Paul, in his letters, always gave a source of encouragement when he presented a task.
Titus needed encouragement just as you and I do today.
We have basically the same task entwined in our Christian duty today.
Set things in order - 1:5.
Stop mouths of false teachers - 1:11.
Speak things that befit sound doctrine - 2:1.
Exhort workers (servants) to be under the master's control - 2:9.
Remind one another to be subject to those who have the rule over them (government) - 3:1.
Help brethren appreciate the grace of God - 3:4-7.
This is not an easy task. Titus could perform the task knowing the assurance and
hope which Paul laid down for him.
Let's notice four points of encouragement that Paul gave to Titus and to us that will
give us that extra spark to undertake even the most difficult task given to us in God's
kingdom today.
I AM ONE OF GOD'S ELECT - V. 1.
Elect - EKLEKTOS - to pick out; to be selected or chosen.
We are "hand-picked" by God.
Paul was hand picked - Galatians 1:15-16.
Acts 9:15.
Jeremiah was hand picked - Jeremiah 1:5.
We are chosen by God today - Ephesians 1:3-4.
How did God chose us?
Through the gospel - II Thessalonians 2:13-14.
Why did God chose us?
To work His eternal purpose.
To do His work on earth.
The reason for urgency in using our abilities - Ephesians 4:11-16.