Friday, June 29, 2012

SOAP 06/29/2012; Titus 1:9

Today's reading: Amos 4, 5, 6; Psalms 86; Titus 1
    
S) "9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict."
     
Titus 1:9 (NASB)
     
O) Titus, it's worth noting, was in a position of authority. Paul left him to oversee some of the local churches. As a leader, it's important to know the ins and outs of sound doctrine, firstly, to know how we ought to live. But secondly, there's also another element of properly representing our faith. I think a lot of Christians know what they believe in a general and difficult-to-describe, sort of way. It's not that they're wrong, and they might live their whole life serving God well and being fruitful, but if they cannot express the principle beliefs they have, at least in principle, then that person will have a hard time maintaining any form of leadership.
     
A) I need to be sure I am, not just able, but actually doing, leading my family in learning sound doctrine. Especially with my children, going to public school (Caleb will be starting this fall), I need to keep a close eye on the things they're learning, and be sure that I am putting things in perspective with our beliefs. This seems especially true with sciences, as it seems our current world (both believers and non-believers) have a hard time reconciling the two (faith and science), but I firmly believe science points to God, if the perspective is correct (see Romans 1:20).
     
P) Father, You have opened my eyes and given me wisdom I could not attain on my own. Continue to reveal Your world, Your plan, Your knowledge to me. Holy Spirit, lead me in the timing of leading my family, and give me the words to speak so that they will receive it and learn well. Let me both exhort them, and refute the contradictions they hear. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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