Yesterday the youth Sunday school class began a 7-week study of Titus with Titus 1:1-4. In this passage, Paul introduces himself. Note how clear and confident Paul is about his identity and mission. He knows who he is and what he’s about. Take a look:
1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;
4To Titus, my true child in a common faith:
Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Are we this clear and confident about our identity in Christ? I suspect that as we become more so, we will become more focused as Christians and more effective as members of the body of Christ.
Here are some questions to consider in an effort to hone in on your identity and mission as a Christian and church member based on Paul’s introduction. Don’t expect a lightening bolt of specificity as you think through them. Do expect to gain some ideas and traction to move forward in ministry in specific ways.
What is your relationship with God? With Jesus Christ?
Paul identifies himself as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. How do you identify yourself in relation to God and Jesus? A servant? A worshipper? A son or daughter? A creation? A disciple? A follower? A minister?
We need to consider this relationship before considering our function and assignments. If we our relationship with Jesus is mere casual association, we are not yet a part of the real church. If this describes you, I urge you to trust and begin following Jesus right now!
What is your function as a part of the body of Christ/member of the church?
Paul understands that his function is that of an apostle, or messenger. What’s yours? Are you a messenger to non-Christians? A messenger to Christians? A teacher? A miracle-worker? A healer? A helper? An administrator? A cross-cultural missionary? Another key question to ask here is, what are your gifts? Leadership? Service? Exhortation? Giving? Mercy? Wisdom? Knowledge? Faith? Administration? Evangelism? Hospitality? Intercession? Discernment? Communication? Also consider your interests and what others affirm as your strengths to help you zero in on this. (Read Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:1-16.)
What is your assignment?
Paul knew that his assignment was to minister to the elect, those whom God had predestined to be saved. What’s yours? Toward whom is God pointing you? Your family? Your fellow church members? Outsiders? Coworkers? Extended family? Friends? Neighbors? Those in “the lands beyond”, oversees? Non-Christians? New Christian? Mature Christians? Children? Adults? Elderly?
Not sure? Then, just start serving those already around you.
How will you go about your assignment according to your function?
Putting it all together, how does your function connect to your assignment? Paul understood that he was entrusted with gospel preaching to fulfill his function and assignment. How about you? Where does your function intersect with your assignment?
Will you give this exercise a try? Are the questions helpful to you? Let me know how it goes.
Pastor Matt
