TITUS: God's Blueprint for the 21st Century Believer.

Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior; To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

Pauls letter to Titus is the third of the pastoral epistles, with 1&2 Timothy preceding.

The pastoral epistles show a transition from the apostles to the church. No longer where the apostles the head of the church, now elders and churches governed autonomously.

Furthermore, is is the final epistle written by Paul and was wrote right before his death.

In many ways Titus is Paul’s farewell address. Although Paul’s previous letter to Timothy 4:8 sounds like his final address.

Here in the the beginning of Titus (AD 66) we see Paul take an unusual amount of time providing credentials that will identify him as qualified to speak to Titus.

I wonder why this is. Surely Titus who has known Paul, for at least 12 years according to 2 Corinthians 2:13 (AD 55), knows that he is qualified to speak of matters concerning the church.

Titus was written to the man bering that name. However, it was also written with the understanding that it would be read to the church.

Paul probably added this introduction for their sake. It is also possible that Paul, having been confined for several years, was beginning to doubt his lasting impact or present influence. Or maybe it was added with the anticipation that the church was growing and thus there were people who he did not know, or who did not know him.

I. Service

A. Faith

James 2:17–18 NKJV

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

Our Faith should be proven by our works.

B. Truth

We should serve truth.

What is truth? God is truth.

John 14:6 NKJV

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 17:17 NKJV

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

Matthew 6:24 NKJV

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

C. Godliness

Simply put this means, conforming to the commands, and desires of God.

For the Christian, our works/service should be catered to God’s will for our lives and not our own.

Those who observe our lives should witness a self-sacrifice, and Godly commitment.

II. Hope

Hope is defined as confident expectation. Or optimism concerning the future.

Ultimately, for the believer, our hope is in the return of Christ and in our resurrection.

A. Promised

John 14:1–3 NKJV

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

B. Manifested

Luke 24:36–39 NKJV

Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

Acts 1:9–11 NKJV

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

We are to preach the cross but we should also preach the resurrection.

C. Committed

Mark 16:15 NKJV

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

III. Faith

Hebrews 11:1 NKJV

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

A. Grace

Matthew 6:14–15 NKJV

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

B. Mercy

Lamentations 3:22–23 NKJV

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

1 Peter 3:8 NKJV

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

C. Peace

Psalm 23 NKJV

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

2 Corinthians 13:11 NKJV

Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

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