The book of Titus is only three chapters but these chapters tell us what we need. So far, we’ve talked about godliness in our lives (Chapter 1), grace in our church (Chapter 2), and today, we will read about good works in the world (Chapter 3). In Titus 3:12-14 we read of Artemas, Tychicus, Zenas, and Apollos. The work was not built on the apostle Paul. Together, these people helped to multiply the work.
We Have a Mission
In verse 12, Paul writes, “When I send Artemas to you….” Artemas is mentioned only once in the Bible. We don’t know much about him, except that he was willing to go. Every child of God is sent! We have a mission – the Great Commission. It will never be accomplished unless we are willing to GO. In verses 1-2, we are reminded that our manners must line up with our mission and message. Paul said they were to be subject to rulers and authorities. Nero was the ruler when Paul wrote this! We must respect the position even if we don’t respect the person. We discredit the Gospel when we are not good citizens. We should all be making Hampton Roads a better place to live, work, and raise a family. We should all watch our words at home, at work, and on social media. Ask yourself, “How will this make Jesus look?”
We Have a Ministry
Verse 12 also mentions Tychicus. Colossians 4:7 refers to him as “a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.” Like Tychicus was a faithful minister, we all have a ministry to help others because of where we have come from and what we have been through. Verses 3-7 give a picture of the Gospel. When we experienced the “kindness and the love of God” (v. 6), we were changed! Verse 3 gives a picture of what we were like without Jesus. Apart from Jesus, we are foolish, disobedient, deceived, hateful, etc. We can’t do this without Him. We must never forget where we came from. Remember what your life was like before Jesus and what God did for you! Tychicus was to Paul what Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were to Jesus. Everyone needs a friend in the ministry. He was with Paul in his first imprisonment, and carried the letter to the Ephesians, to the Colossians, and to Philemon. He would take Titus’s place at Crete so Titus could go on to meet Paul. You may not be able to sing, preach, or be a writer like Paul, but we can all be a faithful like Tychicus.
We Have a Mind
Verse 13 says, “Send Zenas the lawyer….” Zenas is the only good lawyer mentioned in the Bible! A mind is a terrible thing to waste! Jesus said we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and all our mind. We are to be of the same mind, one mind, have a willing mind, a ready mind. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus….” “Set your mind on things above….” We are not to be double minded but be sober minded. We are to mind our own business. Verses 9-10 warn against foolish arguments and divisive men. How many useless, unprofitable conversations do you have in a day? Don’t argue with people. A divisive person is someone who keeps causing division. Have the boldness and courage to say in love… “Enough!” Love can do what litigation cannot do. Zenas was a lawyer, not a preacher or an apostle. He had a normal job. God wants to use you and your job to advance the mission.
We Have a Message
Verse 13 also mentions Apollos. We read about Apollos in Acts and 1 Corinthians. Acts 18:24 says he had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God brought the increase. He was a water boy! Water boys don’t get a lot of recognition or spotlight on the team, but their job is very important in winning the game! He was teachable. He learned from Aquila and Pricilla. The devil will try to distract, divide, deceive, divert, and get us off message. We preach Jesus! The birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus! We have one job this week. Invite people to Easter at Liberty to hear that life-changing message!