The life of faith is a spiritual journey beginning at the moment of new birth (regeneration) through personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, and continuing onward and upward from spiritual infancy—through the stages of spiritual growth— into maturity and beyond. I refer to it as the journey “from the cross to the crown.”
  
The little book of Titus, one of Paul’s “pastoral epistles,” provides a short-course on the life of faith. As we explore the great and timeless truth contained in this epistle, we will refer again and again to the “life of faith” and the journey “from the cross to the crown,” and to the many promises and provisions supplied by God in His matchless grace for those who choose to live in the light of the cross.
This was the subject of the Spring 2011 Conference in Canberra, Australia.

Gene Cunningham - February 3, 2003

Titus #6

Titus #6

Areas of ministry: priesthood, ambassadorship, minister (Tit 1:4-9). Conviction is the bedrock of ministry -- the certainty that you are doing what God would have. Conviction produces character needed. Character is the invisible power behind our conduct (2Co 4:1-7). Endurance has to be built on conviction (2Co 4:1, Phi 4:13). We can have confidence (2Co 3:4), because of sufficiency (2Co:3:4-5). The reason is we adequacy (2Co:3:8-9). Endurance reflects the glory of Jesus Christ (2Co:3:18-19). Ministry demands that you loose your life; we all have it (1Co 12:7, Mar 13:34, Rom 11:29). Endurance is evidence of faith at work. When God's mercies are received by faith, the outcome is sacrifice (Rom 12:1). Reception of mercy is displayed by endurance (2Co 4:1, 2Co 4:8-10). Dynamics of endurance: (1) the world can afflict you, but only bad attitudes crush you; (2) Conditions may perplex us, but only despair can defeat us; (3) Faith says we aren't forsaken; (4) Spiritual invincibility doesn't mean you won't be struck down, but means you cannot be stopped; (5) the power of resurrection means we need to walk in the valley of shadow of death - to world and self; (6) The glory of eternity dwarfs the sufferings of time. With integrity there is no reason to hide or to employ gimmicks (2Co 4:2, 1Jo 1:7). Integrity sees truth as more important than success. Humility realizes God gets all the credit; Jesus Christ is the central issue; and the content of the vessel/container is most important (2Co 4:6-7, Col 2:3). Christ is the ultimate demonstration of use of the tools of ministry -- how to be effective (1Co 11:1): (1) Authority only works over people who submit (Joh 17:1-2). (2) Stay focused on the message (Joh 17:3). (3) Labor is followed by glory (Joh 17:4-5). (4) Simply teach God's Word - nothing else (Joh 17:6-8). (5) Pray for the sheep (Joh 17:9-10). (6) Work for unity (Joh 17:11). (7) The ministry will loose some members (Joh 17:12). (8) Build a ministry on Grace and joy (Joh 17:13). (9) Understand the enemy (Joh 17:14-17) -- God's purpose is not to take the pain away. (10) You must be prepared to be an ambassador (Joh 17:18-19). (11) Christ prayed for us (Joh 17:20). (12) Unity is paramount (Joh 17:21). (13) Enjoy the love of God in fellowship (Joh 17:22-26).

Scripture References: John 17:20, Romans 12:1, John 17:6-8, John 17:18-19, Romans 11:29, John 17:4-5, John 17:14-17, Mark 13:34, John 17:3, John 17:13, Philippians 4:13, John 17:1-2, John 17:12, Titus 1:4-9, John 17:22-26, Colossians 2:3, John 17:11, John 17:21, John 1:7, John 17:9-10

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From Series: "Titus - 2007"

The Apostle Paul wrote to Titus a student of his who became a pastor regarding faith knowledge and hope.

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