His Word Today

¹⁰” As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,¹¹ knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” (Titus 3:10–11 (ESV)

“In doctrine, therefore, we should always have regard to usefulness, so that everything that does not contribute to godliness shall be held in no estimation,” says 16^th century Protestant Reformer John Calvin. In other words, believers in Christ, especially pastors, must discern when it is useful to debate a fool and when it is not (Prov. 26:4–5).

What is a storm warning? At sea, a storm warning is a warning issued by the National Weather Service of the United States when winds between 48 and 63 knots are occurring or predicted to occur soon. The winds must not be associated with a tropical cyclone. If the winds are associated with a tropical cyclone, a tropical storm warning will be substituted for the storm warning and less severe gale warning. 

How may this term be used regarding the church? Within the local body of Christ, a storm warning would be concerns about an errant church member or attendee who is beginning to stir up trouble. This may be over doctrine, philosophy of ministry or the church’s leadership. How should the pastor and church elders handle such a situation or an individual?

“Apparently, Titus and the church he served on Crete were beset by divisive persons, and it may even be that the leaders were uncertain as to how long they should put up with the troublers, which would explain why Paul gives the instructions he does in Titus 3:10–11. In this case, the malcontents were false teachers who were promoting rank heresy of some kind (1:10–16), and division in the church plainly results whenever teachers deny cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith. Contrary to the notions of heretical leaders who control certain denominations, those who teach against biblical doctrine are divisive, not those orthodox congregations who wish to separate from them,” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.

When it becomes obvious someone in the church delights in stirring up trouble and division, the Apostle Paul instructed Titus as to the appropriate response. Pastors and elders are to warn the individual once, and then, if necessary, twice. Thereafter, the individual in question is to be rejected.

The word warning (νουθεσία; nouthesia) means to admonish and correct ungodly behavior; especially divisive speech. The phrase have nothing more to do with him (παραιτέομαι; paraiteomai) means to shun and avoid.

“Anyone in the church who is unsubmissive, self-willed, and divisive should be expelled. Two warnings are to be given, following the basic pattern for church discipline set forth by Christ (Matt. 18:15–17; cf. Rom. 16:17–18; 2 Thess. 3:14–15),” states Dr. John MacArthur.

This type of response by church leadership should be done cautiously, seriously and prayerfully. The reason is because the divisive person is warped (ἐκστρέφω; ekstepho) meaning perverted, sinful (ἁμαρτάνω; harmartano) meaning disobedient to the Word of God, and self-condemned (αὐτοκατάκριτος; autokatakritos) or judged by one’s own actions.

Great care must be shown by church leaders in such a situation. There have been elders who reject a church member because the individual questioned the behavior of the church’s leadership, even when the elders were wrong. Elders are not perfect, nor should they believe themselves to be.

“The apostle frequently condemns quarreling and strife (Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 3:3), so it is no surprise that people who foster such things are likewise to be avoided (Titus 3:10). We must stand for the truth but never be the kind of people who are always itching for a fight. Otherwise, we will sacrifice good works for the sake of finding new and “exciting” battles to wage,” explains Dr. Sproul.

“The apostle demands that when the time is ripe such a person shall be rejected. The expression “Have nothing further to do with” must be taken in the sense of refuse, reject (cf. 1 Tim. 5:11; 2 Tim. 2:23). There seems to be a reference here to Matt. 18:15–17. Official exclusion from church-membership is probably indicated. This is not surprising, for Titus will know that such an individual (cf. Rom. 16:18, etc.), who not only creates division but also after repeated warnings persists in this practice, “is distorted” and is sinning. The word rendered “is distorted” is very descriptive. Such a person is not living and seeing straight. He is mentally and morally turned or twisted. He is even worse than the man who colloquially is sometimes called “a screw-ball.” He is actually living in sin. What makes his sin very bad is the fact that he knows that he is sinning. If his conscience has not already spoken plainly, he has at least been warned, and that not once but twice. Hence, he sins “being self-condemned.”^[1]

Pray for the elders in your local church. Pray that they will have the courage to stand for truth and obey God’s Word; even when it is difficult. May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 395–396.

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” (Titus 3:9 (ESV)

A pastor’s responsibilities in a local church are multi-faceted and never ending. They extend beyond the normal work hours of 9-5. They include also stressful problems and controversies. The pastor needs wisdom from the Lord to navigate these stormy ecclesiastical seas (James 1:5).

The Apostle Paul’s warning to Titus involved the false teachers of which the apostle spoke of in Titus 1:1-16. Paul did not want Titus to become bogged down in nonsensical issues that could prevent him from performing his duties as a pastor.

Foolish controversies (μωρός ζήτησις; moros zetesis) refers to moronic disputes. In others words, nonsense. These are subjects that make no sense for the pastor to become involved and to devote any significant time or energy.

Genealogies (γενεαλογία; genealogia) addressed one’s ancestry. Perhaps this would include an individual assuming church leadership because his family helped plant the church. Or, it might be an individual who placed great status upon themselves because they were a charter member of the church.

Dissensions (ἔρις; eris) are contentions. It is conflict resulting from rivalry and discord.

Quarrels (μάχη; mache) are disputes and fights. These are serious conflicts, which may become physically violent. They are intense and bitter.

“This is in strong contrast with the preceding: Titus must do the one, but avoid the other. The order of the words in the sentence (the compound object placed before the verb) and the absence of the article before any of the four nouns, these facts clearly prove that all possible emphasis is placed on the quality and contents of the object. It is exactly foolish inquiries, namely, investigations into genealogical lore, that must be avoided. It is precisely wrangling, namely, skirmishes about the law, that must be given a wide berth. See also on Titus 1:9, 10, 14.^[1]

“The matters referred to have been described in detail in connection with 1 Tim. 1:3–7, 19, 20 and 1 Tim. 6:3–5 (see on these passages). Let Titus then shun (cf. 2 Tim. 2:16) the Jewish legends and the stipulations, the inquiries and the wrangling. When he sees them coming, let him turn around and flee! Let him see these things for what they truly are: unprofitable, futile. What a sharp contrast between all this useless nonsense and the very useful matters about which Paul has just spoken in verses 4–7 (see also verse 8). A minister who does justice to the latter will have no time for the former.”^[2]

I recall attending a Christian men’s conference several years ago in a major American city. There were protestors who gathered outside the venue in order to stir up controversy. They also sought to confront several of the attendees during a lunch break. The best tactic of engagement in such situations is to not engage. That is what the protestors want. Deny them that desire.

“Genealogies and details about the law (including arguments of Jewish legal scholars over spellings or vocalizations of Hebrew words) were minutiae that missed the genuinely critical issues in the spirit of the Old Testament (Titus 1:10; 1 Tim 1:6; 2 Tim 2:14),” explains biblical scholar Craig S. Keener.

“Paul returns to the false teachers in Titus 3:9. His admonition to avoid “foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law” is not only sound advice from the Word of God but also a parting shot at the falsehood of Titus’ opponents. These teachers were trying to stay connected to a perverted form of Judaism, speculating about minor figures in biblical genealogies, like Timothy’s Ephesian enemies (1 Tim. 1:3–4), to promote esoteric and erroneous doctrines. Our generation is not the first to encounter those who major on the minors or who embrace rank heresy, and it will not be the last. Dealing with such problems now, as in Paul’s day, means that we reject as church leaders those who prefer their own ideas to the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

Paul concluded all of these controversies are unprofitable and worthless. Unprofitable (ἀνωφελεῖς; anopheles) means to be without advantage and of no special benefit. The word worthless (μάταιοι; mataioi) refers to what is empty or fruitless.

It can be easy to become embroiled in foolish arguments with people who desire to major on the minors. It is wise to walk away from such people. I recently had to cease conversing with a friend on social media because of his argumentativeness.

To an angry individual on social media, one pastor wrote, “You are cordially invited to take your angry rants elsewhere. A response is self-evidently pointless. Bye . . .” See Matthew 7:6.

May the Lord’s struth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 394.

^[2] Ibid., 394–395.

“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.” (Titus 3:8 (ESV)

Today’s text refers us back to Titus 3:3-7. God has provided salvation to sinners by grace alone, through faith alone, and in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. The Apostle Paul insists this gospel of deliverance from sin’s penalty, power and eventual presence is a trustworthy message.

Trustworthy (πιστός; pistos) is a saying which is reliable, faithful and believable. It is the truth; worthy of a commitment to, a dependence upon and a worship of God. Paul wanted (βούλομαι; boulomai) and desired Titus to insist (διαβεβαιόομαι; diabebaioomai) and state with confidence this truth of the Gospel of God’s grace and mercy.

The apostle’s purpose in writing this was so believers in Christ would be presently and actively careful (φροντίζω; phrontizo) to think about devoting themselves to good works. Paul spoke of this in 3:1. This insistence on godliness is evidence an individual is truly converted and has a knowledge of the truth (Titus 1:1). Believers in Christ are not saved by their good works, but display saving faith by their good works (James 2:14-26).

Doing things which are not only praiseworthy to God, but also for people, is excellent and profitable. Excellent (καλός; kalos) means good while profitable (ὠφέλιμος; ophelimos) refers to being advantageous, beneficial and useful.

“Chapter 3 of Titus began with a call for believers to “be ready for every good work” and “to show perfect courtesy for all people,” (vv. 1–2), and Paul returns to this admonition in today’s passage after providing the theological basis for his charge. Lest any of us think that it is proper to serve only those who are “worthy,” God’s willingness to redeem us when we were foolish and hateful means that we must likewise seek the best even for our enemies if we are to be imitators of Him (vv. 3–7). Sound theology, then, is not merely a collection of abstract truths about our Creator but also a ground and motivation for fulfilling the call of Jesus that we serve one another (John 13:1–17),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“This, then (that is, verses 4–7), was the last of the five great “sayings.” See on 1 Tim. 1:15 for the meaning of the introductory formula, “Reliable is the saying.” It is about these matters—namely, a. the kindness of the Father and his love toward man; b. the work of the Holy Spirit in regenerating and renewing man; c. the grace of Jesus Christ considered as the effective cause of our justification; and d. the purpose of all this: that we might become what we are today, heirs-in-hope of life everlasting—that Paul wants Titus to speak with confidence. Others, to be sure, speak with confidence about frivolous matters; matters, moreover, about which they know nothing.” ^[1]

“Let Titus then stress those matters of which he has become firmly and rightfully convinced, the purpose being that those who have their faith fixed on God (note perfect participle, indicating both the past action and the present abiding result) may be careful to apply themselves to noble deeds. They should concentrate their thought on such deeds of gratitude, applying themselves with diligence to their performance, and making this their chief business. These matters—that is, the things just mentioned: the kindness of the Father, the work of the Holy Spirit, etc.—are excellent and beneficial for (all) people. Not only are these things excellent in themselves, but they are also beneficial (useful, profitable; see on 1 Tim. 4:8; 2 Tim. 3:16; also, in classical Greek and in the papyri). Moreover, when appropriated by faith, they benefit men in general, not this or that particular class. They bring life, light, joy, and peace where before there was death, darkness, sadness, and fear.^[2]

On the basis of the Gospel, what excellent and profitable work is before you today? Whatever it may be, do is with your whole heart (Col. 3:23-24). Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 393–394.

^[2] Ibid., 394.

³ “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. ⁴ But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 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, ⁶ whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3-7 ESV)

Titus 3:6-7 continues the instructions the Apostle Paul began in 3:3-5. In stating the Holy Spirit is the source of regeneration, or the new birth (John 3:1-8), Paul further explains what God the Father did through the Holy Spirit on the basis of the completed work of Jesus Christ. This section is an excellent treatise regarding the Trinity.

To begin with, Paul describes God the Father pouring out the Holy Spirit. The word poured (ἐκχέω; ekcheō) means to shed or to pour out like a liquid. This was a rich pouring. Richly (πλουσίως; plousiōs) means lavishly and abundantly. God has blessed believers beyond measure (Acts 2:38–39; 1 Cor. 12:7, 11, 13; Eph. 3:20; 5:18).

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is contingent upon the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly ministry of Christ was the prerequisite for the New Testament ministry of the Holy Spirit. It is because of the justifying grace of God that believers in Christ are heirs (Romans 8:16-17; Galatians 3:29; I Peter 1:3-5). This status in Christ provides believers with confidence before God in their anticipation of eternal life in Christ.

Being justified (δικαιωθέντες; dikaiothentes) is an aorist passive plural verb. It refers to God the Father declaring the repentance sinner righteous on the basis of the perfect righteousness of Christ. It refers to the guilt of our sin being satisfied by the substitutionary atonement of the Lord Jesus on the cross.

Romans 5:1 (ESV) says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  

“The central truth of salvation is justification by faith alone. When a sinner repents and places his faith in Jesus Christ, God declares him just, imputes the righteousness of Christ to him, and gives him eternal life by virtue of the substitutionary death of Christ as the penalty for that sinner’s iniquity (Rom. 3:21–5:21; Gal. 3:6–22; Phil. 3:8–9). As adopted children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, believers become “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17; cf. 1 Pet. 1:3–4),” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

God’s justifying work is on the basis on His sovereign grace alone, through God-given faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. It is because of God’s unmerited favor towards sinners they become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” 

“The purpose, then, of the work of God in saving us is “that … we might become heirs … of life everlasting”; that is, that even now in this present life we might have the right as children to look forward to the full possession of that which we now possess only in principle. When that future day arrives, we shall rejoice in the richest possible (because sinless!) fellowship with God in Christ (John 3:16; 17:3), basking in the sunshine of his love (John 5:42) and partaking, to the fullest extent possible for man, of his joy and glory (John 17:13). That life differs, accordingly, in essence from the “life”(?) of the unbeliever, and in degree even from the life of the believer here below. It is, moreover, actually ever-lasting, that is, never-ending. Of that life as it is in principle we are now the possessors; and of that life as it will be in perfection we are even now the heirs, but heirs-in-hope, hoping heirs. But this hope will certainly be realized (Rom. 5:5).”^[1]

Take the opportunity today to thank God for the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in your life (Rom. 8:9). Have a blessed day in the LORD.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 393.

^4 “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 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 3:4-5 ESV).

The Apostle Paul explained to Titus that while our sins are sufficient to condemn us, our works of righteousness are not sufficient to save us from God’s judgment. Salvation from sin’s penalty, power and eventual presence is based upon God’s sovereign grace alone, through God given faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. It is not based on human effort.

The appearance of God our Savior’s goodness and loving kindness was to save sinners. God has personally saved us. This salvation is not based upon “any” works of righteousness sinners could ever hope to accomplish (Isaiah 64:6). The instrumental means by which God converts sinners unto salvation is the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

What does the phrase the washing of regeneration mean? Washing (λουτρόν; loutron) means bathing or spiritual purification. Coupled with the word regeneration (παλιγγενεσία; palingenesia) it refers to the new birth. It means to be born again (John 3:1-8).

“The term regeneration as applied to individuals occurs only in this one New Testament passage. (Matt. 19:28 has reference to the cosmic regeneration.) Literally it means new birth, the being born again (palin = again, plus genesia = birth; hence, palin-genesia). But though the word occurs only this once, the idea is found in many other passages (John 1:13; 3:3, 5–8; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18; cf. also 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15; Eph. 2:5; 4:24; and Col. 2:13). I know of no better definition than that which is given by L. Berkhof, namely, “Regeneration is that act of God by which the principle of the new life is implanted in man, the governing disposition of the soul is made holy, and the first holy exercise of this new disposition is secured.”^[1]

“Salvation brings divine cleansing from sin and the gift of a new, Spirit-generated, Spirit-empowered, and Spirit-protected life as God’s own children and heirs (Titus 3:7). This is the new birth (cf. John 3:5; 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1).  Cf. Rom. 8:2. The Holy Spirit is the agent of the “washing of regeneration,” explains Dr. John MacArthur. See Ezek. 36:25–31; Eph. 5:26–27; James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:23.

“By His Spirit God removes our hearts of stone and replaces them with hearts of flesh enabled to trust in His Son and be justified through faith alone, setting us right in the eyes of our Creator (Gal. 2:15–16). But the Holy Spirit in bringing us to faith does not only effect a change in our status before God from that of a condemned sinner to that of a person clothed in Jesus’ righteousness, He also brings inward renewal, empowering us to do good in gratitude for the great salvation bestowed on us (Rom. 7:4–6; Heb. 12:28),” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.

The word renewal (ἀνακαίνωσις; anakainosis) means to cause something to become new, different, or superior. The sinner becomes a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). The renewal continues through the process of spiritual sanctification (Romans 12:1-2). The work of regeneration and renewal is done solely by the Holy Spirit.

“God in His grace saves those who believe, not because of any righteousness in them (cf. Rom. 3:21–24; Eph. 2:8–9; 2 Tim. 1:9), but because of His mercy. The three words, “kindness,” “love,” and “mercy” (Titus 3:4–5) all represent aspects of God’s grace. The dual means of grace through which He accomplished this salvation are (1) the rebirth spoken of as a washing from the filth of sin, and (2) the renewal by the Holy Spirit (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17). No mention is made here of the role of faith in the process because Paul’s entire focus was on what God has done, not on human response,” explains Dr. A. Duane Liftin.

“The present passage, in connection with its context, places emphasis on the following particulars in connection with this wonderful work of God:

(1) It is the work of the Holy Spirit. This stands to reason, for in Scripture it is especially the third person of the Trinity who is represented as the bestower of life; hence, also of spiritual life. Also, it is he, the Holy Spirit, who takes the lead, as it were, in the work of making men holy.

(2) It precedes and gives rise to the process of renewing. While the latter is a life-long activity, the former is a single act, an instantaneous change.

(3) It affects the entire man. Note: “he saved us.”

(4) It is a radical change, so that those who beforehand were loaded down with the seven vices mentioned in verse 3 are now in principle adorned with the seven virtues mentioned in the verses 1 and 2.”^[2]

Thank the LORD today for your new birth by the Holy Spirit. May your regeneration, and subsequent renewal, by the Spirit be evident to all you meet today. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 391.

^[2] Ibid.,391.

^4 “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 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 3:4-5 ESV).

Today’s text is a stark contrast to the condition of fallen sinners described in Titus 3:3: “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.”

The Apostle Paul explained to Titus while our sins are sufficient to condemn us, our works of righteousness are not sufficient to save us from God’s judgment. Salvation from sin’s penalty, power and eventual presence is based upon God’s sovereign grace alone, through God given faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. It is not based on human effort.

The appearance of God our Savior’s goodness and loving kindness was to save sinners. God has personally saved us. To save (σῴζω; sozo) means to deliver, rescue and heal. At a particular point in time, As is the case with every believer in Christ, God saved me from the penalty of sin, is saving me from the power of sin, and will eventually save me from the very presence of sin.

This salvation is not based upon “any” works of righteousness sinners could ever hope to accomplish. The Prophet Isaiah said, “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away,” (Isaiah 64:6 ESV). 

“Salvation has never been by deeds, or works (Eph. 2:8–9; cf. Rom. 3:19–28) but according to his own mercy. Cf. Eph. 2:4; 1 Tim. 1:13; 1 Pet. 1:3; 2:10” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

Salvation from and of God is solely based upon His mercy. Mercy (ἔλεος; eleos) refers to God’s compassion and kindness in not giving sinners what they deserve; judgment and damnation. Salvation, in all aspects, is by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone (Eph. 2:8-9; 2 Tim. 1:9).

“Paul’s exposition of the key elements of the gospel in Titus 3:3–8 is the theological foundation for why we should do good to all people, even those who are not particularly likeable (vv. 1–2). Just as our Creator manifested His grace in Christ while we were raising our fists in protest against His righteous rule (vv. 3–4), so too must we not wait for others to favor us before we serve them,” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“Not by (i.e., in consequence of, on the basis of; cf. Gal. 2:16) works which we ourselves had performed in a state of righteousness.” The implication is: there were no such works. Neither Paul nor anyone else had ever performed such a work, for before God and his holy law all—both Jews and pagans—are by nature “under sin” (Rom. 3:9). Hence, if men are ever to be saved at all, it can only be done “according to his (God’s) own mercy.” Note, not only are men saved of or by or on the basis of his mercy (all this, to be sure, is implied), but according to his mercy, the “wideness of God’s mercy” being the yardstick which determines the wideness of their salvation (cf. Eph. 1:7). God’s mercy (for which see on 1 Tim. 1:2) is his kindness and pity to those in need or in distress.”^[1]

Not in Me.

[Verse 1]
No list of sins I have not done
No list of virtues I pursue
No list of those I am not like
Can earn myself a place with You
O God, be merciful to me
I am a sinner through and through
My only hope of righteousness
Is not in me, but only You.

[Verse 2]
No humble dress, no fervent prayer
No lifted hands, no tearful song
No recitation of the truth
Can justify a single wrong
My righteousness is Jesus’ life
My debt was paid by Jesus’ death
My weary load was borne by Him
And he alone can give me rest.

[Verse 3]
No separation from the world
No work I do, no gift I give
Can cleanse my conscience, cleanse my hands
I cannot cause my soul to live
But Jesus died and rose again
The power of death is overthrown
My God is merciful to me
And merciful in Christ alone.

My righteousness is Jesus’ life
My debt was paid by Jesus’ death
My weary load was borne by Him
And he alone can give me rest. – Eric Schumacher; David L. Ward

May each of us God has saved take time today to praise Him for this wonderful gift of mercy. May each of us evidence this mercy to others. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 390–391.