Titus: The Mandates for Spiritual Leadership
Titus 1:1-4

*Have you ever had a “light bulb” moment? I am absolutely sure that we have had the “deer-in-the-headlight” moments where we have no idea what to do.
*Have you ever been told it is time for a “Come to Jesus” meeting?
*We learn of Stephen and a young man named Saul on the road to Damascus when he has his “Come to Jesus” moment.
*Paul begins this letter to move to a personal letter to Titus so that the Cretans can have a few “light bulb” moments.

I.The Clarion Call for Spiritual Leadership
There has to be a clear and distinct ringing out of Biblical truth and spiritual leadership even more as we see the day of Christ approaching.
A.The Introduction of Spiritual Leadership – 1:1-4
This opening salutation is one of the longest similar to Romans as he expounds who he is by giving his credentials.
1.His Person – Paul – Saul changed to Paul and murderous persecutor transformed to missionary preacher. Paul had people of impact reach into his life and we learn of Ananias and Barnabas. Paul and Barnabas are ministering together and then set apart to a new mission (Acts 13:1-3) along with John Mark.
2.His Position – God called him to serve. He couldn’t resist and God’s plan was significantly larger. Ananias was told by the Lord that Paul was a chosen vessel of Mine (God).
a.Bondservant of God – Paul is the bondservant of Jesus Christ (Romans, Philippians & Gal. 1:10). It carries the idea that there was a complete ownership by God and a complete dependence.
b.Apostle of Jesus Christ – In 9 of the 13 books Paul says he is an apostle of Christ as being sent by the will of God. “apostle” - “a messenger, one sent with a specific message” and here carries the idea of a special messenger, a special ambassador with a specific message and the authority to deliver the message.

3.His Passion – When Paul had that moment when he was confronted with Jesus Christ, his life of service and ministry began to grow in truth and godliness. Why? 2 Timothy 1:8-11 / Titus 2:11-14 -
a.The Promise of God – The promise of eternal life and that God cannot lie – Ephesians 1:4; Hebrews 6:13, 18
b.The Preaching from God – The message of the Christ must be proclaimed from Paul. This message was committed to him by the command of God our Savior. The message of God’s grace is our message and our world desperately needs Christ and hope.

4.His Prodigy – Titus –
a.His Son in the Faith – He is a true son – a believer who was led to Christ by Paul himself. It was the common faith that was shared from the Gospel. This faith now not only includes the saving faith but also the walk of faith and obedience.
b.His Salutation of Faith – It will involve grace and peace.
Grace – Grace is the wonderful gift of God that brings salvation and it has appeared to all men.
Peace – We can only have peace with God once the sin payment has been complete.

You have now heard that the grace of God has appeared along with the kindness and love of God our Savior.

Your light bulb moment is right now -
No God – No peace. Know God – Know Peace.