The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Titus 2:7-8, 15, “…in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in

doctrine, dignified,

8sound in speech, which is beyond reproach, in order that the opponent may be put to shame,

having nothing bad to say about us….

15These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”

It has been noted that the Cretans were a very insincere people. They were characterized by falsehood, and gross living. Their religion was hollow and disingenuous. Thus, Titus and whoever might succeed him, should take caution lest they themselves should be corrupted from the simplicity and purity required in the gospel. Further, there should be a guard against the influence of Judaizing teachers, who emphasized the Mosaic law and people becoming Jews before becoming Christians.

Our caution today is against modernism and post-modernism. Modernism rejects all religious and moral principles as the only means whereby human society might obtain social progress. A great majority of these groups are atheists; and when they deny the existence of God, He is replaced by themselves alone. Post-modernists deny all objective truth. Truth to them is whatever they choose it to be. In effect, man then becomes his own god.

That leaves us viewing the times in which we live as very much the same, yet different (and perhaps worse) than the days of Titus. How are we to respond to people who hold opinions vastly different from the Scriptures? Paul says that we are to “be an example of good deeds,” maintain “purity in the biblical doctrines,” and always be “dignified” (???????? (semnotes, serious) in our demeanor. We are to speak wholesomely, so as to disarm any criticism of which others might accuse us.

We are always to speak with authority and encourage those with whom we share the Gospel; yet, we are never to agree with their wrong assertions about our LORD and His Word. We are to speak kindly, in love and with concern for their salvation, not so as to win a debate!

Lost people may forget or choose to dismiss part or all of our witness; but they will never forget the loving attitude and demeanor we displayed as we spoke with them. Remember, too, that the LORD is present in all that we do in His Name. It is He alone who uses His Word to convict of sin and convince of salvation. We are His servants, and to Him is the glory, whatever the apparent outcome of our witnessing. Just be available to the LORD, and be courageous in sharing His Good News!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom