You Are Not Off The Hook
Read the Text: Titus 2
Memorize the Text:
He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.
(Titus 2:14, CSB)
Consider the Text: Titus 2
The phrase, “I am off the hook,” indicates that one does not need to fulfill a task or commitment. Most of the time, this phrase occurs as people find reprieve because they did not desire to complete the activity. We find ways to fight ourselves off the hook through excuses; This reality exists not just in life but in our spiritual journey. Many believers mature in their faith and then seek to become let off the hook in their responsibility to continue serving as a disciple-maker in the local church because of the excuses that someone else needs to have a turn or I have put in my time. In Titus 2, the apostle Paul stated that believers never become off the hook regarding disciple-making. He charged believers to stay on the hook and fulfill the calling of the Lord.
LIVE OUT A LIFE IN CHRIST
The apostle charged the spiritual leaders to teach according to the “sound doctrine.” This calling indicates that believers need to train other believers in truth that comes from the Word of God and not from the words of the world. This teaching must be affirmed through a life that models the sound doctrine. Paul identified this life as living sober-minded, sound faith and steadfastness. Such a life marked the growth of a disciple and affirmed the teaching of a disciple-maker.
When you consider your life, does it align with your spiritual growth? Does your relationship with Jesus control your actions and mentalities in life? Would people hear your words about Jesus and see them affirmed in your life?
TRAIN OTHERS TO LIVE IN CHRIST
The apostle Paul called the believers to train other believers. He expected those mature in the faith would take the responsibility of grooming others in Christ. He did not allow believers to sit back and do nothing but charged them to live out their faith by investing in those who followed them. Paul’s words provided a reminder of Jesus’ command in the Great Commission. The refusal to train others exists as sinful behavior. Thus, when we find avenues to let ourselves off the hook from this responsibility, we seek a way to participate in the sin of omission.
Are you participating in the sin of omission instead of obedience to the Great Commission? Are you excusing yourself from the responsibilities given by the Lord? Do you need to repent from the sin of omission centered on the neglect of training others? Do you need to commit to repentance to participate in disciple-making?
TAKE HOLD OF THE RESPONSIBILITY
Believers need to take hold of the responsibility to be disciple-makers. We need to guard against seeking to get off the hook of the responsibility. We must strive to find individuals to engage with and train in spiritual development. This calling is an expectation of all believers because it carries out the task of being disciples who make disciples. Thus, we need to commit to the responsibility. This call means we must re-engage if we have stopped, engage if we have never started, and continue to engage if we currently train others. Seek to stay on the hook and refuse to get off the hook of teaching others.
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
