Gospel Roots for a Gospel Mission

As we gather this Palm Sunday, just days before we remember the suffering and resurrection of our Lord, it’s fitting that we are launching into the final leg of our journey through the Pastoral Epistles — and that we do so with hearts rooted in the gospel and ready for the mission.

Today we begin our study in the book of Titus.

It’s a short but powerful letter — one of Paul’s last — and it will serve as the final book in our Pastoral Epistles series.

Now here’s something many believers don’t always realize:

The Pastoral Epistles — 1 Timothy, Titus, and 2 Timothy — are not arranged chronologically in our Bibles.

Historically, Paul wrote 1 Timothy first, then Titus, and finally 2 Timothy, which we finished just last Sunday.

So in a way, we’re now circling back — but not by accident.

2 Timothy gave us Paul’s final words before his death — his swan song — urging us to finish faithful.

And now, going back to Titus is like opening a time capsule from earlier in his ministry, where we get a clear look at what kind of gospel-shaped leadership, life, and church Paul believed was necessary for the long haul.

Why are we studying Titus as a three-year-old church plant?

Because Titus was left on the island of Crete to do what every church planter and elder must do — set in order what remains.

Paul writes to show how sound doctrine leads to sound living, and how gospel roots produce gospel fruit in real places with real people — messy people — like us.

And on this Palm Sunday, we remember that King Jesus rode into Jerusalem not to be crowned by men, but to be crucified for sinners.

That same gospel — the gospel of grace — is the foundation of the church.

It’s what Paul defends in this letter.

It’s what he entrusts to Titus.

And it’s what we, RCS, must continue to build our lives and mission upon.

So the title of this morning’s sermon is:

Gospel Roots for a Gospel Mission.

And here’s where we’re going in Titus 1:1–4:

The Messenger — Who Paul Is (v. 1a)

The Mission — Why Paul Was Sent (vv. 1b–3)

The Man — Who Titus Is (v. 4a)

The Message — What God Gives (v. 4b)

Before Paul tells Titus what to do, he reminds him of who he is — and why that matters.

Because the message is only as credible as the messenger.

So let’s begin right where Paul does, in verse 1, with our first point: The Messenger — Who Paul Is.

1. The Messenger — Who Paul Is (v. 1a)

Titus 1:1 ESV

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ…

As we begin this rich and tightly packed greeting in Titus, we are immediately confronted with something that’s easy to overlook:

How Paul introduces himself.

Now, Paul didn’t always begin his letters the same way.

But in the Pastoral Epistles, his introductions are deeply intentional.

Because Paul isn’t just writing personal updates to friends — he’s laying a foundation for church leadership, for gospel fidelity, and for long-term mission.

So he begins: “Paul, a servant of God…”

Let’s slow down and take that in.

That word servant in Greek is doulos — literally, a bondslave.

Someone who is owned by another.

Someone whose entire life is in the hands of his master.

Paul says right out of the gate:

I am not my own.

I have been bought.

I have been sent.

I live under orders.

This is striking, especially when you think of how our culture — and even the church world today — often introduces someone.

We love to lead with titles.

“Doctor,” “Pastor,” “Author,” “Influencer,” “Leader”, “Major”.

But Paul leads with SLAVE.

He doesn’t puff up his chest.

He bows his head.

He doesn’t begin with his apostleship.

He begins with his allegiance.

That tells us something profound about gospel leadership — and about Christian identity in general.

We are not first identified by our gifts, achievements, or authority — but by our relationship to God.

We belong to Him.

We serve at His will.

We are rooted in His grace.

Illustration: When you meet a mail carrier, their job isn’t to compose the message.

Their job is to faithfully deliver it as i mentioned the last few weeks.

And the uniform they wear isn’t about fashion — it’s a symbol that they don’t represent themselves.

They represent the government that sent them.

Paul is saying, “My whole life, my whole ministry — it’s not my message. I wear the uniform of a servant.”

Then Paul adds: “…and an apostle of Jesus Christ.”

Now, this doesn’t contradict what he just said — it completes it.

Yes, he is a servant, but he is also an apostle — literally, one who is sent with authority.

Paul was personally appointed by the risen Jesus to preach the gospel, plant churches, and establish leaders.

So he’s not just any servant.

He’s a sent servant.

A messenger with divine authority.

Why is that important for Titus — and for us?

Because Titus is about to be called to do some hard things.

He’s left on an island — not sipping coconut water, but cleaning up church chaos.

He’s dealing with false teachers (v. 10 says they are “insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers”).

He’s raising up elders.

He’s confronting sin.

He’s bringing gospel order where there was only confusion.

And Paul wants him to know:

You are not doing this alone.

You are part of a gospel chain.

You carry the same gospel authority I carry.

You stand not in your strength, but in God’s calling.

Paul is essentially saying:

Titus, you’re not freelancing in Crete.

You’re continuing a mission that comes with God’s authority and Christ’s commission.

And friends — here’s the application for us:

You don’t have to be an apostle to be a servant.

All of us — every Christian — has been called, bought, and sent in some way. Your job, your family, your neighborhood, your role in this church — it’s not random. You are not your own.

You were bought with a price. (1 Cor. 6:20)

So let me ask you: Is your primary identity rooted in being a servant of God? Is the gospel what defines your leadership, your parenting, your work, your service in this church?

Because until we see ourselves like Paul saw himself — as servants first — we will always lead out of pride, not humility… and we’ll build churches that look like our image, not Christ’s.

And leaders especially:

If God has called you to shepherd, to disciple, to teach — remember that gospel leadership doesn’t begin with asserting power, but with surrendering control.

Quote (John Calvin): “It is a remarkable commendation of the ministry that the highest princes of the church should be called the servants of God.”

In other words, no one graduates beyond servanthood.

The higher the calling, the deeper the submission.

Transition: So now that we’ve seen who Paul is — a servant and a sent one — we need to ask the next question: Why was he sent? What’s the mission that drives him — and should drive us? Let’s look now at the second part of verse 1, and on through verse

2. The Mission — Why Paul Was Sent (vv. 1b–3)

Titus 1:1–3 ESV

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, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 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 has just told us who he is — a servant and an apostle.

Now he tells us why he was sent.

This is Paul’s life mission — his purpose for every church he planted, every sermon he preached, every hardship he endured.

And what is it?

“…for the sake of the faith of God’s elect…”

Paul’s ministry is aimed at a specific people — God’s elect.

That is, those whom God has chosen before the foundation of the world to belong to Him through Christ. (Eph. 1:4–5)

Paul isn’t trying to impress the masses or win a popularity contest.

He’s preaching for a purpose — to awaken saving faith in those God will call to Himself.

This is the heartbeat of missions and church planting:

That the elect might hear and believe the gospel.

Romans 10:14 ESV

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

So Paul preaches — not because he knows who the elect are — but because he knows God will use the gospel to call them.

Charles Spurgeon once said, recounting a sentiment from the preacher, Rowland Hill:

"If God would have painted a yellow stripe on the backs of the elect, I would go around lifting shirts. But since He didn’t, I must preach 'whosoever will,' and when 'whosoever' believes, I know that he is one of the elect."

And not just for initial faith — but ongoing growth.

He continues:

“…and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness.”

Paul’s mission is not just to make converts but to make disciples.(Repeat)

He wants believers to grow in knowledge of the truth — gospel truth — but not cold, dead facts.

This truth leads to godliness — a life shaped by the character of Christ.

Application: This reminds us, church, that doctrine and devotion are never enemies.

Theology is meant to transform us.

(For those who been around me long enough have heard me say that many times.)

If our knowledge of truth doesn’t make us more like Jesus — more humble, more holy, more loving — then we’re missing the point!

Paul’s gospel-centered mission produces not only faith, but fruit.

Then in verse 2, he zooms out even further:

“…in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began…”

This is the unshakable foundation of it all: HOPE. Not a vague feeling — but a sure and certain promise: eternal life.

And what grounds that promise?

“God, who never lies…”(V.2)

That’s a stunning phrase — especially to the Cretans.

Later in this letter (1:12), Paul says, “Cretans are always liars…” — quoting one of their own poets!

In a culture riddled with deception, Paul says:

You can trust this gospel.

God is not like man.

He never lies.

He always keeps His word.

It’s precisely the same message we need today, isn't it?

In a world where truth feels negotiable, where headlines shift daily, and where trust is scarce —we need a gospel that’s anchored in eternity and guaranteed by a God who never lies.

In fact, this promise of eternal life was made, put your eyes on the text, “before the ages began.”(V.2)

That’s Paul’s way of saying:

The gospel is not God’s Plan B.

This was always His plan.

From eternity past, God determined to redeem a people through His Son — and now, in time, He has made that plan known.

How?

Verse 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.”

That’s it.

God reveals His eternal gospel plan through preaching.

Not drama.

Not motivational talks.

Not self-help strategies. But preaching — the bold proclamation of Christ crucified and risen.

1 Corinthians 1:17–19 ESV

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

And Paul says in verse 3:

This message was entrusted to me. I didn’t invent it.

I received it.

I was commanded by God to deliver it.

Application: This is a good word for us, RCS. We are not called to be clever or trendy.

We are called to be faithful.

God changes hearts and saves souls through the clear, Spirit-empowered preaching of His Word.

So what does this mean for you? It means you can trust the gospel.

You can trust the God who made the promise. And you can be confident that your life, your witness, your church participation — all of it — is part of His plan to save and sanctify a people for Himself.

You are not an accident.

You are not an afterthought. If you belong to Jesus, it’s because God set His love on you before time began, and He’s not finished with you yet.

Transition: So we’ve seen the messenger — Paul. We’ve seen the mission — to bring faith, truth, and hope to God’s people through the preaching of the gospel.

Now the question is:

Who’s receiving this charge? Who’s the man on the ground in Crete doing this hard work of gospel ministry?

Let’s look at verse 4.

3. The Man — Who Titus Is (v. 4a)

Titus 1:4 ESV

To Titus, my true child in a common faith…

Titus wasn’t just a coworker or assistant — he was Paul’s true child in the faith.

That phrase tells us a lot.

It speaks of deep spiritual investment and shared conviction.

Paul had likely led Titus to Christ and had discipled him over time.

And now, that relationship is bearing fruit — not just in Titus’s own faith, but in his faithful ministry.

But notice what Paul adds:

“in a common faith.”

What does that mean?

The word “common” here doesn’t mean ordinary — it means shared.

Paul is saying, “Titus, the faith we hold — the gospel of Jesus Christ — is not just mine or yours. It’s ours.”

It’s the same saving truth believed by every true Christian, across every culture, in every age.

This wasn’t a private spirituality or a personal brand of theology — it was the historic faith once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 3)

The faith that saves sinners.

The faith that produces godliness.

The faith that binds Paul and Titus together — and binds us to them today.

That’s what makes the church the church.

Not our preferences.

Not our styles.

But a common faith in a crucified and risen Christ.

And that’s what gives Titus the authority and courage to serve where he is.

Crete wasn’t an easy place to live and do ministry.

In fact, if you glance down to verse 12, Paul quotes one of their own prophets saying,

“Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” (Yikes!)

This is not exactly a ministry dream job and location.

But that’s where Titus was — left to appoint elders and bring order to a chaotic church environment.

And yet Paul trusted him.

Why?

Because Titus shared Paul’s faith and Paul’s mission.

He was cut from the same gospel cloth.

He didn’t need to be flashy — he needed to be faithful.

He didn’t need cleverness — he needed clarity and conviction.

That’s the kind of person God still uses today.

Titus reminds us that ministry — whether vocational or in the local church — isn’t first about platform, it’s about character.

It’s not about how much you do — it’s about how deeply you’re rooted in the truth and how faithfully you pass it on.

And notice something else (Don’t miss it!) :

Gospel ministry is relational.

Paul didn’t just stand behind a pulpit — he poured his life into people.

He didn’t just build churches — he built men.

That’s how the mission advances — through relationships, not just responsibilities.

You don’t need to be Paul.

But are you being a Titus?

Or even better — are you raising up a Titus in your own life?

Who are you discipling?

Who are you investing in?

In a culture that says “build your brand,” Paul reminds us to build people — and to do it through the common faith we share in Christ.

Transition: Paul now ends this greeting not with a command, but with a blessing — A reminder of what all of us need every single day in gospel ministry…

4. The Message — What God Gives (v. 4b)

Titus 1:4 ESV

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

Paul closes his greeting with a blessing — not just words of encouragement, but a theological anchor.

Grace — the undeserved, unearned, unstoppable favor of God.

Peace — the soul-deep rest and reconciliation that only comes from being made right with God through Jesus Christ.

Notice:

Paul doesn’t say, “Good luck, Titus.” He doesn’t say, “You’ve got this, man.”

He reminds him of the gospel.

Because in Crete, Titus would face resistance.

He’d encounter false teachers.

He’d feel outnumbered and outmatched.

But what did he need most?

Not self-confidence, but God's good and empowering sovereign grace.

Not comfort FROM circumstances — but peace from above FOR every circumstance He might face.

And where do these come from?

“From God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.”

That’s not poetic fluff — that’s the source of all power in ministry and the Christian life.

It’s not grace and peace from Paul… or from circumstances… or from other people… It’s from God the Father, who planned salvation… and Christ Jesus our Savior, who purchased it with His blood.

This is the message Paul entrusts to Titus — and to us.

We don’t proclaim self-help. We don’t offer tips for a better life.

We offer grace — for those who have failed and fallen short of God’s glory. We offer peace — for those who are weary and at odds with God. We offer a Savior — who bore the wrath of God as our substitute for the forgiveness of our sins.

Illustration:

This reminds me of Martin Luther — the German monk who would go on to spark the Protestant Reformation.

Before he knew the gospel, Luther was tormented by guilt.

He would confess his sins for hours, punish his own body, and try everything in his power to earn God's approval.

But the more he tried, the more crushed he felt under the weight of God’s holiness and his own sin.

Then one day, while studying the book of Romans, God opened his eyes to Romans 1:17 — “The righteous shall live by faith.”

And in that moment, everything changed.

Luther realized he could never earn God’s love — it had to be received by faith alone.

Grace flooded in.

Peace filled his heart.

And the gospel of Christ, once hidden from his eyes, became the anchor of his soul.

That truth didn’t just transform Luther — it shook the world.

And it’s the same grace and peace that God offers to you and me today.

That’s the power of the message we carry.

And it’s the only message that can sustain a man like Titus on Crete…

And a church like ours in Sanford, now, and for years to come.

Conclusion

Restoration Church, as we gather on this Palm Sunday — a day that marks Christ’s humble entry into Jerusalem — we are reminded that our Savior rode not to be crowned but to be crucified.

He came not to conquer thrones, but to carry a cross.

And He did it for us — for the elect, for the weary, for the sinner, for the one striving and failing, for the one exhausted by pretending, for the one broken by this world.

That’s the gospel.

And it’s not just a message for the lost.

It’s the lifeblood of the church.

It’s the engine of our mission.

It’s what grounds us in grace and sends us with purpose.

Like Paul, we are servants — not self-made men or women, but blood-bought slaves of Christ, entrusted with the only message that saves.

Like Titus, we are placed in hard places, with difficult people, called not to be impressive, but to be faithful — to build lives, build leaders, and build churches rooted in the truth.

But here’s the question: Are you rooted in that gospel? Is your life shaped by the mission of Christ who rode into Jerusalem knowing full well the cross that awaited Him?

Palm Sunday invites us to see our King — not just waving to the crowds, but weeping over a lost city…

Not flattered by palm branches, but focused on His purpose.

He didn’t come to start a parade. He came to save a people.

And the question for us is this: Will we follow Him — not just in word, but in life? Will you lay down your pride, your comfort, your preferences — and take up your cross?

Let me end with a story.

In 1854, Charles Spurgeon, a young preacher barely 20 years old, was asked to pastor New Park Street Chapel in London.

The church was in decline, the culture was hostile, and many doubted whether the gospel still had power in such a modern, intellectual age.

But Spurgeon didn’t adjust the message. He didn’t soften the edges. He preached Christ crucified with boldness, clarity, and tears.

And what happened?

Thousands came to hear.

Hundreds were saved.

London was shaken.

And history remembers him not because he was eloquent — but because he was faithful.

But here’s the part we forget: Spurgeon battled depression. He endured slander. He was no stranger to suffering.

And yet, he once said (If you know me well, you know that this is one of my favorite quotes of all time):

“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.”

That’s the kind of rootedness God calls us to.

A life anchored in grace.

A life propelled by truth.

A life shaped by Gospel hope.

So what about you, friend?

Wherever you are on the journey — New believer or seasoned saint, Struggling addict or seminary student, Skeptic or weary disciple —

The call is the same:

Come to Christ.

Not to religion.

Not to rules.

Not to a better version of yourself.

Come to the Servant-King who entered Jerusalem on a donkey… Who climbed Calvary with your sin on His back… Who died, was buried, and rose again so that you could have grace, peace, and eternal life.

Let His grace define you.

Let His truth shape you.

Let His mission send you.

Don’t waste another day building your kingdom!

The King has come — and He’s calling you to follow Him.

Final Exhortation:

So RCS, may we be rooted in the gospel. Ready for the mission. And resolved to live and die — not for our names — but for HIS.

Let’s pray.

PRAY

Father in heaven, We thank You that before time began, You purposed to save a people through Your Son. On this Palm Sunday, we behold our King—not just riding into Jerusalem, but riding into our hearts with grace and truth.

Forgive us for living for ourselves. Forgive us for treating the gospel as something small. Root us again in Christ—crucified for our sins, risen for our hope, reigning for our joy.

For those who are far off, draw them near to you. For those who are tired, give peace in Christ. For those who believe, give boldness to live sent, knowing that You are with them and will provide the strength they need.

Make us a church not content to applaud the King— But one ready to follow Him wherever He leads.

In Jesus’ mighty and merciful name we pray, Amen.

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