Subjection to the rulers of this world and doing all we can for fellow Christians.

Titus 3

Click for a description of the mark of the beast.
Click for a description of the image of the beast.

“Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” Titus 3:1-2

As followers of Jesus Christ, we live in a world that governs without Him, and they are living by the atheistic entity that has power over physiology to give them what to think and feel to influence what they say and do. They are endowed with uncanny authority over others, uncanny knowledge, heightened intuition, extraordinary skills and talents, etc. They are empowered to succeed in this world, but as Christians we have chosen to live for Jesus on the narrow path and not to be part of the broad way that eventually leads to destruction. As employees, renters, citizens of a state, etc. we have to live peaceably with those who govern and every type of authority, to be gentle and humble toward all people. We have to keep ourselves ready for every type of good work, to not use hate speech, nor any other type of evil speaking.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is an excellent example of living for God and being submissive to the authorities of this world. This is seen when He humbled Himself to the Roman authority of Pilate, but maintained Himself to the will of God, even to the point of His crucifixion, “Then Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered him and said, “It is as you say.” So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.”…Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”…”So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested.” Luke 23:3-4, 20-21, 24

“Indeed, we, too, were once foolish, disobedient, and misled. We were slaves to many kinds of lusts and pleasures. We were mean and jealous. We were hated, and we hated each other. However, when God our Savior made His kindness and love for humanity appear, He saved us, but not because of anything we had done to gain His approval. Instead, because of His mercy He saved us through the washing in which the Holy Spirit gives us new birth and renewal. God poured a generous amount of the Spirit on us through Jesus Christ our Savior. As a result, God in His kindness has given us His approval and we have become heirs who have the confidence that we have everlasting life. This is a statement that can be trusted. I want you to insist on these things so that those who believe in God can concentrate on setting an example by doing good things. This is good and helps other people.” Titus 3:3-8

“But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” Titus 3:9-11

In my experience [most of the time], foolish disputes, contentions, legalisms, and all sorts of strife are caused by smooth words and flatteries. The words of some people flow with honey but as we know, flies are attracted to honey, and results in contaminated interactions. Smooth talking people who stir up arguments and friction are warped and sinning against the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, and God. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”  Romans 16:17-18

People who live for the atheistic entity that gives them what to think, feel, say, and do are skilled at using smooth words, flatteries, good feelings, and a form of righteousness to belittle the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The atheistic entity enables the image of the beast to speak and live through them as they are groomed to the mark of the beast by what they are given to say and do. “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

As followers of Jesus Christ, we should have the desire to help other believers, to do our best to supply whatever other Christians need, which seems impossible to do in the atheistic culture of today, but we should do all that we possibly can. Let us maintain good works and to meet the critical needs of the body of Christ. “When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing. And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.” Titus 3:12-15

---

“….to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets,“
‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’”
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Revelation 2:24-25, 3:11