The Scripture makes it very clear that as we focus on purity we experience power from above. Paul stressed this in his final letter to his understudy Timothy. “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter [i.e., “iniquity”], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2Ti 2:21). How? The process is simple: God the Father works through the Son. The Son works through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works through the Word. The Word works through the believer. The believer works through living faith.
Gene Cunningham - February 3, 2003
Titus #4
Election (1Pe 2:9-10) starts at salvation; Jews were chosen for the Messiah but became the non-elect by rejecting Him (Rom 9:1-5), provision, and service in that we have a commission to serve. Illustration of election with prostitution (Hos 1:1-3); the first-born to Hosea was legitimate, but next may not have been (Hos 1:6), and third definitely not (Hos 1-8-9). Compassion presents an offer (Hos 2:1, Eph 2:4-6). Family reunited (Hos 2:14-23). The standard of the way Hosea feels about his firstborn (true son), becomes the standard for the children who weren't. The practical goal of election is to be conformed to the image of Christ (1Pe 2:21-25). Predestination is not used of salvation; but we are predestined for conformity to the image of Christ (Eph 1:11, Rom 8:29). Election involves inheritance -- blessing and reward (1Pe 3:9-12). Our full potential at salvation (Eph 1:3, 1Pe 1:4-5) -- in time, blessing, in eternity, reward. Election looks forward to eternal glory (1Pe 5:10). God gave us the summons, the invitation and we responded; the divine invitation is not in vain. Faith gives Paul and Titus commonality (Tit 1:4) -- Paul establishes authority of a parent over Titus. The authority in the home of parents (Eph 6:1-3). Authority carries responsibility and example (Eph 6:4, Pro 22:6, 2Co 12:14, Gen 18:19). The need to discipline (Pro 22:15, Pro 23:13-14, Pro 11:24, Pro 26:3). Children must obey (Exo 20:12, Deu 5:16, Eph 6:1, Col 3:20). Obedience includes attitude (Exo 20:12, Eph 6:2). Disobedience is equated to other sins (Rom 1:29-31). Disobedience to parents in old testament was punishable by death (Deu 21:18-21). A Nation is destroyed by negative volition and rebellious children (Hos 4:6, Isa 3:12).
Scripture References: Exodus 20:12, Titus 1:4, Proverbs 23:13-14, Hosea 1:6-8, Colossians 3:20, Ephesians 1:3, Isaiah 3:12, Proverbs 22:15, Hosea 1:6, Ephesians 6:1, Romans 8:29, Hosea 4:6, Genesis 18:19, Hosea 1:1-3, Deuteronomy 5:16, Ephesians 1:11, Deuteronomy 21:18-21, Proverbs 22:6, Romans 9:1-5, Exodus 20:12, Hosea 2:14-23, Romans 1:29-31, Ephesians 6:4, Proverbs 26:3, Ephesians 2:4-6, Ephesians 6:2, Ephesians 6:1-3, Proverbs 11:24, Hosea 2:1
From Series: "Titus - 2007"
The Apostle Paul wrote to Titus a student of his who became a pastor regarding faith knowledge and hope.