TITUS, MY TRUE SON. Titus 1:4 Titus was a Greek convert whom Paul deeply loved and trusted. He was one of the men responsible for collecting money for the poor saints in Jerusalem [2 Cor.8:6]. He could be relied upon to start a task and see it through to completion. Titus was a comforter and an effective communicator [2 Cor.7:6]. He was an encourager and grateful for all that was done for him [2 Cor.7:13]. Titus was trusted, dependable, mature, and capable [Titus 1:4]. He refused to compromise to please others [Gal.2:3]. Titus was committed to the Lord’s work in Dalmatia (Albania) [2 Tim.4:10]. We need younger individuals dedicated to carrying on the Lord's work today. The qualifications for leadership mainly focus on character rather than skill. How a person lives and their personal relationships show who they truly are. The Lord's work stays quite similar across all ages and places. God takes people from various backgrounds and cultures and equips them with His Spirit for His service. More importantly, those who lead the saints must display Christ-like behavior in their communities. Since we cannot meet this need on our own, He gathers them together to form a called-out community of God’s people. Titus had to oversee this work in a very challenging location—Crete. His teaching focused on three areas: the assembly, personal life, and the world. Titus was responsible for this mission because he was a Cretan. His time with Paul had prepared him through Paul's training to handle what was needed on the island. Cretans were not known for good character [1:12,13]. They were neither peaceful nor patient. They were used to a democratic form of government and doing things their own way. Titus’s instructions in chapter three and verse one likely wouldn't be very popular with them. Paul had trusted Titus with sensitive missions in Corinth [2 Cor.2:13; 7:6]. Whenever we see self-appointed leaders and teachers, they often cause problems among the saints. The “common faith” is held by all believers worldwide who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as “God our Savior.” That faith is a gift from God Himself through the written words of the Bible, “Sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy word is truth.” The Holy Spirit makes the words of Scripture real to us and, through them, guides us to personally trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is the divine strength needed and given to serve the Lord and live holy, righteous, and godly lives. Mercy means compassion for the needs of every person, regardless of who they are. Peace is the quiet calm that is given when we cast our cares and burdens on the Lord, who sustains us. Anxiety and fear from difficult circumstances beyond our control leave when God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, give us that peace.
Titus 1:4