GLOBAL AND PERSONAL
Opening Prayer
As you speak to me through your Word, Father, help me to hear and apply what you say to me.
Read TITUS 3
Saved in Order to Do Good
3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 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, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
Final Remarks
12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
Pause, rest, wait. Allow some quiet to fill your mind as you turn your thoughts to God.
Think Further
In these closing comments, Paul gives final directives to help Titus lead the people. Among all the details, we are reminded that this is a letter with a writer and an audience. Paul and those with him (v. 15) write to Titus to help him lead ‘the people’ (v. 1). While Artemas and Tychicus are sent in one direction, Titus is invited to visit Paul and at the same time the traveling ministries of Zenas and Apollos are to be provided for. These details remind us of the personal nature of the letter, and also the personal nature of faith. We are part of a worldwide church that recognizes that we are each uniquely a member of that body.
I have met Christians from and in many countries, sometimes within the context of ministry. It has been an experience of both giving and receiving. Something as large as God’s global church is suddenly given a name and a face and a setting. It is humbling to meet sisters and brothers as they serve and labor in diverse cultures. Having our eyes opened to the personal is at the heart of the gospel. Not only does God love ‘the world,’1 but God also loves you and me. Jesus reminds us that loving our neighbors—that personal touch—is central to expressing our faith.
The very nature of Scripture means that this is more than a letter from Paul (and friends) to Titus and the Christians on Crete. We also are invited into the message of this letter. The personal nature of God can use these words to inspire us today. We are encouraged to be open and expectant that God, who directed Paul, will speak to us and help us grow in our faith, no matter who we are or where we live.
Apply
What can you do to engage with the worldwide church in a personal way? Are there people and ministries that would benefit from some support and encouragement?
Closing prayer
Gracious God, show me where you would have me serve you; continue to teach me how to love others.
1 John 3:16
Book and Author Intros
Extras
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Encounter with God is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.