How can you apply the command to preach in Titus 1:3 today? Opening the Text “Titus 1:3 — “and at the proper time He revealed His word through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior.” Seeing the Heart of the Command • God Himself “revealed His word.” • The chosen vehicle is “preaching.” • The mandate is personal: it is “entrusted to me.” • The authority is divine: “by the command of God our Savior.” Why This Still Matters • God’s plan for communicating the gospel has not shifted (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:21; Romans 10:14-15). • The timing (“at the proper time”) reminds us that today is another appointed season for proclamation (2 Corinthians 6:2). • Every believer shares in the stewardship of this message (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). Personal Application: Living the Command Now 1. Embrace the Trust – Recognize you have been handed something sacred (1 Thessalonians 2:4). – Let the weight of “entrusted” push you to faithfulness rather than timidity (2 Timothy 1:7-8). 2. Open Your Mouth – Share the gospel plainly—Christ died, was buried, rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). – Use everyday language and everyday moments (John 4:7-26). 3. Start Where You Are – Home: family devotions, intentional conversations at meals. – Work or school: be ready when colleagues raise life questions (1 Peter 3:15). – Community: neighborhood gatherings, sports sidelines, local outreach. 4. Employ Varied Platforms • One-to-one coffee chats. • Small-group Bible studies. • Social media posts saturated with Scripture. • Short video or audio devotionals. • Writing letters or emails that include a clear gospel explanation. Practical Settings for Preaching • Pulpit or podium—formal preaching opportunities. • Nursing homes, shelters, prisons—settings often hungry for hope. • Children’s ministries—shaping hearts early (Deuteronomy 6:7). • Digital mission fields—blogs, podcasts, livestreams. Qualities God Desires in the Modern Preacher • Sound doctrine (Titus 1:9). • Integrity and seriousness (Titus 2:7). • Love that mirrors Christ (Ephesians 4:15). • Courage “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). Guarding the Message • Measure every word against Scripture’s literal truth (Acts 17:11). • Avoid dilution—keep repentance and faith central (Mark 1:15). • Refuse to tailor the gospel to cultural pressures (Galatians 1:10). Encouragement for the Task • The message carries God’s power, not ours (Romans 1:16). • The Spirit equips and emboldens (Acts 4:31). • Faithfulness bears fruit, whether seen immediately or later (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Stepping Out Today • Identify one person you can share with this week. • Prepare a concise gospel outline you can speak in three minutes. • Pray specifically for clarity and open doors (Colossians 4:3-4). • Trust the God who commanded the preaching to accomplish His purpose through you (Isaiah 55:11). |
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