The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Psalm 119:72 Once in a while a story will hit the news about a person who lived their entire life on a rather meager amount of money, only to find that they had always had in their possession things [...]
…holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. Titus 1:9 (emphasis mine) Another reason the elder must be “holding fast the faithful word” is so he can “refute those who contradict.” This is [...]
It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. Psalm 119:71 When our life circumstances become difficult, it is easy to lose our spiritual perspective. We spend more time focused on the circumstances rather than the God of the circumstances. The psalmist has learned to benefit from the afflictions [...]
…holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. Titus 1:9 (emphasis mine) In the previous article we addressed the need for the elder to be well-versed in the Scriptures. He needs to know [...]
Their heart is covered with fat, but I delight in Your law. Psalm 119:70 The previous verse described the psalmist’s enemies as the arrogant who speak lies against him. This verse further describes these enemies as those with hearts that are “covered with fat.” The idea in the Hebrew is that their hearts are dull [...]
…holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. Titus 1:9 (emphasis mine) The relationship an elder has with the word of God is paramount. To hold fast means to cling to and be [...]
The arrogant have forged a lie against me; with all my heart I will observe Your precepts. Psalm 119:69 Consider what the proud are willing to do to those they despise. They will not hesitate to speak lies in order to discredit believers. Believers can easily become frustrated, angry, and/or distraught when they face such [...]
…but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled… Titus 1:8 (emphasis mine) To be self-controlled is to practice restraint. It can relate to physical desires: But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 1 Corinthians 7:9 A successful athlete must [...]
You are good and do good; teach me Your statutes. Psalm 119:68 Having a proper perspective of the character of God is essential if we are going to live in appropriate submission to Him. Many people look at this sin-cursed world and derive their concept of God based on their personal circumstances. When they believe [...]
…but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled… Titus 1:8 (emphasis mine) To be devout is to be holy, pious, pleasing to God. Paul uses this same word when instructing men to pray: Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. 1 Timothy [...]