God's Description

January 10, 2021

God's Prayer Power-Session 2

Titus 1:6-9 says, “If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

These three words caught my eye:

You may have others that drew your attention. Search those out and see what God is saying to you.

Paul was talking to Titus giving him instructions he need to choose the men who would be elders in every town.

While it is important that we know what is required of our ministers/bishops, and elders I wondered if this did not also apply to us who are Christians, disciples of Christ.



The Three I chose:

1. The first word, blameless. The word constitutes above reproach.

2. The second word, Hospitable. Welcoming guests and/ or visitors.

3. The third, (a phrase,) sound doctrine. Teaching/instructions.



Blameless:

In Titus 1:6-9 Paul says the elders (ministers/bishops) should be above reproach in their lives. He spells it out, saying husband of one wife, having faithful children who are not unruly and riotous, steward of God, not self-willed, does not become angry quickly, not over doing (given to) wine. Must not be a striker (hitting or slapping) not given to filthy lucre (gaining of money in a dishonorable way). Again, this makes it clear they are to be above reproach. This is a heavy responsibility and a good reason for all of us to pray for our pastors, elders, bishops, and their families each day for God to be with them to be the persons God intended them to be and for their protection for the evil one.



Hospitality:

Before reading this, I did not realize this was a sacred duty. Meaning to receive and treat guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” To be a follower of Christ we need to be like Christ, loving others, having compassion towards others and we do this when we show hospitality to other Christians and to strangers. This honors God. So, we can understand how important this is for our ministers, bishops and elders. Let us pray God will put a desire of hospitality in their hearts and be good stewards showing love and compassion. Perhaps we can pray God will put this in our hearts too.



Sound Doctrine:

In 2 Timothy 1:13 it says, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” In the final days of Paul’s ministry, he instructed Timothy about the importance of sound doctrine: He said, “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” In 2 Timothy 3:16–17 it says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Let us pray God will give to all of us sound doctrine as we study His words. 

When I studied this, it spoke to my heart, not only are the ministers, bishops, and elders to be held to a higher standard, but so are we as Christians. We can only do this by reading the word of God, spending time with God and listening.

But it will also take prayer. Pray for the ministers, bishops and elders and Christians each day to come closer into the will of God and being Christ like.



Prayer



Help us to be blameless. Help our children to believe and not be opened to being wild and disobedient. Let us be pleasant, not overbearing, or quick tempered. May each day find us honest and hospitable, self-controlled, upright, holy, disciplined and loving what is good from you. May we be an example and encourage others with sound doctrine and respect those who oppose it. Amen

This week reread the verses Titus 1:6-9

Write down words that speak to your heart and write what they mean to you.

What is God saying to you? Write it down.

Are there areas in your minister, bishop or elders life and your families life you need God's power?

Write a note to God, tell Him what you need, in plain, specific words.

And thank Him for giving it to you. Continue in a heart of expectancy.

If you have any questions, feel free to put in the comment section or send me and email at:  sreichert48@yahoo.com