Equipped To Serve Series

Equipped to Serve

Titus 1: 1-4

Our text today comes from one of the Pastoral Epistles. Titus was a young preacher and faithful helper of Paul. We know from Verse 5 that Paul had left Titus on the Island of Crete to settle the churches there and set in order their worship and operation. This was a tremendous task for the young preacher to accomplish. Knowing the responsibilities he had placed on Titus, Paul seeks to equip him for service and encourage him in the Lord.

While this epistle is often considered from a pastoral context, there is great wisdom and benefit for all believers. All are not called to pastor churches, but every believer is expected to be of service to the Lord. The principles Paul shared with Titus, in our text, regarding his service apply to every believer engaged in any work for the Lord. You may not be asked to set things in order within the local church, but you have a work to do. In order to be confident and effective, we all need biblical instruction to equip us for service.

Let’s examine the certainties Paul shares as we consider: Equipped to Serve.

I. A Word of Greeting (1a) – Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ. Certainly Titus was well acquainted with Paul, but this greeting served as a reminder to him, and an introduction to others who might not know Paul. This greeting offers wisdom in serving the Lord. Consider:

A. Paul’s Submission – Paul initially referred to himself as a servant of God. This word servant literally means “a bond slave.” This must have been encouraging to Titus and challenging to all who read these words. Paul was a giant in the faith, having experienced much through Christ in ministry, and yet he identifies as a servant of the Lord. Paul offered a reminder, that regardless of our accomplishments, we all remain nothing more than servants of our God. He sought to instill this mentality and devotion in all believers!

B. Paul’s Service – He also referred to himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. This title revealed the authority Paul possessed in the Lord, but it also reveals his calling and heart for service. He wanted Titus and others to know that his passion was serving the Lord. For Paul, nothing compared to the work he was engaged in for the Lord. His words carried much weight, being an apostle, but his manner of life also wielded great influence.

We no longer have apostles today. Most agree these were those who witnessed the Lord in person. However, we all should have a desire to serve the Lord as the apostles did.

II. A Word of Grace (1b-2) – Following his word of greeting, Paul speaks of the marvelous grace of God bestowed upon all who believe. As we consider such grace, notice:

A. The Ministry of Grace (1b) – Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect. Paul was well aware of the grace he had received and fully embraced the ministry of grace given of the Lord. His focus was to share the redeeming grace of God through the Gospel. His focus was clear: he served the Lord by sharing the Gospel. After their salvation, Paul desired to help them establish a firm foundation upon which to build their faith.

Regardless of our position or particular spiritual gifts, every believer is to be a voice for the Lord. We are all expected to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we grow and mature in the Lord, we need to actively disciple those within the faith. If our service doesn’t glorify the Lord and edify the body of Christ, we have missed our purpose!

B. The Mandate of Grace (1c) – Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness. Paul certainly acknowledged the truths of the faith. He would never consider compromising the fundamental truths of the Gospel. His life had been transformed in Christ; he was no longer the man he used to be. Now, rather than being a blasphemer and opponent of the church, Paul embraced the Lord which led to a life of godliness. He knew those who were born again in Christ would live lives that reflected the eternal change that had taken place.

Our modern society, and even many among the church, have lost sight of this truth. We must embrace the Word and will of God. Those who walk in a right relationship with Christ will submit to His authority, embrace His Word, and seek a life of godliness. If the messengers and the church lack godliness, they lack power. If they lack power, they lack effectiveness in ministry. A lack of effectiveness leads to a dead body of believers that experiences no new conversions. In order to be effective in service to the Lord, we must acknowledge truth and allow it to generate godliness within our lives. Titus 2:12-13 – Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.