Title: The True and the Phony/ Topic: Discerning Faith

Today's Reading: 1 Timothy 5; 1 Timothy 6; Titus 1; Titus 2; Titus 3

Scripture: Titus 1:10, 16 and 2:11
10 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group.
16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

Observation: Paul is instructing Titus that even in the church there will be people who act like they are holy but who are really deceivers. They claim to have spiritual authority and knowledge of God but “by their actions they deny him”. What actions tell us if they are true disciples or phony? The reference to the circumcision group indicates that one of their characteristics is a legalistic adherence to the Law as a means of salvation. Another key marker is a disobedient attitude. They are arrogant and unsubmissive. They do not take advice or correction easily, even from leaders with a proven track record. And they don't conform their lives to the Word through the power of the Spirit. They don't restrain sensual indulgence. Anyone who is a true believer learns to say “No” to ungodly desires, as defined in the Word, in increasing measure as they grow in Christ.

Application: These verses not only instruct us in how to discern true disciples from phony ones in order to protect ourselves and the Church but it gives us warning signals so that we may repent if we see any of these characteristics begin to take hold in our own lives. We need to examine ourselves in the light of these scriptures because anyone can become a religious hypocrite if they hold themselves to be an authority in spiritual matters and judge others more strictly than they judge themselves. Am I rebellious to authority? Do I receive correction with grace? Am I legalistic? Am I growing in my ability to say “No” to ungodly desires? I need to ask myself these questions and also listen to how others would answer them about me because we do not often judge ourselves crrectly. If the answers are not what they should be I need to repent.

Prayer: Father, give me discernment in these matters first for myself, to keep me on the right path, and then for others, so that I may help protect your Church.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.