Dear Cornerstone Family,
Last week we wrapped up our Advent through Epiphany sermon series in Matthew, and today we begin a five-week series in the smallest of the pastoral epistles, Titus. 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus are lumped together in a category called the pastoral epistles. They receive the name “pastoral epistles” because their author, the Apostle Paul, is writing to two pastors, Timothy and Titus, respectively, about how to lead and serve the church.
Now, you might wonder, “Why is Nate preaching to the whole church from a letter that is intended for pastors?” Said another way, “What good can I expect to receive from a pastoral epistle since I’m not a pastor?” That’s a fair question. For starters, always remember that Scripture’s original audience is never you or me. For instance, since we just wrapped up a short series in Matthew 1-2, take Matthew. His original audience was Jewish Christians in the 1st century. He wasn’t writing specifically to you and me, 21st century Americans. And yet, didn’t you find the teaching of Matthew to be edifying, beneficial, even transformative?
The reason for that is that Matthew, along with every one of the Bible’s authors, are writing God’s Word. Notice how I said that. Every one of the Bible’s authors are writing God’s Word. God’s Word doesn’t drop from the sky with no human involvement, nor are the Bible’s authors simply writing human oracles with no divine superintending. The human author under the inspiration of the divine author pens the Word of God (see 2 Peter 1:21). As Paul says in one of the pastoral epistles, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Since this is the case, each Bible book has a historical setting and an original audience that figure significantly into the book’s message. Simultaneously, the Bible is a universally true and applicable book addressing all people at all times. Therefore, you can read Titus and receive sermons from Titus, and, even though you’re not a pastor, you can fully expect to receive tremendous benefit from it. As you overhear, so to speak, Paul instruct young Titus, you will gain profound insight into the call of church leadership, the threat of false teaching, the civic responsibilities of the church, and so much more.
Providentially, we’re beginning this series on the same day we install two new elders, Mr. Terry Cheney and Mr. Preston Brooks, into the leadership of Cornerstone. We will focus specifically on that theme today as we consider the role of godly leadership in the church.
Titus: Growing the Church in Godliness
January 14, Titus 1:1-16, “The Necessity of Godly Leadership”
January 21, Titus 2:1-10, “Commands for Godly Living”
January 28, Titus 2:11-15, “Grace for Godly Living”
February 4, Titus 3:1-8, “Devote Yourself to Every Godly Work”
February 11, Titus 3:9-15, “Discipline unto Godliness in the Church”
Your servant,
