Tag: christian character
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Remembering What We Once Were — Titus 3:2–3
Titus 3:2–3 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. Paul now turns to the way believers speak about other people. “Speak…
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Nothing to Hold Against You — Titus 2:8
Titus 2:8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Paul continues speaking to young men, and now he narrows the focus even further. Your speech. “Sound speech,” he says. The word sound again carries the idea of…
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Four Postures of Ministry – 1 Thessalonians 5:14–15
1 Thessalonians 5:14–15 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Paul gives four instructions—and if you look closely,…
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Integrity When No One Is Looking – Colossians 3:22
Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God. This is about more than employment. It is about integrity. Paul speaks to servants in a culture where many had little choice about their circumstances. Yet instead of fueling resentment,…
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Wear Him – Colossians 3:10–14
Colossians 3:10–14 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of…
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Technically True – Colossians 3:9
Colossians 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds. Paul moves from anger and corrupt speech to something more subtle. Do not lie. Not just blatant fabrication. The word carries the idea of bearing false witness. In Matthew 26, two witnesses stepped forward against Jesus.…