Titus: A Guide to Godly Growth
A Guide to Godly Growth
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit...
For the local church to be good to grow, it will need guidance. Titus is a young man on the remote island of Crete. He is Paul's protege — his 'spiritual son', whom he is equipping for the work of the ministry. With the help of carefully chosen elders, Titus will give the people sound doctrine for them to be right before God. Without sound doctrine, people tend to make God in their image instead of the other way around. This is not a lesson in legalism or religion, however. It is a way of life birthed out of relationship with Jesus Christ. With Paul's equipping, Titus will teach them what this means. They will do good through Christ.
A Call to Godliness
To grow, we need to go in the right direction. Believe it or not, everything you read on the internet is not true. Sadly, our world has turned to the 'priests' on Facebook and YouTube rather than those who have been called and equipped to guide God's people. The Word of God is our guide. And, God has given the church teachers to help with understanding and application. Titus is a teacher, groomed by the Apostle Paul. It is never easy, but the truth must be told — even if it runs counter to culture.
What Godliness Looks Like
Every person in the local church has a role to play — older men, older women, young women and young men. Each carries a responsibility to treat others with godly concern. But it all starts with self. What direction does your moral compass lead you in? Titus is charged to 'speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine'. This is where Christian behavior meets God's expectations. But be warned. This takes work — not to measure up to, but from grace. As we yield to Christ, we grow.
Remember... Be Humble
We are not saved by what we have done (or will do) but only by the mercy of God through Christ. A prideful man says, 'I serve God at my pleasure.' A humble man says, 'I serve God at his pleasure.' Goodness flows from a mature knowledge that all things are done through Christ. We do good, but only because God did good in us through Christ first. So, we rebuke foolishness, disobedience and deceit. Instead and with humility, we embrace the same loving kindness Jesus has for us and all mankind.