Wednesday 24 December 2008

Background

Titus was an early Christian convert and evangelist sent by Paulto minister to the people on the island of Crete. He is thought tohave been one of Paul's closest associates, but there is noconsensus of opinion amongst scholars as to whether or not Paulactually wrote this letter.

Like the other 'pastoral' epistles (letters) which were addressedto Timothy, the overall purpose of this letter to Titus was to givehim general advice concerning the organisation and management ofthe early Church. It was also intended to give hope, encouragementand instruction to the early Christians on how to live as theywaited for the soon-expected second coming of Christ. To knowChrist by the grace of God is, according to the author of thisepistle, to live in the hope and expectation that Christ will comeagain. This is part of the mystery of faith which Christianscontinue to proclaim:

Christ has died.
Christ has risen.
Christ will come again.

This particular passage of the New Testament was important to JohnWesley (one of the founders of Methodism) and the early Methodists.They were convinced that by God's grace in Christ, salvation waspossible for all people, not just a chosen few. The passage'semphasis on the necessity of renouncing impiety and living uprightand godly lives as taught by Christ lies at the root of Wesley'sconstant stress that people must respond to God's grace by workingout their own salvation. This is not meant to imply that Christianscan in any way save themselves by good works, but simply that aknowledge of Christ should prompt people to want to live their lifedifferently. According to this passage, Christ not only redeems andpurifies the people of God and makes them his own people, but healso makes them a people who will want to share in his passion forthe work of God.

To Ponder

What difference might you expect to see in theworld if Christians really hoped and lived in the expectation ofthe second coming of Christ?

What could Christians do publically to convinceothers that God's offer really is for all?

How do you respond to God's grace? What do youdo?