Encourage the Redeemed to Seek Jesus

Photo by Kira Westland

Scripture: Titus 2:15

These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Insights: Today is our last thought regarding Sunday’s sermon.  Tomorrow I will write on another topic.  Regarding this final point from Sunday, however, let me begin with the first part of the verse.  Notice it tells us to speak.  This speaking is that of a teacher.  Notice Paul is telling Titus to speak these things.  These things are what we have been covering earlier this week.  The truths of Paul’s letter are to be taught to other people.  In other words, we are teaching these people how to seek after a stronger relationship with the Lord Jesus.  The next word is that of exhort.  In other words, we are to encourage others in their walk with Jesus.  When we notice they are down or have been beaten up we need to come along side them and encourage them in their faith.  The final word is that of reprove with all authority.  The authority is the authority found in Christ.  Titus does not need to rely on his authority especially since others are disregarding him because of his youthful age.  As a result, he needs to depend on the authority he has in Jesus as this overseeing of this church.  Because he is operating out of the authority of Jesus, he is able to reprove or correct these followers when they have walked into sin.  It is not always easy to speak these hard words into someone’s life, but we need to if we are going to be obedient to Jesus.  The key is to do it in love as Jesus would do it.  It is hard to live a Christian life, especially with public opinion all around us.  Yet, in Jesus we are able to walk valiantly with Him and seek Him for our betterment as well as the betterment of the body of Christ.  Let us do this work as a community of faith and be in awe of what God will do through us because of our faithfulness.

Questions:

1. How well do you take correction or reprove from another person?

2. How well do you lay aside the public opinion poll and trust in Jesus’ evaluation of your life?

Prayer: Father, let me be a person of speech who teaches, encourages and corrects people.  Let me be more concerned about Your thoughts than I am the thoughts of others.  Let me live a life under Your Lordship and grace.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  Thank you.