Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, 3 but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior; - The New King James Version (Tt 1:1–3). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
In this passage from Titus, we learn that Paul identifies himself as a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. He stresses the importance of having faith in God's elect and acknowledging the truth that aligns with godliness.
God's promise of eternal life is an incredible gift available to all who have faith in Him and acknowledge the truth of Jesus Christ. This promise is available in the afterlife and can be experienced in the present through a life lived in service to God and others. God's word has been manifested through preaching, which was committed to Paul according to the commandment of God our Savior.
As we study this passage, we can see how Paul's example can inspire us to commit ourselves to spread the message of Jesus Christ and serving God.
The manifestation of God's word through preaching is essential to spreading the message of salvation. As Christians, we are responsible for sharing the gospel with others and spreading the love of Jesus Christ. Through preaching the gospel, people can hear and receive the message of salvation. However, more is needed to speak the message of Jesus Christ with words.
St. Francis of Assisi is famously quoted as saying, "Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words." Mother Teresa similarly emphasized the importance of serving others to demonstrate our love for God and spread the message of Jesus Christ.
How we live our lives and actions is just as important as our words. Our preaching should be accompanied by love, activities, and deeds reflecting our message. In another passage, Paul expresses this notion: "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love" (Galatians 5:6). Our preaching should not only be with words but also with loving actions and deeds.
For example, the apostle James in the New Testament emphasized the importance of demonstrating our faith through our actions: "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, if it is not accompanied by action, faith by itself is dead."
Paul's commission to spread the message of Jesus Christ is a reminder of our own responsibility to share the gospel with others. As we go about our daily lives, we must remember that we are called to serve and spread the message of salvation.
Let us pray that we may have the faith and courage to follow in Paul's footsteps, serve God with all our hearts, and spread the message of Jesus Christ to all those around us. May we be reminded of the hope of eternal life available to all who believe in God and acknowledge the truth of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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