Titus 1:1-4 – The Lead of Love
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; —Titus 1:1-4
Looking back at the road so far
The journey’s left its share of scars
Mostly from leaving the narrow and straight
Looking back it is clear to me that
A man is more than the sum of his deeds
And how You’ve made good of this mess I’ve made
Is a profound mystery
Looking back You know You had to bring me through
All that I was so afraid of
Though I questioned the sky, now I see why
(I) Had to walk the rocks to see the mountain view
Looking back I see the lead of love
- Caedmon’s Call
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. - John 16:33
“Titus seems to have possessed strong relational skills. The Corinthian church responded to him in a way that they did not respond to Paul.” - John Koessler
“Even the opening verses that contain the apostle’s greeting indicate priorities that should characterize those who serve God by leading others: embrace grace, love godliness, and share Christ.” - Kent Hughes
When you follow the lead of love …
You press into the
“God is not waiting to love us until we have gotten our own lives straightened out. Godliness accords with the knowledge that establishes the relationship; godliness does not itself establish the relationship. Thus Paul makes clear the means of grace: mercy alone.” - Kent Hughes
“We are challenged these days, but not changed; convicted, but not converted. We hear, but do not; and thereby we deceive ourselves.” - Vance Havner
You
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. - Acts 2:22-24
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
- 1 Corinthians 15:22
“Grace began in eternity, and it extends to eternity. We do not have to worry about exhausting the supply of God’s mercy because of the duration of grace: forever.”
- Kent Hughes
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead … - 1 Peter 1:3
You
“When persons become absolutely convinced that their standing before God is based entirely on his grace and not on any goodness in themselves, peace comes.” - Kent Hughes
“The gospel says you are simultaneously more sinful and flawed than you ever dared believe, yet more loved and accepted than you ever dared hope.” - Tim Keller
Looking back I can finally see
How failures bring humility
Brings me to my knees
Helps me see my need for Thee
Looking back You know You had to bring me through
All that I was so afraid of
Though I questioned the sky, now I see why
Had to walk the rocks to see the mountain view
Looking back I see the lead of love
- Caedmon’s Call