Challenge: Trust & Confidence

This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for me. Titus 3:8

Yesterday I received a spiritual knock upside the head with this verse. Paul uses the phrase “this is a trustworthy statement” in multiple places in Scripture, typically referring to a segment of what he has said. But, as I read the phrase yesterday I was reminded that all of Scripture is trustworthy.

My typical response to such a reminder would be, “Well, of course all of Scripture is trustworthy.” What I believe is rooted in my acceptance of the infallibility of the Bible as the Word of God. But, as I think a little deeper I am reminded that there is, in fact, a difference between believing that the Bible is 100% true and inerrant and personally living out the trustworthiness of God’s Word in my own life. I can even believe and teach wholeheartedly the trustworthiness of God’s Word for other people without truly living it out for myself.

In the specific context of Titus 3:8, the trustworthiness of this “statement” is what allows God’s children to speak boldly and with confidence. I don’t speak confidently and teach with boldness because I don’t trust the Word of God. Ouch.

Two things challenge me here. First, I can trust God’s Word. It is true for others, and it is true for me. Period. And I have to live out that trust. Secondly, my authority is found is God’s Word. I am often not confident to speak boldly because I get caught up in one thought: Who am I really to tell other people how they should live? I don’t have that kind of authority! True, I don’t. But God does. And if I am speaking the truth of His Word then I am not speaking on my authority. I’m speaking on His. That means I have to be very careful to only speak the truth of His Word, but it also means I can speak with full confidence.

Challenge: Bold Authority

These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you. Titus 2:15

It’s hard for me to think of myself as having any authority – any reason why others should listen to me and have any regard for what I say. Although I know my spiritual gifts practically insist that I be in positions of spiritual training and leadership, I struggle with having the boldness that is required to exude authority. I am growing in certain arenas, but I still struggle overall.

There is evidence to support the idea that Titus, like Timothy, was considered young at this time. What authority could he have as the leader of the church?

The same I have: the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and Almighty God.

As long as I teach sound doctrine (Titus 2:1), I am teaching with the authority of Christ and His Word. It is not my own, but it is more than sufficient to be bold and to make a definite claim that what I speak should not be disregarded.

I am challenged to walk in that bold authority. While it is important to make sure that I do not become cocky or proud, trying to claim the authority as my own, it is essential that I stand in the authority of Christ if I am to effectively minister with the gifts He has granted me.