Young men likewise exhort to be
sober minded. In all things showing
thyself a pattern of good works:
in doctrine showing uncorruptness,
gravity, sincerity, sound speech,
that cannot be condemned; that
he that is of the contrary part
may be ashamed, having no evil
thing to say of you.
Titus 2:6-8
I must be getting old or lazy, I noticed that I put chapter 3 instead of 2 when quoting a scripture in the last blog. Sorry, I will check my work better. The love of God is so great and the time I spend studying and preparing for a blog sometimes is overwhelming for I realize that I as much as anyone can know: I am a sinner and in need of God's grace. As a Christian I know that I have a responsibility to myself to do that which God has commanded and next to aid in the work of keeping the Church pure. This requires to speak about things that are seemingly harsh, but did not Jesus speak this way? Did not Jesus command that which is so against our nature? Yes! this requires work and a change of my nature and this is only possible if I am obedient. This is true of anyone desiring to be an Authentic Christian.
Let us, then, think about this, and pour over it in purity of heart and in simplicity of faith, cleanse ourselves from every defilement of the flesh. This is to sanctify ourselves as we grow in our faith and become the Authentic Christian that God desires of His children. Preserving the law of God, His commandments that is spotless and our souls convert to Jesus Christ, this is done by fulfilling His commandments, we then entrust ourselves with the grace of Jesus Christ, and as heirs of Jesus Christ and as coheirs of Jesus Christ we have an everlasting inheritance.
John records these inspired words: If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself" (John 7:17). The golden rule for understanding spiritually is not intellect, but obedience. If a person desires to have insight into a field requiring knowledge(most field do require knowledge), intellectual curiosity is needed, it is his/her guide, but if a person wants insight into what Jesus Christ teaches, this can only be gotten by obedience.
Paul instruction to Titus in regards to young men is nothing different from his instructions about men and women, be diligent, sober of mind, and then manifesting the life of Jesus Christ in their lives. As parents, as elders, as pastors, teachers, we have a responsibility to teach the young, that it is not all about experience, not about some feeling that makes a person feel godly, no, the word of God when received must be acted upon immediately. How then will we know if we are acting rightly and acting upon God's commandments? God will test you! If you disobey, you will find yourself not going forward in your spirituality according to Scripture. The teachings of Jesus hits us hard, right where we live. Jesus does not leave us without help though, for He educates us right down to the last scruple. The Spirit of God uncovers our spirit of self-vindication: and He makes us sensitive to the things that we never thought of before. Be careful about those things that you make an excuse designed as a reason for not being obedient according to Scripture. Go.....! Go, at the risk of being thought of being fanatical and obey what God tells you.
Our young people are the next people to administrate the Church, so what the are taught or not taught will become how the Church becomes, heretical, or pure. Our young people deserve the best and the best is when a parent teaches their children, live according to Scripture. Will you take this time? Or, will you still be running to and fro trying your best to give to your child this culture, or, will you give them the knowledge and training of an Authentic Christian building in them Authentic Christian Faith?
But mine enemies are lively,
and they are strong:
and they that hate me wrongfully
are multiplied. They also that
render evil for good are mine adversaries;
because I follow the thing that good is.
Psalm 38:19-20
Obedience: God's requirement
Richard L. Crumb
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