Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 145

May 25;    Titus 1:9;   201/260(I);   ‘The Trustworthy Message’

Titus 1:9 He must have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with right teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.      NLT

 Paul, in chapter one of Titus, just as in I Timothy 3 is giving Titus the qualifications of a Pastor.  The Pastor must have strong faith in the Word of God that he was taught.  To succeed in any profession, there also must be a time of learning the necessary information, that will enable you to know, understand and utilize what you have been taught.  The ministry is no exception.  A Pastor cannot teach the congregation what he does not know.  Since what the Pastor teaches and is responsible to the Lord for, is eternal, how much more must the Pastor know and believe the Word he teaches.  This verse is not just speaking to a minister.  Everyone of us are ‘ministers’ and are responsible to share God’s Word with everyone we can.  By knowing the Word of God Pastors and sincere Christians who intend to make a difference, can encourage others with the truth of God’s Word.  The Bible is good news and taught accurately the Word has the capacity to turn anyone’s life ‘right side up.’  Strong faith and knowledge in the Word of God enables the Pastor and Christian disciples to correct erroneous ideas some have about the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word.  Often people are taught religion, which can and is used by the devil to deceive people.  The Lord want His Word taught, not religious ideas. God did not call us to argue with those who do not know. 2 Timothy 2:15 exhorts us to study the Word to show ourselves approved to the Lord. When we do that, we can confidently explain what the Bible does say, enabling the lost to learn the truth about Jesus and begin an eternal relationship with Him.