Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for October 27

“Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching” (Titus 2:7b NLT).

From: October 27, 2019

DOES YOUR WALK MATCH YOUR TALK?

Paul taught his spiritual son, Titus, to be careful that his way of life was consistent with his teaching. Certainly, this would’ve been an even more important concern for a younger man like Titus.

Two traits were commended to him:

1) Integrity – wholeness of character that matches conduct.

2) Seriousness – dignified, acting with respect, not foolish.

Essentially, Paul told Titus to make sure that his walk matched his talk. Does yours?

PRAYER: Dear Father, help us to guard our tongues and our manner, so that we do not hinder the Gospel in any way. Only Your Holy Spirit can empower us to live a life of integrity and seriousness. For we are often given to foolishness. Strengthen us so that our walk matches our talk. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people” (Titus 2:11 NLT).

From: October 27, 2018

THE GRACE OF GOD SHINING FORTH

The unmerited favor of God has been revealed in Christ, so that all humanity might be saved, both those of low estate and those of high, whether far or near. This grace of God is revealed in the gospel of God (See Col. 1:6). It is sufficient to save all those who believe. Yet, to those who reject it, there is no other means of salvation.

Some have seen in this word, “revealed,” which literally means, “to shine upon,” a comparison to the rising of the sun. For as the sun rises, it does not enlighten the whole earth at once, but steadily is comprehended from east to west as the day progresses. This grace of God, which first shone forth from Calvary’s hill, even now steadily shines into the darkness of this world “as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14).

This grace of God now shines forth from every believer whose heart has been set aflame by the gospel, who obey Christ’s great commission to make disciples of all nations.

“You answered them, O LORD our God; You were to them God-Who-Forgives, Though You took vengeance on their deeds” (Psalm 99:8 NKJV).

From: October 28, 2017

The psalmist used three names for God in this verse:

– “LORD” – The Hebrew is “Yahweh” or “Jehovah.” This is the name God revealed to Moses at the burning bush.

– “God” – “Elohim.” This is the first name used for God as found in Gen. 1:1.

– “God-Who-Forgives” – “El Nasah.” The Hebrew “El” means “God” and “nasah” means “to forgive,” or “to bear.”

The LORD answered those who prayed to Him on behalf of the people of God. In this case, the psalmist referred to Moses, Aaron and Samuel (v.6), who were priests. God answered and God forgave the people when these three men acted as mediators. He forgave the people, yet He still punished their sinful deeds.

Today, God has sent His Son to be our “El Nasah.” In Him, God has answered, forgiven, and even judged our sins. For Christ received the punishment that was ours, that we might receive the acceptance that is His.

“It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens” (Jeremiah 51:15 ESV)

From: October 27, 2016

In the midst of God’s revelation to the prophet Jeremiah of Babylon’s future destruction, He revealed yet more of Himself. God is not just a local god, standing watch over little Jerusalem. No, He is the God over all creation. He is the omnipotent One who not only created the earth but the whole universe with divine understanding, so that even the stars are ordered according to His will. And not only has He created all, but with His omniscient wisdom, He sustains all. Our God is both Creator and Sustainer, holding everything together. The Lord expanded Jeremiah’s understanding of Himself, so that he might worship and trust Him more fully. Those who realize both the size of the universe and this revelation of God’s great power and wisdom are able to lift their eyes from their tiny perspective and trust in this great God.

“He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own Is like one who takes a dog by the ears” (Proverbs 26:17 NKJV)

From: October 27, 2015

Have you ever tried separating fighting dogs? Chances are even your own dog will accidentally bite you. You may have meant to be the peacemaker, but now you’re part of the dog fight. Similarly, be careful about “meddling” in someone else’s quarrel. Unsolicited advice is rarely welcome. Of course, there are times when intervention is required, as when a weaker party is being bullied or at risk of being harmed. Even in this, the parable provides a wise caution. Entering the fray may mean that both combatants turn on you. Do so with your eyes wide open. The Bible does teach “blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt.5:9). But be aware that peacemakers are often bitten by the ones they sought to help.

“The Lord made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. With his own understanding he stretched out the heavens” (Jeremiah 51:15 NLT)

From: October 27, 2014

In the midst of God’s revelation to the prophet Jeremiah of Babylon’s future destruction, He revealed yet more of Himself. God is not just a local god, standing watch over little Jerusalem. No, He is the God over all creation. He is the omnipotent One who not only created the earth but the whole universe with divine understanding, so that even the stars are ordered according to His will. And not only has He created all, but with His omniscient wisdom, He sustains all. Our God is both Creator and Sustainer, holding everything together. The Lord expanded Jeremiah’s understanding of Himself, so that he might worship and trust Him more fully. Those who realize both the size of the universe and this revelation of God’s great power and wisdom are able to lift their eyes from their tiny perspective and trust in this great God.

“Live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13)

From: October 27, 2013

How to live in this “present age” while we wait for the One who will inaugurate the next. Paul lived with an awareness that Christ could appear at any time. This gave him a holy urgency to live in view of Christ’s return and of the coming age. Although much has changed since Paul’s day, much remains the same. We still live in the age before Christ’s return. When? Soon, and very soon.

“He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds” (Titus 2:14)

From: October 27, 2012

Paul told Titus to teach believers about the freedom Christ had purchased for them. This freedom was not only from sin, but also unto righteousness. And from what “kind” of sin has Christ set us free? Every kind! So stop saying that your particular sin area is too deeply ingrained, too dirty, too much for His grace. His grace is sufficient to free us from “every kind” of sin. If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed!

“So that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive” (Titus 2:10)

From: October 27, 2011

Work for those who employ us in such a way that it makes them want to know about Jesus. Remember, we are servants of Christ, so everything we do, we do for Him. The excellence of your work should be a platform for preaching the gospel.