Called into His Service
Titus 1:1-4
Paul J. Bucknell
The Bible Teacher's Commentary
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Paul, a bond-servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, 3 but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior; 4 to Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Introduction
Every relationship that we have has the potential of bringing forth God’s love and light to others. We might not regularly think about the people we 
meet in this light, but we should. This is the difference between a mature Christian and an immature one.
The mature Christian is aware of those around him or her and constantly discerning what is God’s purpose for 
him in relationship to him. A person around us might be discouraged. When we notice that, we pray and seek the Lord for words of comfort that we might be able to say.
The immature Christian, however, focuses on how others fulfill his own needs. If he or she is happy, they exude a sense of happiness. But if they are upset, one can easily notice that they want everyone else around to notice and feel pity on them.
Sometimes this is done by withdrawing oneself; at other times by complaining. Paul showed himself to be a man who cared for others. In between prison sentences, he could not get the church off his heart. He cared for those in Crete even though it might have only been a month that he was there. He remembered them, though, and heard of their plight.
It is this relationship of love 
that stands behind any office that makes it so powerful. He was not just exerting his authority. He cared for the people and therefore exerted his authority. God’s will is most easily discovered by looking at the needs of those God brings into your lives.It is true that we all are very different, especially compared to Paul the Apostle.
He had a special role in life. But we do too. We have much more in common than we would normally think about. 
It starts with observing those around us. Secondly, we are to care for them. Thirdly, we are to follow up that concern. Whether here and elsewhere at work, home or while traveling.
We are on a mission. We have different gifts, resources and capacities, but like Paul, we are called to make ourselves available to Him and others.
Let’s try learning from Paul on how to be sensitive care for others. From Titus 1:1-4 we find three characteristics behind a mature Christian that God can greatly use. Next
The online Cross Training discipleship material helps train others to focus on others.
Book of Titus: The Bible Teacher's Commentary
