But God

 Titus 3:3-11

 

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others, and hating one another.  But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.   But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.  As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

 

Titus, being led by the Holy Spirit gives insight into the before and the after of every person's life without Christ, and all of us were like this at one time.  But God, if it was not for those two words, you and I would be in a mess, for it was grace through faith we have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit makes this very clear as He speaks through Titus, in verses 4-7,  “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

 

Titus is instructing each follower of Christ, be on guard against the flesh, be on guard against old habits and thought patterns, we are to allow God’s Spirit to lead us into good works. Titus goes on to share the works we should be about, works that are excellent and profitable for people.  The other day I had a man who is very godly tell me he disagrees with my thoughts on the China virus and asks me to remove him from my email list.  I was shocked, he has shared that he read the New York Times and it often prints lies and untruths, but he has not dropped them.  I did as asked, and I still love and respect that man for he loves God.  

 

As a follower of Christ, we should never allow differences of opinions on a matter make us break fellowship with another believer.  If you find yourself in a church body, and you disagree on what is being spoken from the leadership, please leave, but do not stir up division, leave and pray for that body of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice