Thursday November 9, 2023

Today is Thursday, November 9 and we are studying what the Bible says about authority.

I come to find the quiet center, a sacred space amid a busy life where I am able to just be with God. I silence my thoughts, focus my mind and slow my breathing as I welcome his loving presence.

Pause and Pray

Holy and Loving God, you are Lord of my life and Shepherd of my soul. I surrender myself to you and submit to your authority. Speak into my life and circumstances. I am eager to receive whatever you have to offer. Amen.

God is worthy of my praise. I lift my heart and worship him with the words of Psalm 145.

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:1-3

Pause and Pray

The letter to Titus is a brief epistle written by Paul to a young pastor named Titus. After Paul was released from prison in Rome (Acts 28:30) he traveled with both Timothy and Titus. Titus remained in Crete to oversee the organization of new churches. Paul wrote to him offering him sage leadership advice. God expects people in positions of authority in the church to be of the highest spiritual character. Leaders in authority should serve as examples to others, lead with wisdom and teach sound doctrine. In the second chapter, Paul tells Titus what must be taught in the church.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Titus 2:11-15

The grace of God has appeared in Jesus Christ. Through Jesus salvation is offered to all people, including me. God’s grace has power in my life and teaches me to say “no” to worldly things that are in opposition to God. Sanctifying grace enables me to live a self-controlled, upright and godly life as a reflection of Christ my Lord. Jesus gave himself for me on the cross, redeemed me from evil and purified me to join others and work eagerly for good in the world. This is what I am to expect from my church community, and what I am to teach and exemplify in my own life.

Ask: How is God’s grace through Jesus Christ being lived out in me? How have I experienced the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit in my thoughts, deeds and actions?

Pause and Pray

God, your love, mercy and grace is beyond my comprehension. I found salvation through Christ and am growing in godliness through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Show me what it means to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions. Grant me the fruit of self-control and enable me to live an upright and godly life encouraging and inspiring others to do the same. Teach me with all authority. Give me a spirit of humility and gentleness to lead others in the truth. I read the words from Titus again and listen for the message you have for me.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Titus 2:11-15

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

As I ruminate on today’s scripture in light of this week’s theme of Christian authority, I consider the places of authority in my own life. Whose authority have I placed myself under? In my job, my relationships, and my Christian walk. Have I fully submitted to the authority of the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in every aspect of my life? Do I trust the authority of Christian leaders – pastors, teachers, and others in my church community? I consider who I might be given authority over – friends in the faith, peers, students, employees, family members, children and grandchildren. Am I living my life with the highest level of integrity in order to teach, lead and guide others in the faith?

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit and reveal the places where I embrace and where I resist Christian authority. You have placed people in my life to support and encourage me as well as hold me accountable and offer correction. Help me hear your voice through them. Strengthen me so that I can be a faithful teacher and trusted leader who exercises authority over others. Amen.

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. James 3:1-2

I leave this time of prayer ready to surrender my whole life to Christ my Lord. I go to live a self-controlled, upright and godly life doing good deeds and serving others in his name.

Amen