faith – Page 2 – Like An Anchor

Be Careful How You Listen

21 September, 202420 September, 2024Marissa

Are you a good listener?

Being a good listener is an important skill, and not one that everyone masters. There’s a difference between hearing something and really listening to it. I might hear that my husband is talking, for example, but if I’m distracted in the kitchen or thinking about something else I’m not really listening to him and might not even register what he says. The same is true when we’re interacting with God. We might hear or read His words, but unless we’re paying attention we aren’t actually listening.

As I was reading through Luke’s gospel in the Tree of Life translation, I noticed a phrase I hadn’t really thought about before: “So pay attention how you listen” (Luke 8:18, TLV). The other translations that I most frequently use say, “Be careful therefore how you hear” (WEB) and “So listen carefully” (NET). The New English Translation’s footnote says the Greek literally means “Take heed therefore how you hear” and it could also be translated, “Therefore pay close attention.”

God speaks to us. Most commonly through His written word, but also through other people inspired by His holy spirit and directly into our hearts and minds. We need to make sure we’re actively listening to His voice and acting on what we hear, not just hearing without doing.

Image of a man sitting at a table reading a Bible overlaid with text from Ecc. 5:1, WEB version: Guard your steps when you go to God’s house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don’t know that they do evil. — Image by Matt Vasquez from Lightstock

Context for Hearing

Whenever we’re looking at a passage from the Bible, it’s helpful to look at the context. An isolated phrase like this might seem to mean something on it’s own, but mean something else when read in the context of the rest of the sentence or passage. Or it might mean just what it seems to mean, but take on deeper significance when we read what’s going on around it. The latter is what’s happening in the case of this passage from Luke. In this section of the gospel account, Luke records Jesus’s parable of the sower. After hearing that parable, the disciples asked Jesus what it meant. Notice how often He mentioned hearing in His explanation:

He said, “You have been given the opportunity to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that although they see they may not see, and although they hear they may not understand.

“Now the parable means this: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in a time of testing fall away.As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the worries and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.But as for the seed that landed on good soil, these are the ones who, after hearing the word, cling to it with an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with steadfast endurance.”
Luke 8:10-15, NET (bold italics mark a quotation from Is. 6:9)

Hearing the word of God is a starting point. But just hearing it doesn’t guarantee a good outcome. Sometimes the word is snatched away before it makes anything more than a surface-level impact. Sometimes people respond joyfully when they hear, but they don’t actually let it take deep root in their lives. Others hear, but the word isn’t as important to them as other things. And then there are the ones who hear, really listen, cling to the word at the heart-level, and then do something with what they heard.

“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in can see the light.For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light. So listen carefully, for whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.”
Luke 8:16-18, NET

If we do something with what we hear–if we listen and act on it–then that will become apparent in our lives. The more we use what we hear, the more God will give us to listen to.

Image of a young woman standing in church services reading a Bible with text from Deut. 5:1, NET version: Then Moses called all the people of Israel together and said to them: “Listen, Israel, to the statutes and ordinances that I am about to deliver to you today; learn them and be careful to keep them!” — Image by José Roberto Roquel from Lightstock

The Greatest Commandment

When someone asked Jesus what the most important commandment was, He famously answered it’s to love God and to love your neighbor. The instruction to “love the lord your God” is a quote from the Deuteronomy 6 passage known as the Shema, and in Mark’s account Jesus quotes more of the passage than He did in Matthew.

Now one of the experts in the law came and heard them debating. When he saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?”Jesus answered, “The most important is: ‘Listen, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’The second is: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:28-31, NET (bold italics mark quotations from Deut. 6:4-5 and Lev. 19:18)

The instruction to “listen” or “hear” (depending on the translation) is an important part of the commandment. According to The Bible project, “The opening line, ‘Hear, O Israel,’ does not simply mean to let sound waves enter your ears. Here, the word shema means to allow the words to sink in, provide understanding, and generate a response—it’s about action. In Hebrew, hearing and doing are the same thing” (Tim Mackie, “What’s the Meaning of the Jewish Shema Prayer in the Bible?”). Though the New Testament was written in Greek, Jesus and the other Jewish people who wrote the Bible were steeped in Hebrew thought. When they talked about hearing or listening, they would have thought about acting on what was heard. James talks about this in his epistle.

But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:22-25, WEB

We need to “do” the law of God, not just hear it. The Bible–including the commandments and instructions–isn’t there just to be an interesting academic study. God shared His words to reveal His mind and character, and to show us how we ought to live in order to get the best outcome from our lives. Obeying His commandments is a way to connect with, understand, and become like Him if we really listen to Him and act on what we hear.

Hearing Builds Our Faith

Image of a woman doing Bible study, overlaid with blog's title text and the words, "We must actively listen when God speaks and act on what we hear, not just hear without doing." — Image by Anggie from Lightstock

Last week, we discussed a short phrase from Paul’s letter to Rome: “the obedience of faith.” Today’s post builds on that discussion in many ways, because faith is linked with what we hear from God.

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them?And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news.”But not all have obeyed the good news, for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?”Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.
Romans 10:13-17, NET (bold italics mark quotations from Isa. 52:7; 53:1; Nah. 1:15; Joel 2:32)

Faith is vital to our lives as Christians. According to Paul in this passage, faith comes from hearing the word of Jesus the Messiah. That would be all the words that came from Him (Old and New Testament) as well as the words about Him. Put that together with what James wrote and what Paul said here about obeying the good news, and we know that hearing the words isn’t going to provide faith on it’s own–it’s listening to and putting the words into action, just as is implied by the Hebrew word shema. Then, once we have a starting faith, we keep adding on to it as we grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

May grace and peace be lavished on you as you grow in the rich knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord! …

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith excellence, to excellence, knowledge;to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness; to godliness, brotherly affection; to brotherly affection, unselfish love.For if these things are really yours and are continually increasing, they will keep you from becoming ineffective and unproductive in your pursuit of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ more intimately.
2 Peter 1:2, 5-8, NET

As we continue to learn and grow as Christians, it’s vital that we put into practice what we hear. Head-knowledge isn’t going to cut it–we need to know Jesus and the Father, not just know about them. Living, vibrant faith is relational, and relationships involve listening closely and taking action to keep that relationship healthy.

Featured image by Brightside Creative from Lightstock

Song Recommendation: “Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns

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The Obedience of Faith

14 September, 202413 September, 2024Marissa

Romans is one of my favorite books in the Bible. I think it’s because there’s so much depth to it. I like the challenge of reading the book and interpreting it correctly, as well as the profound and encouraging truth contained in this letter. One of the things that makes Romans unique is that Paul was writing to a church he hadn’t visited. It’s an introduction rather than a letter that addresses specific issues he knew about in a congregation. As such, Romans includes statements where Paul explains his theology and his responsibilities as an apostle. The statement that caught my eye and prompted today’s study is found at the beginning of the letter.

From Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.This gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning his Son who was a descendant of David with reference to the flesh,who was appointed the Son-of-God-in-power according to the Holy Spirit by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received grace and our apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles on behalf of his name. You also are among them, called to belong to Jesus Christ.To all those loved by God in Rome, called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
Romans 1:1-7, NET

The specific phrase I want to look at today is “the obedience of faith.” Often, we modern people think of faith as a belief system that we intellectually agree with rather than something that requires obedient action. We make a mistake if we think like that. Faith is an active thing and it’s inextricably linked with obeying God.

Image of five bibles open on a table with people's hands resting on the pages. This image is overlaid with text from Romans 1:17, NET version: "“For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith, just as it is written, ‘The righteous by faith will live.’” — Image by Inbetween from Lightstock

To Bring About Obedience

Through him we have received grace and our apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles on behalf of his name.
Romans 1:5, NET

As with much of Romans, the phrase “obedience of faith” has generated scholarly debate about the correct interpretation. Some say that it means obeying “the Christian faith” and others that it means “the obedience faith produces [or requires].” It could also be “an attributive genitive (‘believing obedience’)” or a case where “‘faith’ further defines ‘obedience.’” Finally, the phrase could be “deliberately ambiguous” (NET footnote on Rom. 1:5). As you’ll see, I tend to favor the “obedience faith produces/requires” interpretation.

One thing I find very interesting is that Paul says they received grace and their apostleship “to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles.” People often say that Romans is Paul’s explanation for why Gentiles (e.g. non-Jewish people) who believe in Jesus as the Messiah don’t have to obey the law. But from the very start of this letter, Paul points out that being a faithful Gentile involves obedience. We can debate exactly what they’re obeying and how to read this phrase, but the link between faith and obedience is unmistakable. And this isn’t the only time Paul mentions it. He circles back to a very similar phrase near the end of the letter.

But I have written more boldly to you on some points so as to remind you, because of the grace given to me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. I serve the gospel of God like a priest, so that the Gentiles may become an acceptable offering, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

So I boast in Christ Jesus about the things that pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in order to bring about the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed, in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem even as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Romans 15:15-19, NET

Once again, Paul says that he received grace from God to be a minister to the Gentiles. His goal is that they become sanctified–holy and set-apart for God. He also says the goal of the wonderous things that Christ accomplished through him was “to bring about the obedience of the Gentiles.” Faith isn’t mentioned here, leaving what they’re to obey open to interpretation if we haven’t read the rest of the letter. If we have read the whole letter, though, then we have a pretty good idea as to what Paul means when he says obedience.

Back at the beginning of the letter, Paul says that God “will reward each one according to his works:eternal life to those who by perseverance in good works seek glory and honor and immortality, but wrath and anger to those who live in selfish ambition and do not obey the truth but follow unrighteousness” (Rom. 2:6-7, bold italics mark a quotation from Ps. 62:12 and Prov. 24:12). If we want eternal life, then we need to obey the truth, follow righteousness, and do good works. This “obedience of faith” is so important that Paul ends the letter with the phrase as well as beginning it.

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that had been kept secret for long ages, but now is disclosed, and through the prophetic scriptures has been made known to all the nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be glory forever! Amen.
Romans 16:25-27, NET

Image of a woman looking up at the sky overlaid with text from Rev. 14:12, NET version: “This requires the steadfast endurance of the saints—those who obey God’s commandments and hold to their faith in Jesus.” — Image by Brightside Creative from Lightstock

Righteousness and Faith

Reading Romans as a whole gives us a fuller picture of Paul’s view of faith, obedience, and the law of God than we could ever get from taking just a few verses in isolation. He does say we’re “not under the law,” but in saying that he doesn’t mean we shouldn’t obey God. Paul sets up the question of obedience for Christians as a choice between two masters. We don’t get the option to not obey someone. Either we’re obeying and serving God or we’re obeying and serving His adversary.

So you too consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires, and do not present your members to sin as instruments to be used for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead and your members to God as instruments to be used for righteousness. For sin will have no mastery over you, because you are not under law but under grace.

What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Absolutely not! Do you not know that if you present yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or obedience resulting in righteousness?But thanks be to God that though you were slaves to sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching you were entrusted to, and having been freed from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.
Romans 6:11-18, NET

We’re not under the penalty of the law or under a covenant that’s only based on an external law. We’re under grace and under a covenant where God puts His law inside our hearts. God has taken things to another level with the New Covenant, and our “obedience resulting in righteousness” has to come “from the heart.”

For Moses writes about the righteousness that is by the law: “The one who does these things will live by them.”But the righteousness that is by faith says … “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we preach), because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.For with the heart one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation.For the scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”For there is no distinction between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them?And how are they to preach unless they are sent? …Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.
Romans 10:5, 8-15, 17, NET (bold italics mark quotations from Lev. 18:5; Deut. 30:14; Is. 28:16; Joel 2:32)

Notice that when Paul explains “the righteousness that is by the law” and “the righteousness that is by faith,” he quotes from the Torah both times (first from Leviticus and then from Deuteronomy). God has always wanted a heart-connection with His people. He’s been setting things up so we could get to an intimate relationship with Him from the very beginning, but it wasn’t widely possible until Jesus’s sacrifice enabled forgiveness and reconciliation to God (note that some people, like King David, did have close relationships with God and received forgiveness in the Old Testament, but they were still waiting on the Messiah to fully accomplish the promised salvation [2 Sam. 12:13; Acts 4:11-12; 13:22; Heb. 11:39-40]).

Relational Obedience

Image of a woman reading the Bible, overlaid with blog's title text and the words, "One of the messages Paul emphasized in his letters to believers is that faith is linked to obedience." — Image by Pearl from Lightstock

God wants us to live righteous lives because we have a relationship with Him built on hearing His word and responding in faith, not because we think we can save ourselves by doing the things the law says. We can’t earn salvation by any of our own efforts, but when we receive the gift of salvation we’re supposed to respond in a certain way. In the first century, “grace” was a reciprocal concept–if you received such a great gift, then you owed the giver your loyalty even though you can’t pay back the debt. Similarly, “faith” was an active thing that involved living your whole life with trust, obedience, loyalty, and commitment to the covenant relationship you have with God.

We can see evidence of this perspective sprinkled throughout the New Testament. When “a large group of priests” started believing in Jesus as the Messiah, it’s said they “became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7, NET). When the author of Hebrews talks about Abraham’s example of faith, it says he demonstrated that faith by obeying God (Heb. 11:8). And in Revelation, “the saints” are defined as people “who obey God’s commandments and hold to their faith in Jesus” (Rev. 14:12, NET). Obedience and faith are inextricably linked.

You know that from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors you were ransomed—not by perishable things like silver or gold, but by precious blood like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb, namely Christ. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was manifested in these last times for your sake. Through him you now trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

You have purified your souls by obeying the truth in order to show sincere mutual love. So love one another earnestly from a pure heart.You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.
1 Peter 1:18-23, NET

Salvation, forgiveness, redemption, purification–all of that can only be accomplished through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. But we aren’t just passive recipients of those gifts. When Paul said, “with the heart one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation” (Rom. 10:10, NET), the word “believes” is translated from pisteou–the verb (action) form of pistis, which is the Greek word translated “faith.” When you read “belief” or “believe” in the New Testament, it’s the action-word version of “faith.” We don’t even have that concept in English–faith is a noun (person, place, or thing) rather than something you do–but “faithing” is a key part of scripture. The work that God is doing in us to accomplish salvation is participatory, and that participation involves obedience (John 14:15; Phil. 1:27; 2:12-13; Gal. 6:7-9; 2 Pet. 1:5-10). Paul knew that, and he made sure his readers did as well. The obedience of faith is a vital aspect to walking with God.

Featured image by Matt Vasquez from Lightstock

Song Recommendation: “Faith is Not A Feeling” by Josh Wilson

Faithfully Continuing Toward Salvation in the End Times

27 April, 202426 April, 2024Marissa

I’d been trying to decide what topic to write about this week, and then one morning I woke up with this phrase running through my head: “our salvation is now nearer than when we became believers.” I think I might have been dreaming about editing a blog post, since I woke up feeling like I needed to add it to an article. I couldn’t think of an existing post that needed editing, so I decided to look up where the quote came from, check out the context, and see where that took me.

Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not covet,” (and if there is any other commandment) are summed up in this, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

And do this because we know the time, that it is already the hour for us to awake from sleep, for our salvation is now nearer than when we became believers. The night has advanced toward dawn; the day is near. So then we must lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the weapons of light. Let us live decently as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in discord and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to arouse its desires.
Romans 13:8-14, NET (bold italics mark quotations from Ex. 20:13-15, 17; Deut. 5:17-19, 21; Lev. 19:18

I quote the first part of this passage a lot, but I always stop after the part about love fulfilling the law. If you keep reading, Paul adds a sense of urgency to his instruction to fulfill the law by loving each other. We should “do this because we know the time.” What does that mean? And if Paul could say, “the day is near” to readers almost 2,000 years ago, what would he say to us today?

Image of a man studying the Bible overlaid with text from James 5:7-8, NET version: "So be patient, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s return. Think of how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the ground and is patient for it until it receives the early and late rains. You also be patient and strengthen your hearts, for the Lord’s return is near." — Image by Chris Mainland from Lightstock

Getting Ready For the End

As you read the New Testament, it seems clear that the apostles originally thought Jesus’s second coming would happen in their lifetimes, but that they eventually realized it was farther off in the future. That didn’t soften their sense of urgency, though. Paul probably wrote Romans around 57 A.D. and John wrote his letters around 100 A.D., and yet they both have the same sense of urgency (dates from Britannica.com).

Do this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed. The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let’s therefore throw off the deeds of darkness, and let’s put on the armor of light.
Romans 13:10-11, WEB

Little children, these are the end times, and as you heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen. By this we know that it is the final hour.
1 John 2:18, WEB

One of the things that we can learn from this sense or urgency is that even if Jesus doesn’t return in our lifetimes, it’s useful to live as if He will. This is the final hour. The Day of the Lord is near. We do live in the end times. Whether Jesus returns in our lifetimes or not, we have a finite amount of time for our human lives here on this earth. And if God has opened our eyes to the truth, we’ve entered a relationship with Him and committed to following Him in this life, then we’re part of His house and His judgement starts with us.

For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer.Above all keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:7-8, NET (bold italics mark a quotation from Prov. 10:12)

But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or criminal or as a troublemaker.But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear such a name.For it is time for judgment to begin, starting with the house of God. And if it starts with us, what will be the fate of those who are disobedient to the gospel of God?And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the ungodly and sinners?So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as they do good.
1 Peter 4:15-19, NET (bold italics mark a quotation from Prov. 11:31)

As the church of God (the faithful, believing body of Jesus Christ), we’re judged based on how we live our lives here on this earth. What happens to unbelievers is a little more vague, but their resurrection happens at a different time and their judgement is handled a little differently (see “Rethinking Hell: A Clearer View of God’s Judgement“). For us, though, this is our time to learn about God and live His way of life, with the hopeful expectation that in the final judgement after the resurrection we’ll hear “well done, good and faithful servant” (“Rethinking Heaven: Capturing A Vision Of The Resurrection“).

Heading Toward Salvation

Image of a woman walking along railroad tracks, overlaid with the blog post's title text and the words, "Whether Jesus returns in our lifetimes or not, we should live with a sense of urgency and awareness in our walk as believers." — Image by Anggie from Lightstock

One of the interesting things about the verse we started with in Romans 13 is that Paul says, “our salvation is now nearer than when we became believers.” Modern Christianity tends to treat salvation as a thing that happens when you commit to Jesus Christ, but the New Testament writers treat salvation as a process that begins with our commitment to follow God for the rest of our lives (Phil 3:8-16, for example). This topic comes up in some of the most sobering warnings that Biblical writers deliver to New Covenant Christians.

Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let’s press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God, of the teaching of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. This will we do, if God permits. For concerning those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify the Son of God for themselves again, and put him to open shame. For the land which has drunk the rain that comes often on it and produces a crop suitable for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receives blessing from God;but if it bears thorns and thistles, it is rejected and near being cursed, whose end is to be burned.
Hebrews 6:1-8, WEB

It is vital that we press on once the salvation process begins, building on the elementary principles we first learned. We’re supposed to grow as believers and become more and more like God the Father and Jesus Christ. If we’re not growing, then we’re falling away and that’s a dangerous thing. Notice, though, what the author of Hebrews says right after issuing this sobering warning.

But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things for you, and things that accompany salvation, even though we speak like this. For God is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you showed toward his name, in that you served the saints, and still do serve them. We desire that each one of you may show the same diligence to the fullness of hope even to the end, that you won’t be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherited the promises.
Hebrews 6:9-12, WEB

Though the author penned these warnings, he’s sure that the people he’s writing to are doing “better things … that accompany salvation.” The warning isn’t because he thinks they’re all about to miss out on eternal life, but because he wants them to be awake, diligent, and press on faithfully “even to the end.”

As we look at the world around us, many Christians feel that things are getting so bad it must be close to Jesus’s return. We’re not the first generation to feel this way, but whether we’re right or not we should live with a sense of urgency in our walk as believers. We’re not supposed to be afraid, but we are supposed to be aware of the dangers in complacency. It’s our duty to keep following God faithfully, holding onto the hope He has given us firmly, and keep learning and growing as part of our living, dynamic relationship with the Father and Jesus.

Featured image by Pearl from Lightstock

Song Recommendation: “When the Stars Burn Down (Blessing and Honor)” by Phillips Craig & Dean

Faith As A Fruit

17 February, 202430 August, 2024Marissa

Faith is a huge topic in the Bible, one that whole books have been written about (I reviewed one of those books just last year). Today, I want to look at faith specifically from the perspective of the fruit of the spirit passage in Galatians. In other words, we’re examining faith as something that’s produced in your life when God’s spirit is inside of you.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23, NET

Last week, I mentioned that I realized I’d never finished my 30-Day Scripture Writing series on the fruit of the spirit. The last two remaining topics are “faith” and “gentleness,” so today we’re focusing on faith. I spent this past week reading through the many Bible verses mentioning faith as well as belief (since they’re such closely related words) and looking into the Greek and Hebrew words behind the English translations. My initial “short list” as I started narrowing down which scriptures to include was 78 passages, which gives you an idea just how many verses on faith there are in the Bible. I did eventually get it down to 30 (you’ll find a link to the finished scripture-writing plan at the end of this post).

Faith and Truth

In the Old Testament, you’ll find the word “faithfulness” more often than “faith.” Usually, it’s talking about God’s faithfulness (Deut. 7:9; Ps. 33:4; 89:1; Is. 25:1; Lam 3:23) or humanity’s faithfulness or unfaithfulness to Him (2 Chr. 29:6; 31:20; Hos. 4:12). In these scriptures, “faith” as a concept takes a backseat to the idea of living a faithful life. It’s clear that faith involves action; a change in your entire way of life because of being in a covenant relationship with God.

You are Yahweh, the God who chose Abram, brought him out of Ur of the Chaldees, gave him the name of Abraham, found his heart faithful before you, and made a covenant with him … for you are righteous.
Nehemiah 9:7-8 , WEB

In Hebrew, the word “faith” is typically translated from the root word aman (H539) or one of several other words in this word family (e.g. amen, emuna, emet) (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament [TWOT], entry 116). Interestingly, this is the same group of words for “truth.” At it’s most fundamental, the “root idea is firmness or certainty” and it “shows that biblical faith is an assurance, a certainty, in contrast with modern concepts of faith as something possible, hopefully true, but not certain” (TWOT 116). It’s something that’s absolutely dependable; something that gives you stability.

Know therefore that Yahweh your God himself is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with them who love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations
Deuteronomy 7:9, WEB

We can rely on our faithful God. This fact is emphasized over and over in scriptures, particularly in the Old Testament. But God also wants to be able to rely on us to act faithfully. It’s a commitment that is supposed to go both ways, as it did with Abraham, David, and Hezekiah (Neh. 9:7-8; 1 Kings 3:6; 2 Chr. 31:20).

Image of four people sitting around a table with their Bibles open overlaid with text from Ps. 101:6, WEB version: "My eyes will be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me. He who walks in a perfect way, he will serve me." — Image by Ben White from Lightstock

A Thing and an Action

Faith in the New Testament also involves action and devotion, but it’s a little harder for us to see that in our modern translations. In Greek, “faith” is translated from the noun pistis (G4102), which implies active loyalty and trust. The verb form pisteuo (G4100) is often translated “believe.” Now, that makes things a bit confusing because in English faith and belief aren’t quite the same. The top definition for “faith” provided by Google and Oxford Languages is “complete trust or confidence in someone or something.” For “believe,” the top definition is “accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of” and it’s also become synonymous with “think” or “suppose.” So there are overlaps in the definitions, but they don’t have the same connotations.

As I talked about in my newsletter earlier this week, there isn’t a verb (action) form of “faith” in English–it’s always a noun (person, place, or thing)–so translators had to use a different word to translate the action-form of “faith.” We need to keep that in mind when we’re reading the New Testament. When we read “believe” it’s not just an intellectual agreement or an emotional feeling that something is true; it is faith in action. Even when Bible writers use the noun form, they still describe faith as something that you’re supposed to do, not just have.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone.
Matthew 23:23, WEB

We can’t leave faith “undone.” It’s an active thing. When we read that Jesus came preaching, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News” (Mark 1:15, WEB), “believe” is a command to engage in the activity of faith.

Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works’ sake. Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I am going to my Father.
John 14:11-12, WEB

We often think of faith as separated from works in modern Christianity, thinking of verses like Paul saying Abraham was justified by faith rather than his works (Rom. 3:27-4:21) while ignoring James using the exact same example to show that faith without works is dead (Jam. 2:14-26). Faith is absolutely connected to works–a faithful life naturally produces certain fruit. (Paul’s point is that salvation is not dependent on works, but on the faithfulness of Jesus and our active belief in Him.)

Image of a woman looking up at the sky overlaid with text from Jude 1:20-22, WEB version: "But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith, by praying in the Holy Spirit, maintain yourselves in the love of God, while anticipating the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that brings eternal life." — Image by Brightside Creative from Lightstock

Cultivating Active Faith

So what does faith do? In other words, if you have faith, what does it look like to turn that into action? For one thing, it leads to growth as a Christian.

For this reason I kneel before the Father,from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that according to the wealth of his glory he will grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person, that Christ will dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love, you will be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you will be filled up to all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:14-19, NET

Remember, we’re talking about “faith” in the context of the fruit of the spirit. Here in Ephesians, Paul prayed for those in the church that they would be “strengthened with power through His spirit” so “that Christ will dwell in your hearts through faith.” God’s spirit inside us enables Christ to dwell in us through faith, and then that leads to major spiritual growth. One result of this growth is that faith shifts our mindset about things.

Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says. Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them.”
Mark 11:22-24 , WEB

This verse isn’t just about literally picking up mountains (though it certainly isn’t the only verse about faith/believing having tangible effects in the world [Mark 16:15-18; John 14:11-12]). It’s also about actually trusting that God responds when you talk with Him (John 16:24-27). To put it in Old Testament terms, faith on your part means actually trusting that God is faithful to His part of the covenant relationship.

But my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, I take no pleasure in him.But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls.Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see. …

Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 10:38-11:1, 11:6, NET (bold italics mark a quotation from Hab 2:4).

We can’t function as Christians without faith. And we need to make a conscious effort to cultivate that faith in our lives. We need to hold onto faith (1 Tim. 1:18-19), pursue it (1 Tim. 6:11-12; 2 Tim. 2:22), fight for the faith (Jude 1:3; 2 Tim. 4:7-8), and build up our faith (Jude 1:20; Col. 2:6-7). Like the other character traits and inner attitudes described as “fruit of the spirit,” faith isn’t just something we have passively but something we actively cultivate as God works in and with us.

Acting On Faith

Image of a basket of fruit, overlaid with blog's title text and the words, "Faith is part of the fruit of God’s spirit, and it influences every aspect of our lives as people who are being transformed by God." — Image by HeVoLi from Pixabay

Many people today think that faith in God means simply believing that He exists. But in biblical terms, that head knowledge only turns into faith when we act on it. If it’s just an intellectual acknowledgement of God’s existence and power, then it’s not any more “faith” than the sort of belief in God that demons have.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can this kind of faith save him?If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm and eat well,” but you do not give them what the body needs, what good is it? So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith without works and I will show you faith by my works.You believe that God is one; well and good. Even the demons believe that—and tremble with fear.
James 2:14-19, NET

We need to be cautious about counterfeit versions of faith or things that tempt us to fall away from the faith. About 2,000 years ago, Paul warned Timothy, “Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will desert the faith and occupy themselves with deceiving spirits and demonic teachings,influenced by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared” (1 Tim. 4:1-2, NET). That’s no less true today than it was then. Somewhat ironically, navigating a world where people desert the faith and try to lure God’s people away from living faithful lives is one of the trials that can strengthen our faith (James 1:2-3).

… you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold—gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away—and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.You have not seen him, but you love him. You do not see him now but you believe in him, and so you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, because you are attaining the goal of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:6-9, NET

Here, Peter reminds us that the end goal of faith is salvation. It’s not a one-time thing where we have a moment of faith, say we love Jesus, and then salvation happens right there. It’s a life-long process. When we enter a relationship with God, we’re making a covenant with Him that includes an agreement to be faithful to Him for the rest of our lives and on into eternal life (Acts 2:38; Rom. 10:10; Phil. 3:8-15) (and, on His part, He agrees to faithfully grant us forgiveness and salvation, share His spirit with us, and enable us to become like Him).

With God’s spirit inside us, faith reshapes our lives. It becomes a central aspect of us and something that we actively do as well as believe. Living in faith involves what we think, the way we conceptualize the world, how we respond to other people, the choices we make every day, and all of our actions. If you’d like to spend more time on this topic, follow this link to download any of my free 30-day scripture writing plans or click here to download the “faith” PDF directly:

faith Download

Featured image by diapicard from Pixabay

Song Recommendation: “By Faith” by Keith & Kristyn Getty

Jesus as the Originator and Trailblazer: A Study of Archegos

15 July, 202314 July, 2023Marissa

I’ve heard countless sermons, Bible studies, and seminars. While many were good and beneficial, only a few still stand out in my mind years later. One of those was a message on the Greek word archegos (G747 ἀρχηγός). This word only shows up four times in the New Testament, but because it describes Jesus Christ it’s a word with great significance. Its root words are used more often–58 times for arche (G746 ἀρχή) and 71 times for ago (G71 ἄγω)–and they can provide additional clues as to the meaning and depth of archegos.

According to Spiros Zodhiates’ The Complete WordStudy Dictionary: New Testament, archegos is a noun derived from arche, beginning or rule, and ago, to lead. It means “originator, founder, leader, chief, first, prince, as distinguished from simply being the cause. One may be the cause of something but not the beginning” (entry 747). In other words, the archegos is the reason something begins and the one who begins it. Thayer’s Greek dictionary adds that archegos also means “one that takes the lead in any thing and thus affords an example, a predecessor in a matter, pioneer.” Once the thing is begun, the archegos models how to continue forward.

Image of sunrise over a green wheat field overlaid with text from Acts 3:14-15, TLV version: “But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you. You killed the Author of life—the One God raised from the dead! We are witnesses of it.” — Image by KBCH from Pixabay

Archegos of Life

The first time archegos appears in the New Testament is in Acts. Peter and John were going into the temple and a lame man asked them for help. Peter locked eyes with him and said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, stand up and walk!” (Acts 3:6, NET). The man was miraculously healed, and naturally this attracted a throng of people marveling at what just happened. Peter takes this moment to share the gospel (Acts 3:1-11).

When Peter saw this, he declared to the people, “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Why do you stare at us as if we had made this man walk by our own power or piety? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our forefathers, has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate after he had decided to release him. But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a man who was a murderer be released to you. You killed the Originator (archegos) of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this fact we are witnesses!”
Acts 3:12-15, NET

Here, the NET translates archegos as “Originator.” Some of the other common translation choices include Prince and Author, with other words like Source, Lord, and “one who made” also showing up in a few versions. Whichever translation you go with, this is a stunning statement. People killed the great Ruler who made life possible and enacted its beginning. To get more depth on this title for Jesus, and what it means for us and Peter’s listeners, we can turn to the letter to Laodicea in Revelation. Here’s a quote from Zodihiates explaining how the two verses relate:

“Jesus Christ is called the archegos of life (Acts 3:15) because He is he arche, the beginning or originator of God’s creation. This excludes Him from Himself being a product of that beginning.”
Zodhiates, The Complete WordStudy Dictionary: New Testament, entry G747

Other verses in the New Testament identify Jesus (or The Word, as He was known back then) as the God through whom all things were made (John 1:1-4; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:15-16). In other words, He is the originator or cause of creation. That includes the creation of human life. It is therefore all the more hard-hitting when Peter confronts his listeners in Acts with killing Jesus when He says they killed the One who was the very source of all life. And it makes us appreciate Jesus’s sacrifice more when we gain a deeper realization of how powerful and wonderful He is, and what He sacrificed to save the people He and His Father worked together to create.

Image of a mountaintop overlaid with text from Acts 5:31, WEB version: “God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.” version: — Image by Dan Fador from Pixabay

Archegos and Savior

The second time archegos shows up in Acts is when Peter and the other apostles are called before the council and high priest to answer charges for spreading the gospel. In this verse, most translations choose Prince or Leader for archegos, though a few use Ruler.

But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than people.The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, whom you seized and killed by hanging him on a tree.God exalted him to his right hand as Leader (archegos) and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.And we are witnesses of these events, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Acts 5:29-32, NET

The clue here for how to translate archegos seems to be God’s action of exalting Jesus. In this case, translators lean toward the aspect of meaning having to do with authority and ruling. But like other English words, “leader” or “prince” don’t fully capture the nuances of this Greek word. We can also keep the originator and trailblazer aspects of the word in mind, though the primary meaning here has to do with God exalting him to a position of power.

Notice the exaltation is linked to Jesus’s role as savior. This holds true in Philippians as well, where Paul writes, “He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross! As a result God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name (Phil. 2:8-9, NET). Paul continues on to say that as a natural consequence of what Jesus did and His exaltation as Lord, you should “continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence,for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort—for the sake of his good pleasure—is God (Phil. 2:12-13, NET). Archegos is not used in this letter, but I think it helps us see how Jesus’s role as Ruler and Savior also relate to Him as the Originator of life and the one blazing a trail for us to follow.

Image of a tree sprouting in the forest overlaid with text from Heb. 2:10, TLV version: “For it was fitting for God—for whom and through whom all things exist—in leading many sons to glory, to perfect through sufferings the initiator of their salvation.” — Image by Holger Schué from Pixabay

Archegos of Their Salvation

Hebrews is the only other New Testament book that uses the word archegos. Here, translators’ word choices include Captain, Author, Creator, Pioneer, Founder, Source, Originator, Leader, and Champion. This verse once again links Jesus’s role as archegos with salvation.

but we see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by God’s grace he would experience death on behalf of everyone. For it was fitting for him, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the pioneer (archegos) of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For indeed he who makes holy and those being made holy all have the same origin, and so he is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters
Hebrews 2:9-11, NET (bold italics mark a quotation from Ps. 8:5)

Once again, we’re reminded that Jesus is the originator of life, since He is the one “for whom and through whom all things exist.” He’s also the Author of eternal life, pioneering the way for people to go from physical, temporary human life to eternal, spiritual life after salvation. This is a process. He is bringing many sons to glory and making His brothers and sisters holy.

Also, notice that God the Father made Jesus “perfect through suffering.” The Greek word translated “perfect” is teleioo (G5048
τελειόω). It means that something or someone has been perfected, completed, or accomplished. For Jesus, this process is complete. He “has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits (aparchē) of those who have fallen asleep” ( 1 Cor. 15:20, NET). Now, just as His Father brought Him to perfection, He’s continuing to bring to completion the process of salvation that He began in us.

Image of clouds with sunlight behind them overlaid with text from Heb. 12:1-2, NET version: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud
of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” — Image by RÜŞTÜ BOZKUŞ from Pixabay

Archegos of Faith

As the letter of Hebrews continues, the author dives deep into Jesus’s roles and the meaning of the New Covenant. As the letter draws to a close, we find the famous faith chapter (Heb. 11) followed by this statement:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer (archegos) and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-3, NET (italics mark an allusion to Ps. 110:1)

Image of a woman reading the Bible outdoors with the blog's title text and the words "Knowing Jesus as the Originator and Trailblazer of life, salvation, and faith provides incredible encouragement." — Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Here, translations for archegos include Author, Leader, Pioneer, Initiator, Source, Originator, “one who began,” and “the champion who initiates.” I don’t know of any translation using “trailblazer” (though “pioneer” carries a very similar idea), but that’s what I think of when I read this verse. He went first to blaze the trail and leave a clearly marked path behind Him so we could follow. I’d like to quote Zodhiates’s dictionary again to help us understand what’s going on in this verse grammatically.

“This may mean that Jesus is the one who initiates (and completes) faith in the souls of men. However, because faith is actually articular (tes pisteos) it may be best to understand it objectively referring to what is believed. In the context faith is treated as a way of life. The author summons a ‘cloud of witnesses’ whose lives testify to the reward of faith. Jesus stands as the chief witness for it was He who blazed the trail and gave us the ideal model of ‘the faith.'”
Zodhiates, The Complete WordStudy Dictionary: New Testament, entry G747

We can think of Jesus not only as the starting place for our faith, but as the one who provides a model of faithful life for us to imitate. As we examine the phrase “archegos … of our faith,” it adds another layer of meaning to our ongoing study of faith this year (see “Relational Faith: A Book Review and Theological Reflection“). You might recall we’ve been defining faith as “active loyalty, trust, hope, knowledge, and persuasion … within the new covenant brought about through Christ’s Atonement” (Schmidt, Relational Faith, p. 11). As we follow the Archegos of faith, we’re to do the same type of faithful actions and demonstrate the same loyalty to Jesus as He showed to His Father.

Also notice that Jesus is described as the “perfecter.” This is the Greek word teleiotes (G5051 τελειωτής). It’s the word for the one who brings something or someone to the state of perfect completion described by teleioo. Just like the Father perfected Jesus, bringing His trailblazing walk of faith to full completion and resurrected life, Jesus is doing the same as He (and the Father) work in us today.

I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began (enarchomai) a good work in you will perfect (epiteleō) it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6, NET

Here in Philippians, “began” and “perfect” are translated from words derived from arche and teleo. Knowing Jesus as the Originator and Trailblazer of life, salvation, and faith provides incredible encouragement. He does not leave things unfinished. Together with His Father, He began a good work starting with the origin of life, He pioneered the path of faith for us to follow, and He has the ruling power to bring salvation to full completion. All of that is encompassed in this title, Archegos. And I hope that learning more about Jesus as the Archegos will awe and encourage you, as it has for me over many years.

Featured image by Peter H from Pixabay

Song Recommendation: “What A Beautiful Name” by Hillsong Worship

Paul’s Focus in Ministry: A Study of Titus

1 July, 202330 June, 2023Marissa

Sometimes, reading familiar verses in a new translation can give you just enough of a perspective shift that they hit you a different way than before. I’ve been using the New English Translation for a few years now, but there are still some books I haven’t spent as much time in and the wording really makes me sit up and take notice. That happened this week when I was reading Titus 3:8 for my ladies’ group’s 30-day scripture writing program this month.

This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths, so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. These things are good and beneficial for all people.
Titus 3:8, NET

The phrase “I want you to insist on such truths” was translated “concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently” in the WEB, which is more literal. However, I like the way the NET calls attention to Paul’s emphasis on affirming truthful, trustworthy things. It made me want to meditate and study more deeply on Paul’s goal in writing this letter.

To Further The Faith

In a letter to the Corinthians, Paul called Titus a “brother,” partner, and “fellow worker,” and described his presence as a joy and comfort (2 Cor. 2:13; 7:6, 13-14; 8:6, 16, 23; 12:18). We also know from Galatians that Titus was a Greek, which caused some contention among Jewish believers who wanted to insist non-Jewish male converts be circumcized (Gal. 2:1-10). We don’t know much else about him from the Bible, but we know he traveled with Paul on ministerial work and that Paul left him in Crete “to set in order the remaining matters and to appoint elders in every town” ( Titus 1:5, NET). That’s where Titus was when Paul wrote him the letter that we have in our New Testaments today.

From Paul, a slave of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of God’s chosen ones and the knowledge of the truth that is in keeping with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before time began.But now in his own time he has made his message evident through the preaching I was entrusted with according to the command of God our Savior. To Titus, my genuine son in a common faith. Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior!
Titus 1:1-4, NET

Look at how Paul describes his role in the opening salutation of this letter. He is a slave or bondservant (i.e. one who sells himself in service to another) belonging to God; in other words, he doesn’t see himself as free to leave but his service is voluntary. And the purpose of being “a slave of God and apostle of Jesus” is “to further the faith of God’s chosen ones and the knowledge of the truth that is in keeping with godliness.” We’ve been studying faith a lot on this blog recently, particularly in connection with covenant faithfulness. We can think of faith in the first-century Biblical context as “active loyalty, trust, hope, knowledge, and persuasion … within the new covenant brought about through Christ’s Atonement” (Brent Schmidt, Relational Faith, p. 11). That’s what Paul wanted to “further” among God’s chosen ones as he shared knowledge of Truth “in hope of eternal life.”

Faith, truth, and hope are also something Paul wants others to share. As I mentioned, he left Titus in Crete to appoint elders, and the next thing Paul focuses on in his letter is qualifications for those elders. Some of those qualifications have to do with the elder’s family, others with his character, and finally with his commitment to teaching God’s word correctly (Titus 1:5-9).

He must hold firmly to the faithful message as it has been taught, so that he will be able to give exhortation in such healthy teaching and correct those who speak against it.

For there are many rebellious people, idle talkers, and deceivers, especially those with Jewish connections, who must be silenced because they mislead whole families by teaching for dishonest gain what ought not to be taught.
Titus 1:9-11, NET

Here’s where the NET translators made what I think is a misstep. They translated “those of the circumcision” as “those with Jewish connections,” which implies that anyone with Jewish links was an issue when in reality Paul was addressing a specific faction that taught circumcision was necessary for salvation and wanted to enforce extra-Biblical Jewish teachings on top of God’s laws.

For this reason rebuke them sharply that they may be healthy in the faith and not pay attention to Jewish myths and commands of people who reject the truth. All is pure to those who are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted.They profess to know God but with their deeds they deny him, since they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed. But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching.
Titus 1:13-2:1, NET

One of the responsibilities of ministers like Paul, Titus, and the elders Titus was entrusted to pick out is to help other believers stay healthy in their faith. Here, Paul indicates that we can stay healthy in the faith by holding fast to truth (rather than rejecting it), acknowledging God by doing good deeds, and making sure our behavior aligns with sound teaching.

Image of four people studying the Bible together overlaid with text from Titus 3:1, 8, NET version: “Remind them ... to be ready for every good work. ... This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths, so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. These things are good and beneficial for all people.” — Image by Ben White from Lightstock

To Behave As God Intends

There’s a big focus here in Paul’s letter to Titus on good behavior and works. Paul instructs Titus to “communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching” (NET) or “say the things which fit sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1, WEB). He then goes on to give instructions specifically for older men and women, for younger women, for young men like Titus, and for servants (Titus 2:1-10). Then, Paul shares instructions that apply to all groups.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people.It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.He gave himself for us to set us free from every kind of lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are truly his, who are eager to do good.So communicate these things with the sort of exhortation or rebuke that carries full authority. Don’t let anyone look down on you.
Titus 2:11-15, NET

Here’s another spot where the phrasing in this translation really grabs my attention. It is “the grace of God” that “trains us to reject godless ways ” and to live in a way that honors God. This really highlights that grace is a gift that carries covenant obligations rather than some sort of carte blanche to live however we like. Jesus died to “set us free from every kind of lawlessness” and turn us into a people “who are eager to do good works” (NET footnote on 2:15 and other, more literal, translations add “works”).

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work. …

This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths, so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. These things are good and beneficial for all people. …

Here is another way that our people can learn to engage in good works to meet pressing needs and so not be unfruitful.
Titus 3:1, 8, 14, NET

It might seem surprising how much Paul focuses on works in this letter since he’s so often cited as the one who talks about dying to the law and not being saved by works. Reading his letter to Titus really hammers home how often Paul is misinterpreted. Here, as in all his letters, he teaches that New Covenant Christians are supposed to keep the spirit of the law; this actually carries a higher expectation than simply keeping the letter. And though we’re certainly not saved by our own works, we are saved with the expectation that we will then do good works.

To Maintain a Godly Perspective

Image of a man reading the Bible with the blog's title text and the words "Paul's letter to Titus focuses on furthering each believer's faith, behaving as God intends, and maintaining a Godly perspective on the self, fellow believers, and those outside the faith." — Image by Anggie from Lightstock

The last of the three main themes that I see Paul focusing on in Titus has to do with how to view other people and your own calling. Remember, he has already reminded Titus that “the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people” (Tit. 2:11, NET). All, not just some. That doesn’t mean Paul thinks every human being is automatically saved as a result of Jesus’s death, but it does mean that He didn’t die for only one group of people. God loves the whole world and offers salvation to everyone. We must never forget that.

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work. They must not slander anyone, but be peaceable, gentle, showing complete courtesy to all people. For we too were once foolish, disobedient, misled, enslaved to various passions and desires, spending our lives in evil and envy, hateful and hating one another. But “when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us in full measure through Jesus Christ our Savior. And so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life.”
Titus 3:1-7, NET

The same mercy that saved us is available to even the most irritating people we meet. And as people who were just like that before our relationship with God (and could be just as “foolish, disobedient, misled, enslaved, … evil and … hateful” again if we reject God’s guidance), we should have compassion toward those who have not (yet) accepted the gift of God’s powerful grace. It is “this saying” which is “trustworthy” and that Paul calls Titus to insist upon so that Christians might focus intently on “engaging in good works.”

This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths, so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. These things are good and beneficial for all people.But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the law, because they are useless and empty. Reject a divisive person after one or two warnings. You know that such a person is twisted by sin and is conscious of it himself.
Titus 3:8-11, NET

As I mentioned in my last two posts (“Do Not Forsake” and “The Necessity of Godly Conflict Resolution and Forgiveness“), there are times when we need to reject fellowship with someone who is sinful and toxic. One of the few times we’re told to do this is when someone is purposefully, unrepentantly causing divisions and quarrels. Spreading discord is one of the seven abominable things that God hates (Prov. 6:16-19). This means that we also need to vigilantly watch ourselves and make sure we avoid such useless, empty fights.

Paul’s letter to Titus is encouraging and instructive. He wants Titus and others who, like him, are entrusted with teaching and leading roles, to help further other believer’s faith, to behave as God intends, and to maintain a Godly perspective on themselves, their fellow believers, and those outside the faith. Those who aren’t elders or in other leadership roles can also learn from this, because the things Paul focuses on teaching and encouraging are the things we’re supposed to work on as well. We need to commit to growing in the faith, to making sure our deeds align with God’s ways, and to having a humble, godly perspective.

Featured image by Creative Clicks Photography from Lightstock