Titus 2, Our Objective: Evangelism (5)

In terms of preaching the complete gospel completely there is one more word from our Lord that we must hear.

·       The gospel must be proclaimed in all sincerity (Titus 2:5,8,10; 1 Peter 2:12).  To be sincere is to be without hypocrisy.  In the case of preaching the gospel, for people to have a good opportunity, the gospel must be preached in word and deed.  We are called to have your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation (1 Pt. 2:12).  Jesus spoke similar words in the Sermon on the Mount: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Mt. 5:16). 

o   Paul wrote to Titus in Crete, a society Paul noted was significantly evil (Titus 1:10-16).  One issue was that they profess to know God, but in works they deny Him (1:16).  Thus, as Paul spoke to the Church in Crete he exhorted them to live in such a way so that the word of God may not be blasphemed, that their opponents may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you, and that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things (2:5,8,10).  For added encouragement, read Peter’s word in 1 Peter 3:15-16.

We have heard Jesus speak to us from the Scriptures.  What are some things that a local church might want to consider in seeking to apply our Lord’s commands?

ü Do the members of the body know the true gospel?  Are they able to share that gospel properly with others?  Peter says we are to be ready, always, to give a reason for the hope that is in us.  Sometimes I think that if a person is a believer in Christ then they must know how to tell others of the message and response of faith.  The problem is that, both believers and the unbelievers, are quite vulnerable to corruption of the gospel.  It is widespread in the world today.  The strong emphasis on “good works” as the path to salvation, that is present in EVERY religion except for Christianity, is hard to set aside. 

ü The emphasis on reaching the immediate area around the local church and then branching out; it could be helpful to pray and plan for this.  When we first went to Ukraine, shortly after the Communists had left, and there was great interest in spiritual things, the churches in our area laid it on each existing church to start churches in at least two adjoining areas.  Prayer, planning and training and the Spirit’s work led from 32 to over 140 churches in 15 years.

ü A church must have a commitment to world missions in some way.  And a church would do well to find opportunities in their community to meet the basic physical needs of people.

ü As always, the bottom line is to have a church that knows how to hear what the Spirit is saying and to follow His leading in His strength.