Speaking Titus and Philemon

 

Titus & Philemon

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Titus and Philemon.

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Titus Summaries
10-15-2020

Paul wrote the letter to Titus around 63-67 A.D. or so, after being released from prison in Rome, most likely around the same time he wrote 1 Timothy, possibly from Corinth on his way to Nicopolis. He tells Titus to appoint elders in every city in Crete as he had directed. He gives qualifications for the overseer's behavior and also that they hold fast the Word so they are able to both exhort in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict. He says to reprove severely those rebellious ones, especially of the circumcision, who are upsetting whole families. They need to be silenced. Reprove them so they can be sound in the faith. 

All things are pure to the pure but the mind and conscience of the defiled and unbelievers is defiled and nothing is pure to them. They might profess to know God but their deeds deny Him. He tells him to speak what is fitting for sound doctrine and how the older men should behave, the older women, young men, and bondslaves so the Word of God is not dishonored and the opponents will be put to shame having nothing bad to say about them. The grace of God brought salvation to all, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires. To live sensibly, righteously, and godly. Looking for the blessed hope and appearing of Jesus Christ who gave Himself for us.

He says to remind them to be subject to authorities and to live peaceably, ready for every good deed. We were once foolish, disobedient, enslaved to lusts, and hateful, but when the kindness of God and His love appeared, He loved us according to His mercy, not our deeds, and washed and renewed us by the Holy Spirit. Avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the Law. Warn the factious man. Paul ends with greetings.

• If we profess to know God our actions must not deny Him.
• We study and learn sound doctrine so we can align our lives with it.
• We are not to dishonor the Word of God, but put to shame those who oppose it by our good conduct.
• Exhort each other in sound doctrine and refute those among you who contradict.

Philemon Summaries
10-15-2020

Paul wrote to Philemon in 61-63 A.D. while a prisoner in Rome. He sends greetings to him and others and the church in his house. He thanks God for them because of their faith and love towards God and the saints. He says he could order them to do what is proper yet for love's sake he appeals to them as the aged and imprisoned Paul. He asks that Onesimus be accepted as a free man, as a brother and not a slave. If he has wronged them or owes anything to charge it to his account. He says he expects to come to them soon and to prepare lodging for him.

• Shall we order others to obey the Word of God, or shall we appeal to them for the sake of love?
• Isn't it better for a person's goodness to be of their own free will and not because of force?