In Time Like These, We Need a Titus

2 Corinthians 7:1-16

Introduction

We cannot set a date when Titus joined Paul in his mission activity. The earliest reference is found in Galatians 2:1 , 3, where Paul reports that on his visit to Jerusalem “after fourteen years” ( 2:1 ) Titus accompanied him and Barnabas. Whether this is the visit described in Acts 11 and 12 or the trip from Antioch to Jerusalem found in Acts 15 is uncertain. The Jerusalem Council took on the issue of circumcision being required by some for the Gentile converts. Paul cites that Titus was not compelled to be circumcised as a Gentile Christian. Nothing is recorded concerning the work of Titus on either the first or second missionary trip.

The focal point of the passage concerning the Church at Corinth shows his pastoral effectiveness and his obedience. The Church at Corinth became frustrating for Paul as he was unable to visit them, but sent letters to them concerning the problems the church was experiencing. When Paul saw that he would not be able to visit them soon, he sent Titus to attempt to reconcile all the issues Paul brought to their attention. His trust in Titus is very evident as this situation required a firm but forgiving spirit.

It is in Macedonia that Titus finally catches up to Paul confirming the Corinthians desire to follow the leadership of Paul. This was joyous news and comforted Paul. It is evident by the work of Titus that he established a working relationship with the Corinthians.

One of the Pastoral Epistles penned by Paul is addressed to Titus and another is written to Timothy.

The name Titus appears in the NT only in 2 Corinthians (eight times), Galatians (twice), 2 Timothy (once) and Titus (once).

In Times Like These, We Need A Titus

Always be on the lookout for those down and out

2 Corinthians 7:6 “Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus”

Keep ourselves spiritual (Joy)

2 Corinthians 7:13 “Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.”

Little things make a difference (kind words)

God works through people to comfort

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

Jesus always lifted up the fallen – The woman who had an issue of blood for years -

Matthew 9:22 “But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.”

Be kind and longsuffering

Colossians 3:1-12 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 ¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 ¶ But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 ¶ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”

Put yourself in their shoes

In the literary work "To Kill A Mockingbird", the character Atticus Finch said; “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." There is an old Indian adage that goes, “Don’t judge a man until you have walked in his moccasins.”

John 7:24 “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”

Forgive

Matthew 18:21-22 “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”

Conclusion

Paul had a support system made up of men like Titus, Tychicus and Timothy that saw God working through Paul and followed his leadership and saw to his needs, we today need “fellow laborers” in this struggle we have on earth.

Titus appears as an ideal fellow laborer and pastor. He is earnest in his devotion, pastoral duties and being a servant of Jesus through Paul. (2 Corinthians 8:16 , 17 ). Titus gave joy and inspired Paul with his work in Corinth (7:13-15). Paul and Titus were close in their relationship as they shared the same mind and attitude.

Tychicus - Tychicus was given the important mission of delivering the letters to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:21 ) and the Colossians (Colossians 4:7-9) that Paul wrote during his first Roman imprisonment. Along with the delivery of the letters, he was to inform them of Paul’s welfare and to encourage them. Tychicus and six other delegates were responsible in taking the offerings of the various churches to Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:19, ff; Acts 20:4-6).

Timothy was the young protégé of Paul. Paul had a very close personal relationship with him. Paul described Timothy as “my own son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2) and “my dearly beloved son” (2 Timothy 1:2).

These men each had their own ministries (Titus and Timothy were pastors and Tychicus was a lay-minister,) and carried out the wishes of Paul, no matter what the circumstances that Paul, or they, were in. These men were dedicated to the furtherance of spreading the gospel and were servants of Paul.

We need a Titus in times like these. Men and women who understand that their role is on this earth is not to lay up treasures on earth:

Matthew 6:19 ”Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:”

Colossians 2:2-3 “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

We need servants who take on the task with no questions asked and finish the task looking forward to the day when we shall see Jesus “face to face”.

Matthew 6:20 “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”

Conclusion

Are you a Titus today? Are you so dedicated to the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that you are willing to:

Go anywhere

Do anything

Go the extra mile

In order to further the Gospel and Worship God?