Titus: Displaying the Gospel of God's Graceنموونە

Read Titus 1:1-4. Did you notice the element of time in this passage—past, present, and future? God’s promise was made in the past. (In fact, it was made before time even began, but trying to comprehend that might send us on a mental spiral, so let’s just stick with “in the past.”) God’s promise for eternal life was made in the past but will be fulfilled for all God’s people in the future when Jesus comes again and we live with him in the new heavens and new earth (Rev. 21). But that same promise, the one made long ago which will be fulfilled in the future, was accomplished in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus at a specific time in history (~AD 33). And that promised eternal life is made available to people whenever the gospel is preached. Made before time began, fulfilled when eternal life begins, ever-present and ready to save. Who else but God can hold eternity past and eternity future together with such surety? As the psalmist said, “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” Psalm 90:2 (NIV).

In these opening verses, Paul referred to the gospel without saying the word “gospel” outright. He mentioned “the truth that leads to godliness” and he talked about being entrusted with something that reveals God’s promise of eternal life. What is the truth that leads to godliness? What was Paul entrusted with? What is the promise that gives the hope of eternal life? It is the gospel of Jesus Christ—the good news that Jesus saves sinners like us. This is why Paul was so adamant about preaching the true gospel.

Paul began his letter to Titus by talking about the consequences of the gospel, rather than the contents of the gospel. And we’re going to see that godliness and good works—both consequences of the gospel—are major themes in this letter. That’s because godliness and good works should be seen in increasing amounts in the lives of those who have been saved by the gospel of grace. But, it is vitally important to know the contents of the gospel because the beautiful fruit of godliness and good works must have the gospel of grace as its root. Otherwise, we are just striving in our own effort. So, let’s peek ahead to the end of the letter to see how Paul sets the contents of the gospel on display. As we consider the glorious gospel of grace, we will see how it fuels us to bear good fruit.

Titus 3:3-7 says, “For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.”

Notice the three reasons given for why God saved us: His kindness, His love, and His mercy. Notice also that our works of righteousness did not contribute to our salvation! Read back through these verses and reflect on how all three members of the Trinity are involved in our salvation. What is the result of this salvation? Look back at verse 7: we are justified by God’s grace and made heirs of God, with the hope of eternal life!
Oh, friend, what a beautiful way to begin our study together: reflecting on the love, kindness, and mercy of God who saves sinners like us. I encourage you to begin memorizing these verses, starting with verse 3. As we hide these eternal and powerful truths in our hearts, not only will we grow in our understanding of all God has done for us, but we will also love Him more for it and be better able to share it with others. For we, like Paul, have been saved by and entrusted with the glorious gospel of grace.