Today’s study is on four short, and often overlooked, books.
In Titus, Paul writes to Titus, a young Christian who had become an important
representative on the island of Crete. He writes about the responsibility of Christians
as citizens of the world. In Philemon, Paul writes about the need to break down
walls that once separated us and create unity among believers. Hebrews is
written by an unknown author and presents the importance of faith. The book of
James is written by one of Jesus’ brothers which discusses proper Christian
living through trials, faith and actions.
In Titus, Paul writes to remind us that we are “to be subject to
rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to
slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility
toward all men” (Titus 3:1-2). As Christians, our first allegiance is to Jesus
as Lord and Savior. However, we are still citizens of a country and we are to
obey the civil laws. It is our responsibility as Christians and citizens to
participate in our government and society. This includes voting or even holding
office. It includes participating in our community functions and volunteering.
We are not to hide isolation away from the world. How are we to spread the
gospel and be an example of Jesus’ love to the world if we are hidden from the
world? We can’t. We are to be in the world, just not of the world (John
17:14-19). We are to be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14). So, obey the
traffic laws, pay your taxes, vote in the elections, and do good in your
communities. There are many examples that can be done in your communities. It
doesn’t matter how big or small. What matters is your participation.
Philemon is a very short book, no chapters just verses.
Philemon is believed to be a wealthy individual who once owned a slave named
Onesimus who had ran away after stealing from his master. He meets Paul in Rome
and becomes a believer in Christ. Paul is now sending his letter to Philemon,
as well as Onesimus. Paul pleads with Philemon to welcome Onesimus as a brother
in Christ and forgive him (verses 8-16). Paul writes “Perhaps the reason he was
separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good
– no longer a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother (verses 15-16).
Slavery was widespread in the Roman empire, but no one is lost to God or beyond
his love. Slavery was a barrier between people, but Christians can break down
that barrier with love and fellowship. We need to remember that in Christ, we
are all family. Unfortunately, many Christians today separate themselves
according to denominations. Someone will be looked down on by other Christians
because they are Baptist or Catholic or even in churches designated as
non-denominational. We allow man-made traditions and rituals, which may or may not
be Biblically based or inspired, to separate us and forget the fact that we are
all brothers and sisters in Christ.
My favorite chapter in the book of Hebrews is Chapter 11,
commonly known as the Hall of Fame of Faith. The author gives us examples of
faith throughout the Old Testament. The author defines faith as “being sure of
what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (verse 1). He proceeds to
list the amazing things men and women did by faith. From Abel to Abraham to
Moses to the prophets, men and women displaying their faith despite the
uncertainties, the ridicule and even in the face of their possible deaths. Noah
built the ark despite never seeing a drop of rain before (Hebrews 11:7). By
faith, Abraham became a stranger in a strange land to become the father of nations
(Hebrews 11:9). God rewards those who live by faith and earnestly seek him
(Hebrews 11:6); however not everyone received those rewards on earth. Many did
not live to see what was promised (Hebrews 11:39). Abraham did not live to see
his descendants be as numerous as the stars, but he believed God would do as he
promised (Hebrews 11:12). Martin Luther King Jr once said, “Faith is taking the
first step even when you don’t see the entire staircase” and that’s what these
individuals did. They took the first step even though they didn’t see the whole
picture. We can look to the examples listed in Hebrews 11 and remember that by
faith, we can do great things for God. We may not live to see the results but
by faith, we believe that it will happen.
The book of James is often referred to as the how to book on
Christian living. Right off the bat, James tells us to consider our trials with
joy as our faith is deepened through perseverance (James 1:2-3). He writes
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he stood the test,
he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him
(James 1:12). Many times, when we are going through hard times, we ask “why
me?” We try to think of what we did or didn’t do to deserve the trial. Sometimes
a trial is the result of sin or a decision we made that opened the door for the
situation. Whatever the reason, the trial can hone our faith, deepen our
reliance on God and gives us wisdom in the end. James also tells us to do what
the word says, not just listen to it (James 1:22). Many Christians read the
Bible but do not put it into practice. It is hearing “do unto others” and doing
the opposite. Unfortunately, many Christians treat others, believers and
non-believers alike, with malice and animosity.
It is one reason why many people distrust Christian and even turned away
from God.
In conclusion, the book of Titus reminds us that we are not
to ignore our responsibilities as citizens of our country. We are called to be
an example of Jesus in the world in order to show the people his love and we
must among the people of the world to do so. The book of Philemon is an example
of reconciliation through forgiveness. In the book of Hebrews, we are given
examples of faith which can remind us that sometimes we must step forward by
faith in order to see the whole picture later. Lastly, the book of James tells
us that faith in honed through perseverance and we must act on the Word, not
just learn it.
