Titus 1:3 KJV [3] “but hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;” Preaching is far more than public speaking or motivational instruction. Biblical preaching carries the authority of God’s Word. When a preacher faithfully proclaims the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit can gloriously change lives. The Word of God and the Spirit of God work together as the message is being delivered. We live in a world where several voices compete for attention. However, none of those voices possess the transforming power of God’s …
“God Cannot Lie”
Titus 1:2 KJV [2] “in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” This verse contains one of the strongest assurances in all the Bible. Truthfulness is part of God’s holy nature. Paul does not say God does not lie, but he says He cannot lie. Every word God speaks is perfect and trustworthy. You can depend on His words because they have never failed. Now think about the first phrase of this verse. God promised us eternal life before the world began. God the Father, God the Son, and God the …
“Helping Others Along the Way”
Titus 1:1 KJV [1] “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;” Paul throws us into deep waters right at the beginning of this epistle. He knew Titus personally as a friend and professionally as an apostle. As the servant of God, his goal is threefold in this verse. He wants to further the faith of God’s elect, promote the acknowledging of the truth, and produce true godliness. The spirit of helping others is woven throughout the entire Christian …
“Glory Now and For Ever”
2 Peter 3:18 KJV [18] “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” What Peter is saying in this verse is not a suggestion but a calling. Grace is more than the doorway of salvation; it is the atmosphere in which the believer lives. The grace that first forgives us is the same grace that sustains us. It is the same grace that teaches us how to live a godly life. It is also the same grace that develops us as we …
“Remain Steadfast”
2 Peter 3:17 KJV [17] “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” Peter is closing this epistle by encouraging the brethren to remain steadfast. The message was much needed then, and it is still important today. We are seeing many people fall by the wayside in these last days. Many have changed course and left the old-time way. Some people make fun of phrases like “the old-fashioned way” or “old-time religion.” They find reasons to distance themselves from it …
“Paul’s Epistles”
2 Peter 3:16 KJV [16] “as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” Paul’s writings flooded the world with light. His epistles are rich with doctrine, instruction, correction, and encouragement. They unfold the mysteries of grace, justification, sanctification, and the church. Yet Peter reminds us that these truths are not always easily grasped. Some passages stretch the mind and require spiritual discernment. This should not discourage us, …
“Our Beloved Brother Paul”
2 Peter 3:15 KJV [15] “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;” George Muller began to pray for a group of five acquaintances. After five years, one of them came to Christ. In ten years, two more of them were saved. He prayed for twenty-five years, and the fourth man was converted. For the fifth, he prayed until his death, and this friend came to Christ a few months afterward. For this latter friend, Muller had prayed almost …
“Without Spot and Blameless”
2 Peter 3:14 KJV [14] “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” Peter is now bringing the believer’s thoughts back down to earth. He uses the word “wherefore,” connecting it directly to the hope described in the previous passage. Hope in the Scriptures is never passive. It always carries with it the idea of strong assurance. We have a hope that is steadfast and sure. We are looking for the blessed hope of our Lord’s return. These saints were facing difficult …
“According to His Promise”
2 Peter 3:13 KJV [13] “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” The opening word, “nevertheless,” is important. It acknowledges everything that has been said leading up to this verse. Peter has revealed a great deal about the last days. However, for the believer, the future is not defined by loss, but by fulfillment. God’s plan does not end in destruction but reveals new heavens and a new earth. Our hope is anchored in the phrase, “according to His promise.” This hope rests entirely on the character of …
“The Day of God”
2 Peter 3:12 KJV [12] “looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?” The phrase “looking for” means “to expect.” As believers, we know that the end is coming soon. We know that this world is going to be consumed with fire, and the heavens are going to be dissolved. Peter gives us a vivid and fearful picture of what the end will look like. If I were reading these verses and not saved, then I would not …