Titus 3:12-15

Passage

When I should sent Artemas or Tychicus to you, hasten to come to me in Nikopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.  Make an effort to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on the way that they were heading, in order that they should have no lack in need.  Also, let our people learn to be devoted to good works into which there is urgent need in order that they should not be unfruitful.  All the ones with me greet you.  Greet the ones who love us in the faith.  Grace be with you all.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul is sending leaders to Titus because Paul wants Titus to be free to come visit him.  Paul has been mentoring Titus, and he does not want Titus to feel alone and neglected.  Paul wants Titus to return to Paul so that they can talk, they can plan, so that Paul can support Titus personally.  Ministry is a difficult thing.  It is made even more difficult when we try and do it alone.  Paul knows this, so he tells Titus to come for a visit.

Have you ever been alone in what God has asked you to do?  Why is that frustrating?  How does this help us understand the importance of support?

Second Thought:

Paul also reminds Titus to make sure that the people are focusing on doing good works – especially in the times of urgent need.  Paul is especially concerned about the fruitfulness of the people.  Bearing fruit leads to more fruit, being pruned, and more fruit.  Being unfruitful leads to stagnancy.  Paul does not want the young faith that is growing in Crete to stagnate, so he tells Titus to lift up the importance of bearing fruit to them.

Have you ever been in a place where your fruitfulness has stagnated?  How does it feel to be in a relationship with God yet not feel like you are producing any fruit?  Why is this a dangerous place to be?

Third Thought:

Paul ends on a note of grace and a greeting.  It is important that we not forget that all of the things we do happen because of God’s grace.  Without God’s grace, we could do nothing.  Without God’s grace none of our efforts could even hope to advance God’s Kingdom.  Without God’s grace, we couldn’t even be a part of God’s Kingdom.  It begins and ends with God and His grace.

Where is God’s grace in your life?  How are you responding to God’s grace?

Passage for Tomorrow: Romans 1:1-2