BY TONY HOSS
Q. As a Christian I often become discouraged due to the struggles of life. What can I do?
A. In most of his writings, the Apostle Paul tries to encourage his readers, who by the way are his fellow Christians. He does so by reminding them of the certainties that they have as Christians. In his letter to Titus we find a letter of support to Christians who no doubt needed encouragement. So, Paul sends him a message of reassurance.
In Titus 1:5, Paul instructs Titus to set things in order — 1:5, that is to continue in the work that he had started there. He wanted Titus to face down false teachers (Titus 1:11). To speak things that applied to sound doctrine (Titus 2:1). To encourage servants to be under the master’s control (Titus 2:9). To remind others and himself to be subject to those who have the rule over them (government) (Titus 3:1). Paul wanted Titus to encourage the brethren to respect and appreciate what they had received by the grace of God (Titus 3). Certainly, this would be a tremendous task. How could Titus ever complete the things he was charged with doing? He would be encouraged to do so by Paul’s salutation in (Titus 1: 1-4).
Titus could perform the task knowing the assurance and hope which Paul laid down for him. Consider the following points that Paul gave to Titus and contemplate how they can help us today to complete our tasks as Christians.
In verse one, Paul declares that we are “GOD’S ELECT.” Every member of the Church is God’s Elect. The Church is made of those called out of the world of sin and into the body of Christ by the gospel message (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). We must remember that we have been called to do the work of Christians, to do the work of God on Earth, to fulfill God’s eternal purpose to save lost souls. This alone is an encouraging factor in the life of a Christian.
In verse two, Paul reminds Titus and each of us who are part of the elect that we have the “HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE.” We should ever remember that that hope is in Jesus who is our anchor and our stay in times of trouble (2 Timothy 2:10-13, Hebrews 6:17-20). We can be encouraged knowing that God is patient and that eternal life is in Jesus (2 Peter 3:9, Hebrews 5:8-9).
We can be encouraged by remembering that God has given us “HIS WORD.” His message according to verse three. God’s Word is His planned message revealed for our betterment (Ephesians 3:1-6). This message is not a hand on the radio to receive salvation, it is not sending for a prayer cloth, nor is it just a good feeling in the heart. It is the power of God to save mankind (Romans 1:16-17). It is a message that demands our obedience to His Word (2 Thess. 1:7-9). See also: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. The message of salvation was the same message preached on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 and involves the same commands given to all men in Mark 16:15-16 and Matt. 28:18-19. In all three we see mankind involved in belief, repentance, confession and baptism. This is part of the system of faith (New Testament) given from God.
According to Paul’s letter to Titus all Christians share in this “COMMON FAITH,” verse 4. This faith is one that demands we look to Jesus for all things that pertain to life and godliness. Why? Because we know He never changes. We know this faith was delivered once and for all times according to Jude 3. It is the same faith we see exhibited in (Acts 2:44).
If you are part of God’s elect, you have much to be encouraged by. The question is are you one of God’s elect? Have you obeyed the message? Do you share the common faith? If not, then do so and have the assurance of salvation?
(Tony Hoss is minister at Centerview Church of Christ, Elizabethton)