CHILDREN AT SCHOOL

Even though you may have 'broken up' you are still in God's school as believers on the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul's epistle to Titus, his 'own child', tells us that "the grace of God" which brings with it salvation also teaches us important lessons. One of these is to live "soberly" which means to act as true Christians. Then living "justly" is towards other people, and living "piously" relates to how we think of God's rights over us, of praise and thanksgiving.

The word "schoolmaster" is used in older Bibles for the law given through Moses. This includes the Ten Commandments, and its value is that it teaches a knowledge of God who gave it. But when He "sent forth his Son " He was more fully revealed as Father. Then He has "sent out the Spirit of his Son into our hearts" so that we are able to do things which are pleasing to Him freely and not just as law. The parables taught by Jesus were based on familiar objects and simple happenings of everyday life. In this way He taught heavenly lessons from earthly objects. Count up the various trees, flowers, animals, fish, insects and other things – all created by Him – and you will be surprised at the number and variety of subjects for His lessons.

Perhaps the matter of examinations is not a pleasant one to you. However, Paul wrote to some believers that "He that examines me is the Lord". In a way that was going on all the time, but the apostle had in mind especially the moment when "the Lord shall come". "Then shall each have his praise from God." So do you look forward to that day?

J.C.Evershed