I looked at the scripture for this week and thought that we’d exhausted the importance of Paul’s letter. Sometimes I am wrong Our pastor always seems to find an important message in the smallest passages. I’m thankful that his sermon made me take a look at these last few verses in Titus.
“Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need.”
Titus 3:13
In this text, Paul urges Titus to help Zenas and Apollos by making sure they have what they need for their travels. It’s important for the Christians to support each other as they work together to spread the gospel.
Is this a message for us to support others in ministry as they spread the message of unity? We all need companionship, friends who encourage us and help us with whatever we need to complete the tasks God sets before us.
Sound doctrine and biblical faith will always lead.
The Bible is to be our source of how we should live and how we lead others.
When you are driven by faith, you will ask God for the purpose you have in this life. And he will show you. But, you must listen. This next verse is key in what we are to do:
“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.”
Titus 3:14
“Our people must learn…” the things that we’re supposed to do don’t come naturally. So we have to learn and we do that by reading our Bibles, listening to our pastors and leaders in the church. Whatever we hear from our leaders must be compared to what the Bible says to make sure we aren’t led astray. We have access to the Bible today, but the 1st century Christians didn’t have that luxury.
“Learn to devote themselves to doing good”. We have to learn to do good things so that we can live productive lives. The lives of those in Crete were not being productive, but Paul gives him grace. But this is a call to connect to others. We can’t do what we’ve been called to do all by ourselves. We need community, partnerships, that build our effectiveness in our call. The best leaders have a network of people behind them in the trenches that help to provide the support they need.
Batman has Robin, The Lone Ranger has Tonto. Titus isn’t beyond needing partnership and neither are we. Many don’t want to have anything to do with those who don’t think like us, but God uses the most unlikely people.
In the middle of the battle, the Israelites were winning as long as Moses held his hands up. As the battle went on, his arms got tired and began to drop. The tide of the battle changed and they began to lose. Aaron and Hur helped hold his arms up to gain victory. He needed their support just like you need the support of others today. Sometimes you’re in the role of Hur supporting someone else, encouraging, supporting any way you are able.
It’s important for Christians to be in fellowship with other Christians.
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:25
Let’s put our focus on God. Find a place where you’re held accountable. Focus on what really matters…grace.
Key points…
- The beauty of hospitality. When we meet the needs in urgent situations, we reflect God’s love. Let’s not stop doing this. See what your love is doing out in the community. Bring them into Christ and into fellowship. Be known for hospitality. When there’s a need – meet it!
- Live with a purpose. You have a purpose. It’s to do good! There’s a call to action that requires us to get involved in God’s work. Show the purpose of being a Christian. Be intentional in making a difference. Don’t be angry, quit whining, do something good.
- Sinners are saved by grace. That’s what we all have in common. None of us deserve it. It’s a gift.
Share how great our God is. He loved us even when we weren’t loveable.
Today’s takeaways…
- Cultivate supportive relationships in your church family.
- Practice hospitality and generosity
- Engage in good works
- There is nothing in the Bible that’s not important.
Who are you bringing to the parade? Who is it that needs to hear about the entry of Jesus on a donkey?
We are called to live in community…be an active part of it.
This blog post is based on the sermon by Jon Porter at Milan Christian Church on 3/17/24. So much wisdom in the words he shares with us! Come, be a part of our community.
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 