TITUS 1:1-4: “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.”

OBSERVATION: Have you ever listened to someone speak a few words as an introduction before they were going to speak and the only thing you could think was…

WOW! THAT IS A MOUTHFUL!!

As I began reading the book of Titus this morning I marveled at the introduction that Paul writes to Titus in the opening of his letter. There is so much in these few sentences that one could preach on it for months. If Paul were living in our culture you would imagine the first four verses of Titus as the close to a great sermon not the beginning of a letter. I could imagine Paul speaking these words and then, looking at the audience, dropping his mic and walking off stage. What more would need to be said? As the crowd looked on in silence as Paul walked off stage, all they could think was…

WOW! THAT WAS A MOUTHFUL!!

Let’s look at the important truths that Paul touches on in this short introduction. They are astounding, to say the least.

• Paul identifies his calling as both a bondservant and an apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ. He does not view his life in lofty terms but in ones of service, calling, and submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

• Paul points us to the hallmark of faith. It is not the work of those who believe. Rather, it is the gift of God’s elect. Election is a powerful truth to meditate on. We are not saved because of what we have done. We are saved solely by the grace of God and His election through His mercy and love.

• Paul notes that it is this faith that has enabled us to embrace the truth of the gospel. The gospel is the core of Paul’s life. The power of God is in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The key that unlocks this power is faith. Faith is not our work but the gift of God that comes through hearing His Word.

• Paul reminds us that God’s Word, His truth, is to produce in us a godly character. God’s Word is never static. It does not simply lead one to salvation. God’s Word transforms us from one degree of glory to the next. It is the call to a life of sanctification until we enter the promise of eternal life.

• Paul then points us to the hope of eternal life which is the anchor for our life here on earth and the reason for our perseverance as we move toward heaven. We endure the hardships of this life because we have the assurance of the life which is to come.

• Paul states the certainty of these truths. It is not because of his teaching or credentials. The certainty of the truth that saves us, cleanses us, sets us free, and ushers us into eternal life is found in the nature and character of God. God cannot lie!

• Paul reminds Titus that God works these wonders through the foolishness of preaching. God did not follow the intellectual patterns and practices of the Greeks. He did not use the religious systems of the Jews. God saves us and sanctifies us through the preaching of the cross. To the Greeks this is foolishness. To the Jews, it is an offense. Yet, to those who are saved, it is the wisdom and power of God!

• Paul closes these opening statements with the fruit of a life that is surrendered to Jesus Christ through faith. ”…Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.” We are the recipients of God’s grace, we continue in faith through His divine mercies, and we have peace with God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

WOW! THIS IS A MOUTHFUL!!

Lord, help me to meditate upon these words today. Let them sink into my mind and heart. Let them transform the way I view the day and live in the days ahead. Thank You for Your unspeakable gift in Jesus Christ my Lord!

In Jesus’ Name!