Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
1 “This letter is from Paul, a slave of GOD and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to bring faith to those GOD has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live GODly lives. 2 This truth gives them the confidence of eternal life, which GOD promised them before the world began – and HE cannot lie. 3 And now at the right time HE has revealed this Good News, and we announce it to everyone. It is by the command of GOD our Savior that I have been trusted to do this work for HIM.” ~ Titus 1:1-3
Paul wrote this letter between his first and second imprisonment in Rome – before he wrote 2nd Timothy. He wrote this letter to guide Titus in working with the churches on the island of Crete, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. Paul had visited Crete with Titus and had left him there to minister. – “I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you.” – Titus 1:5 – There was a strong pagan influence on this small island because Crete may have been a training center for Roman soldiers. Therefore, the church in Crete needed strong Christian leadership.
In one short phrase Paul gives us insight into his reason for living. He calls himself “a slave of GOD” – that is, one who was committed to obeying GOD. This obedience led him to spend his life telling others about Christ. When we think about it – how would we describe our purpose in life? What are we devoted to? Paul called himself “an apostle”. Even thought he was not one of the original twelve, he was specially called by GOD to bring the Good News to the Gentiles. The word “apostle” means: messenger or missionary. “Those GOD has chosen” refers to GOD’s choice of HIS people, the church.
In verse 2, we find that apparently lying was commonplace in Crete. Paul made it clear at the beginning that GOD does not lie. The very foundation of our faith is trust in GOD’s character. Because GOD is truth, HE is the source of all truth, and therefore HE cannot lie. Believing in HIM leads to living a GOD-honoring life-style. The eternal life that GOD has promised will be ours because HE keeps HIS promises. We must remember to build our faith on the foundation of a trustworthy GOD who never lies.
GOD is called “our Savior”, as is Jesus Christ. – “May GOD the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.” – Titus 1:4 – “GOD” is referred to as the Father. Jesus did the work of salvation by dying for our sins, and therefore, He is our Savior. GOD planned the work of salvation, and HE forgives our sins. Both the Father and the Son acted to save us from our sins. The offer of salvation is there for us – it is up to us as to whether or not we will accept it.
Father GOD, the truth of YOUR Word gives us the promise of eternal life through YOUR Son – Jesus Christ – our Savior. Thank YOU! Father, YOU are the foundation of our faith and we place our trust in YOU. YOU are truth and the source of all truth. Lead us LORD to living a GOD-honoring life-style, so that we may have the eternal life YOU have promised us. May our GOD and Father, and Jesus Christ our Savior, give us grace and peace.
Photo: Sand Harbor (Tahoe, Nevada)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
