121 Days of Prayer

You Must Teach These Things and Encourage the Believers to Do Them

The purposes of this prayer are: Guidance/Purpose, Fortitude and Leadership.

Eternal God, in his letter of guidance, instruction and encouragement to Titus, Paul explained why Christians must lead lives of godliness and bear much fruit, writing, “We are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.” Titus 2:12–15 (NLT). There is a section in Paul’s first letter to Timothy that contains very similar guidance: “Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers and teaching them.” 1 Timothy 4:11–13 (NLT). Gracious God, Paul’s instruction to Timoty and Titus is applicable to all Christians. We must all turn from sinful pleasures and live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness and complete devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen.