Pastor Kevin Miller begins a new series in the book of Titus.
The Joy of Authority > Titus 1:1-4
1:1-3 Paul is the author, yet the truths are from the Lord.
1:4 Titus is the recipient, one who shares in the same grace and peace of God as Paul does.
Emphasis: Paul is a servant of the Lord, yet he has authority because the Lord has given it to him. Paul’s mission is to serve God’s people by making known to them the knowledge of the Lord and the sure hope of eternal life.
Context: Paul is writing to give Titus his marching orders while in Crete, as well as what it will look like to appoint elders who will faithfully shepherd the church there.
Theme: God’s authority brings joy and purpose to Paul, just as it will bring joy and purpose through Paul to Titus and to the church. To obey what Paul writes will – ultimately – be obeying, serving, and enjoying the Lord Himself.
How does this connect to Jesus? It shows us how Jesus can change a person (Paul) and make them useful for His plan. It further teaches us what giving your life in the service of others (Paul’s mission of teaching and training the elect) looks like, which is a clear echo of what Christ has done for us. Similarly, just as Paul will reveal to Titus the work which the Lord has for him, so Christ has revealed to us how we can have eternal life by trusting Him and following Him.
Applications: Paul writes with God’s authority – that means that we are serving God when we obey what we are studying here in this letter. We also learn some big truths about how God uses His authority: (1) when He speaks, we are to respond in obedience. (2) God often uses people – even flawed ones – as part of His plans. (3) God’s promises are trustworthy.
