VII.
Paul speaks of himself as “a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ….”

A very bold claim.

But I wonder if his next claim is even more bold – “for the sake of the faith of God’s elect ….”

Can you think of folk you have encountered or know of who could make a similar claim?

As you read the focus passage, who comes to mind?

VIII.
Titus 1:1-3; 2:11-15 (NRSVue)

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that is in accordance with godliness, in the hope of eternal life that God, who never lies, promised before the ages began — in due time he revealed his word through the proclamation with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior,

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one look down on you.

IX.
How do folk you know demonstrate they have a heart “for the sake of the faith of God’s people”?

What might you do that has as its goal expressing your hope and prayers “for the sake of the faith of God’s people”?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}