Sunday, October 25, 1998 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from II Corinthians 7:6-9, 13-15, 8:6, 16-17, and Titus 1:5, 10-11, 2:15, and 3:14, we learned about the importance of making a difference by tackling tough situations in biblical ways. Sometimes, we make our own problems. Sometimes, they are made for us, but avoiding those problems will not usually solve them. As Christians, we need to face each difficulty head on, and we need to seek the best biblical approach for dealing with each. We have the Lord's guidance to help us through life's troubled waters, and we can make a difference when we handle our tough situations biblically.
In the two passages from II Corinthians, the Apostle Paul wanted to go to Corinth to try to help the church through some of their problems. But because he could not leave his work in Macedonia, he sent Titus, a man who was one of his own converts and also a partner and fellow worker in the ministry. In II Corinthians 8:6 and 16-17, Paul shared how pleased he was that Titus had been so well received by the church and that they had all gotten along so well. Titus had carried with him a stern letter of rebuke from Paul, and he had apparently been able to bring the members of the church to repentance for their earlier behavior. Later, in Titus 1:5, 10-11, 2:15, and 3:14, Paul wrote to Titus in Crete. That time, he wanted to encourage his friend and co-worker to help the Cretian church grow spiritually, to appoint elders, and to rebuke the congregation with authority whenever the circumstances called for it. Paul told Titus to deal with the rebellious people in that area. He also told him to encourage other Christians to live right and do good works because Christians who persevere and do right in tough situations can make a difference.
In everyday living, we often face difficult problems and situations. As Christians, we should try to handle our own difficulties biblically, and as we have learned from this lesson, we should also try to encourage other Christians to do the same. We do not try to live right and do good works so that we can become Christians. We do them because we already are and because our god-centered life will bring others to Him. As you go through the coming week, do your best to live for the Lord. Also, do your best to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and to try to help others.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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