Bernard Gabbott - Sunday, 24 October 2021
Dealing with the Danger of False Teaching
Scripture References: Titus 1:10-16, Isaiah 29:13-16, Jude 1:3-4, Jude 1:20-25
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CloseAn elder must be able to feed the sheep and shoot the wolves – his character is the foundation for this. His life is a living example of someone who ‘knows the truth that leads to godliness’. As Titus appoints these elders, they have some wolves at the door, even in the mob. The elders must handle the truth well, proclaiming it, so that these wolves are kept at bay. The wolves are obvious – by their teaching (which takes people away from the truth) and by their conduct (which denies God). The wolves are not new – they have a historical track-record that even their own people know. They must be dealt with (‘silenced’ and ‘sharply rebuked’). But it is not about protection but also restoration – did you see that there in verse 13? The elders share the same concern as Paul and Titus – that God’s people know the truth and are transformed by it.
Scripture References: Titus 1:10-16, Isaiah 29:13-16, Jude 1:3-4, Jude 1:20-25
Related Topics: Titus | More Messages from Bernard Gabbott | Download Audio
Rick Lewers
Bernard Gabbott
Titus 1:1-4
The resurrection of Jesus was not just another miracle of God but the definitive victory over sin and death! Yes, His death on the cross paid our debt of sin but His resurrection showed Him to be righteous, without fault and blameless before God, and highlighted His identity as truly God. The God-man who could restore our relationship with God. As such, Jesus is the ruler and judge over all the world, and to whom all will give an account. Jesus’s resurrection is the guarantee that those who place their faith in Him have present forgiveness of sins and are justified before God. We can be sure of the living hope that, as Jesus rose, so we too will rise to resurrected life and enjoy eternity with our Lord and Saviour together!
What a dismal valley! From God’s good creation, to sin, through to rightful judgement by God – it is grim. And yet, God remained committed to His creation – He is not indifferent, but deeply and passionately concerned. God Himself will act vigorously against evil. As the One offended by sin (the one against whom sin is committed), God Himself is the only one who can deal with sin. As humans, we are in desperate need for someone to stand in for us – to ‘defend’ us – someone like us, but unlike us in sin. And this is the heart of the good news, the life-changing momentous news, of Jesus: He is God-in-the-flesh, a living and breathing statement that God is not indifferent but passionately committed. Jesus, as God, comes to deal with sin – willingly. Jesus, as man, stands in for sinful humans, taking God’s judgement on Himself, for us. Now, that is a whole lot less dismal!
God made everything, including us. It was all made good! We were made to rule over the earth under His authority, to bring Him honour and praise for who He is. But, as we learnt last week, we don’t do that. That’s called sin. The attitude and action that says “I am god and God is not.” Surely God won’t stand for that. Surely the Creator of the universe won’t let human beings go on unpunished for their rebellion against Him. The truth is, God has, does, and will judge humanity and the world for its rebellion. That judgement involves death and eternal separation from the Creator. What a bleak future for humanity!
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