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Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Saviour; To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.
We live in a world where society rules. Society dictates how we live, what we read or watch, what we wear and in some cases, what we believe in. We are constantly being bombarded with temptations that lure us away from God. The use of key words and images appeal to our desires and make us believe we cannot do without them. How are we, as Christians, meant to live in such a society? How can we possibly resist a society so powerful?
The apostle Paul opens this letter with a long and detailed commentary of his apostleship. Given the general topic of the letter to Titus, one can imagine he is ensuring any reader that he has authority to write such things, however, Paul is also telling us why he preaches and in so doing explains what we should do.
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ identifies three characteristics of God's people.
Faith
... faith of God's elect
God's people are believers in God. They have faith in Jesus Christ his son. This is a characteristic we must work on daily, for if we don't the world's influences will subject us to sin, time and time again. We must have faith to remain strong for it is Christ's strength that helps us resist temptation. It is for this reason, Paul preaches ... for the sake of the faith of God's elect ...
Paul understands the importance of preaching the Gospel. This is a fantastic tool to guard yourselves against Satan. It serves to remind us of the power and love of God made evident through the death of Jesus, his son.
Therefore, Paul preaches for the sake of their faith.
Knowledge
... knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness
Faith and knowledge belong together. It is those who knows God's name who put their faith in him. Their knowledge of God's name or revealed character is the basis of their faith. They trust him because they know he is trustworthy. Paul speaks of a knowledge of the truth, a knowledge that can grow as you read and interact with the scriptures. Indeed, as you delve deeper and deeper into the word, you become more godly. This is an essential feature of truth and is the perfect test of authenticity - if it comes from God, it must lead to God!
Therefore, Paul preaches to help us grow in our knowledge of God.
Hope
... hope of eternal life
God's people have a hope that is sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:19). Our Christian hope is such a firm foundation of our Christian life that our faith and our knowledge of the truth may be described as resting on it.
How can we be so sure of this hope? Simply because God has given a threefold guarantee of eternal life.
First: God ... promised before the ages began. Eternal life is part of his eternal purpose for his people. It is the reward for having faith in God and his Christ, Jesus.
Second: He is a God who never lies. We lie all the time. We lie without thinking about lying. We lie to save face. We are notorious liars, but God does not lie! ... he cannot deny himself (2 Timothy 2:19) and ... it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18).
Third: This same trustworthy God who made this promise of eternal life has at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which [Paul has] been entrusted by the command of God our Saviour.
The promise, the character and the gospel of God combine together to guarantee this promise of eternal life. God first promised eternal life before time began, he revealed the promise to the world in his time (the proper time) through the Gospel and he will fulfil it when time comes to an end.
Therefore, Paul preaches to remind us of God's promise until it is fulfilled, as (if you are like me) we tend to forget easily!
So, what should we do?
We must preach the Gospel to ourselves everyday to grow in knowledge of the truth and faith, only then can we hold onto the hope of eternal life.
