Jesus, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us (the sealed)from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His Own Special People, zealous for good works. Titus 2:14Jumping to the forefront in this verse are three significant truths aside from "zealous for good works." First, is the affirmation that Jesus gave Himself (His life was not taken by Jews or the Roman government) for "His Own Special People." These "special people" constitute a second major truth, for they are His possession. They are purified for Him. Thirdly, they are redeemed from "every" lawless deed. Their redemption is thorough. Indeed, the sealed are "special people." Paul considered himself in those ranks and every "we," "our," and "us," reflected that combination and inclusion.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us (the elect, sealed) through the washing of regeneration and renewing (renovation)[2] of the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5This renovation gutted every belief, every old unreliable timber of doctrine, all outdated schemes (plans), tore down every weak thing that would hinder "structural integrity," and replaced it with a new design and solid materials, turning something uninhabitable and ugly into something beautiful. That is renovation!
There are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, WHOSE MOUTHS MUST BE STOPPED…they profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. Titus 1:10-11, 16(Probably no one has heard a message in the past fifty years about stopping the mouths of subverters; nevertheless, the scripture stands! Perhaps the reason is that no one will take a stand as Titus was urged to take. Perhaps there are none pure enough who can stand. Nonetheless, the commandment stands!)
But as for YOU, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine. Titus 2:1Paul's doctrine was important, and he felt all the churches he fostered had to be aligned with it. This, however, was not his only concern. Those who handled his message must align with his doctrine as well.
Titus 3:14 said, This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men…let the people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.These words were not excerpts from a "manual of church polity," for Titus was specifically told "to affirm constantly" that which he was given. (Perhaps in the next few weeks, it would be great for pastors and missionaries to hammer the subject of holiness and the necessity of pure hands honoring a pure message, along with good works.)
Paul used a phrase, "That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things (2:10)."Although this passage was used in relation to his teaching on servants, it had significant "carry over" implication.
"I found it about a year ago and have been reading it ever since. It's so rich and breathtaking, that I am only able to consume a little at a time and am only three-fourths finished. It is changing my life. I have been a Christian for 32 years…I am getting a glimpse of the love relationship of the Bridegroom and the Bride…Hallelujah!M-D enclosed this prophetic word concerning the Song of Solomon:
"I wish to explain these word pictures to you. I wish for you to experience these word pictures. I wish to open for you the wonder of who you are in Me, as we, together, walk in this holy union of love, Thereby living out this song of great truth… 'Mysteries, Mysteries, Mysteries,' you say, 'Lord, you speak Mysteries to us--mysteries too grand for us to fathom.' I tell you, dear one, that I am about to open those mysteries to you like never before. I fully intend to let you see into this realm of love and wonder. So get your heart ready for a deep exploration of the love of the living God, and know that with this exploration is coming an experience that will cause you to stand in awe in My presence, wondering about My goodness to you, and vowing your allegiance to follow Me up the mountain of spices where we will dwell together forevermore!!!"From F-J, Oklahoma:
"I am presently reading The Sons of Zadok, and it speaks volumes to me. The Lord called me a son of Zadok many years ago, and I have never seen a writing on it before. I understood only in part what that meant. What a blessing the book is. Thank you so very much."From F-C, Lisbon, Portugal:
Regarding the Sons of Zadok. "In my opinion, Europe must open their eyes--to spiritual realities of the word of God--the only basis of Divine inspiration for the church. II Tim. 3:1 6-17."From S-C, Colorado:
Regarding En Punto. "We are both reading it (husband and wife) and enjoying it so much. It is so timely for us and we thank you for your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit to plant it into our lives. We pray that you are abundantly blessed in everything you do and that you and your wife are in harvest time for all the seeds you have planted over the years."(How we appreciate all your written and spoken words, they encourage us all to continue in the faith until He Comes Again.)
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