Monday, February 28, 2011

Teach them to KNOW the Truth?

A couple friends have taken on a challenge of memorizing the book of Titus. This is a great leadership book and well worth the effort to memorize it. Their challenge took me back to a time when I memorized the book of James. The process opened the book to me in way that nothing else can. I have decided to memorize Titus, also.

I am not sure how many people still follow this blog . . . especially since my last post was in August . . . but I have decided to journal a few thoughts and discoveries that I make as I put this book to memory.

I only made it part way through the first verse before I came across an interesting phrase . . . I am using the NLT, but am also visiting the Greek, amplified and others. The end of verse 1 says . . . I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. (NLT) . . . or . . . to stimulate and promote the faith of God's chosen ones and to lead them on to accurate discernment and recognition of and acquaintance with the Truth which belongs to and harmonizes with and tends to godliness, (Amplified)

It's more than just teaching . . . it is teaching with a goal of having people really "get it" to such a degree that it shows up in their lifestyle. That's a challenge that will take God-size creativity, commitment and confidence. What have you been sent to do? It's probably bigger than you think.

Want to memorize Titus with me? Three verses a week for 15 weeks. It's going to be great!