Titus 1:1-4
Paul is identifying himself as a “bondservant of Christ.” This is something that we need to consider when we reflect on our identity. A bondservant was the lowliest form of slavery. Paul identified himself as one who belonged completely and unconditionally to Christ. This was not a bad thing. It was a gracious act of God to redeem him from slavery to sin.
We too, who are believers in Jesus as the son of God and the only means to salvation, must not forget that we were once in slavery to our sinful hearts and desires. Jesus, in his great mercy, has rescued us from such a terrible master. We are now in his possession.
Are you grateful to be the servant of such a wonderful master or do you rebel against him in an attempt to control your own life? Do you seek to be mastered again by your sin or do you daily resign control of yourself to Christ’s authority.
Paul speaks of serving Christ for the sake of the faith of the elect. He has been charged by God to share the gospel with those around him. We have the same command from Jesus. What gospel do you share with those around you on a daily basis. Do they see and hear the gospel of Jesus in your life or do they witness the gospel of you?
Paul’s hope for eternal life is in God and it is a firm hope. Do you model your days around this eternal hope? It was promised to us by God, “who never lies”. It was promised to us “before the ages began”. Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians that our salvation was promised “before the foundation of the world was laid.”
Salvation and eternity with God has been God’s plan for believers since eternity past. Additionally, this promise is manifested – or made complete – through the person of Jesus and the preaching of his gospel. We must remind ourselves of this grate promise of God on a daily basis and we must share this gospel with those around us.
True submission to Christ as our master results in a life that pursues the knowledge of Christ, a life lived in a godly manner, and a firm faith in Jesus accompanied by a hope in the eternal salvation of God’s elect. Who will you serve today? What will that look like? Are you sharing your firm hope in God’s salvation with those around you?