Titus 1:1-4

“This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him. I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.”

Paul’s last point reminds us of who we rely on because it is here that he points us to:

3.         The Power to Carry it all out – Vs 2-3 – The Savior

While our purpose flows out of our position it is sustained by the Saviors power. We are to look to the Lord not only for our purpose but also for our power. Paul points to a Christians power by reminding us to: 

1. Enjoy Eternity Now – 2a

Stop limiting your life to earthly things and start live in light of eternity. If you are a believer things will only get better so fix your hope on heaven not on your hurts. You have a choice you can be bitter or you can be a blessing. You can be a critical Christian or a cheerful one. Unfortunately, too many Christians I know are more of an advertisement for anger than they are for the Almighty.

2. Count on God’s Character – 2b

The basis for our belief is grounded in a God who does not lie. This truth about God is in direct contrast to the Cretan culture where Titus 1:12 says: “Cretans are always liars…” God’s character is what cultivates our confidence. We live in the power of His promise, that what He says He will do. Psalm 106:12 says, “Then they believed his promises and sang his praise.” What promise do you need to proclaim in praise? Is there something you’re struggling with, is doubt causing you distress? Don’t just claim the promises of God cling to them and proclaim them through praise.

3. Trust God’s Timing – 3a

This brings us to the power of patience. All of God’s promises will come true but it’s on His timetable, not yours. Are you living according to Christ’s calendar or clinging to yours? In his book “Walking with God” Andrew Murray provides a helpful perspective on being patient about God’s timing: “Waiting in the sunshine of his love is what will ripen the soul for His blessing. Waiting under the cloud of trial that breaks in showers of blessing, is as needful.

Titus 1:1-4

“This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him. I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.”

 Second Paul points to our:

2.         Purpose in the Kingdom –Vs 2-4 – Serving the Savior

Your position is a slave of the Savior, so your purpose then is to serve the Savior. It’s here that we discover that purpose flows out of position. If you don’t know whose you are you will never know who you are and therefore you will never know why you are here. Our identity crisis doesn’t just cripple us it compromises the church. Many of us are making our purpose attaining a position. But when you understanding that as a royal priest you already have a position it frees you to put your energy into living out our purpose. Paul now tells us how we are to serve the Savior:

1. Furthering the Faith of others 1a

Stop making service about self. How do we further the faith of others, Pray for them. I remember going to visit an older man who was physically limited and on oxygen and instead of talking about his problems he reminded me of the power of prayer. He pulled out his prayer list, which consisted of a long list of people that he regularly lifts up before the Lord. Who are you pursuing in prayer? We can encourage and edify one another with our words. So let me ask you are your words blessing or bruising, are you helping and healing or are you hurting. Is your mouth a ministry or a menace? We are often quick to criticize but slow to commend. One of the greatest ways to further other people’s faith is to set a good example, by being faithful in our faith, going to church, having daily devotions, witnessing. So what are you doing to further the faith of others? Or are you making the focus of your faith you? Second

2. Growing in Godliness – 1b

Are you making the goal godliness or are you making the goal getting. Most of us are motivate more by worldly goals than by God’s Word. How do you know if you are growing in Godliness? Does your character reflect Christ or the culture? Truth should transform the way we live. Proper belief must lead to practical behavior because doctrine is deadly when it is divorced from godly living. Third

3. Teach the truth 1b

Not only do we need to trust in the truth but we need to be teaching the truth. More things are caught than taught, which means that we must model the truth not just mouth it. Parents don’t just preach biblical principles to your kids practice them. Fourth

4. Give Priority to proclaiming 3b

As we minister in our Crete, we must never forget the importance of sharing the good news of God. Proclaiming truth is the primary catalyst for transformation. Scripture is what changes sinners into saints.

E. Commit to what we have in common in Christ – 4

I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share. Because of Christ we have more in common than we do apart. Focusing on our differences leads to division, focusing on our faith leads to unity.