Titus 1:1-4
A Faith That Rests on a Promise
Read the passage
1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness,
2in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.
3In His own time He has made His word evident in the proclamation entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior.
4To Titus, my true child in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Paul introduces himself as God's servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ. His authority is a commission to serve God's chosen people, strengthening their faith and knowledge of the truth. That truth leads to godliness: knowing God should affect how His people live.
The hope before them is eternal life. It rests on a promise from God, who cannot lie. Paul locates that promise before time began, making God's saving purpose the foundation of the message he now proclaims. Its reliability comes from God's truthful character.
At His appointed time, God made His word known through preaching entrusted to Paul. Paul speaks under the command of God our Savior. The gospel is a message he has received to announce, rather than a hope he has invented.
He writes to Titus as his true child in their common faith. They share both trust in Christ and the work of serving His people. The greeting asks for grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Before the letter addresses leaders and conduct, it places Titus and the church within God's saving promise and care.
Questions
1 What is Paul's service meant to strengthen?
AnswerIt serves the faith of God's chosen people and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness in their lives.
2 Why is the promise of eternal life trustworthy?
AnswerGod, who cannot lie, made the promise before time began. Its reliability rests in His character rather than in our achievements.
3 How has God made His word known?
AnswerAt His appointed time He made it known through the proclamation entrusted to Paul by the command of God our Savior.
4 How does Paul describe his relationship with Titus?
AnswerHe calls Titus his true child in their common faith and asks for grace and peace from the Father and Christ Jesus.
What This Means for Us
Bring the promise of eternal life into a concern that is making the future feel uncertain. God has not promised every outcome we want, but He has given His people a hope that rests on His truthfulness.
Let that hope affect today's conduct. Ask how knowing this faithful God should change a choice you face, rather than leaving what you believe separate from how you live.
Prayer
Faithful Father, thank You for the promise of eternal life in Christ. Strengthen our faith, teach us Your truth and make our conduct reflect the hope You have given. Amen.