Saturday after Oculi Sunday
Posted on March 26, 2022 by under
Scripture: Titus 2:1-10 (NKJV)
2:1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Devotion
The believer, especially those living as servants, are called to adorn their lives with the fruits of Christian love based on the true orthodox doctrine of God delivered through Christ. This pastoral epistle presents Saint Paul’s common proclamation and concern that every believer and their faithful Christian living should help, rather than hinder, the spread of the Gospel.
This epistle is sent to Titus by the Apostle to strengthen this minister in standing firm for Christian doctrine in faith and life. The proclamation of the Gospel is not to be a ministry of word alone, but is to be a message of faithful Christ-like words and deeds lived through a life of pious behavior. Saint Paul opens this text with an admonition that sound doctrine demands right conduct of all believers, regardless of age, sex, or status. Basically, all believers are being called to be moral and spiritual examples, temperate in all things, not slanderous or crass, but doers of holy, righteous living and speech by God’s grace in faith.
Prayer: We beseech Thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of Thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty to be our defense against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Season of Lent
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with the Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
