Titus 3:14

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.

From Background Notes [BN] for May 5^th & 6^th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Not a great deal needs to be said about these passages. They are rather direct in their teaching that the Christ communities reject idleness and encourage work. Much is at stake...

Communities that share freely are often the targets of those who would take advantage. Seen as gullible and easily taken in, churches might be "robbed" by those who simply wanted a "free ride.” Paul ties his words to "the teaching you received from us,” and lays down the firm rule "If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” Work is a matter of the will, surrendered to God, the apostle tells his Thessalonian brothers and sisters. Additionally, "bearing each other’s burdens" lies at the heart of the "law of Christ,” as Paul told the Galatians (6:2). Each must, he tells us, carry his own load. Was it not Jesus who told his disciples that if they came under his Lordship, he would share the "yoke" with them (Matthew 11:28), and lighten their load? In the same way, Paul seeks to equalize the work of each by appealing to the duty of all to carry his own load.  [BN, 11-12]

Join us this week in Study, Worship, Praise and Celebration at Chicago First Church of the Nazarene –

* Saturday 6:00pm
* Sunday 8:30am & 11:00am, 5:30pm