Titus 1:13-16 KJV
This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
- Sound faith requires instruction and correction. Paul is introducing the congregation to Titus and warning them of how corruption will creep into their midst. Corruption comes by old or new traditions and rules invented by men with agendas that do not align with God’s word.
- Sound faith does not assume evil in every idea and saying. A person with sound faith thinks and acts with a desire to please God. They do not think of evil things, conspire to do evil or apply evil intent to plans they make. A prime example of this is what happened at the US Capital on January 6, 2021.
- Sound faith is apparent in the daily living and speech of the true follower. God calls us to holiness because HE is HOLY. We cannot happily live our lives doing evil things, if we have given ourselves to Jesus. Oh, we don’t lose our salvation but we will not enjoy the fruit of pure living for Jesus. The fruit of the saved soul is love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, patience and self control. Whenever a Christ follower veers from obedience they stop producing fruit and risk being abominable.
Paul’s warning about the corruption of our words and deeds should not only encourage us to stay focused on Jesus but, also, help us spot those among us that are defiled and unbelievers. We are to lovingly encourage those to repentance and when they come, we must, also forgive the past.
Our walk with Jesus must be so productive as to set us apart and cause our joy to entice others to this extraordinary kind of love and peace.
Mickey Kyler
