We
have come to the final words from Paul the apostle to Titus who is
the pastor of the church located in Crete. Often the final words are
some of the most important when a letter is written, and although
there are many valuable words within this three chapter book we have
the privilege of studying these final ones from Paul. He wrote in
chapter three and verse fifteen:
All
that are with me salute you. Greet them that love us in the faith.
Grace [be] with you all. Amen.
Over
and over again we have discovered Paul's care for Titus and the
church he pastored, and now he shares the first of three caring
phrases with Titus. The first is, "All that are
with me salute you."
We learn from this phrase that there was at least a few people who
joined Paul when he wrote these words. Most of the time Paul dictated
his letters and perhaps there were a few people involved in his
sharing. Nonetheless those who were with Paul desired that they be
noted as concerned for Titus as well.
Next
Paul sends his greeting to those who were with Titus. He wrote,
"Greet them that love us in the faith."
Paul
desired that people who were with Titus know that he was concerned
for them as well. In each of these two instances there were those who
were gathered with each man as they ministered the gospel. It seems
that the most effective ministers are those with whom God has blessed
with a team of people to share in the Kingdom work.
Finally
Paul writes, "Grace be with you all. Amen."
The
unmerited favor of God is employed as a final benediction to Titus
and all who were with him. In all the ministry activities that may be
done it is important to remember the wonderful blessing of the grace
of God. It is by God's grace we are saved. It is by God's grace we
even know the Lord, and it is certainly by God's grace that we are
able to minister for Him in our churches.
"Amen"
means, "so be it", and thus we read the final word of
Paul's short but dynamic letter to Titus. May we all consider the
wonderful words of Paul and allow the Lord Jesus to reign in our
lives in such a manner as this. Amen!
Next
time we will begin a new book from the Old Testament named "Ruth",
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites,
www.amazon.com
; www.barnesandnobles.com
; download
to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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