Titus Bible Sketches

Is infinity imaginable?

 

How about immeasurable or inexhaustible?

 

It takes faith to look forward to everlasting eternal life.

Before the beginning, God promised perfection in an unending life! No lie. God’s plan is to save us according to His mercy.

Titus 1:2

in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began Titus 1:2

The devil messes with us in this world.

The goal of Satan and his minions is to attack the faith. The devil will impose whatever devious tricks he can, motived to distract us from Scripture and lead us astray so far as to forget or discard the faith. People who reject the Holy Spirit’s gifts by their own choice, separate themselves from God’s grace. Without mincing words, they’ll spend eternity in hell.

Here are a few samples of lies which tempt us to embrace what could end up dividing us from God’s grace. 

• By nature, humankind struggles by making and elevating our own lower-case-gods (self, other people, things, activities) to a higher position than worshiping our Creator. 
• Stumbling in dangerous, dark areas of sin, we’re capable to give in to inconsiderate malice, envy, judgement and hatred. 
• Muddling through a broken world, even though God’s good commands are written on our hearts, no one does all perfectly. What’s worse is refusal to admit wrongs, and instead, openly continue to purposely repeat the same sins without regret. 
• In false belief that God’s love must be earned, what outwardly appears to be good words and deeds, actually inwardly come from impure hearts and selfish motivation. God doesn’t need good works to supply salvation, nor does He notice anything done with a heart that lacks the faith in Christ.
  
• Some who say they know God, actually deny Him by adding rules which trouble families, implying that the finished work of Jesus is not enough. 
• Some pick-and-choose Scripture they like and discard parts they don’t want. 

 

Prayerfully let it go. God is in control.

If a self-righteous person refuses to cease and desist to stir up division after two warnings, those who are united in the true faith are advised by God’s Word to avoid warped distracting controversies about the law, so not to get bogged down by worthless quarreling regarding rigid attacks on the Gospel.

Titus 3:5

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, Titus 3:5

Jesus crushed the evil one. 

Jesus suffered and bore sin, guilt and shame of all people, past/present/future. Our Father delights in all who are united as His children by the faith, through His Son’s sacrificial death and being risen to save us. Consoled in Christ’s care, On the Sufficiency of Scripture, the faith brings

• repentant living
• rescue from penalty
• healing from the effects of sin
• growing readiness for life
• present joy
• eternal blessings of certain hope in a new life

 

Credit belongs to our Creator for giving us freedom to focus on doing what’s good and acceptable. 

The faith guards us from those who insinuate doubt about the promises of God whose own Son empowers us with His mercy, grace and counsel. Our Savior brought goodness and loving kindness for us at the lowly birth of Jesus who was swaddled in a manger in Bethlehem. Before we were born, God planned work for us to do. The gift of faith equips us to hold onto the Truth as we devote ourselves to take up His opportunities for us to do good and treat everyone with dignity. When, by the faith, we gladly hear, read and learn God’s Word, He opens eyes to see Light shining grace for us. Christ, who has authority to judge, not only forgives those who fear Him, He also

• supplies confidence to fight natural rebellion
• encourages honesty
• makes gratitude meaningful
  
• serves us Himself in the bread and wine of Divine Worship
  
• provides zeal for carrying out what is healthy and helpful to others
• motivates respectful, gentle and courteous behavior toward all people
• creates joy which lifts the spirit
  
• establishes patience through suffering
  
• sustains the weary with rest and strength for each day
  
• assures proper trust 

Jesus loves you and wants to connect with you.

By the treasure of water included in God’s command to wash in/with the Word (the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit), Holy Baptism does what Jesus says it does. By the one true faith, Christ serves us forgiveness in the sight of our Father in heaven. We were conceived in sin and born sinful. The solution to our sin is God’s rich grace in Christ for us and for our children. This new birth of God is a gift to be received once for all its benefits of His salvation for us. As an adopted child of God in Baptism, we become an heir of eternal life. It’s not my promise to God; it’s His promise to me by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. God’s mercy is for each of us who practice freedom in our baptized holy life of faith in Christ Jesus who paid the same price for all people. Joy for each new day comes in remembering Baptism’s continuous on-going effects are for us who are covered in His grace!

We are blessed.

Nine months before Christmas, I’m posting this on a day observed in my church body as the time when the angel Gabriel visited the blessed Virgin Mary to announce that the eternal Son of God would take up human flesh in her womb!

• Learn more about The Annunciation of our Lord
• Listen to current worship services
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Praying in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit—One God with us now, always, and in the end will make all things new:

“I praise You, O God, for giving me grace and peace in Christ Jesus my Savior! Make me a sincere and faithful child in the communion of saints. • Jesus, purify me with Your righteousness so that I may lead my family and serve faithfully among your people. •  Jesus, adorn my life with works and confession worthy of the Gospel. • O God, Your Word and Sacraments sustain, guide, and nurture me in the one true faith. Guard me against all error. • Entrust me, dear Lord, with the opportunity to tell another person of Your redeeming love. Amen.” —from notes on Titus, The Lutheran Study Bible

Wait, there’s more! :)

• Intro
  
• Radio talk, study, preaching
• The Word Endures
• 30 Minutes 252, 253, 254
  
• Animated summary
• Holy Baptism: An Anthology (free pdf)

2 Timothy Bible Sketches

Are you afraid?

 

Have you received the Spirit?

 

Where does power come from?

Love cares, comforts, protects, provides and is there for us; yet it’s not coercive and doesn’t hold us from walking away. In freedom, we may think and act as we wish. God’s love is the source of reconciliation when we wander or cut ourselves off.

 

2 Timothy 1:7

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

 

God gave us a spirit of love in Holy Baptism which unites us with Jesus. Self-control is provided so we don’t deny God’s power, but rather worship Him. The unchanging Word identifies right from wrong and explains how we’re redeemed from punishment we deserve. Our burdens are lifted and fears are removed by the gift of faith in Christ.

Some, misguided by various myths—that we’re born innocent, a personal decision is required for baptism, or by trying hard enough we can perfect our behavior—are probably left wondering if they’ve done enough.

Actually, all people were conceived and born in sin. We’re naturally selfish and can’t free ourselves from entanglement in many ways we fail, related to various types of sin which we might stray into. Chronic abuse takes power and control by distorted entitlement or domineering thoughts and actions. Vows are thoughtlessly broken. Rules which have been set in place for our own good are carelessly ignored. Just one example, the commandment you shall not murder not only means that we shouldn’t hurt or harm another, but also, we should fear and love God so we offer help and support to them in every physical need. We may fail to give of our time as we should. By rejecting help or asserting a closed-ears and hard-heart position, we cancel relationships and isolate ourselves. The unrelenting harsh tone of excessive inconsiderate words hurts people; so does neglecting to say kind things, express thanks, offer assistance, prayer, or comfort. Holding grudges, simmering resentment and unhealthy thoughts are only a few ways which prove how broken we really are. All humankind has inherited sin.

2 Timothy 1:9

who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 2 Timothy 1:9

 

Christ strengthens us when we repetitively receive healthy doses of God’s glory. 

Our Good Lord’s merciful gifts of correction and repentance for us come by the faith God grants for forgiveness of sin. Learning about gentleness is among many blessings from our compassionate Creator. Truth is gained by Spirit-guided focus into the full context of the Bible. The author of faith and life reveals Himself as our specific path to perfect love, self-control and forgiveness. God lowered Himself to be born as Son of Man. Jesus literally sweat blood, died, rose from the grave and ascended to heaven to complete for us the rescue we need to be prepared for Resurrection Day. Believing we are forgiven in Christ, we live in God’s peace and joy, knowing that eventually we’ll outlive death when we’re raised up to praise Him forever in paradise where tears are completely wiped away and there will be no more sin.

2 Timothy 3:1-7

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:1-7

 

Jesus’s wounds and sufferings are our sins.

God doesn’t need our good works; yet we definitely need His finished work. Sinners, just like us, violently crucified Jesus at the cross, yet God’s Word assures that He rose and endures forever. Through Baptism we are made one with Christ—unified into His death and resurrection for us. The Holy Spirit, by grace,

• pours forgiveness upon us
  
• enables belief which trusts Christ’s mercy
• shields the believer who is caught in the line of fire
• outwits the tempter’s false claim that we fully (or partially) could rely on ourselves for salvation
  
• lovingly covers the baptized with certain hope of a heavenly future

Christ’s body and blood, in/with/under bread and wine served at the Lord’s Table, strengthens and forgives. Our faithful Heavenly Father provides a Church family of believing friends and relatives to

• pray for each other
• shine the Light of Christ in our darkest places so to build each other up
• express Truth we confess together
  
• remind one another of our Savior’s love for us

Jesus became sin to give us victory over sin, completing us by the faith The Holy Spirit supplies us for cleansing, rescue and wisdom in hearing. No matter what physical/mental/emotional brokenness and difficulty arises, all who are baptized and receive the Word of God are patiently and sufficiently

• covered by grace, forgiven of unhealthy/insufficient thoughts, words and actions
  
• equipped to thank and praise God; to pray for, encourage, share the Light by telling others of God’s finished work and healthy purpose in Jesus to satisfy all people with hope and a future 

At times we may have to endure very bad days; without a doubt, death. Mindfully, we can reflect on the cross our Lord endured for the whole world—a sacrifice which we can never make. Counsel exists within the pure Gospel for us to live along side others during these end times while we’re faced with opposition in a world that’s not yet our final home. Thankfully, we’re motivated by the Spirit with an eagerness to do work He’s prepared for us before we were born. Only in Him can we be kind and gentle toward everyone.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

More on Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy

• Intro
• Study 1 
  
• Study 2
• Study 3
• Study 4
• Conversation 1
• Conversation 2
• Conversation 3
• Conversation 4
• Animated Summary 
  

Prayer of the Day • Lord God heavenly Father, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, Your servant Moses proclaimed the resurrection to the children of Israel to give them hope in the midst of their darkness. As we journey to the darkness of the cross, give us hope to look beyond it to the light of the resurrection; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. (1006) Treasury of Daily Prayer

1 Timothy Bible Sketches

Why should I care?

What should I do about it?

Reckless or dull consciences take irreverent journeys.

Breaking rules blows the good purpose of having them. The law shows safe, proper and good ways; it proves the need for grace. 

Bad habits, physical conditions, mental exhaustion and emotional weakness may overwhelm us to low places, if they’re carelessly left unchecked or unattended—without repair, rest, pardon and healing.

Misusing the law pretentiously produces oblivion to the Truth of the Gospel. It’s an unhealthy path to be on since perfection isn’t attainable by our sinful nature. 

Grumbling only magnifies negativity—a downer that brings temptations within the distress it causes those who have to hear it. 

Wallowing—in brokenness, conceit, pride, selfishness, self-pity—is far from God’s good design to give it up to the Lord in prayer and let go of it. 

Beyond bad vibes of pain, illness, coldness, bitterness, confusion, chaos, dysfunction, anxiety—these frustrations get worse by refusal to admit there are personal issues to address, and by snubbing the person who has come clean. Irresponsible blame-shifting, making excuses, plus, rejection of help and forgiveness, keep us either spinning in circles or stuck in the mud.

Having free will to make decisions makes possibility to fall for the devil’s lies that would have us completely ignore, deny, abandon or minimize gifts of the Holy Spirit by saying things like

• I don’t care what the Bible says
  
• I don’t need the Church
  
• I don’t believe Jesus died to save me
  
• I don’t need God 

By impenitently making choices which are hostile to the Holy Spirit, people may severely isolate themselves into a state of unbelief. By their own turning away from receiving God’s grace freely offered to them, unless they turn back to Truth, they face death apart from God’s everlasting love and end up suffering forever. That’s a horrible way to go into eternity. 

Keep reading, there’s hope …

1 Timothy 1:15-16

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16

 

Minds carefully sharpened by the Word enjoy life now with certain hope for a perfected paradise.

Thankfully, the story goes beyond this beautiful, yet broken place mixed with sadness and sin which we all have.

God sacrificially loved us with His life. Lowering Himself to be born and live among us, He personally taught us how to live. In Christ, we also may offer others beneficial grace. The atoning work of Jesus rescues and comforts sinners with God’s peace. His merciful forgiveness clears the guilty conscience. The believer is filled with bold confidence to have hope in God’s promises for an extraordinary life now and eternal future without tears! 

Our loving Creator is present—fully aware of every detail in this life. No matter what our regret of

• shortcut taken
  
• opportunity ignored
  
• responsibility shirked
  
• correction dodged
• offense made
  
• dishonesty cheated
  
• breakdown failed
  
• positive action avoided

…plus, no matter what wrongs others have done to us or good actions left undone—Christ has power and authority over it. He already finished the work which saves us from indulging in depression. Jesus is all about taking our burdens at the cross and removing our regrets. Helping us through dangers, hard work and traps—He brings us to a state of peace which surpasses understanding. He desires that we honor and join Him in everlasting paradise! He’s already worked it out for us to go! Everyone influenced by Christ’s work is mysteriously guided through the process He sees fit. In this world we are to expect suffering. God allows us to endure difficulties, yet He lovingly works things out in ways which build-up character and create powerful saving-trust in Him. 

Faith is created when we hear God’s Word. By the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, along with the water of Baptism, He makes us His own children. As we grow, God speaks to us through healthy doctrine and hymns. He feeds us strength and forgiveness during our fellowship in the Lord’s Supper given for us in Divine Worship. 

The Holy Spirit creates repentant living, filled with Truth. As we enjoy good conscience in Christ, He hears our prayers for help to forgive one another. By faith, in humility before God, we confess inability to fix things and acknowledge our dependency on Him. Joyful warm, soft, caring hearts sincerely thanking God for His love, strive to gently help people. No matter what type of work the Lord calls us to, we completely rely on His grace, mercy and peace.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Pray for the will of the Creator.

Life in Christ thankfully prays to build others up and generously share the faith using whatever we’re entrusted—everything we call our own—to the glory of our Creator.

Praise the Lord for each and every person eager and able to help us make progress in understanding the richness of God’s grace. Clearly, people of faith want everyone to have the contentment and joy they have in Christ Jesus!

Taking steps toward weekly involvement is the best habit anyone can form. It’s wise to persistently immerse ourselves in Bible study. The more we know about the Bible, the more we realize we don’t know. If you haven’t yet, I pray you’ll connect with a congregation for help. Call the pastor, visit and ask questions. Once you start catching on to what kind of peace and forgiveness comes in God’s loving presence, you’ll long to be repeatedly reminded. Our Savior offers a quiet dignity which is like no worldly experience you could achieve apart from Him.

1 Timothy 2:3-4

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4

Thank the Savior of all people!

To fight against the devil’s temptation to get into vain discussions, we pray to meekly act appropriately toward others in

• honoring
  
• encouraging
  
• treating respectfully
• gently loving
• careful testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ
• sharing mercy and grace

Praise the Holy Name of Jesus

Remember the gift of contentment which the Holy Spirit produces in Truth that depends on Christ. Be alert, aware and cautious of those who are deceived in an ignorant and unbelieving world; not all have seen the Light yet.

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. … Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you. 1 Timothy 6:3-8,20

More on 1 Timothy

• Chase
• God Knows Me 
• Living and Dying 
• Dramatic?
• No Regrets 
• KFUO Radio
• Issues Etc.
• The Bible Project
• 30 Minutes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

2 Thessalonians Bible Sketch

Who needs eternal comfort?

 

Who needs good hope through grace?

Out of love for us, God puts His Name on us and unites us to Christ in baptism. 

Hope is energized when we remember who we are, marked with the cross of the One who forgives, makes us worthy of God’s love, and saves us from sin, death, and Satan. To affect spiritual growth, the Holy Spirit supplies the Word to work within and nurture us, to create a clean heart that trusts and loves God. As sinners who lead a repentant life, we confess our faith and stay connected to Truth by regularly hearing the Word preached. We’re forgiven and strengthened by entering the presence of God in the Lord’s Supper, focusing on the Lord Jesus and all He has done for us. Church-family across the world worships, sings, thanks and praises God in unity! Faith motivates good goals as we pray for God’s will. Toward others, we prayerfully seek to be actively

• kind
• forgiving
• loving
• encouraging
• consoling

No matter what disaster, puzzling situation, difficult issue, rejection, illness or unique hardship tests our faith or wounds us—as we ponder God’s love for us, by grace, the Holy Spirit stirs our hearts with gratitude!

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.
2 Thessalonians 1:3

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Jesus is dependable to eternally care for all who believe.

As we wander around in a sinful world ruled by the devil, our natural fallen human nature is easily led astray in thought, word and deed. Our Father in Heaven chooses to use His power and authority through His presence in our lives to guard, protect and deliver us from evil. The Holy Spirit’s work is vital to get us through thick/thin, good/bad, happy/sad, birth/death and beyond as life goes on. The Lord’s peace keeps us safe and guides us away from hanging out in harmful situations.

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Status now and forever—when God sorts things out and brings justice.

The life we know will pass and we can look forward to new things. Either the worst is yet to come for unbelievers separated to endure everlasting suffering, or, the best is yet to come for believers gathered in the new creation in a state of never-ending blessedness. We are fully known by our Creator. Jesus will identify some to have chosen to minimize sin, refused to repent, rejected grace by faith, given Him the cold shoulder; others to have received the Holy Spirit’s gifts of faith in Him, grasped grace to repent, embraced forgiveness, thanked Him, endured hardships while trusting and loving the Word. 

“That Christ will be the Judge is good news, since He is the one Who died and rose again for the salvation of all. Those who fill are clothed in His righteousness will meet Him as the Savior, whereas those who rely on their own righteousness will meet Him as their condemning Judge.” projectwittenberg

We see God by the faith He freely offers; God sees us through Christ-goggles.

When God looks at us, He sees His Son who bled for us to pay the price of punishment we deserve for our sin. The Creator’s design of faith establishes for us good hope, good work and word. Believing, we’re being made holy by Jesus to the glory of God’s perfection and comforting presence forever!

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. … Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5,16

Regardless of what the devil is doing in the world to plant worry and sadness, God’s peace that passes understanding is for us through the blood of our Savior. In Jesus Name we can forgive and pray for His peace to come to others, not cursing, but blessings for our enemies and those we don’t like or who do us harm.

“O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.”
Collect For Peace—LSB p233

Want to read or listen to more?

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