Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
4/22 Reading Portions: Leviticus 26; Psalm 33; Ecclesiastes 9; Titus 1
Listen to the audio devotional above, and/or read the written devotional below.
For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. Titus 1:10
FLESH
Early Christianity in Crete was susceptible to religious works of the flesh, and Paul reminded Titus of the primary reason he left him on the island: to “appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5) in order to rebuke those who contradicted the sound doctrines of Christ’s gospel (Titus 1:9). Some of those stirring up doctrinal strife were non-Jews who made a confession of faith; however, there were even more Jewish professors of Christ (especially those of the circumcision party) who spoke vainly and deceitfully in their insubordination.
Jews who grew up with the law were particularly prone to emphasize works of the flesh because they had grown up with the commandments of the Law. Yet because of the corruptions still remaining in our mortal flesh (Rom 7:18), and the struggle which takes place between the flesh and the Spirit (Gal 5:17), anyone can be seduced by good deeds and religious labors. Even good works springing forth from the Spirit can be enticing to our flesh. Our verse today gives us indications by which we may recognize those temptations, and having recognized them, get victory over them by taking them to the cross.
When works of the flesh take hold, we may tend to become insubordinate, or “unruly” (KJV); that is, we will oppose the gospel’s rule over our lives. The flesh will desire for us to emphasize works over the gospel in our speech (empty talkers). This is a deception since the flesh is so easily seduced by works (2 Pet 2:18-19); and the “shameful gain” (Titus 1:11) the teachers of works received from their efforts is the false sense of having been perfected by the works of the flesh (Gal 3:3).
Yes, grace transforms us so good works are produced from our lives saved by grace (Titus 2:11-12); yet we must be alert not to allow our works to deceive us so that those works become our boast or reliance.
Our gospel works are good and true,
But never should we boast
In those good works, for we’re made new,
Led by the Holy Ghost.
