Lesson 4944

 (Lesson 4944) (08-14-25) Philemon 1:1-7 

  Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” 

 

  In today’s quote, Paul, joined by Timothy, greeted Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the people of the church that met in Philemon’s house. Paul thanked God for Philemon’s faith in the Lord Jesus and his love toward all believers. He prayed that Philemon’s faith would deepen his understanding of every good thing in Christ. Paul rejoiced and was comforted by hearing of Philemon’s devotion, which had refreshed the hearts of many of their fellow believers. ~ 

Lesson 4943

 (Lesson 4943) (08-13-25) Titus Chapter 3 

   “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 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. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.” 

 

   Today’s lesson instructs believers to be subject to the rules of authorities, to obey, and to be ready for every good work. We are to speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, and show humility to all, remembering that we too are disobedient and sinful. Salvation is described as the result of God’s mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, not by works of righteousness that we might do. The children of God are to maintain good works and be witnesses, avoiding foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and arguments about the old law of the Jews. Those who would divide us are to be warned twice and if they continue in their ways, then we are to avoid them altogether.  Paul closed this letter to Titus with personal instructions and greetings, urging the church to meet urgent needs and to remain fruitful to the true gospel of Jesus Christ. ~ 

Lesson 4942

 (Lesson 4942) (08-12-25) Titus Chapter 2 

   “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 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. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul instructed that sound doctrine be taught in the churches, urging older men to be sober, temperate, and sound in faith, and older women to live reverently, teaching younger women to love their families, be discreet, pure, and keep their homes well. Younger men were to be sober-minded, and workers are to obey and honor their bosses so that God’s doctrine would be upraised by their conduct. Paul reminded them that God’s grace brings salvation to all and teaches believers to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world while looking forward to Christ’s return. These lessons apply to today’s churches as a call for every believer to live in a way that reflects holiness, sound teaching, and a clear distinction from the values of the world. ~ 

Lesson 4941

 (Lesson 4941) (08-11-25) Titus Chapter 1 

   “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. For this cause left I thee(( in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, the Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. 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.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders in all the churches who were blameless, faithful to sound doctrine, and able to exhort the faithful while refuting those Jews who were at war against God’s truth. He warned that there were many unruly and vain talkers, especially among the Jews, who deceived others and caused trouble in the churches. Paul said such men must be silenced and rebuked sharply for their Jewish fables and unnecessary commandments that turn people from the truth. ~