First Baptist Church, South Haven
Join us for in-person worship in the sanctuary or live on Facebook at 10:30am. The service will also be posted to YouTube and Archive later in the week.
Claiming to Know God
Titus 1:10-16
Pastor Jerry Koller
Titus 1:10 NIV
The word “for” introduces a reason why certain characteristics must be present in the elders Titus is to appoint, including holding fast to the trustworthy or faithful word of God.
Titus 1:11 NIV
“Silenced” means to “stop their mouths.”
Titus 1:12 NIV
After quoting Epimenides, Paul states in verse 13: This testimony is true.
Titus was, Therefore, to rebuke them sharply, (vs. 13b).
· Rebuke has to do with clearly and compellingly exposing falsehood.
· Sharply has to do with being brief and to the point in a severe and rigorous manner.
· Rebuke not only contains an element of exposing lies or falsehoods, it also has a redeeming aspect to it.
· Titus was to rebuke them so that they will be sound in the faith (vs. 13c).
· Rebuke deals with correction as well as discipline.
Titus was to purge the church of false, dangerous teaching and bring those rebellious individuals who are promoting such teaching to a place of repentance so that they
Titus 1:14 NIV
The phrase the commands of those who reject the truth would be directed to those who were especially of the circumcision group.
As a reminder, he tells Titus in verse 15: To the pure, all things are pure.
· To the pure is a reference to those who have been cleansed from sin through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. In Christ, they are made pure.
· To the pure, all things are pure. In other words, they do not need ceremonial washings to make themselves clean.
· They have been made pure from within, not through externals.
Titus 1:15 NIV
The descriptions corrupted and do not believe go hand-in-hand. Each contributes to the other.
· Corrupted has to do with being stained or defiled—which is a stark contrast to what is pure.
The difference between the pure and the corrupt is one of the heart.
Luke 6:45 NIV
Titus 1:16 NIV
· Unfit has to do with failing to pass the test.
· The NASB translates it: worthless for any good deed. Their hearts are corrupt.
APPLICATION
Do your actions give proof that you indeed know God in a saving manner? Or do your actions give proof that you do not know Him?
Jesus said the good man, the one who is made pure through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, brings out what is good for that is what is in his or her heart. We will bear fruit—good works that bring praise and honor to God.
What about you? What do your actions say about the condition of your heart?
Ephesians 4:1-6 NIV
· We extend our condolences to Bruce & Vasha Ferguson upon the death of Vasha's godmother, Mary Ann Jones, on 5/30 in Washington.
· Leslie Robinson (friend of Bruce & Vasha Ferguson) is home and using a walker. Thank God for His mercy and faithfulness, and please continue praying for her full recovery.
· Alice Avery, Judi Beckwith, Doris Sutherland and their families upon the death of their brother, John Albers, on May 6 in Texas.
· Sadie (29 year-old friend of Steve & Lisa Follman) had a liver transplant shortly after birth and is now having a lot of health complications. She is receiving palliative care. Also keep her family in prayer.
· Terry Buckley (father of Keith Buckley) is being evaluated for heart issues.
· Shirley Means (Miriam Bryant's sister) is receiving therapy and hopes to go home soon. She is in Henderson, Nevada.
· Caroline Bocock has been terribly ill as she is dealing with a Lyme Disease outbreak. Some of her symptoms included being in excruciating pain, having blackouts, issues with sleeping, darkening vision, random skin issues, a constant headache since 11/5, and so much more. She is taking a regiment of medications to get it under control.
· Nolan Marshall (son of Dan & Tracy) is receiving outpatient therapy but hasn’t found an even keel yet. He has been allowed to return to the school environment with many boundaries in place. The Marshall family is still very much in crisis mode and continued prayers are appreciated as they try to adjust medications and work with Nolan to manage his diagnoses.
· Joyce Bocock has completed chemo and radiation; praise God that both tumors have shrunk significantly more than expected; evaluating additional treatment options.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.
First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com