
2 They must not speak evil of anyone, nor
quarrel, but be gentle and truly courteous to all.
3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient;
we were misled by others and became slaves to many evil pleasures and wicked
desires. Our lives were full of resentment and envy. We hated others and
they hated us.
4 But when the time came for the kindness
and love of God our Savior to appear,
5 then he saved us--not because we were good
enough to be saved but because of his kindness and pity--by washing away
our sins and giving us the new joy of the indwelling Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out upon us with wonderful
fullness--and all because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did
7 so that he could declare us good in God's
eyes--all because of his great kindness; and now we can share in the wealth
of the eternal life he gives us, and we are eagerly looking forward to
receiving it.
8 These things I have told you are all true.
Insist on them so that Christians will be careful to do good deeds all
the time, for this is not only right, but it brings results.
9 Don't get involved in arguing over unanswerable
questions and controversial theological ideas; keep out of arguments and
quarrels about obedience to Jewish laws, for this kind of thing isn't worthwhile;
it only does harm.
10 If anyone is causing divisions among you,
he should be given a first and second warning. After that have nothing
more to do with him,
11 for such a person has a wrong sense of
values. He is sinning, and he knows it.
12 I am planning to send either Artemas or
Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, please try to meet me
at Nicopolis as quickly as you can, for I have decided to stay there for
the winter.
13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the
lawyer and Apollos with their trip; see that they are given everything
they need.
14 For our people must learn to help all who
need their assistance, that their lives will be fruitful.
15 Everybody here sends greetings. Please
say hello to all of the Christian friends there. May God's blessings be
with you all. Sincerely, Paul
Titus 3:1-15 (Living)
Love you, Dad
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