Titus- The Glory of Christ

Text: 2 Corinthians 7:13-16; 8:23-24
26 March 2006

(I) PERSONAL ASSISTANTS TO PAUL

Paul had many assistants. They stayed with him:

1. Out of regard for Paul as their teacher-mentor

2. Out of regard for Paul as an apostle

3. Out of love for Paul as “father” (in the case of Titus and Timothy)

(II) PAUL’S BOAST OF THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH

“For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed.
But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus was found true” 2
Corinthians 7:14

1. Original meaning of the word “boast”

a) To take pride in

b) To speak glowingly of

2. Defence of the use of boasting

a) Nothing to be ashamed about

b) Spoken in truth

c) All praises found to be true

(III) OUTSTANDING QUALITIES OF TITUS

“If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellowworker…” 2 Corinthians 8:23

1. A caring heart

“The same earnest care” 2 Corinthians 8:16

2. A humble and obedient spirit

“Accepted the exhortation” 2 Corinthians 8:17

3. Diligent heart

“But being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord” 2 Corinthians 8:17

(IV) THE HIGHEST TRIBUTE

“Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are the messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ” 2 Corinthians 8:23

1. Accorded the respect of the word “messengers” (literally- “apostles”)

2. Accorded the phrase “the glory of Christ”