It Starts Small

1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness, ² in the hope of eternal life that God, who cannot lie, promised before time began. ³ In his own time he has revealed his word in the preaching with which I was entrusted by the command of God our Savior:

⁴ To Titus, my true son in our common faith.

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Titus 1:1-4

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ

Paul passionately begins by declaring himself an apostle, infusing his words with profound weight and undeniable credibility. He boldly identifies as a servant, reminding us all that true leadership is rooted in humility. For Titus, a leader in his own right, this message is particularly poignant: leaders are, above all, servants. Jesus changed the essence of leadership. He revealed the power of servant leadership. This revelation forever altered the way ministry thrives within the church.

for the faith of God’s elect and their knowledg

Here, Paul passionately shares his unwavering motivation. He aims to fervently build the faith and knowledge of believers. He selflessly prioritizes the needs of others above his own. He consistently shuns the temptations of money and the fleeting allure of popularity.

in the hope of eternal life that God, who cannot lie, promised before time began

Paul’s mission was fueled by an ultimate passion. He fervently desired that everyone he reached would share in the glorious gift of eternal life. In the simplest terms, he was bound for heaven. He yearned for countless others to join him on that magnificent journey. The promise Paul alludes to could very well be the profound pledge given to Adam and Eve in the garden. They were promised their descendant would obliterate the serpent’s head. It stands as the inaugural promise of the destined Savior, etched in Scripture for all to embrace.

entrusted by the command of God our Savior

Paul embraced his preaching ministry as a profound calling, one that God had entrusted to him with divine significance. The term “entrusted” reveals a truth. This mission did not solely belong to Paul. He was a devoted caretaker of God’s message. His preaching resounded through and for the Lord, never for his own glory. Since God entrusted Paul with this sacred task, he bore the unwavering responsibility. He was tasked to fulfill it with utmost fidelity and passion. Just like the most precious treasures, many things of great value are entrusted to the care of others. These treasures might be children, vital documents, or a flourishing business. The essence of “entrusted” is trust itself. It highlights the faith placed in the individual. They receive these invaluable gifts. This individual is called to act with unwavering integrity and honor, reflecting the trust bestowed upon them.

What has God entrusted to you? How does the profound realization that you have a sacred task ignite a fiery passion within you? How does it fuel your purpose? Embrace this calling with fervor. Let it illuminate your attitude. Transform your approach into one fueled by purpose, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to fulfill your divine duty.

To Titus, my true son in our common faith

Titus was more than just a travel companion. He was a loyal ally by Paul’s side. Titus was passionately engaged in the transformative mission of disciple-making and planting churches. Paul cherished Timothy as his “true child in a common faith,” highlighting a bond that transcends mere mentorship. Paul most likely walked the path of singleness. Yet, he embraced the vibrant joy of spiritual parenthood. He nurtured a multitude of spiritual children and forged deeply meaningful relationships with them. This is a powerful reminder. Jesus promises unwaveringly about the abundant rewards. These rewards await those who selflessly sacrifice for God’s kingdom.

Titus was not a tool that Paul used. Paul cared deeply about him. It is a reminder that a team is more powerful than an individual. Paul’s ministry multiplied over vast regions because he trained up like-minded disciples who reproduced.

²⁹ And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields because of my name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life.

Matthew 19:29

Ministry is all about forging deep connections. A missionary may be brimming with knowledge. However, without genuine love and concern for others on a personal level, they will have a limited impact. Love is the radiant hallmark of every true believer. It is through our fervent love that the world will recognize us as disciples of Jesus (John 13:35).

³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:35

God doesn’t call us to be lone rangers in His divine mission! Instead, He invites us to join a powerful team. This team embraces love and compassion for one another. We serve together with joy and purpose. Are you passionately engaged with a team like that? Do you genuinely care for others in that profound way?

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Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 7:6
• Galatians 2:1, 3

Discussion Questions

• How does Paul introduce himself?
• What can you learn from his introduction?
• Why was Paul serving?
• What elements can you see in Paul’s life vision here?
• What promise might Paul be referencing in verse 2?
• When and how was this promise manifested?
• Explain how the concept of being “entrusted” with preaching is important.
• What relationship do we see between Paul and Titus?

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