Leadership in the Church

Titus 1:1-4

1 Paul, a servant of god, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

Paul wrote this letter between his first and second imprisonments in Rome to guide Titus in working wiht the churches on the island of Crete.  There was a strong pagan influence on this small island, therefore the church needed strong Christian leadership

In one phrase, Paul gives his reason for living.  He calls himself a servant of God - he was committed to obeying God.  This obedience led him to spend his life telling others about Christ.  How would you describe your purpose in life?  To what are you devoted?

2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

The foundation of our faith is trust in God's character.  Because he is truth, he is the source of all truth and cannot lie.  Believing this truth leads to a God - honoring life-style.  The eternal life he has promised will be ours because he keeps his promises.  Build your faith on the foundation of a trustworthy God who will not lie.

3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior;

4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith:  Grace, mercy and peace, from god the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Titus, a Greek, was one of Paul's most trusted and dependable co-worker.  Paul sent Titus to Corinth on several special missions to help the church in its troubles (2 Corinthians 7,8).  Paul and Titus also traveled together to Jerusalem (Galatians 2:3) and Crete (1:5).  Paul left Titus in Crete to lead the new churches springing up on the island.  Titus is last mentioned by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:20; his last recorded letter.  Titus had leadership ability, so Paul gave him leadership responsibility, urging him to use his abilities well. 

I am a bit excited about venturing into this book.  I have never really studied an entire book like this aside from Ruth and Esther.  Whenever we do this type of study in church I tend to get lost because I don't always hear the preacher.. something I really struggle with in churches with my hearing impairment.  I am starting with these small books to get myself into the habit of Bible reading daily.  I tend to dig deep into a huge project and never actually accomplish it.  I am thrilled that with the Lord's help, I have made it this far.