Inspiration

PAUL’S PLEA

 

Philemon 1:8-9: “Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love.”

 

Paul is appealing to Philemon to take back Onesimus who is his slave but had left him and somehow wound up with Paul. Obviously Onesimus accepted Jesus as his Savior while he was with Paul and now wants to return to his owner; Paul wants Philemon to receive him, not as a slave, but as a brother in the Lord. Paul could have ordered him to take him back without punishment but he wanted Philemon to receive him as a brother.

 

I love the way Paul appealed to Philemon, mentioning the fact that he owed his life to Paul but yet didn’t want to use that as an advantage. As Paul exemplifies, love is the best and perhaps the most effective way to accomplish delicate matters.

 

We can learn a great deal from Paul, the sacrifices he made, the willingness he demonstrated and never getting to the point of total frustration and quitting his ministry; truly a committed and loving man of God.

 

Inspiration

INSTRUCTIONS

 

Titus 1, 2&3: “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness-a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior.” Titus 1:1-3.

 

Titus consists of 3 chapters stressing the qualifications of various offices in the Church; therefore I combined all 3. Paul also discusses the false teachings of various individuals; to be aware and stay away from them.

 

I like verse 11 in Titus 2 that reads: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” Verse 14: “… who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do good.” While we may not know how God accomplishes this I believe what it says.

 

 

Inspiration

BE PREPARED TO PREACH

 

2^nd Timothy 4:1-2: “In the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction.”

 

Considering my last letter it is apparent what we must do, based on what Paul is telling Timothy in this chapter; we must preach (talk about) the Word of God anytime, anywhere. We must be ready to help those who might say things in ignorance, but when you do it is always best to use the Bible when we try to correct someone. I’m sure you are not interested in someone’s opinion as opposed to the literal word found in the Bible; I know I’m not. When I receive a criticism (I do) my replies are always specific Bible verses supporting my issue.

 

And we must remember to do all things with patience and in love; sometimes my patience wears thin and my wife is quick to remind me, thank God. What more can I say other than to read your Bible.

 

Inspiration

THE POWER OF SCRIPTURE

 

2^nd Timothy 3:15: “and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Paul wrote those words to Timothy.

 

I believe reading or quoting Bible verses are extremely powerful as opposed to preaching or commentaries. In fact Paul does say in Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active…”

 

My commentary in letters is simply my attempt to further emphasize the living word of God. There are so many books on the shelves of bookstores and homes it boggles the mind as to which one to read, or even believe; this is the reason I always tell people to read the Bible. It is not a difficult read if one stays in the New Testament, especially the Gospels; my favorite is John. The Old Testament is wonderful and its major emphasis is the Creation and the history of Israel and the lives of particular mighty men of God. And it is filled with prophecy fulfilled in the new testament.

 

With a desire to know the truth and a sincere heart:

 

Read the Bible and let God speak to you.

 

Inspiration

 

APPROVED BY GOD

 

2^nd Timothy 2:15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

 

If only all believers would aspire to be workers for Christ, our world would be better for it. I have found it doesn’t take much to create an opportunity to sow the seed of salvation. Sometimes one word dropped at the proper time is sufficient.

 

I received a letter from an individual who says he wants to keep his relationship with God private; I have a heavy heart for him because he is ignorant to what Jesus has to say about that subject in the Gospel’s. I find this type of thought occurs when people think they are born again when they are simply being religious.

 

Verse 19 settles all questions of relationships with the Father when He says, ‘…the Lord knows those who are his…