June 20

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:” Titus 2:1

Titus had been called to minister the word of God. Paul instructed him to be responsible for the message he gave forth. True today as it was then, there are many who profess a call of God to minister to others, yet do great damage to the cause of Christ because they do not heed the directions given in God’s word. We cannot be made responsible for what others may say or omit in their speaking of scriptural things, but we are responsible for our own communication. Words are not cheap nor are they ‘just words’ when we are delivering the message from God. They are important and should reflect the holiness, power and love of God. Much more care is taken in some cases, in preparing a speech for a formal occasion, such as a wedding or social gathering, than the time and effort placed in praying over and setting out some sermons! Conversely, some use the pulpit and the means of preaching, mainly as a tool to pander their own philosophies and push their personal viewpoints or agendas. Paul instructs that ministerial communication, which includes not merely our words, but our actions also, should ‘become’, that is be appropriate, in-line with and reflecting of, sound doctrine! Clearly the purpose of our preaching and teaching is not to portray ours or ourselves, but what the Lord has already revealed and determined to be right and correct doctrine in His Holy Word. The task for the minister is to highlight these established truths and proclaim them so they can be understood and accepted by all. Our prayers should always include intercession for those in ministry, to be true and humble channels, through whom the word of God can flow, in anointed power and wisdom for the benefit, instruction, encouragement and edification, of all that hear them.   

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

May 27

“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught…” Titus 1:9

Among the several qualities listed as necessary for a man to hold the office of bishop in the church, is the attribute of stability in the word. This necessity is ever clearer today, in an age when so many so quickly change their stance and beliefs of God’s word. Few nowadays, will endure sound doctrine, and many will easily turn away to fanciful fables and deleterious doctrines. This does great damage to the cause of Christ, and particularly when the individuals who so violate, are ministers who are in a position to impact others, and often hold sway over large congregations, or may have international influence through their programs and publishing, as is the case in many instances at present. The men who are entrusted with the positions of leadership in the church, should be men who have proven to be faithful in the doctrine of the Bible, have not swayed or strayed from it, and have continued to preach and teach the message of salvation in its entirety, without compromise or alteration. God’s word is faithful in that it does not change, and similarly those who are assigned the privilege and task to bear it to others, ought to do so with the utmost precision and faithfulness. Far too many individuals have been hurt in churches where ministers have assumed the right to do or preach as they choose, without regard to the word of God. They behave as if the church, that is, not the building but the people, the body of Christ, somehow belongs to them, and they have the right to speak whatever they want, rather than what God wants. Such disregard, neglect and arrogance are among the violations of the scriptural code, which can turn many away from God, convincing them that Christianity is a farce. Let us uphold the high standard of ministry and love of truth that is required in scripture, at all levels, but especially so among the ranks of the ministry.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Jan 21

“…mine own son after the common faith…” Titus 1:4

Close and family-like relationships are created among members of the body of Christ. This is a level of unity and community that goes well beyond just friendship, it is brotherhood! Once we are saved, we recognise our common spiritual Father is the Lord, and that we being filled with His Holy Spirit, each descend spiritually from Him. This establishes the ‘family ties’ of our faith, and even if we had no-one else to relate to, we are safely anchored to this wonderful and eternal Progenitor! God’s family however includes many members and many opportunities for familial intimacy. Apart from ‘siblings’ in Christ, that is brethren of precious like faith, we can identify also with those older than ourselves in the faith and with them we often find, ‘father-like’ and ‘mother-like’ relationships. When we consider those who were responsible for bringing us into the message of salvation, or ‘raising us’ through years of patient training, teaching, assistance and example, we can appreciate the blessing and privilege of belonging to the Family of God. We see then the reality of Paul’s expression towards Titus and his address of him as ‘mine own son’. Because of the common spiritual ancestry and due to the spiritual relationship which members of God’s Church develop, like Paul, we too are blessed and can relate to others in the faith, as precious family!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion