Oct 13 Communicate, exhort, rebuke, Don’t be intimidated

oct-13-tit2-15Titus 2:15 “So communicate ~~ these things with the sort of exhortation or rebuke ~~ that carries full authority. Don’t let anyone look down*| on you.”

Probably nowhere in Scripture is the Christian life defined more succinctly than in the preceding four verses. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11–14).

Titus, and every reader of this epistle, is charged with “continually communicating these things” (i.e., to “talk at random, talk much”), or to explain all the time to each other, to children, to friends, and to neighbors why you live the way you do. You should be unashamed about what is important and proactive in discussing your love for Jesus.

We cannot be silent about sinful behavior around us; we must “be continually exhorting” (i.e., “beseech, plead, or encourage”) believers to understand the implications of their salvation by grace and God’s purpose for their lives.

Some will persist in their addiction to sinful behavior and require “continuous rebuking” (i.e., “to shame, disgrace, prove one in the wrong”). People must recognize where God draws the line. If we are to live in the blinding light of God’s presence by His grace, we must understand His hatred for sin.

To have received His grace in salvation yet persist in the same, or worse, sins as before knowing Him is the most grievous of offenses. He sacrificed His life, not so we could sin with impunity, but so we would live always in the light of His presence.

This kind of communication should be performed “with all authority,” which means “a command imposed upon someone.” It is everyone’s responsibility to explain the commands of Scripture to others and to hold them accountable to obey them. With the weight of God’s word behind us, there is no reason to disobey this command.

Titus was to “stop letting people look down” on him or “exhalt [them]self in thought above” God’s servant. People get defensive when confronted with God’s word.

“Lord, I cannot live for myself isolated from other believers. Give me the courage and skill to exhort those needing encouragement and rebuke those walking in disobedience. Help me to care enough for others to risk their rejection when I speak the truth.” 

 

Related Post

Feb 26 Live in peace

2 Cor 13:11d, “…. live in peace~~, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” Whenever a group of sinners gather together, arguments and disharmony are a natural result. However, when the group is empowered by the Spirit and mutually committed to obeying the...

Feb 25 Agree with one another

2 Cor 13:11c, “… agree with one another [be of one mind] ~~“ The appeal for unity is frequent in Paul’s writings, especially with such diverse congregations of slaves and the poor and Gentiles and Jews: “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on...

Jan 3 Do not be too ambitious

James 3:1—-“Not many of you should become~| teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we will be judged more strictly.”  According to Scripture, the first requirement to become a bishop, elder, or pastor is not a sense of a special call, but a...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This