THE WORLD OR THE WORK? 2nd Timothy 4:10 Unlike those who love His appearing, there are people like Demas who “loved this present world.” This is a serious accusation against any Christian. Someone can work alongside others in sharing the Gospel and serving the Lord, and even be a believer in Christ, yet still fall into the temptations of the worldly system. The world opposes the kingdom of God and can cause a Christian to lose their testimony when they give in to worldly pressures and the pleasures of sin. Demas [Col.4:14; Ph.24] had previously worked with Paul but now abandoned him, deserted him, and let Paul down. He fell in love with the world system. Demas didn’t lose his salvation, but he lost the blessings that come when God’s people “strive together for the faith of the Gospel.” He may have yielded to the enemy, the world, because of fear, pressure, and a desire to be liked by everyone. To “live godly in Christ Jesus” and to fulfill the commission He gave us does not mean people will like us, respond to the warnings we must give, and the message of salvation the Gospel contains. The values of the world and its pleasures in these last days are very appealing, even to Christians. As God created it, the physical world was good and meant to be enjoyed. However, the world system of these last days is seriously tainted by sin, and if sin draws us in, we risk unfaithfulness. The work of the Holy Spirit in the world through God's children will bring conviction of sin, righteousness, and the judgment to come. Before the sacrifice of Christ means anything to sinners, they must confront their own personal guilt of sin against God and repent. It is then that the Holy Spirit and the word of God will reveal the purpose and significance of Christ's death for lost sinners. Crescens, who was with Paul, had gone to Galatia. He is only mentioned here in the scriptures. His name means “growing,” which should motivate all of us to do what we can, when we can, and where we can. Being unnoticed does not mean we are valueless in the work of the Lord. Whatever we do in the name of the Lord and for Him alone will not go unnoticed by our Lord and Savior. Paul did not criticize him in any way. Crescens and Titus leaving Paul was not a criticism from Paul. Like us, they had work to do, a role to fill, and a place to be where the Spirit of God directed. The New Testament references Titus thirteen times, and one of the pastoral epistles was written to him. The movement of God’s servants must be a spiritual act before God. Titus was one of Paul’s converts [Ti.1:4], who accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem at the end of their first missionary journey, seventeen years after Paul’s conversion [Gal.2:4]. Titus was older than Timothy in both years and grace. He was stronger physically and spiritually. He was a Greek convert whom Paul greatly loved and trusted. He was one of the men responsible for collecting money for the poor saints in Jerusalem [2nd Cor.8:6]. He could be relied upon to start a project and see it through to the end. Titus was a comforter and a good communicator [2nd Cor.7:6]. He was an encourager and showed appreciation for everything done for him [2nd Cor.7:13]. Titus was trusted and dependable, mature and capable [Titus 1:4]. He refused to compromise in order to please others [Gal.2:3]. Titus was dedicated to the Lord’s work in Dalmatia (Albania) [2nd Tim.4:10]. The Cretans generally did not have a good reputation [Ti.1:12,13]. They were not peaceful or patient. They were accustomed to a democratic form of government. Titus’ instructions in Titus chapter 3 and verse 1 would not be very well received by them. Paul had trusted Titus with sensitive missions in Corinth [2Cor.2:13; 7:6]. The work of the Lord remains consistent across all ages and places. God gathers people from diverse backgrounds and cultures and equips them with His Spirit for His service. More importantly, those who lead the saints must demonstrate Christ-likeness in their everyday lives. Because we cannot meet this need on our own, He brings His people together to form a called-out group. Titus had to lead this work in a very challenging environment—Crete. The three main areas of his teaching were: within the assembly, in personal life, and in the world. Paul warned Titus to watch out for people who spread false teachings and lead others astray. False teachers focus on themselves instead of Christ. They want you to weaken your faith. They often downplay Christ's divinity and the inspiration of Scripture and try to make believers rely on human judgment rather than prayer and biblical principles. References to Titus:
- 2Cor.2:13. Titus, my brother – his mentor trusted him
- 2Cor.7:6. Coming of Titus – comforting to his fellow-workers
- 2Cor.7:13. Joy of Titus – appreciative of others
- 2Cor.7:14. Boasting…before Titus – responsive to the work of others
- 2Cor.8:6. Desired Titus – because he accepted the responsibility to finish a work
- 2Cor.8:16. Earnest care… of Titus – he was concerned for the believers
- 2Cor.12:18. Did Titus make a gain? – worked in happy fellowship with others
- 2Cor.13:14. Written by Titus and Lucas – able to work for another person’s benefit
- Gal. 2:1. Took Titus with me also – able to represent another
- Gal. 2:3. Rejected the doctrines of men – Titus was not circumcised
- 2Tim.2:10. Titus to Dalmatia - he was a worker with vision
- Titus 1:4. Titus, my own son - loved by Paul, his spiritual father
- Titus 3:15. Letter to Titus – pass on greetings: assisted others – Zenas and Apollos