Philippians 3:20 states that “our citizenship is in heaven.” A citizen is an individual who owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to that nation or country’s protection and rights. As Christians we are nationals of heaven – not earth.
One of the most wonderful things about the Apostles is that with all their heavenly knowledge they are probably among the most practical group of people that you’ll ever meet. They understood that though our heads and hearts are in heaven, our feet for the meantime remain planted on earth. The question, “Between now and then, what are we supposed to do?” is one that I see the Apostles addressing quite frequently.
Sound Doctrine: In the tiny epistle of Titus, the Apostle Paul writes a letter in which he provides very specific and practical instruction regarding affairs within the church. Paul states in Titus 2:1, “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” Doctrine refers to the principles and beliefs that are taught, advanced, and accepted by a group. What is the significance of this? Sloppy doctrine equals sloppy living; sound doctrine equals sound living.
There is way of living that conforms to the gospel and there is a way of living that runs contrary to the gospel. In Crete the believers were in fellowship but were slack in doctrine. They needed to be taught. There is a direct correlation between our doctrine and our outward lives. If doctrine is neglected – like it was in Crete, then irresponsible, uncontrolled, and undisciplined lifestyles will follow. Many things have their place in the Christian life but nothing will produce the inward growth that only sound doctrine can. Moreover, Paul knew that unless the church in Crete was built up in sound doctrine she would not stand firm in the days ahead.
Party Politics Has No Power: Of all people, Jesus appeared on the scene in a highly politicized and charged environment. Many of his followers indeed had hopes that he would “restore the kingdom” of Israel in the natural sense. Fortunately for us Jesus had far bigger fish to fry than party politics – namely redemption of the human soul.
There is something far more powerful than the politics of man and the humanistic methods whereby his ends are achieved. Paul tells Titus to“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:1-2).
Christians are not engaged in a natural war but a spiritual one. “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4). Paul was not suggesting that Christians stay out of government. Clearly, we are charged “to be ready for every good work” in civil affairs (Titus 3:1) however, it is the unregenerate man who responds with malice, envy, and hate. He quarrels, argues, and is divisive. To God, these kinds of responses are foolish. At one point we lived like that too – “hated by others and hating one another.” (Titus 3:3). But like our Lord, we now make our appeal through the meekness and gentleness of Christ.
Devotion to Doing Good: Good works are also a major theme in Paul’s letter to Titus. While good works alone are insufficient for salvation they can be evidence of a life controlled by the Holy Spirit. Paul provides specific instruction to men and women of all ages on how to conduct themselves. He tells the men to be temperate, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love and endurance. To the women he charges them to be reverent, and cautions them not to slander. He exhorts them to be self-controlled and pure. He highlights the importance of the older being the role model to the younger. He stresses the importance of integrity and seriousness. He underscores the value of trustworthiness.
Peter states, “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (I Peter 2:12b). Real and last ing influence are the product of a life devoted to Christ. Good deeds, if done in the holiness and humility of Christ will point others to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Upward Bound: The Apostle Peter, when preparing the believers in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) for the persecution and difficult times ahead, reminded God’s elect that they were to live as “sojourners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11). Peter wanted his readers to know that just as Abraham “was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” (Hebrews 11:10) so should the Christian be looking upward.
The Apostles made it clear. The directive is as significant now as it was when Paul wrote his letter to the church in Crete. Between now and then build yourself up in the most holy faith, live a life of devotion to Christ, and set your hope on the blessed return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14).
Wow, Christina! Excellent exhortation. Thank you! Much love, Patricia
Thank you so much Patricia. This one was a little long and so I appreciate you taking the time to read. Pray you had a beautiful Lord’s Day yesterday and that you are enjoying Pollywog Creek today. It is cold, rainy, and windy here in NYC! 🙁 Love you dearly!
Great post! There may be a difference between ‘sloppy’ vs false doctrine. One produces ‘sloppy’, irresponsible, uncontrolled, and undisciplined lifestyles, while false doctrine can produce a very Pharisaical atmosphere, stressing a responsible, controlled, and disciplined yet horribly suffocating existence. Hence, sound doctrine is definite must, regardless of how we slice it! Love and hugs!
Petra, I hadn’t thought of it like that but now that you bring it up, I can only agree.
There is definitely a difference between “sloppy” and “false”.
Thank you for taking the time to read! As always, you encouragment means a lot! Love you dearly!
Wonderful post Christina! And yes we do think along the same lines so often.
This reminds me of the little bluegrass song we used to sing
“This world is not my home, I’m just a passin through
My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue,
The angles beckon me from Heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore”
But between now and then, we will seek to walk with Jesus here on earth.
Much love to you!
It’s funny that you should mention bluegrass — coming from Brooklyn we don’t get to hear it all that often however a few years back we listened to some and were deeply moved by the gospel truths in the lyrics…much like the ones that you just shared. Thank you for your encouragment my dear friend. I hope you know how much I love you and thank God for you!
Christina,
It’s really Trisha, not Ink. 🙂 He’s working on a post, and I don’t want to log him out, but I did want to tell you how blessed I am by this post. A wonderful read, and you always amaze me with your ability to pack so much into so little. You express His truths so well, my friend. Love you!
Thank you Trisha! I love your visits. They always add that much more joy to my day! Thank you for your love & encouragment!
Love and blessings sweet friend.
Ok, first of all, this comment really is from Ink. Somebody stole my identity in the above comment. 😉
Excellent post! I love the line with which you summed everything up: “Between now and then build yourself up in the most holy faith, live a life of devotion to Christ, and set your hope on the blessed return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Well said!
Awww…thank you “Ink”! Your momma is ALWAYS coming on here acting like you! LOL! ; )
Thank you so much for your encouragement! It means a great deal coming from you, as I have heard how God continues to illuminate His word and perfect Christ in you!
May God continue bless you and all that concerns you!
Love and blessings,
Christina
What a beautiful message Christina! A blessing to read your thoughts and the encouragement they offer!
Love your blog roll and your links. How wonderful to connect with another writer who loves the Reformed perspective!! So glad Pat (Pollywog Creek) introduced me to your blog!
Barbara,
It is such a pleasure to meet you! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and share your encouragment with me! I am always happy to meet new family in the Lord — espcially those who share a love for Reformed/Calvinistic theology!
I visited your blog briefly and was so blessed to read your last post on family. Unfortunately there is a “firewall” that prevents me from commenting on “blogspot” addresses and other sites but, Lord willing, I will visit you tonight and add my 2 cents! : )
Lord bless you today! I am so thankful to meet you!
Christina – This is such an awesome post. It’s so packed full of truth and encouragement! The sloppy doctrine equating a sloppy life is SO true and I’d never considered it like that before. I thank God for you dear! xoxoxoxo