Fit for the Kingdom (Revision)

Fit for the Kingdom

Titus 1:1–4 (ESV)

1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; 4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Introduction:

“The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.” – Vance Havner.

When we hear the terms "being fit" or "becoming fit," we often think of physical conditioning. We imagine hours spent in the gym, disciplined eating, and a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Similarly, we must prepare ourselves for the work of the Kingdom of God with the same dedication. Just as an athlete trains to be at their best, we are required to give God our best. The church, like a hospital, is where we come to be healed, restored, and equipped for service, not a place to simply showcase our spiritual achievements.

This letter, one of the Pauline Epistles and specifically one of three known as the Pastoral Epistles, was written to Paul's associate, Titus, rather than an entire congregation. Titus served in Crete, appointed by Paul as a pastor, where he faced challenges like false teachings and rebellious leaders. Paul wrote this letter towards the end of his life during his second imprisonment, encouraging Titus to stay the course and set order in the church.

So, what does this passage show us about ensuring we are fit for the Kingdom?

Transition: Paul's address gives us four considerations of what it means to condition ourselves for Kingdom work. We must consider our position, pursuit, privilege, and persuasion in the Kingdom. Let’s look at the first consideration:

Consider Your Position in the Kingdom (v.1)

“1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,”

Paul begins by stating that he is a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ.

- Slave (doulos): Owned by God for the work of God. In Roman times, a slave was completely under the master's authority. Paul is declaring that his life is fully dedicated to God's service.

- Apostle: One who is sent with authority, like a deputy. Paul's apostleship was a special calling to spread the Gospel with divine authority.

Paul says he does ministry for the sake of the faith of God’s elect:

- The Elect: Those who are chosen by God. This can lead to a discussion on the doctrine of predestination, but simply put, those who are saved are the chosen, and those who will choose God are the chosen.

- Knowledge of the Truth: Teaching what is godly. Paul’s mission was to impart knowledge that leads to godliness.

Application: Does God own you? Are you operating under His authority? There are many things we allow to own us—social media, jobs, entertainment, and even family. We must ask ourselves if we are truly owned by God and aligned with His commands.

Illustration: When I first felt called to ministry, I struggled with giving up certain aspects of my life that I thought defined me. It wasn’t until I fully surrendered to God’s will that I found true purpose and direction.

Challenge: This week, evaluate the things that own your time and attention. Are they drawing you closer to God or pulling you away?

Transition: Just as I had to reassess my priorities and surrender to God's calling, we must also evaluate what we are truly pursuing in our lives. Our next consideration is about what drives us and where our hopes lie. Are we chasing temporary, worldly gains, or are we focused on the eternal promises of God? The text calls us to consider our pursuit in the Kingdom.

2. Consider Your Pursuit in the Kingdom (v.2)

"In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began."

Paul makes it clear that his pursuit is larger and greater than material attainments. His life’s work was driven by two fundamental concepts:

Eternal Life

Eternal life is the ultimate promise of God. It is not just about living forever, but about experiencing an unending, intimate relationship with God. This life begins the moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and continues into eternity. For Paul, the hope of eternal life was a powerful motivator. It gave him a purpose that transcended the hardships and persecutions he faced.

Paul’s letters often reflect his deep yearning for this eternal communion with God. In Philippians 1:21, he says,

Philippians 1:21 ESV

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

His work, sufferings, and travels were all carried out with this eternal perspective. He understood that earthly trials were temporary, but the glory that awaited was eternal 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.

2 Corinthians 4:17–18 ESV

17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Illustration: Consider a marathon runner who endures months of rigorous training, pain, and exhaustion. What keeps them going is the vision of crossing the finish line and achieving their goal. Similarly, Paul’s vision of eternal life kept him steadfast, regardless of the trials he faced.

God’s Promise

God’s promise of eternal life is unshakeable because it is rooted in His unchanging nature. God, who never lies, promised eternal life before time began. This assurance was the bedrock of Paul’s faith.

God’s faithfulness is a central theme throughout the Bible. In Numbers 23:19, we read, "God is not a man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind." Paul knew that God’s promises are trustworthy and eternal. This knowledge gave him the confidence to preach boldly, even when faced with imprisonment and death.

Paul's certainty in God's promise is reflected in his writings. In 2 Timothy 1:12, he says, "I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me." This unwavering trust in God’s promise provided him with peace and assurance, enabling him to persevere through all kinds of adversity.

Illustration: Imagine building a house on a solid rock foundation versus sand. When storms come, the house on the rock stands firm while the one on sand collapses. God’s promise of eternal life is like that rock foundation. It’s solid, unchanging, and provides the stability we need to endure life’s storms.

Illustration: Think about an athlete who trains for years for a chance to compete in the Olympics. They endure grueling workouts, strict diets, and personal sacrifices for a gold medal. How much more should we, as Christians, endure and strive for the eternal prize God has promised us?

Application: We must not live for the things of this world. Fame, wealth, and popularity are not what God promises. Instead, God promises eternal life and peace amidst tribulation. Our pursuit should be aligned with these eternal promises, knowing that what God has in store for us is far greater than anything this world can offer. Listen to Jesus’ words:

John 16:33 ESV

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 10:28–29 ESV

28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

John 3:16 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Challenge: Reflect on what you are pursuing in life. Are your goals aligned with God’s promises and eternal life, or are they tied to the temporary rewards of this world?

Transition: Just as athletes understand the value of their goal and invest everything to achieve it, we too must recognize the profound value of God's promises and align our lives accordingly. This leads us to our next consideration: the immense privilege we have in the Kingdom.

3. Consider the Privilege You Have in the Kingdom (v.3)

"And at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior."

Paul did not take it lightly that God used him for the furtherance of the Gospel. He considered it a profound privilege and responsibility.

Entrusted by God

Paul was entrusted to hear and preach the Gospel. This trust was not a mere task but a divine commission. The word "entrusted" implies a deep sense of responsibility and honor. To be entrusted with the Gospel meant that Paul was given a sacred duty to faithfully communicate God’s message of salvation to others. He viewed his role not just as a job but as a calling that required his utmost dedication and integrity.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Paul writes,

1 Thessalonians 2:4 ESV

4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

Paul’s focus was on pleasing God, knowing that he had been chosen and entrusted with a message of eternal significance.

Paul's Background

Paul’s appreciation for God’s grace was immense, largely because of his past. Before his conversion, Paul was known as Saul, a zealous persecutor of Christians. He was present at the stoning of Stephen and actively sought to destroy the early church (Acts 8:1-3, Acts 9:1-2). However, his dramatic encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus transformed him from persecutor to preacher (Acts 9:3-19).

This radical transformation humbled Paul and filled him with gratitude. He often reflected on his past to stay humble and grateful for his calling.

Paul's past as a persecutor and his conversion experience underscored the grace of God in his life, making him deeply aware of the privilege he had in preaching the Gospel. This awareness drove him to serve with passion and perseverance.

Illustration: Think about a time when someone trusted you with a significant responsibility. How did you handle it? Did you honor their trust? Our calling to serve in God's Kingdom is the highest trust we can be given. Imagine being entrusted with a precious family heirloom. You would handle it with utmost care, recognizing its value and significance. Similarly, we must handle our calling with care and dedication.

Application: What are you doing with what God has privileged you to minister in the Kingdom? Each of us has been entrusted with gifts, talents, and opportunities to serve God and further His Kingdom. This trust should not be taken lightly. How are you using these privileges. Are you faithfully serving God, or have you allowed distractions to lead you astray?

Faithful Service: We should be found faithfully serving God, just as Paul did. This means dedicating our time, talents, and resources to the work of the Kingdom. Whether it is preaching, teaching, serving, or simply living out the Gospel in our daily lives, we are called to be faithful stewards of what God has given us.

Integrity and Dedication: Evaluate your actions and commitments. Are you honoring the trust God has placed in you? Paul’s life was marked by integrity and dedication to his calling. We, too, must strive to serve with the same level of commitment.

Challenge: Identify one way you can honor the privilege of your calling this week. Whether it's sharing your faith, serving in a new capacity, or simply living out the Gospel in your daily actions, seek to faithfully steward the trust God has placed in you.

Transition: As we recognize the immense privilege we have in serving God, we must also consider how we are influencing and mentoring others in the faith. This leads us to our final point: the importance of our persuasion in the Kingdom. How are we guiding and encouraging others on their spiritual journey?

4. Consider Your Persuasion in the Kingdom (v.4)

"To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior."

Paul is mentoring Titus, discipling him in the faith. Discipling others means teaching and exemplifying the standards of a Christian life gracefully.

Discipling Others

Discipling others is a core component of Christian ministry. It's more than simply inviting people to church; it involves a deep, relational investment in their spiritual growth and understanding. Discipleship is about building relationships that nurture and cultivate a deeper walk with Christ.

Teaching the Foundations of Faith: Discipling others involves teaching them the core tenets of the Christian faith. This includes helping them understand the significance of worship, the identity of the God we worship, and the reasons behind our worship practices. It is about laying a solid foundation of biblical knowledge and theology that can support their faith journey.

Exemplifying Christian Living: Beyond teaching, discipleship requires living out the principles of the Christian faith. It means being a model of Christ-like behavior, demonstrating love, patience, forgiveness, and integrity in our daily lives. Our actions often speak louder than words, and by embodying the teachings of Christ, we provide a living example for others to follow.

Encouraging Spiritual Growth: Discipleship is also about encouraging and guiding others in their spiritual development. This can involve mentoring, offering accountability, and providing support during difficult times. It’s about walking alongside someone, helping them navigate the challenges of life while growing closer to God.

Illustration: Think of a seasoned craftsman teaching an apprentice. The craftsman not only explains the techniques and skills needed for the craft but also demonstrates them. The apprentice learns by watching and then practicing under the guidance of the craftsman. Similarly, in discipleship, we teach and demonstrate, allowing others to learn and grow under our guidance.

The Example of Paul and Titus

Paul’s relationship with Titus is a prime example of effective discipleship. Paul refers to Titus as his "true child in a common faith," indicating a deep, personal bond. This relationship was characterized by:

Personal Investment: Paul invested time and effort into Titus’s spiritual growth. He provided guidance, encouragement, and instruction, helping Titus become a strong leader and faithful servant of God.

Shared Mission: Paul and Titus shared a common mission—to spread the Gospel and strengthen the church. This shared purpose deepened their bond and provided a clear focus for their efforts.

Encouragement and Support: Paul wrote to Titus to encourage him in his ministry, particularly during challenging times. He reminded Titus of his calling and the importance of standing firm in the truth.

Illustration: One day, I didn’t want to go to school. My dad walked to school and stayed with me, showing me he cared about my success. That’s what discipling others should look like—walking with them even when they become discouraged. This simple act of support left a lasting impact on me, much like our acts of discipleship can leave lasting impacts on those we mentor.

Application: Consider how you can invest in the lives of others around you. Discipleship is not confined to formal teaching; it can occur in everyday interactions and relationships. Reflect on the following questions:

Who in your life could benefit from your guidance and support?How can you model Christ-like behavior in your daily interactions?What steps can you take to encourage and nurture someone else’s faith?

Challenge: This week, commit to intentionally discipling at least one person. This could be a family member, a friend, or someone in your church community. Spend time with them, share your faith, and offer encouragement and support.

Transition: Discipleship is about personal investment, teaching, and exemplifying the Christian faith. It's a privilege and a responsibility.

Conclusion:

Jesus had twelve disciples. One doubted Him, one betrayed Him, and one denied Him. This reminds us that we won’t always succeed, but that should not stop us because it did not stop Jesus! As we strive to be fit for the Kingdom, let us follow Paul's example and condition ourselves for Kingdom work, always pointing to Jesus, who died, was buried, and rose again for our salvation.

Call to Action: Evaluate your position, pursuit, privilege, and persuasion in the Kingdom. Commit to conditioning yourself for the work ahead, faithfully serving and discipling others, ensuring that you are truly fit for the Kingdom of God. Remember our church’s vision: "Building our future together with Faith, Commitment, and Unity." Let this guide you as we grow and serve together.