Last month, Pastor Dave wrapped up a nine-part series on the book of 2 Timothy. Today, he dives into Paul’s next epistle: Titus.
“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ . . .” Titus 1:1
Voluntary servitude
Paul always introduces himself in relationship with God. The word “servant” here literally means a bondservant, someone who voluntarily puts himself under another person as a slave for life. It’s saying, “I will be your slave. I will do whatever you tell me.” Typically when he uses that language, he’s referring to being a slave for Jesus, but this time he refers to God the Father.
Romans 6 says we were formerly slaves to sin—it was our master, and we had no choice but to obey sin. Jesus changed everything and gave us a new identity. We are no longer slaves to sin but slaves to God in righteousness.
Salvation is God’s
Paul is not only a slave to God but called himself “an apostle of Jesus Christ,” which means “sent one.” Our God is a missionary God, he sent his Son Jesus into the world as a missionary. Jesus said he came to seek and save that which is lost (Luke 19:10). In John 20:21, he said, “Just as the Father has sent me into the world, so send I you.” Paul is simply continuing the work of Jesus as a missionary. Paul saw that everything he did and everything he was through God in Christ was ultimately for the sake of others, specifically for the sake of the elect.
Salvation from start to finish is a work from God. We can’t save people and grow our churches. That’s God’s responsibility. There’s a delightful sense of peace and joy in that. Before the foundations of the world, God chose us through Christ. Before you did anything good or bad, you were chosen out of love to be in Christ. If that doesn’t dispel all insecurity and uncertainty in your life, I don’t know what will.
The simplicity in identity
Are you living out your identity in Christ? We have a tendency to agonize over the complexities in our lives. Simplicity can come when we understand who we are in light of God. Today, how can you know and live out your identity of being a sent slave of Jesus?
