Old Llantrisant Hill
Introduction
- Considering Titus as such an encouragement to Paul
- Reading 2 Cor 7:6-7, 13-16
- God used Titus to strengthen and encourage the Apostle Paul
- We often think of Paul as a might apostle - example
- He was not super human
- He could be really downcast
- Have you found that God uses a person to encourage you?
- Example of Philemon, Vic's Dad
- Do you have someone that you can pray and confide in?
- Especially when you are low and struggling?
- Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother
- God normally uses people to strengthen us
- God's people often had partners to help: Moses & Joshua, Elijah & Elisha, David & Jonathan
- Paul had many people that helped: Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Barnabas
- We should pray God for a 'partner'
Titus
- Paul calls Titus a true son in the faith (Titus 1:4)
- Paul had led Titus to faith in Christ
- A gentile who was not circumcised Gal 2:3
- Salvation is by faith alone in Jesus
- Paul's partner and fellow worker - 2 Cor 8:23
- A loyal companion of Paul, especially regarding the Corinthian Church
- Isn't it lovely when other work alongside and hard when you are working on your own
- Two are better than one - Ecc 4:12
- Titus' task was to encourage the Church in giving - 1 Cor 16:1-3, 2 Cor 8:6
- Titus really loved the Corinthians - 2 Cor 8:16
- Therefore, Paul was happy to boast about him (v14)
- It is important to speak well of others - Example of Peter Elward
- He was sent to Crete
- Titus was to supply what was lacking in the Church - Elders (Titus 1:5)
- Paul has need of Titus
- Paul send someone else to Crete and Titus returned to Nicopolis - Titus 3:12
- Let us work together for the Lord
- Titus went all the way to Dalmatia - 2 Tim 4:10
- A ready and willing individual
- Example of John Funnel
- May the Lord help us to be like Titus
Paul
- Paul had no rest and was troubled on every side - 2 Cor 7:5
- He was not ashamed to say he was down cast
- As a Christian - we should not be ashamed to say we are depressed
- It is not a sign our spiritual life flagging
- Example of Elijah, Psalms 42-43, CH Spurgeon
- We should be open about it
- Paul was so low, that he left to find Titus
Titus' Encouragement
His Presence
- Paul valued his presence
- Titus was loyal to God, the Church, to Paul
- Today people are their 'own person' - but what about serving the Lord?
- Present at the right time
- Full of joy
- This encouraged Paul
- Titus saw the Corinthians had repented (from their behaviour in 1 Corinthians)
- He came with a joyful spirit
- Example of recent Missionary Meeting
His Words
- What did Titus say to Paul? (v7)
- Example of Geoff Thomas - the student encouraging the professor
- The Consolation he brought:
- That the Corinthians were now obedient and thankful to God for Paul
- That the Corinthians were mourning and repenting over their sin - examples
- That the Corinthians are now zealous for Paul as they realise his teaching was from God
- God can intervene directly but often He uses means:
- His Word
- His people - who refresh the hearts of the saints
- Are we ready to refresh the hearts of others?
Closing Remarks
- We are to bear each others burdens - we can encourage at least one person
- Through a joyful spirit
- Through sympathy
- Paul had a large heart/such affection (v15)
- Titus has sincere sympathy
- God sent angels to Jesus during the Desert temptations and the Garden of Gethsemane
- Example of the Shulamite Woman
- Let us be like Paul and Titus - following Christ and knowing that in our hour of need, He will help us