Daily Bread 6-17-16
Titus 3:8,9
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
ref. - 1 Tim. 1:4 - Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than Godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
We have not a commandment but a good piece of information from Paul in this scripture. Paul was instructing Titus on how to be a prosperous minister in this book just as he had also told Timothy in the previous book. You see, Paul was led by the Holy Ghost and had within him the information needed to lead these men closer to God themselves and, in turn, lead others closer as well. In this lesson we are taught that certain things, even though they add knowledge, were not useful in the increase of faith and what these men were called to bring. The importance of being careful to maintain good works is spoken of. This being that these men should pay attention and watch that their lives were in agreement with what they were being taught. They were not to bring the people nor were they to get caught up in foolish questions or endless searches of heritage. They were not to get caught up in arguments about the law, or to get caught up in how to fulfill the law. What they were called to do was to teach people to encourage those who had believed in God to maintain good works and that they would be profitable. The history lessons and the debates of , in example, "the length of Peter's beard" would not bring people closer to God in Jesus Christ. So, today, our lesson continues as we hear many men speak great swelling words, fancy words, and proclaim their great knowledge of the Bible while not drawing one soul closer to Christ. These are men of vanity wanting to be seen and heard and acknowledged, but they have not the hearts of fathers. What we need to listen to and what we need to be are they who maintain good works as according to the scriptures and direct people towards God in Jesus Christ. Is that you today? If so, keep it up, If not, help is only a prayer away!!! So take the wives tales, the traditions of men, the deep dark history lessons of dates and times, and cover them with the love of Christ in you. Knowing that the love of Christ and the baptism of the Holy Ghost will lead you to all knowledge of God's will in your life. It has been witnessed that a man with spiritual understanding of one verse has conquered a vain man who has memorized nearly the whole Bible so seek first the Kingdom of God(true salvation) and His righteousness(Holy Ghost understanding) and all these things shall be added unto you. May good works and the love of Christ follow you wherever you go..........better yet.........let them lead!!!! Hope you all have a great day!!!