Titus 1:15-16
To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
Matthew 7:15-20
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Devotion
Here Paul contrasts the “pure” and the “defiled.” Paul is in effect reminding Titus of our Lord’s teaching that it is what comes out of a man that defiles him, not ceremonial impurity. (See Luke 11:41) In his commentary on the book of Titus, Donald Guthrie writes, “The real seat of purity is the conscience and if defilement has entered there, mind and action are alike affected.” The issue here was probably Jewish food laws. The false teachers seemed to be concerned with this ritual purity but were nevertheless defiled by their own unbelief and sin. Paul also addressed this issue in Romans 14:20-21.
Notice that in verse sixteen the actions of these people showed that they were non-believers although they claimed to know God. Once again Paul points to their lack of character. When one truly knows God personally and intimately, his/her life will bear fruit in accordance with God’s character. In Matthew chapter seven, Jesus said, “Every good tree bears good fruit…a good tree cannot bear bad fruit…and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit…by their fruit you will recognize them.” The adjectives detestable, disobedient, and unfit clearly show that they don’t really know God.
In our society today, there are many people who claim to know God. Spirituality is a popular topic in our culture. It is important to note that there is a big difference between knowing about God (intellectual knowledge) and actually knowing God (experiential knowledge). Paul makes this distinction in the book of Philippians where he writes, “I also consider everything to be a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Here he uses the word epignosis which communicates “experiential knowledge.” This is firsthand knowledge that results from personal interaction with Jesus. Those who truly know Jesus do not act in ways that are contrary to his character.
In Matthew chapter three, John the Baptist declared, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Here he is warning the Jewish religious leaders (self-righteous) not to claim they are Abraham’s offspring when their actions don’t line up with Abraham’s faith. It is easy to identify with a movement or a great leader, but the proof of inward allegiance is proven by outward actions.
Questions to Ponder
What did Jesus mean when He said, “By their fruit you will recognize them”? Do you truly KNOW Jesus? How does your love for Jesus show? How does your life reflect Jesus’ character? Jesus’ brother Jude writes, “I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith.” Do you consider yourself a pretender or contender?
Prayer Points
- Jesus, Son of God, Son of Man, I adore You and praise You my Sure Defense, Lifter of My Head, Banner of Love Over Me.
- Tell Abba you are sorry for any times you have neglected His invitation to be with Him in His Presence. Allow the Spirit of Truth to reveal any other sin.
- Thank Him for His mercy that is new every morning. Thank Him for that sea of grace. Thank Him for the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed so that we could be reconciled with God.
- Pray for your top 3 people that you are burdened for to accept Christ. Ask God to show you how He wants you to love on them as well as share the hope of Jesus Christ.
Suggested Prayer
Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, Friend, I praise Your Holy Name. I glorify and exult You as the Ancient of Days, Refiners Fire, Author and Finisher, Alpha and Omega. King of Glory I ask that each one of us will reflect You and Your love to those around us. Cause Your Word to run swiftly in and through us and I ask that we would be compelled by Your love. Teach us how to love, teach us how to serve, may each one of us be a burning and shining lamp. In the Name of Jesus Christ I ask, amen.