Conditioned 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: When we hear "being fit" or "becoming fit," it often refers to conditioning our physical bodies. Imagine an athlete training rigorously to ensure they are at their best. Similarly, we must prepare ourselves spiritually for the work of God's Kingdom, giving God our best. Today, as we study the book of Titus, we will learn from Paul’s example about being conditioned for Kingdom work.

This epistle is one of the Pauline Epistles and one of three known as the Pastoral Epistles, mainly because of its personal address to Titus and his role as a leader in the church community. Unlike most other Pauline letters, this one is written to Paul's associate, Titus, rather than to an entire congregation. The other Pastoral Epistles are 1 and 2 Timothy. Though written to Titus, scholars believe this epistle was still expected to be read aloud to the church.

Titus is serving in Crete after having been appointed by Paul to serve as pastor. Paul seeks to encourage Titus to stay the course and set order in the church amidst false teaching and discord. Paul writes this epistle towards the end of his life during his second imprisonment.

Transition: So what does this passage today show us we must consider to ensure we are conditioned for the Kingdom? Paul’s address in Titus gives us insights into conditioning ourselves for Kingdom work. Let's consider our identity, mission, privilege, and relationships in the Kingdom.

I. Embrace Your Identity (Titus 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.

· Servant (δοῦλος - doulos): Owned by God for His work (Romans 6:22 - "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.")

Explanation: The Greek word "doulos" means a bond-servant, someone who is fully devoted and bound to their master's service. It signifies complete allegiance and dedication to God.

· Apostle (ἀπόστολος - apostolos): Sent with authority (like a deputy) (Galatians 1:1 - "Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—")

Explanation: The Greek word "apostolos" means a messenger or one sent on a mission, especially a divine mission with the authority of the sender, in this case, Jesus Christ.

Paul’s identity in Christ compels him to strengthen the faith of God’s elect and to impart knowledge of the truth.

· Elect (ἐκλεκτός - eklektos): Chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4 - "even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love")

Explanation: The Greek word "eklektos" means chosen or selected. It refers to those who have been chosen by God for salvation and special purposes.

· Knowledge (ἐπίγνωσις - epignosis): Full, experiential understanding (John 17:17 - "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.")

Explanation: The Greek word "epignosis" means precise and correct knowledge, often with a focus on personal, experiential understanding of spiritual truths.

Application: Do you embrace your identity as God’s servant and Christ’s representative? Are you operating under His authority? Many of us claim God owns us, yet we are owned by other things:

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Transition: Having embraced our identity, we must also pursue our mission with the same fervor that Paul did. Let’s move to the next point.

II. Pursue Your Mission (Titus 1:2)

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

Paul is driven by a mission greater than the material attainments of this world.

· Hope (ἐλπίς - elpis): Confident expectation (1 John 2:25 - "And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.")

Explanation: The Greek word "elpis" means a joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation. It is a trust in God's promises.

· Eternal Life (ζωὴ αἰώνιος - zoe aionios): Life everlasting (2 Timothy 1:1 - "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus")

Explanation: The Greek phrase "zoe aionios" refers to life that is perpetual and unending, a quality of life that begins now and extends into eternity with God.

Paul's mission is centered on the promise of eternal life, a promise from God who never lies. This promise was made before time began, emphasizing its divine origin and reliability.

Application: We must not live for the things of this world. Fame and popularity are not God’s promises. God did promise, John 16:33: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Transition: As we pursue our mission, we also need to value the privilege that comes with it. Let’s explore this further.

III. Value Your Privilege (Titus 1:3)

"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 recognizes the privilege of being entrusted with God’s word.

· Manifested (φανερόω - phaneroo): Made visible or known (1 Thessalonians 2:4 - "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.")

Explanation: The Greek word "phaneroo" means to make visible, clear, or known what has been hidden or unknown.

· Entrusted (πιστεύω - pisteuo): Given in trust (1 Corinthians 9:16 - "For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!")

Explanation: The Greek word "pisteuo" means to believe in or entrust with confidence. It implies a deep responsibility and stewardship.

Paul emphasizes that at the proper time, God's word was manifested through preaching. Paul sees this as a sacred trust given to him by God's command.

Illustration: Imagine a teacher who once struggled as a student but now has the privilege to educate others. Paul, who once persecuted Christians, now preaches the very Gospel he once tried to destroy.

Application: What are you doing with what God has privileged you to minister in the Kingdom? Have you broken God’s trust? You should be found faithfully serving God.

Transition: As we value our privilege, we must also commit to our relationships within the Kingdom. Let’s delve into the final point.

IV. Commit to Your Relationships (Titus 1:4)

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

Paul mentors Titus and disciplings him in the faith.

· Discipling (μαθητεύω - matheteuo): Teaching and living out faith gracefully (Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.")

Explanation: The Greek word "matheteuo" means to make disciples, to teach and train in the ways of Christ.

· Faith (πίστις - pistis): Trust and belief (Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.")

Explanation: The Greek word "pistis" means conviction of the truth, trust, and belief in God and His promises.

Paul refers to Titus as his true child in a common faith, highlighting the close, personal relationship and mutual faith they share. He blesses Titus with grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Illustration: One day I didn’t want to go to school. My dad walked to school and stayed at school with me. I learned a valuable lesson that day. My dad cared about me and my success.

Application: Who are you discipling? It’s easy to sow discord and find fault in the church. It’s easy to lead rebellion and quarreling. But the challenge for us is to disciple others. How are you doing there? Who are you walking with on this journey? Who are you encouraging to stay the course? Who knows outside of your immediate family that you care about their Christian walk?

Conclusion:

Jesus had twelve disciples. One doubted Him, one betrayed Him, and one denied Him. This should remind us that we won’t always hit a home run. That should not stop us because it did not stop Jesus! We must continue to pursue the Kingdom, disciple others, and remain faithful to God's call.

By embracing our identity, pursuing our mission, valuing our privilege, and committing to our relationships, we become conditioned for the Kingdom, ready to fulfill God's purpose in our lives. Let us strive to be faithful servants, dedicated to the cause of Christ, and committed to making disciples who will carry on the work of the Kingdom. Amen.