Friday, February 17, 2017

Titus 2 NLT

Outline
I.                  Greetings (1:1-4)
II.         Concerning Elders (1:5-9)
A.    Reasons for Leaving Titus in Crete (1:5)
B.    Qualifications of Elders (1:6-9)
                III.         Concerning False Teachers (1:10-16)
IV.         Concerning Various Groups in the Congregations (ch. 2)
 .      The Instructions to Different Groups (2:1-10)
A.    The Foundation for Christian Living (2:11-14)
B.    The Duty of Titus (2:15)
V.         Concerning Believers in General (3:1-8)
 .      Obligations as Citizens (3:1-2)
A.    Motives for Godly Conduct (3:3-8)
VI.         Concerning Response to Spiritual Error (3:9-11)

VII.         Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction (3:12-15)

Titus 2 NLT
1 As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. 
2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.
3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 
4These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 
5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. 
6 In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. 
7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 
8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. 
9 Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back 
10 or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way. 
11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 
12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 
13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 
14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. 
15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Titus 1 NLT

Outline
I.                  Greetings (1:1-4)
II.         Concerning Elders (1:5-9)
A.    Reasons for Leaving Titus in Crete (1:5)
B.    Qualifications of Elders (1:6-9)
                III.         Concerning False Teachers (1:10-16)
IV.         Concerning Various Groups in the Congregations (ch. 2)
 .      The Instructions to Different Groups (2:1-10)
A.    The Foundation for Christian Living (2:11-14)
B.    The Duty of Titus (2:15)
V.         Concerning Believers in General (3:1-8)
 .      Obligations as Citizens (3:1-2)
A.    Motives for Godly Conduct (3:3-8)
VI.         Concerning Response to Spiritual Error (3:9-11)

VII.         Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction (3:12-15)

Titus 1 NLT
1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. 
2 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. 
3 And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him. 
4 I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace. 
5 I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. 
6 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. 
7 An elder is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. 
8 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. 
9 He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong. 
10 For there are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation. 
11 They must be silenced, because they are turning whole families away from the truth by their false teaching. And they do it only for money. 
12Even one of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, “The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons.” 
13 This is true. So reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith. 
14 They must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people who have turned away from the truth. 
15 Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. 
16 Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Summary of the Book of Titus

Summary of the Book of Titus

This summary of the book of Titus provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of Titus.

Author

The author is Paul (see 1:1 and note; see also Introduction to 1 Timothy: Author).

Recipient

The letter is addressed to Titus, one of Paul's converts (see 1:4 and note) and a considerable help to Paul in his ministry. When Paul left Antioch to discuss the gospel with the Jerusalem leaders, he took Titus with him (Gal 2:1-3); acceptance of Titus (a Gentile) as a Christian without circumcision vindicated Paul's stand there (Gal 2:3-5). Presumably Titus, who is not referred to in Acts (but is mentioned 13 times in the rest of the NT), worked with Paul at Ephesus during his third missionary journey (see map, p. 1724). It is likely that he was the bearer of Paul's severe letter to the Corinthian church (see Introduction to 2 Corinthians: Occasion). Paul was concerned about the possible negative reaction of the Corinthian church to his severe letter, so he arranged to meet Titus at Troas (2Co 2:12-13). When Titus did not appear, Paul traveled on to Macedonia. There he met Titus and with great relief heard the good news that the worst of the trouble was over at Corinth (2Co 7:6-7,13-14). Titus, accompanied by two Christian brothers, was the bearer of 2 Corinthians (2Co 8:23) and was given the responsibility for making final arrangements for the collection, begun a year earlier, in Corinth (see 2Co 8:6,16-17 and notes).
Following Paul's release from his first Roman imprisonment (Ac 28), he and Titus worked briefly in Crete (1:5), after which he commissioned Titus to remain there as his representative and complete some needed work (1:52:153:12-13). Paul asked Titus to meet him at Nicopolis (see map, p. 2487) when a replacement arrived (see 3:12 and note). Later, Titus went on a mission to Dalmatia (see 2Ti 4:10 and note), the last word we hear about him in the NT. Considering the assignments given him, he obviously was a capable and resourceful leader.

Crete

The fourth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete lies directly south of the Aegean Sea (see map and inset, p. 2308; cf. note on 1Sa 30:14; cf. also Paul's experiences there in Ac 27:7-13). In NT times life in Crete had sunk to a deplorable moral level. The dishonesty, gluttony and laziness of its inhabitants were proverbial (1:12).

Occasion and Purpose

Apparently Paul introduced Christianity in Crete when he and Titus visited the island, after which he left Titus there to organize the converts. Paul sent the letter with Zenas and Apollos, who were on a journey that took them through Crete (3:13), to give Titus personal authorization and guidance in meeting opposition (1:52:1,7-8,153:9), instructions about faith and conduct, and warnings about false teachers. Paul also informed Titus of his future plans for him (3:12).

Place and Date of Writing

Paul possibly wrote from Macedonia, for he had not yet reached Nicopolis (see 3:12). The letter was written after he was released from his first Roman imprisonment (Ac 28), probably between a.d. 63 and 65 -- or possibly at a later date if he wrote after his assumed trip to Spain.

Distinctive Characteristics

Especially significant, considering the nature of the Cretan heresy, are the repeated emphases on loving and doing and teaching "what is good" (1:8,162:3,7,143:1,8,14) and the classic summaries of Christian doctrine (2:11-143:4-7).

Outline


  • Greetings (1:1-4)
  • Concerning Elders (1:5-9)
    • Reasons for Leaving Titus in Crete (1:5)
    • Qualifications of Elders (1:6-9)
  • Concerning False Teachers (1:10-16)
  • Concerning Various Groups in the Congregations (ch. 2)
    • The Instructions to Different Groups (2:1-10)
    • The Foundation for Christian Living (2:11-14)
    • The Duty of Titus (2:15)
  • Concerning Believers in General (3:1-8)
    • Obligations as Citizens (3:1-2)
    • Motives for Godly Conduct (3:3-8)
  • Concerning Response to Spiritual Error (3:9-11)
  • Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction (3:12-15)

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

2 Timothy 4 NLT

Outline

  • Introduction (1:1-4)
  • Paul's Concern for Timothy (1:5-14)
  • Paul's Situation (1:15-18)
  • Special Instructions to Timothy (ch. 2)
    • Call for Endurance (2:1-13)
    • Warning about Foolish Controversies (2:14-26)
  • Warning about the Last Days (ch. 3)
  • Paul's Departing Remarks (4:1-8)
    • Charge to Preach the Word (4:1-5)
    • Paul's Victorious Prospect (4:6-8)
  • Final Requests, Greetings and Benediction (4:9-22)


2 Timothy 4 NLT
1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 
2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 
4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 
8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 
9 Timothy, please come as soon as you can. 
10 Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. 
11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.
12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 
13 When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers. 
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has done. 
15 Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said. 
16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. 
17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. 
18 Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen. 
19 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living in the household of Onesiphorus. 
20Erastus stayed at Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. 
21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. 
22 May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you.

Monday, February 13, 2017

2 Timothy 3 NLT

Outline

  • Introduction (1:1-4)
  • Paul's Concern for Timothy (1:5-14)
  • Paul's Situation (1:15-18)
  • Special Instructions to Timothy (ch. 2)
    • Call for Endurance (2:1-13)
    • Warning about Foolish Controversies (2:14-26)
  • Warning about the Last Days (ch. 3)
  • Paul's Departing Remarks (4:1-8)
    • Charge to Preach the Word (4:1-5)
    • Paul's Victorious Prospect (4:6-8)
  • Final Requests, Greetings and Benediction (4:9-22)

2 Timothy 3 NLT
1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 
2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 
3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 
4They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 
5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 
6 They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. 
7 (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) 
8 These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. 
9But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres. 
10 But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 
11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. 
12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 
13But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. 
14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 
15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 
17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Chuck and Ruthie live! 1-27-2017 01/27 by Chuck and Ruthie | Entertainment Podcasts

Chuck and Ruthie live! 1-27-2017 01/27 by Chuck and Ruthie | Entertainment Podcasts: Join Chuck and Ruthie for a delightful time of talk, humor, songs and inspiration as only they can do! For over 60 years they have been the delight of South Florida. Enjoy, engage, and be encouraged by this dynamic duo!