Cretan Society and the Call for Authentic Faith

What does it mean to lead a life rooted in faith and integrity? Join us as we unpack the profound teachings found in the first chapter of The Epistle of Paul to Titus, where Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, presents a blueprint for godly living and leadership. We promise you'll gain insights into how these ancient instructions can still guide our communities and leaders today, addressing the timeless challenge of maintaining faith against opposition. This episode tackles the essential qualities expected of church elders, such as hospitality and self-control, while highlighting the perils posed by those who distort the teachings of faith.

Explore Paul's candid observations of Cretan society and his urgent call for strong leadership and sound teaching. We discuss the challenges posed by opponents, particularly the disruptive "circumcision group," and how Paul's guidance aims to steer believers toward a pure and authentic understanding of faith. As we reflect on the enduring relevance of Paul's message, discover how his words encourage leaders to uphold integrity and truth in the face of falsehoods, providing a compelling narrative that resonates with modern-day listeners seeking wisdom in their spiritual journey.

Thank you for joining us in this episode of In the Field Audio Bible, where we explore the richness of God’s Word, one chapter at a time. We hope today’s reading brought insight, comfort, or inspiration to your journey of faith.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and questions! Feel free to send us a text to let us know how In the Field Audio Bible is impacting your faith journey. Until next time, may God’s Word guide and bless you.

Transcript

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The Epistle of Paul to Titus, Chapter 1.

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I, Paul, am writing this letter.

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I serve God and I am an apostle of Jesus Christ.

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God sent me to help His chosen people believe in Christ more and more.

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God sent me to help them understand even more the truth that leads to godly living.

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That belief and understanding lead to the hope of eternal life.

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Before time began, god promised to give that life, and he does not lie.

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Now, at just the right time, he has made his promise clear.

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He did this through the preaching that he trusted me with.

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God, our Savior has commanded all these things.

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Titus, I am sending you this letter.

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You are my true son in the faith we share.

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May God, the Father, and Christ Jesus, Savior, give you grace and peace.

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I left you on the island of Crete.

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I did this because there were some things that hadn't been finished.

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I wanted you to put them in order.

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I also wanted you to appoint elders in every town.

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I told you how to do it.

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An elder must be without blame.

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He must be faithful to his wife.

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His children must be believers.

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They must not give anyone a reason to say that they are wild and don't obey.

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A church leader takes care of God's family.

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That's why he must be without blame.

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He must be without blame.

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He must not look after only his own interest.

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He must not get angry easily.

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He must not get drunk.

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He must not push people around.

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He must not try to get money by cheating people.

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Instead, a church leader must welcome people into his home.

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He must love what is good.

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He must control his mind and feelings.

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He must do what is right.

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He must be holy.

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He must control the desires of his body.

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The message, as it has been taught, can be trusted.

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He must hold firmly to it.

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Then he will be able to use true teaching to comfort others and build them up.

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He will be able to prove that people who oppose it are wrong.

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Many people refuse to obey God.

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All they do is talk about things that mean nothing.

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They try to fool others.

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No one does these things more than the circumcision group.

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They must be stopped.

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They are making trouble for entire families.

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They do this by teaching things they shouldn't.

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They do these things to cheat people.

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One of Crete's own prophets has a saying.

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He says people from Crete are always liars.

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They are evil beasts.

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They don't want to work, they live only to eat.

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This saying is true.

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So give a strong warning to people who refuse to obey God.

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Then they will understand the faith correctly.

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Then they will pay no attention to Jewish stories that aren't true.

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They won't listen to the mere human commands of people who turn away from the truth.

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To people who are pure, all things are pure.

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But to those who have twisted minds and don't believe, nothing is pure.

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In fact, their minds and their sense of what is right and wrong are twisted.

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They claim to know God, but their actions show they don't know him.

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They are hated by God.

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They refuse to obey him.

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They aren't fit to do anything good.