August
21st Thank
God for Titus
16:
But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart
of Titus for you. 17: For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but
being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. 18: And we
have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel
throughout all the churches; 19: And not that only, but who was also
chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is
administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of
your ready mind: 20: Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in
this abundance which is administered by us: 21: Providing for honest
things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of
men. 22: And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have
oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more
diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. 23: Whether
any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning
you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the
churches, and the glory of Christ. 24: Wherefore shew ye to them, and
before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on
your behalf.
Paul
thanks God for the Pastoral care that Titus has for the Corinthian
believers. Paul says that it was Titus’s idea to come to see the
Corinthian church and he says we also sent with him the brother who
is very highly regarded in the gospel in all the churches. Probably
Paul is referring to Luke the beloved physician the travelling
companion of Paul. Paul says of him that he was chosen to accompany
Paul by the churches. Paul says that no-one should blame him and his
fellow-workers for the abundance of financial provision which is
administered to them for the work of the Lord. This provides for
honest things (like food and clothing) and it will be used honestly
in the sight of the Lord and in the sight of men. Paul advocated
complete transparency in his ministry. Honesty in all things - before
God and men. Paul says we have sent Luke who in the past has proved
himself to be very meticulous in many things. Paul says if any
enquire of Titus’s character then let them know that he is my
partner and fellow helper in relation to you. And if they enquire of
our other brethren then let them know that they are messengers of the
churches and of the glory of Christ. Paul says give then the respect
that is their due and give to them in the sight of all the churches
the proof of your love and the proof of our boasting about you. Paul
was very proud of the Corinthian church in the best sense.
- Why does Paul thank God for Titus?
- In what way was Paul provided for?
- How should the churches treat those who are its messangers?
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