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Wednesday, July 31, 2024
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Bible Study Titus 3: 1-15
A Commentary of the Book of Titus
By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins
Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible
Bible Study Titus 3: 1-15
Text:
Be Ready for Every Good Work
3 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, demonstrating all gentleness to all men. 3 For we ourselves also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and affection of God our Savior appeared, 5 He saved us, not by works which we did in righteousness, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs [a]according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be intent to lead in good works. These things are good and profitable for men. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and conflicts about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
Personal Instructions and Greetings
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Diligently help send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. 14 And our people must also learn to lead in good [b]works to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.
15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.
Verse by verse commentary:
Verse 1: “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,”
Paul’s instruction is to be subject, be obedient, and be ready to do good works. Submission to the authority of Scripture demands submission to human authorities as part of a Christian’s testimony. You can disconnect your public life from your private life.
Verse 2: “to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, demonstrating all gentleness to all men.”
“To slander no one” means we are to malign no one, and we are not to repeat gossip. What you shouldn’t hear, you should not repeat. However, this does not mean that the church cannot discipline members that act inappropriately. However, if the church has solid evidence that a member is doing something evil, that member should be named. Paul named certain men who were evil and unrepentant men: Phygellus and Hermogenes, Hymenaeus and Philetus, and Alexander the coppersmith. Then he also said that Demas had forsaken him, having loved this present world. We are to be kind and gentle toward all men unless the Scriptures direct us in a different way.
Verse 3: “For we ourselves also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another.”
It is not that every Christian has committed every sin listed in this verse, but rather that before being born again every unsaved life is characterized by such sins. That sobering truth should make believers humble in dealing with the lost, even those who are grossly immoral and ungodly. If it weren’t for God’s grace to His own, we would all be wicked. Salvation is of the Lord, 100%. Is the Lord Who saves the sinner.
Verse 4: “But when the kindness and affection of God our Savior appeared,”
Paul is speaking about Jesus Christ, who was Kindness and Love incarnate, appearing in human form.
Verse 5: “He saved us, not by works which we did in righteousness, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,”
You brought nothing to the grace of God except your sins and sin nature. You didn’t “receive Jesus” or make a profession to become born again. If you have been born again, it started with the Holy Spirit's conviction which was an act of grace that He showed you your need of a substitute. You needed a substitute to pay for your sins. His grace gave you what you didn’t deserve. You deserved justice, but He gave you grace and mercy. Then, you repented of your sins and placed your faith in the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ and were saved. The act of salvation washed you in the blood of Christ and now you have no sins lodged against your account in heaven.
Verse 6: “whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,”
It is a rich experience when believers are saved, Christ’s Spirit blesses them beyond measure. Have you noticed that in everything God does there is excellence and abundance? He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.
Verse 7: “so that having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
The central truth of salvation is justification by grace and faith alone. When a sinner repents and places his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, God declares him just, imputes the righteousness of Christ to him, and gives him eternal life by virtue of the substitutionary death of Christ as the penalty for that sinner’s iniquity. Too many church denominations send the grace of God away and replace it with a system based on works-based righteousness. The “do’s” and the “don’ts”, wear this but not this, go here but not there as a basis for their salvation. This is heretical and indicates that these people have never experienced true Holy Spirit conviction.
Verse 8: “This is a trustworthy saying. And concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be intent to lead in good works. These things are good and profitable for men.”
A believer is saved by the grace of God but that does not excuse him from the necessity of doing good works. The fact of the matter is, he is to “be intent to lead in good works.” Paul says that Titus should just keep affirming this constantly. Works do not lead one to salvation; works follow salvation.
Verse 9: “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and conflicts about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”
Paul again warns against becoming embroiled in “foolish controversies…strife and conflict about the Law” with the many false teachers on Crete, especially the Judaizers who taught that a Christian must obey “the (Mosaic) law,” a view that contradicted the doctrine of justification by grace through faith alone and, contrary to holy living, which was good and profitable, was “unprofitable and worthless.” Proclaiming the truth, not debating heresies, is the Biblical way to evangelize.
Verse 10: “Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,”
A “factious man” is one that promotes heretical doctrines and causes divisions in the community. Anyone in the church who is unsubmissive, self-willed, and divisive should be expelled. The person is to be given up to two warnings before removing him from the congregation.
Verse 11: “knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.”
The heretic is one who has turned aside from the truth. By his own ungodly behavior, a factious believer brings judgment on himself. How contrary is this teaching to the practices of the modern church. Today’s churches don’t want to offend, certainly not to the point of a public rebuke. When you see how far the modern church has left Biblical practices, it is no surprise that churches are in the condition they are in.
Verse 12: “When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.”
Artemas is not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament, he is apparently one of Paul’s co-laborers. Tychicus was in the ministry with Paul. Paul was probably in Macedonia.
Verse 13: “Diligently help send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them.”
Zenas is mentioned nowhere else in the New Testament. He is probably one of Paul’s coworkers. Apollos was a native of Alexandria and noted for his speaking.
Verse 14: “And our people must also learn to lead in good works to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.”
Paul gives a final admonition about good works. We must “learn” to lead in good works. The word translated “works” could also be translated as “occupations.” It’s something that must be worked at. A great many people think works are not necessary; however, we need to know what God considers good works, and we need to learn how to do them.
Verse 15: “All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.”
Since the words “you all” are used, presumably Paul intended the letter to be read to the entire church. This book ends with this final benediction.
Saturday, July 27, 2024
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Sunday, July 21, 2024
Satan's Ministry Part 3: The Imitation of the Holy Spirit
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-e7zqf-167519f
Bible Study Titus 2: 1-15
A Commentary of the Book of Titus
By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins
Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible
Bible Study Titus 2: 1-15
Text:
Instructions for the Older and Younger
2 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in [a]perseverance.
3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may instruct the young women in sensibility: to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be slandered.
6 Likewise urge the younger men to be [b]sensible; 7 in all things show yourself to be a model of good works, with [c]purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in word which is irreproachable, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
9 Urge slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing, not contradicting, 10 not pilfering, but demonstrating all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in everything.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, [d]bringing salvation to all men, 12 [e]instructing us that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of [f]our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness, and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good works.
15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all [g]authority. Let no one disregard you.
Verse by verse commentary:
Verse 1: “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.”
“Sound” means healthy. Paul uses this word nine times in the Pastoral Epistles (5 times in Titus), always in the sense that the truth produces spiritual well-being. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Truth. All sound doctrine will have Christ as the centerpiece. There is an old saying: “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words.” It is often attributed to St. Francis Assisi, but there is no evidence that he said it. Notwithstanding who said it, it is unbiblical. Paul says, “Speak the things.” We are not to hide behind our actions, but our actions should reflect our faith.
Verse 2: “Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.”
They are to be sound in their love and in patience. They are to be “temperate,” that is, very vigilant, very serious. They should be men who are respected and self-controlled. Put simply, as one grows older he should allow the wisdom and knowledge gained throughout life to be shared with others. Older men should not be given to excessive joking and wasting time. As the saying goes, “Act your age.”
Verse 3: “Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,”
The mature women are to act in a way that demonstrates holiness, not participate in gossip by spreading or listening to it, and not be drunkards. Affirmatively, they are to teach the younger women the way of holiness which is good.
Verse 4: “so that they may instruct the young women in sensibility: to love their husbands, to love their children,”
Paul’s words “may instruct the young women in sensibility” means to “bring them to their senses.” This is a verbal form of the adjective translated “sober-minded” and “self-controlled” throughout this section. What does that sensibility include? It includes loving their husbands and loving their children.
Verse 5: “to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be slandered.”
Paul continues his meaning of what the older women are to teach the younger women. They are to instruct them to be “workers at home.” This means that they are to work on the entire home, not just the children. Over the years, I have seen wives focus so much on the children that the husband felt lost and unimportant. Further, I have seen wives destroy their homes and chase their husbands away. Paul wants the older women to show the younger women how to work in and on their homes. They are to be kind and subject to their own husbands, not all husbands, just theirs. When they do so, the Word of God will be promoted and not slandered.
Verse 6: “Likewise urge the younger men to be sensible;”
“Younger men” referred to males 12 and older. To be “sensible” means to be sensible in all things. Paul’s advice was for one’s entire life, not just at church. One’s life should reflect consistency, holiness, and practicality.
Verse 7: “in all things show yourself to be a model of good works, with purity in doctrine, dignified,”
Paul says to his son in the Lord, Titus, “You be a pattern, an example, for the other young men.” “Purity in doctrine” refers to showing his complete faith in the Word of God and appreciating the seriousness of the matters he is dealing with. This does not exclude occasional joking and laughter, but overall there is to be a tone of seriousness the man of God should present to the world.
Verse 8: “sound in word which is irreproachable, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”
Paul now gives “the why” behind his instructions. The purpose is to give the enemy no ammunition to distract from the message. If the adversary can get people to focus on the messenger as opposed to the message, he will be successful in bringing a reproach to the gospel message. Let us give no bullets to the enemy’s gun of rebellion.
Verse 9: “Urge slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing, not contradicting,”
Paul now turns his attention to another group, the slaves. They were to respond to their masters in obedience, be interested in them and in their work. “Not contradicting” refers to not arguing with them.
Verse 10: “not pilfering, but demonstrating all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in everything.”
“Pilfering” refers to embezzlement. “All good faith” means loyalty. The purpose is not to distract from the gospel by living hypocritical lives. Paul stresses that the supreme purpose of living a holy life is to make attractive the teaching that God saves sinners.
Verse 11: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,”
The “grace of God” refers not simply to the divine attribute of grace, but the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, grace becoming human as well as Divine. This verse does not support universalism (meaning everyone will be saved), but that the message of salvation is sent to mankind in general as opposed to specific individuals. The blood of the Lord Jesus Christ is sufficient to save all those that believe in Him. In other words, the blood is sufficient for all God’s elect.
Verse 12: “instructing us that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age,”
God is not trying to reform this world; He is redeeming men who repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. The gospel does not appeal to Christ-rejecting men. It takes the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to bring someone to Christ. “Instructing” means child training, in other words disciplining us. That instruction includes the fact that you can live godly in the world. You can be different for God but not in your power, but in His.
Verse 13: “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,”
All Christians have a “blessed hope.” We know that the world is not our ultimate destiny. The Lord Jesus Christ is coming again. His first visit was that of a suffering servant. He rode on a humble donkey when arrived in Jerusalem before the crucifixion. His second return will be that of a conquering King. He will arrive on a white horse and He comes to subdue evil and begin His 1000 year reign.
Verse 14: “who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness, and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good works.”
He gave Himself for us that He might redeem us. He paid a price for us that He might redeem us “from all iniquity.” To redeem means to buy something back. The Lord Jesus Christ redeemed His sheep back from Satan who is that father of the lost. He did this that we would be a people that would be His special possession and that we would do good works for Him with enthusiasm.
Verse 15: “These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”
Paul is saying to Titus (and also to us), “You are a young man. Don’t let them despise you because of the holy life you live.” Titus was commanded to teach all these things with authority. He was to speak the Word, encourage with the Word and rebuke with the Word.
Saturday, July 20, 2024
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Sunday, July 14, 2024
Bible Study Titus 1: 1-16
A Commentary of the Book of Titus
By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins
Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible
Bible Study Titus 1: 1-16
Book Introduction
The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Titus
WRITER The Apostle Paul (1.1)
DATE Practically the same with First Timothy
THEME Titus has much in common with First Timothy. Both Epistles are concerned with the due order of the churches. The distinction is that in First Timothy sound doctrine is more prominent 1Ti 1:3-10 in Titus the divine order for the local churches Tit 1:5. The permanent use of these Epistles lies in this twofold application, on the one hand to churches grown careless as to the truth of God, on the other, to churches careless as to the order of God's house. The importance of this order is made solemnly emphatic in that the tests by which true elders and deacons may be known are repeated 1Ti 3:1-7; Tit 1:6-9.
There are two divisions:
I. The qualifications and functions of elders, 1.1-16.
II. The pastoral work of the true elder, 2.1-3, 15.
Text:
Greetings and Grace
1 Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, [a]for the faith of God’s elect and the full knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 2 in the hope of eternal life, which the God who cannot lie promised [b]from all eternity, 3 but at the proper time manifested His word in preaching, with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior,
4 To Titus, my genuine child according to our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Qualifications of Elders
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, who are not accused of dissipation, or rebellious. 7 For the [c]overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of dishonest gain, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, 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 reprove those who contradict.
10 For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but by their works they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and unfit for any good work.
Verse by verse commentary:
Verse 1: “Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of God’s elect and the full knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,”
Paul will spend the rest of this chapter teaching Titus on the qualifications of elders.
One of the reasons I like the Legacy translation is because of the way it translates the Greek word doulos. It is properly translated as a slave. Most other versions translate it as “servant” or “bondservant.” Think about servants as you would an employee. You can have several employers, but if you are a slave, you have only one master. That was the concept Paul was describing. He was a slave to the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul knew he was among the elect and that his faith was a gift to him from the Lord. God’s elect were chosen to believe in Christ.
Verse 2: “in the hope of eternal life, which the God who cannot lie promised from all eternity,”
The phrase “from all eternity” is literally “before times eternal.” The blessings secured by Christ were promised by God before eternity began. Let that set in. If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, it was determined before eternity began. In spite of everything you would do to dishonor God, He knew about it and elected you to salvation notwithstanding your rebellion against Him. That should move you.
Verse 3: “but at the proper time manifested His word in preaching, with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior,”
Notice how the “hope of eternal life” is brought to you, through the Word in preaching. Man provides a general call to salvation by preaching Christ to the lost. It is the Holy Spirit that takes the general call of the Word and applies it to the sinner’s heart making the call effective. Man responds to Holy Spirit conviction in repentance and faith. Paul knew God had called him to preach the gospel and he was obedient to that call.
Verse 4: “To Titus, my genuine child according to our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.”
“My genuine child” is literally “my legitimate child.” This means that Titus was one of Paul’s converts. They shared the same faith from the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul uses the title “Savior” interchangeably for both God and Christ throughout this letter. There is no doubt that Paul believed in the Deity of Christ.
Verse 5: “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,”
Paul will spend the rest of this chapter writing regarding the qualifications of elders. Titus was to correct wrong doctrine and practices in the Cretan churches, a task that Paul had been unable to complete. Titus was to appoint mature believers in every church.
Verse 6: “namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, who are not accused of dissipation, or rebellious.”
This verse sets forth several requirements of an elder: (1) he is man; (2) beyond reproach (has a good reputation in the community); (3) faithful to his wife; (4) children that are walking in the Christian faith; and (5) not accused of debauchery, suggesting, again, that the reference is to grown children. “Rebellious” carries the idea of rejection to the gospel. Here the elder shows his ability to lead his family to salvation and sanctification. “Faithful” in the New Testament generally refers to believers in the faith. Notice there are no qualifications for women as elders because women are not allowed to be elders.
Verse 7: “For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of dishonest gain,”
The overriding theme here is that the overseer is to be selfless and not self-promoting like so many in the ministry are today. He should be careful not to jump to conclusions so quickly and take his time in determining the proper course of action. Obviously, he should not have any addictions to drink, drugs, or other vices. He is to be totally surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is to be a good steward (think manager) of the time and talents that God has given him. If he is in business, his representation should be one of honesty and not motivated by making money dishonestly.
Verse 8: “but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled,”
Further, he is to be “self-controlled” which means he is to be sensible in all his dealings with others. He is not to be prone to go to extremes but is to live a balanced life for the Lord. He is not to be given to fanaticism or easily led away from the truth of the Scriptures. One of the clear indicators that the modern church has lost its way is in the advent of ordaining women into positions of being elders. The Word is clear that only men are to be elders and overseers. When you see a church that has done that, it is clear that “Ichabod” (meaning loss of glory) is their label. The overseer is to live a life of purity and holiness and be hospitable to all he encounters.
Verse 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 reprove those who contradict.”
“Holding fast the faithful word” means sound biblical doctrine not only should be taught but also adhered to with deep conviction. The overseer is to both teach and correct those that are disobedient to the Word of God. He will be balanced in his approach to ensure that sound doctrine is being taught.
Verse 10: “For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,”
I have known people to talk so much and say so little. They speak just to hear themselves talk regardless of your efforts to contribute to the conversation. The word is literally “empty chatterers.” The “deceivers” refers to those who were seeking to contradict his teaching. Paul mentions circumcision, i.e. the Jews, but I think this verse could be applied to any group that teaches a work based righteousness. As I have preached, taught and written, salvation is 100% grace and not from your will or effort. You respond to God’s grace in repentance and faith in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse 11: “who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain.”
Legalism divides. I have personally witnessed an entire denomination divide families over the creation of man-made rules. In the case I observed, it was over whether the Internet should be allowed in the homes of its church members. The denomination said “no” and it split families. In fact, the very conservative church stated it was acceptable to leave your spouse if they disagreed with the Internet rule. Since the era of the church, there have always been people that sought to make money dishonestly from believers. Some prey on their misfortune, e.g. sickness or poverty, and promise a better life if you will give them money. All these people are unsaved religionists and will taste the fires of hell if they don't repent.
Verse 12: “One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’”
Paul is quoting a Cretan poet, Epimenides, who was born in Crete several centuries earlier. Another poet wrote, “Crete, which a hundred cities doth maintain, cannot deny this, though to lying given.” Paul said, “Cretans are alway liars.” This does not mean that everybody who lived in Crete was a liar, however the Cretans had the general reputation of being liars. Notwithstanding the general reputation, it was no match for the grace of God that touched some of the hearts of the Cretans. When grace touches the heart, people change, no matter how sinful they were before being born again.
Verse 13: “This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith,”
Paul instructs Titus that he is going to have to be more strict with the Cretans than he would with others because of their background and their very nature. Elders need a backbone and not be afraid of the more difficult aspects of ministry. It is easy to preach soft and smooth messages that offend no one. However, the minister must also have the ability to be severe with people when it is for their own good.
Verse 14: “not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.”
“Jewish myths” most likely refers to the rabbinical debates and stories that would be compiled between the 3rd and 8th centuries and called the Talmud. While they were compiled later, they would have existed in Pau’s day. Here are a few “Jewish myths: Moses dueled with Angels; The Rainmaker who slept for 70 years; and talking with rivers and training animals to do Mitzvot (means commandments). Imagine teaching your pet not to lie or steal and you get the idea. “Commandments of men” were man-made rules that were not in Scripture. The Lord Jesus Christ rebuked the religious rulers for adding traditions to God’s law, and that is what Paul is talking about here.
Verse 15: “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.”
Some people use this verse to support the belief that once you are saved you can live anyway you want. However, that is not Paul’s point. He is speaking to this issue of legalism and the dietary rules. But Paul says, “Unto the pure all things are pure.” In other words, whether you eat meat or don’t eat meat makes no difference at all. All food is clean. If you are an unbeliever, any special diet you might eat will make no difference in your relationship to God. It will not save you.
Verse 16: “They profess to know God, but by their works they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and unfit for any good work.”
Many believers today deny God by the lives that they live. And they deny the Word of God. I had an attendee seek prayer for deliverance from cocaine. After speaking with him, I began to pray. Something didn’t sit right with me. I asked him, “Do you really want to be set free from this drug addiction?” He said, “Not really, I like it.” I told him to sit down and quit mocking God. Now I know that this man would raise his hands and sing, jump around and talk a good spiritual game. However, he was a Christ rejector by his actions. Paul said these people were “detestable and disobedient and unfit for any good work.” Ceremonies and rituals cannot change the evil heart of man. Only the Word of God can change the human heart. When the heart is changed, a person’s life will reveal the change.
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