22 August 2026
Titus was left on Crete with difficult work ahead of him. He faced false teachers and a young church in a hostile culture. Yet Paul did not leave him with a strategy for self improvement. He reminded him of the gospel. Mark Penrith describes the situation clearly: “Titus. Left on Crete. Facing heretics. Pastoring a young church in a hostile world.” The task was hard, but Titus did not stand on his own strength.
Paul calls Titus “my true son in our common faith” and then speaks of “Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” Mark explains that these are “what gospel ministers need most.” Grace is the unmerited favour that sustains us when our strength fails. Peace is not the absence of conflict. It is the presence of God. Mark puts it this way: “The source is above all. The source is before all. The source is God.”
That grace rests on something even more secure. God promised eternal life before time began, and Christ secured that promise through His life, death, and resurrection. Mark says, “The promise was secured.” Our salvation does not depend on our ability to perform well enough for God. The sermon preparation notes put it plainly: “Our salvation does not depend on our wavering faithfulness but God’s unshakable promise.” That assurance should produce confidence, not complacency.
So bring one ordinary pressure into the light of God’s Word today. Your parenting. Your marriage. Your workplace. Your private thoughts. Ask how the gospel should change the way you think, feel, speak, and act. Then obey in one specific way. When the evening becomes chaotic, pause before reacting. Pray, “Father, give me grace and peace.” Let your children see that you depend on God rather than pretending you have everything under control. Mark reminds us, “God’s unbreakable promise secures your salvation. Settled. Finished. Done. But does it fuel your godliness?”
Jude gives us the same direction: “But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting expectantly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.” Secure salvation should produce active faith. We do not pursue godliness to earn God’s love. We pursue godliness because His grace has already secured us.
How should the certainty of your salvation change the way you pursue godliness in the ordinary pressures of this week?
Prayer: Father, thank You for securing my salvation through Christ. Give me grace to trust You and strength to obey You today. Amen.