Better Late than Never

Introduction to Titus

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began. Titus 1:2

Background:
Titus was a Greek Gentile (Gal. 2:3) who was led to faith in Christ by Paul (Titus 1:4) before or during the apostle's first missionary journey. He is mentioned by name 13 times in the NT, of which 9 are found in 2 Corinthians. This letter is classified as one of three Pastoral Epistles, 1 & 2 Timothy being the other two.
This letter was written by Paul around AD 62-64, probably after 1 Timothy. Paul was ministering to Macedonian churches between his first and second Roman imprisonments, from either Corinth or Nicopolis (3:12). Titus joined Paul on the island of Crete and was left behind to continue and strengthen the work. After Artemas or Tychicus arrived to direct the ministry there, Paul wanted Titus to join him in the city of Nicopolis, in the provice of Achaia in Greece, and stay through the winter (3:12). Because he was involved with the Corinthian church during Paul's third missionary journey, Titus is mentioned nine times in 2 Corinthians. This brother and fellow worker was familiar with Judaizers, false teachers in the church, which insisted all Christians be bound by the Mosaic Law (legalists and circumcision). Titus had accompanied Paul and Barnabas years earlier to the Council of Jerusalem where that heresy was the subject. (MacArthur Bible Commentary)
The last mention of Titus is found in 2 Timothy 4:10 where he had gone for ministry in Dalmaria-what used to be Yugoslavia. The letter was probably delivered by Zenas and Apollos (3:13). (Shepherd's Notes)

Crete, the island:
It was one of the laragest island in the Mediterranean Sea, measuring 160 miles by 35 miles, lying south of the Aegean Sea, which was visited by Paul on his voyage to Rome (Acts 27). He returned there for ministry and later left Titus to continue the work, while he went on to Macedonia. It's likely that Paul wrote this letter in a response to a letter from Titus or a report from Crete.

The Cretans were a people described by Paul in Titus 1:12 as liars, evil beasts, and slow bellies (lazy gluttons). The islanders first heard about Christ from Jewish pilgrims returning from Jerusalem with amazing stories of Pentecost. The isolation of those new believers made them susceptible to the influence of local traditions, itinerant philosophers, and Roman temptations ( idol worship). Titus had his hands full and needed extranordinary patience and love. He stuck it out and finished his work there.

There are three interdependent themes-God's redeeming grace, knowledge of truth, and righteous behavior-define Christian maturity and should characterize every believer in every church. (Swindoll)

Are you ready to to start walking in the Word?

The New Living Translation says verse 1-4 like this: This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them confidecne that they have eternal life, which God-who does not lie-promised them before the world began. And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we annouced to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him. I am writing to
Titus, my true son in the faith that we share. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.

LET IT GLOW

In verse 2, Paul says he has the hope of eternal life (epi in Greek), which means "upon the basis of" a hope or expectation of eternal life. Isn't that what we are all seeking for the end? The rich young ruler, found in Matthew 19, wanted to know how to have eternal life in heaven. However, he wouldn't let go of his riches and follow Jesus. John 3:16 tells us to believe in Jesus and we will have everlasting life. God doesn't lie and He promised eternal life before the world began. He had a plan and He worked the plan.
We don't have to worry about it any more, if we've asked Jesus to come into our heart, forgive us of our sins, and be our Savior and Lord. Some day, friends, we will meet in heaven, if not here on earth. Now that's exciting, isn't it?

"In due times" refers to God having a schedule and is always on time. God's plan is revealed in His Word and It is manifested through preaching. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
God is always on time, never late. Whatever He does is just the right time for it to occur.

That reminds me of our family get-togethers. I have a relative who is famous for being late, 10-30 minutes late. Often, we would all wait around the table, food ready and warm, looking at the door, waiting for them to show up. Why they were always late, I don't know, but it became a family joke. We didn't have to guess who would be the last to show up. I know, it's better late than never.

I'm glad it won't matter in heaven who is the last to show up so we can feast around the Lord's table. (The first shall be last.) I think we'll just be glad we were there. God makes no mistakes and is always on time. I need to hear that every now and then, don't you? Do my attitudes reveal it?


LET IT GROW

Paul tells us in verse 1 that he's:
-a servant (slave) of God, [slave-one who gives himself wholly to another's will.]
-an apostle of Jesus Christ,
-sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen (elect),
-sent to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives,
-has eternal life, which was provided before the foundation of the world,
-stating that God doesn't lie,
-has a message reveal to him from God to be announced to everyone,
-was entrusted and commanded by God with this work for Him,
-writing to Titus, his true son in the faith that the shared,
-sends grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior to Titus (and us).

Now, that's a lot to say in just four verses, isn't it?
Whose slave am I? Am I going to the Master for His daily instructions, asking "What will You have me to do today, Lord?" Do I encourage the elect? Am I teaching the Truth? Do I teach about how to live godly lives?
Do I listen for a message from God through His Word, others believers, and the church? Will I send grace, mercy, and peace of God to others? That's a lot to consider.

Here are some questions I found in The Experiencing God Study Bible:

Are you God's slave? Is godliness a major goal of your life? What ministry is God speaking to you about?


LET IT GO

My hope of eternal life in heaven comes from Jesus.

Live like I'm headed there tomorrow.

Trust God's timing for everything.

Remember, God doesn't lie.