Truth and Godliness in Public Life
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
6/6/2010 PM
|
Text:
|
Titus 3:1,2
|
Psalters: |
133, 40, 389, 81 |
- Good citizens.
- We need to be “put in mind” that we have duties here on earth.
- Remind because Paul had already talked to the Cretan Christians about these matters when he was on the island.
- Highly likely that the Cretans as a whole were unhappy with the Roman yoke (cf. I Tim. 2:1-4).
- The calling of the Christian is to recognize God’s authority in those who rule.
- The activity is first, to arrange oneself under, willingly to subject oneself to another.
- Second, to obey an originator (ruler).
- We have the very highest motive for this: our Lord’s will (cf. Romans 13:1- 5).
- Christianity touches every aspect of our life and always.
- This is the knowledge that God has all authority (Dan. 2:21,37; 4:17b).
- Good neighbors.
- “Ready to every good work” (II Tim. 3:17).
- Christians, grateful for unconditional grace, are to be ready always to be helpful and useful, doing it joyfully.
- The motive is purely Christian - consciously reflecting the image of God’s Son.
- “To speak evil of no man” is to blaspheme (revile, speak reproachfully) no one.
- As bad as some rulers and fellow-citizens may be, the Christian has no excuse for sinful language.
- Believers should revile not one (cf. I Tim. 6:4).
- “To be no brawlers, but gentle.”
- We are to be not contentious nor quarrelsome, non-fighters (certainly elders, I Tim. 3:3).
- The positive virtue to be displayed publicly is equitable, fair, mild and gentle, patient in I Tim. 3:3.
- “Shewing meekness unto all men” is the inward virtue behind the former conduct.
- Meekness is to govern us in regard to ALL men (II Tim. 2:25).
- It always remembers that we are sinners among sinners, and thus bears what the sins of others inflict on us.
- All of this is impossible apart from God’s grace!! But the doctrines of salvation by grace are the enabling power.