...can make Jack a dull boy.
Whew! Not sure what it is, but I haven't been able to sleep lately. That makes it hard to be spiritual. While some people think caffeine keeps one from being spiritual...I'm more inclined to agree with those that say "without caffeine it's impossible to be spiritual" -- at least before noon! I think I'll have some coffee, as I'm still dragging and it's almost 10.
At the end of 2 Timothy, Paul talks about a number of people that deserted him, and even one (Alexander the metalworker) who did him great harm. Paul apparently sees his own end coming, as he states: "I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure." He says it with no regrets, though: "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing."
That's some interesting insight into eternity.
In Paul's letter to Titus (chapter 3 specifically) he encourages the people of God to "be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." This is good advice, as humility can go a long way with anyone. Paul then goes on with a great discourse that shows the utter simplicity of the gospel:
"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, Whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone."
That's awesome. I like how the appearance or event of God's kindness and love "appearing on the scene" changes us. I think devoting ourselves to doing what is good will consume our time in such a way that we won't focus on others' shortcomings or the negative "don't do this or that" type of stuff.
The beginning of this letter to Titus reminds me of a friend who took on a memoriz-ation project. He memorized every Scripture that emphasized or explained the deity of Christ. In Titus 1: 3-4, Paul refers to "God our Savior" and then greets Titus with "Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior," thus equating Jesus ("Savior") with God.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at February 27, 2006 10:09 AM