DELIVER THE MESSAGE (Titus 1)
READ: Titus 1:1-4
If you were asked to describe yourself in one word or phrase, what word would you choose? Paul used the word “servant” or “slave” to describe himself to Titus (Titus 1:1a). The Greek word for servant or slave referred to “one whose will is swallowed up in the will of another.” There were many slaves on the Island of Crete, where Titus was when Paul wrote to him. They were slaves of human masters and had to do what they were told, no matter what they thought or wanted to do. Paul said he was a slave of Jesus, not just in what he did but also in what he thought and felt. His will was to do the will of God.
Paul then used another word to describe what his specific servant role was: he was sent by God (“apostle”) to carry the good news of Jesus to those God has chosen for salvation (Titus 1:1b). He not only brought the message of salvation, but he then taught them God’s Word so that they grew in knowledge and godliness. He assured them of eternal life, which God promised them (Titus 1:2). Paul affirmed that God does not lie (verse 2), a clear reference to the god Zeus worshiped on Crete, who was known as a liar. It was Paul’s honor and privilege to carry this message wherever God led him (Titus 1:3).
Paul made it clear that his job was to convey God’s Word wherever he went. It was not his truth but God’s, he just delivered it. When you eat in a restaurant, a waiter brings you your food. He doesn’t cook it, someone else does. His job is just to deliver what someone else cooked. That’s what we do as pastors, teachers and leaders. We don’t create our message; we just deliver what God said. We don’t change it, add to it, compromise it or alter it in any way. We simply deliver it from God’s Word to the people to whom we speak. That’s what Paul did and we must do as well. That’s what he is encouraging Titus to do also.
Paul called Titus his “true son” showing the close relationship he had with him. Paul was approaching the end of his life and would be dead in a couple years. He wrote his first letter to Timothy in August 62 AD. Titus was written in the summer of 66 AD and 2 Timothy a year later, in the fall of 67 AD. Six months later Paul was martyred.
Titus was older and more stable than Timothy. The church on Crete, where Titus ministered, wasn’t nearly a problematic as in Ephesus where Timothy was. Paul didn’t know if he would see Titus again or not, so he wrote to encourage him to continue in ministry, as he did with Timothy. Titus, like us, was to deliver the message God has given.
Today we are the “sent ones” taking the message about Jesus to those around us. Paul, Timothy and Titus are no longer here to do it. It is our turn, theirs is over. They no longer can serve Jesus on earth – but we can. We still have an opportunity to be His slaves in all we think and do. We can tell others about Him and help them grow in their faith. This earthly life is the only chance we will have. We only live one time so let’s make it count for Jesus! (August 14, 2023 Doylestown, PA)
PAUL’S ADVICE: We are slaves for God, sent to spread His truth everywhere.
Matthew 28:18-20 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
What one word or phrase would God use to describe you?
Would it include “good and faithful servant/slave?”
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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