Daniel 6 – Daniel in the Lion’s Den By: Ben Fronczek

http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?p=1261

Daniel In The Lion’s Den

Daniel 6  – Daniel in the Lion’s Den     By: Ben Fronczek

Read: 2 Kings 6:15-17 “When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.

16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

THE story has been told of how the first Russian cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, was instructed by Soviet premier Khrushchev to watch out for angels when he went into space in April, 1962. On his return he reported that he had seen no angels. Khrushchev is said to have replied, “Good, I knew you wouldn’t. There are no such things!”

It is all too easy to assume that what we do not see does not exist!  Over and over the Bible  teaches us that Spirit beings and angels are present whether we want to accept their presence or not.

I don’t know about you but sometimes that kind freaks me out knowing there could be someone even more than one present in our midst seeing all that we do and hearing all that we say.

I guess it would not bother me so much if I could live a perfect life, where I never said or did anything wrong. But if you think about it that’s why the Holy Father sent Jesus into the world to take care of the sin He knew that we would commit… and that’s why Jesus sent His Spirit into His followers to help them grow and mature and not sin. And I personally believe God sends His angels to help us whether we recognize or acknowledge that help or not.

Many ask if there are personal “guardian” angels. When Peter was released from prison by an angel (Acts 12:7-15) and he arrived at the door of the house where the brethren were staying, they did not believe it was Peter but said, “It is his angel”, assuming Peter was still locked away or dead.

In Matthew 18:10, Jesus had told His followers 10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”  

These are indications of how much personal care and comfort God is prepared to provide for those who truly fear Him and we see that in our story today in Daniel 6.

Let’s look at the story: Read Daniel 6:1-3      “It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, 2 with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. 3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.”                                             

This will be my final sermon from Daniel because of the rest of the book  deals with visions and prophecies that Daniel receives from the Lord concerning the fulfillment of the first dream that Nebuchadnezzar had concerning the rise and fall of nations, people and power over the Jews until Jesus comes on the scene and becomes Lord of Lord and King of Kings.  

This chapter is full of practical lessons which we can learn from.

Here in these first few verses we read that Darius the Mede, who has now been placed in charge of Babylon under the supreme leader, Cyrus, almost immediately saw something special in Daniel. Out of all these Satraps (or governors) he could have chosen from to lead, he recognized how special Daniel was. In verse 3 we read: “3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. (NIV)

The NLT puts it this way: “3 Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.”

The NAS which is probably has the most accurate translation says that; “he possessed an extraordinary spirit”

Now you need to remember, at this point in time Daniel is now in his 80’s, and I think we see here one quality that made him so special, and why all the rulers liked him, and why God blesses him so.

The man had a good spirit, and/or a good attitude. It didn’t matter that he was deported from his homeland and was an alien in the service of pagan kings. The man had a good attitude, he was wise, he had a good work ethic, he didn’t go around grumbling or complaining. He seems to have spent his life in Babylon with a positive, humble, teachable, honest spirit and attitude. And because of that attitude Darius was ready to promote him to the highest position in Babylon under himself.

Personal application: Do you have a good spirit? How well do you carry yourself and what kind of attitude do you have as you deal with those at work, or at home? Are you a complainer, or someone who undermines others or someone who cuts corners? Do you hold grudges or are you envious of others.   

I believe that the Lord would prefer it if we had an excellent attitude at our job at home or at whatever we do throughout our life. You will not only please our Lord, others will also take notice as well.  Darius did; but unfortunately so too did some of the other satraps or governors.

Read Daniel 6:4-5 “At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”

These guys are jealous and envious of Daniel so they want to destroy him by digging up some dirt on him. They begin by searching for some kind of fault in the way he was doing his job. But no matter how much they searched and checked out his job performance, they could not find any faults or corruption, or any skimming, or any negligence on his part.

How would you fair up under such scrutiny? If someone examined every aspect of how you do your job or how you conduct yourself in every area of your life? Daniel was a model servant and employee.   You know what’s good about doing things right the first time and all the time? You don’t have to worry when someone looks over your shoulder to see what you are doing. If there is nothing hidden or covered up there is nothing to be found!

So these guys come up with a plan ‘B’.  Read: Daniel 6:6-9  “So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! 7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. 8 Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 9 So King Darius put the decree in writing.”                     

Many scholars believe that this story is just as much about Darius as it is Daniel. These Satraps not only have it in for Daniel, here we see them set the king up by using flowery words of praise to accomplish their diabolical plan.

Here lies another lesson for us: We have to be careful when people come to us with flowery words of praise. It initially may sound and feel good, but be careful. Wait and see if a request is made in the next breath. These men were praising the king and figuratively patting him on the back and his ego swelled along with his head. He had been set up and was coaxed into making an arrogant and stupid law. Really how could you ever possible know if someone else was silently praying to another God if a person chose to do so secretly?

But these men knew Daniel well enough and knew what he did each day.

Read:   Daniel 6:10-15     (Click on Verse to read)

I see a few lessons here in these verses: First of all I believe here-in-lies the secret of Daniel’s wisdom, extra ordinary spirit or attitude, and success, and that was his ongoing relationship with God. Right from the beginning of this book we read about how Daniel and his companions turned to God in prayer. I believe that praying was more than a habit for Daniel; rather it was just part of an ongoing relation rather than a ritual. Daniel had a relationship with God and wanted to talk with Him, and so he did three times a day. And he wasn’t going to give that up for anyone. Its how he stayed plugged into the Lord, this is a lesson we all need to learn. How do you stay plugged in to the Lord?

Well these Satraps rat on Daniel, probably running and skipping to the king like children anxious to tattle-tail on someone. But the king was sad and in great distress, and probably realized that he and Daniel were set up. The text goes on to say that Darius did everything he could do to rescue Daniel, but unfortunately there was nothing he could do. He had allowed these men to talk him into making a rash decision and law that could not be changed.

We likewise need to be careful about making rash decisions. All the decisions we make have consequences; and some are not so good. I believe it’s important to think more about the decisions we make. Ask yourself if is contrary to God’s will or not or if someone is pushing me into making a rash decision. Even ask God to bless your decision so you can have peace with what you decided.

Read: Daniel 6:16-18    “So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”

17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.”

After having Daniel placed in the lion’s den we have an interesting statement made by Darius in verse 16 he said “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.”                          

Is this a statement of faith from this pagan king?   I think so!         

In the text we see how much Darius cared for Daniel. The man could not eat or sleep. Darius was really upset about all this. I think we see a good example of friendship evangelism having been done here.

I think we really see the king’s faith demonstrated in the next section. Read:  6:19-22    “At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”

21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”

If Darius though Daniel was dead he wouldn’t have bothered going back to the lion’s Den the next morning and call out to Daniel.

How many times do you face what may seem like an impossible situation and just give up and walk away? Here we see Darius’s faith in God’s deliverance of Daniel from an impossible situation. Here we see an example of hope and faith walking hand in hand.  Maybe the lesson for us here is that we should not give up (even give up on God) in what may seem like an impossible situation.

It also had to be a pretty trying experience for Daniel as well, but his convictions stood strong, and the Lord sent an angel to deal with the lions. Was it his guardian angel? I’d like to think so. God wanted him around a little longer and we see why in the final verses of this chapter

Read: 6:23-28   (Click on the verse to read)

So here again we read a proclamation of faith from a pagan king to the world; those who other-wise may have never heard about our God and the God of Daniel, of His majesty and awesomeness.

Imagine the leader of China or another world leader doing something like this today because of one man’s faith and integrity. You personally may not have the opportunity to meet or have an effect on a world leader in this manner, but what about those you come in contact with at work, or with family members, or your acquaintances. One good life can make a difference in their life.

So what are some lessons we have we learned from this man Daniel?

One’s situation in life does not necessarily have to Hinder one’s SUCCESS.    

Daniel and his companions were promoted over and over and experienced God’s favor in this foreign land because they were men of integrity. They did not compromise when it came to matters of faith and their walk with God. They were brave and trusted Father God when all seemed bleak.

They were men of prayer and their lives Glorified our Heavenly Father. Those that knew these men knew that they were men of God by their actions as well as their words.

I challenge each one of you to become like Daniel; men and women of faith.   If you do this I believe you will also experience God’s favor like never before. And never forget there is always someone watching over you…whether you see them or not.

For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566

Beware of False Prophets by Alfred Shannon Jr.

https://biblicalproof.wordpress.com/2011/06/page/5/

Beware of False Prophets

It is easy to know those who love the truth of God, and those who don’t. It is evident in how they use, and abuse the Word. Anyone who uses the bible for monetary, political, or personal gain have no love for the truth. There are many false teachers in the world who profess godliness, but they teach false doctrines that appease the wicked. They teach such things not for the love of God, but rather for the love of money. They often engage in politics using the Word as their sword, not for the betterment of others, but for their own bellies. These are the ones who despise the poor saints of God, and seek to devour them with sweet swelling words of vanity. These are the ones who use man made definitions to redefine, and twist the Word of God, to make it appear God is on their side. Beware of them, try them, and avoid them, for they  are not of God.

Mi 3:11; Mt 7:15; Rom 16:17,18; Col 2:8; 1 Tim 6:3-10; 2 Thess 2:10-12; 2 Pet 2:1-3; 1 Jn 4:1;

We must all speak the same thing by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/onevoice.html

We must all speak the same thing

"Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10). 
"Be of the same mind toward one another" (Romans 12:16).
Many think this level of agreement is impossible. Yet, Christians are told to "be perfectly joined together;" to think, speak and act in harmony. This is possible, but only with the help of God.
We can speak the same thing if we follow Christ.
All who follow Christ are united in Him.
Following someone else causes division. That was the problem at Corinth. Paul continues: "For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, 'I am of Paul,' or 'I am of Apollos,' or 'I am of Cephas,' or 'I am of Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" (1 Corinthians 1:11-13).
Division is caused by following the founder or leader of some denomination rather than Christ.
To follow Christ means to obey Him.
To speak the same thing, we must speak according to God's word: "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11).
To be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment, our thoughts, words and actions must be guided by the word of God. How can we be divided if we obey Christ? Paul admonished Timothy: "But as for you, continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:14-17).
We may not go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6). "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son" (2 John 9).
Division is caused by people who follow fables rather than the word of God. Paul wrote to Timothy: "I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables" (2 Timothy 4:1-4).
"Preach the word!" All who preach the Word of God, speak the same thing, "holding fast the faithful word" (Titus 1:9), "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15).
Division comes from a lack of love for the truth. People are devoted to false doctrines, their own ideas, the latest fads, the wisdom of this world and the traditions of men. Jesus said to the self-righteous, pious people of His time: "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men'" ... "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition" (Mark 7:6-9).
Unity exists by definition in the body of Christ, His church.
"But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another" (1 Corinthians 12:24,25).
Division does not come from God. "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33). He has given us all we need, to be one in Christ.
Paul explains this in his letter to the Ephesians: "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to have a walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore He says: 'When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.' (Now this, 'He ascended' what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head -- Christ -- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love" (Ephesians 4:1-16).
Why then is there so much division?
This is the fault of those who do not follow Christ, who do not speak according to God's Word, who turn away from the truth and listen to fables, who go beyond what is written, who do not remain in the doctrine of Christ.
Division is inevitable between those who follow Christ and those who do not follow Christ. "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" (Amos 3:3).
Paul explains this to the Corinthians, whom he admonished to speak the same thing: "For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you" (1 Corinthians 11:18,19).
If we are approved by God, we experience unity in the body of Christ: if we follow Christ, speak according to God's word, love the truth and turn away from fables, if we continue in the doctrine of Christ and do not go beyond what is written.
If we do not listen to the Head, we are not in the body. When Christ controls our thoughts, words and actions, we will think, speak and act as one, as one body. Then we have one Spirit, one faith, one baptism, and one Lord.
My prayer to God is "that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27).
"Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 15:5,6).

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

Memories and the world to come by Gary Rose

This is a picture of the Muchachos drum and bugle corps from about the year 1962 or 1963. As I recall, the corps was about two years old at that time, so it had not reached its greatest number of members. Overall, the corps was a very good experience for me, as its emphasis on discipline and teamwork had positive effects that reverberated throughout the decades that followed. I met my wife at the corps, but she joined sometime after this picture was taken. Today, I only remember the names of a few of the people pictured here and fewer still are the people I keep in touch with.

Life is fleeting, enjoy what you can and learn from all your experiences. Be the best person you can be while on this earth, for after you leave it you will reap the consequences of what you have done.

Consider these scriptures…

Luke 16 (World English Bible)

  ¹⁹  “Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day.   ²⁰  A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was laid at his gate, full of sores,   ²¹  and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores.   ²²  The beggar died, and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried.   ²³  In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his bosom.   ²⁴  He cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame.’ 

  ²⁵  “But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in the same way, bad things. But now here he is comforted and you are in anguish.  ²⁶  Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that no one may cross over from there to us.’ 

  ²⁷  “He said, ‘I ask you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house;   ²⁸  for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, so they won’t also come into this place of torment.’ 

  ²⁹  “But Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ (emphasis added)

  ³⁰  “He said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 

  ³¹  “He said to him, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.’” (emphasis added)

Two men, Lazarus (who was a beggar) and a rich man. Lazarus lived a terrible life, but the rich man had a everything that the world offered. Yet, in the afterlife the beggar was blessed and the rich man was in torment. What did each do to deserve their fate? As I read it the text, it does not really say, but the think that Abraham’s response to the rich man’s request gives us a clue. Abraham says two times that Moses and the prophets should be the ones that the rich man’s family should listen to, rather than someone risen from the dead. Could it be that the rich man just did not listen to the word of God?

Good question and something to ponder. I wonder what God will say to us when we meet HIM? What I do know is that we will be reminded of what we have done in this life and be judged appropriately for it. Live so that when we see Jesus, he will say to us: well done, good and faithful servant!!!

PS. Just in case you are wondering, I am in the second row, underneath the hat. Can’t recognize me? Go to newbiblereflections.blogspot.com and scroll down until you see a younger version of myself (it will be on the right).

"THE EPISTLE TO TITUS" Finis And Farewell (3:12-15)

 "THE EPISTLE TO TITUS"

 Finis And Farewell (3:12-15)

INTRODUCTION

1. We began our study of the epistle to Titus by noticing that Paul...
   a. Left him in Crete (a large island in the Mediterranean Sea - Ti
      1:5
   b. Charged him to "set in order the things that are lacking" - Tit 1:5

2. Making our way through the epistle, we saw that this involved...
   a. Appointing elders in every city, according to qualifications given
      - Tit 1:5-16
   b. Speaking things proper for sound doctrine, such as the conduct of
      members - Tit 2:1-10
   c. Reminding brethren of God's grace, and how heirs of grace should
      act - Tit 2:11-3:11

3. We now come to the conclusion of Paul's epistle, which includes some...
   a. Final messages for Titus - Tit 3:12-14
   b. Farewell greetings for Titus and those with him - Tit 3:15

[In this "Finis And Farewell" by the apostle Paul, we are first
introduced to several individuals, and reminded of our duty related to
good works...]

I. FINAL MESSAGES

   A. REGARDING ARTEMAS AND TYCHICUS...
      1. Artemas may be coming to Titus - Tit 3:12
         a. Not mentioned elsewhere in the Scriptures
         b. One of the seventy disciples and bishop of Lystra, according
            to Dorotheus (Bibl. Maxima (Lugd. 1677), III, 429) - ISBE
      2. Tychicus may come instead - Tit 3:12
         a. A Christian from Asia (Turkey), mentioned four times
            elsewhere in the Scriptures
         b. Traveled with Paul during the end of his third journey - Ac 20:4
         c. Sent to Ephesus and Colosse with information on Paul's
            welfare - Ep 6:21-22; Col 4:7-8
         d. Sent to Ephesus near the end of Paul's life - 2Ti 4:12
         e. Truly "a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow
            servant in the Lord" - Col 4:7
      3. Upon either man's arrival, Titus was to be diligent in coming
         to Nicopolis - Tit 3:12
         a. In western Greece, only a few miles north of modern Prevesa
         b. To meet Paul there, where he had decided to winter
      -- It was men like this who helped apostles like Paul to
         accomplish so much!

   B. REGARDING ZENAS AND APOLLOS...
      1. Zenas, the lawyer - Tit 3:13
         a. Possibly a Jewish scribe learned in Hebrew law prior to his
            conversion
         b. Or perhaps a Roman jurist
      2. Apollos, the orator - Tit 3:13
         a. An eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures - Ac 18:24-26
         b. Taught the way of God more accurately by Aquila and
            Priscilla - Ac 18:26
         c. Who greatly helped the brethren in Achaia (Corinth) - Ac 18:27-28; 19:1
         d. Who was improperly idolized by brethren in Corinth 

             - 1Co 1: 10-13; 3:3-9; 4:6; 16:12
      3. Titus was to send them on their journey - Tit 3:13
         a. With haste, lacking nothing
         b. With hospitality commended by the apostles 

              - Ro 15:24; 1Co 16:11; 3Jn 6-8
      -- It was hospitality like this that helped spread Christianity so
         quickly!

   C. REGARDING GOOD WORKS...
      1. Once again Paul mentions the importance of "good works" - Ti 3:14
         a. To meet urgent needs
         b. That they may not be unfruitful - cf. Jn 15:1-2
      2. "Our people" (Christians) must "learn to maintain good works"
         a. The word for "learn" is manthanetosan
         b. It is present active imperative; i.e., keep on learning how
            - Robertson's Word Pictures
      3. Working our way back through this epistle, we learn that
         Christians should:
         a. Learn to maintain good works - Tit 3:14
         b. Be careful to maintain good works - Tit 3:8
         c. Be ready for every good work - Tit 3:1
         d. Be zealous for good works - Tit 2:14
         e. Be a pattern of good works - Tit 2:7
      4. Otherwise, we might like some become "disqualified for every
         good work" - Tit 1:16
      -- Are we willing to learn to maintain good works in our service
         to Christ?

[With his final messages to Titus complete, Paul concludes his epistle with...]

II. FAREWELL GREETINGS

   A. TO TITUS...
      1. Sent by all who were with Paul - Tit 3:15
      2. None are mentioned by name, unlike that found elsewhere - e.g., Ro 16:21-24
      3. Perhaps Titus knew who they were, so no mention was necessary
      -- Titus enjoyed a fellowship that extended beyond his association
         with Paul

   B. TO OTHERS...
      1. "Those who love us in the faith" - Tit 3:15
      2. Christians who loved Paul and those with him
      -- Paul enjoyed a fellowship that extended beyond his association
         with Titus

   C. "GRACE BE WITH YOU ALL"...
      1. This epistle was not designed for Titus only, but for the
         saints at Crete - Gill
      2  "Grace" properly means "favor" - Barnes
      3. It closes the Epistles as a sufficient summary of all the
         blessings that can be wished Christian readers - ISBE
      -- Certainly appropriate, in an epistle which spoke eloquently of
         God's grace - Tit 2:11; 3:7

CONCLUSION

1. Thus ends Paul's epistle to Titus...
   a. A short, simple letter, but one filled with counsel related to a
      minister's work
   b. Made poignant when remembering Paul's circumstances (his own
      ministry was nearing its end)

2. May all who read this epistle take it to heart...
   a. Setting in order whatever things may be lacking in our own
      congregations
   b. Speaking things proper for sound doctrine, avoiding foolish
      disputes
   c. Being careful to maintain good works, remembering that we are
      heirs of grace

If we do so, then Paul's closing benediction will apply to us as well:

                     "Grace be with you all. Amen."

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016