Philemon

It’s doubtful that Paul ever returned to see Philemon, yet he requested that a “guest room be prepared” for a hopeful reunion of the two. [v. 22] Paul indicated that he was relying on Philemon’s prayers to make it happen.

We see great faith on Paul’s part. We see his hope as expressed in this request. Whether or not it happened is not as important as the practice of approaching the future with faith. “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” [Rom. 14:23]

Paul was not planning a luxury vacation. He earnestly desired to see and encourage his converts, of which Philemon was one. As we look to the future, may we likewise plan with faith to be available to God to do His Will.

Note: Paul was likely beheaded by Nero in c. 64-6 A.D. Notice that WE all still have our heads, but often complain about our sufferings for Christ.

Titus 3

Slander – to make a false and damaging statement about someone.

Paul challenges the saints to speak evil of no man. Something may be true, but it could tear down a person if it comes out of your mouth. God reserves the right to take vengeance. We can actually diffuse His vengeance if we become god and belittle someone.

Years ago, I heard Pastor Paul Garlington relate this story at a pastors’ conference. He was sitting in his office bemoaning people in the church who were bad-mouthing him. (This rarely happens to pastors … LOL) He heard God say in his spirit, “If you do something about this, I won’t. But, if YOU don’t do something about it, I WILL.”

‘Nuff said.

Ttus 2

God used Paul to clarify to the Church what rolls the saints were to demonstrate. Here, we’re not talking about getting on the floor … we’re talking about getting on our feet and walking in a way that communicates God’s Holiness.

For instance, the older men (me?) were admonished to be, “sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.” [v. 2] Here are these qualities as they appear in various translations:

• SOBER; self-controlled, temperate, serious, watchful
• GRAVE; serious, dignified, worthy of respect, honorable, unruffled
• TEMPERATE; using good judgement, wise, spiritually healthy, in control of their desires
• SOUND IN FAITH; true faith, well grounded in scripture
• CHARITY; God-like love for others,
• PATIENCE; perseverance, steadfastness, endurance

These character traits are my benchmark. It’s been a stretching week with being challenged by my earthly father’s sterling reputation and confronting my own inadequacies. I need God’s GRACE!

Titus 1

Paul recommended that leaders in the Church be blameless. Now that’s a tall order for anyone. What if they are NOT blameless? What is the path to achieving that status?

When blame can be laid at anyone’s feet, there is a solution. That person can acknowledge where they are wrong and correct it.

Since my earthly father passed away, I am involved in the family estate resolution and disbursement of assets. It can get sticky with close relatives you had no prior friction with. A commitment to blamelessness requires wrongs to be righted. Since I am in the middle of this process, I want to emerge with a blameless reputation.

Here is the scriptural formula for conflict resolution:

“… If, while you are offering your gift at the altar (praying), you should remember that your brother has something against you, you must leave your gift there before the altar (determining in your heart to make it right) and go away. Make your peace with your brother first, then come and offer your gift.” [Matt: 5:24]

2 Tim. 4

We hate to hear hard, offending words. The fact is, the truth is not always easy to hear or receive. Paul encouraged leaders to speak truth even though it may come over as rebuke. This is how he put it to Timothy:

“Use the Word of God to show people they are wrong. Use the Word of God to help them do right. You must be willing to wait (patiently) for people to understand what you teach as you teach them.” [NLV]

Patience and love are critical ingredients to rebuke and correction. If people truly want to be correct, they will accept correction. There is NOTHING more correct than God’s Word. Our eternal future is based upon it.

2 Tim. 3

God’s Word is optimistic about our Heavenly future. It is, however, pessimistic about the world around us. I’ve personally seen the culture take a big slide in values from when I was a boy. Politicians, media, addictive life-destroying drugs, common morality standards … everywhere you turn, it’s not hopeful.

Paul predicted our day. He said the times will be grievous, perilous, dangerous, hard … not a pretty picture. And yet, we are raising children and doing our best to please Him with our hearts and lives. IT CAN BE DONE!!! How? God’s grace.

The more we have God’s grace operating in our lives, the more pleasing and effective our lives will be. Grace is, “God working in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Phil. 2:13] It’s Christ IN US, not the power of our will and personality.

Heritage helps. We just laid to rest my 97 year old father, David Dean Demos. The Christian life he lived provides a template for life that pleases God. His faith, by God’s grace, will continue forging in me and his descendants a testimony and witness that rises above the “Terrible Times” we live in.

1 Tim. 6; 2 Tim. 1, 2

Ever meet a quarrelsome person? They want to wrestle words and concepts with you. It’s as if they want to prove their mental superiority to you. Being in their presence is not a joy

On the other hand, those who are lowly apart from their mental acuity are easy and relaxing to be around. As for me, I enjoy some humor if I am providing it. Others being constant jokesters are somewhat annoying. Who can see Christ Jesus being quarrelsome or joking around all the time? Not me.

1 Tim. 5

This can be difficult. We all gravitate to someone easy to like or be around. Paul, however warns leaders to avoid favoritism. Why? Because it sends the message that some Christians are more likeable, better looking, better dressing, more wealthy, more athletic etc.

I remember years ago observing a Christian leader’s choice of close friends. The friends had money and influence. I asked myself, “Are they a getting priority status because they have money and influence?” Whereas if everyone gets treated with the same love and respect, it more accurately displays God’s mutual love and favor for all who have been blood-washed and saved.

We should not be guilty of hinting to anyone that they are less than others.

1 Tim. 4

Paul challenges us to set an example for those who watch our lives. My brother, Gary, has five grandsons who used to live with him. Do you think his conduct and demeanor were being watched 24-7? Most assuredly! My personal family watched the life of my mother and father who gave us exemplary lives to emulate. Thank you, Mom and Dad.

1 Tim. 3

There is a difference. Ambition causes one to roll over others to gain a better status or position. Aspiration implies preparing ones self for opportunities of service and even self-sacrifice. Ambition wants power. Aspiration seeks influence.

The qualities Paul required for the office of Elder and Deacon included character and integrity rather than polish and prominence;

Jesus said it’s better to take a lowly seat at a banquet and be asked to move forward than to presume a position of importance and be demoted to devaluation. [Luke 14:9]