Saturday, September 7, 2019

Inductive Study: Titus 1:13


This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
Titus 1:13

Dear Heavenly Father, although I and my family face adversity, I'm secure in my faith and trust in You.  I give You all the honor and glory.  Continue to protect us.  Thank You for all the kindness and healing that You have given us.  Please help me to stay diligent in my study so I will draw closer to Your will.  In Jesus's name I pray, Amen.

We are still in the body portion of the letter which focuses on doctrine and encouragement.  "This testimony is true" refers to the previous verses.  The testimony is that Cretans are liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons.  To bring deeper understanding to today's text, let's examine some key words and their companion or similar verses.

"Testimony" in the Greek is maturia which means witness, evidence, reputation, evidence given.  "True" in the Greek is alethes which means unconcealed, true in fact, worthy of credit, truthful, true as it accords to fact, what can't be hidden, stresses undeniable reality when something is tested and ultimately found as fact.  The evidence demonstrating that Cretans are liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons has been proven true as an undeniable reality.

"Rebuke" in the Greek is elegcho which means expose, convict, discipline, show as guilty, convince with solid compelling evidence, prove wrong, admonish, reprehend severely, chasten, punish.  "Sharply" in the Greek is apotomos which means abruptly, curtly, severely, precipitously.  Expose the Cretans to these facts immediately.

"Sound" in the Greek is hugiaino which means healthy, I am right, reasonable, pure, uncorrupted, in good working order, free of debilitation. "Faith" in the Greek is pistis which means belief, trust, confidence, fidelity, faithfulness, persuaded, come to trust, a gift of God not produced by people, guarantee, divine persuasion.  Witness to the Cretans so they may be uncorrupted and free from doctrinal error.

For most people, the easier road is to ignore laziness, corruption, or brutality from fellow employees than to address the issue head on and honestly.  This avoidance will always lead to more difficult struggles later on to the point where good employees leave.  We must stick to the facts when acknowledging these problems and avoid making it personal.   We must hold people accountable to their responsibilities and their failures.

As a Christian, this accountability is just as difficult.  When we discover other believers in sin, we tend to not meddle stating it's none of our business.  However, if one Christian wallows in the World, that act will show badly on the church and Christ.  Furthermore, this Christian could drag others along with them and turn away unbelievers from the faith.  Shining light on sin is never easy and always difficult, but avoiding it is just as bad as the sin.

This description is true. So rebuke them sharply so that they will be sound in the faith and free from doctrinal error,
Amplified Bible


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