Titus 3:3-8

Foundations are not glamorous, but they are essential. When you think of the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building or Washington Monument you do not immediately think about the foundation. However, I can guarantee you that before they ever started building above ground, they put a lot of preparation and hard work into the foundation below ground. The same is true if we’re going to build a Christian life that is attractive the world. Before we build above the ground where everyone can see, we must lay a foundation on a solid rock that has stood the test of time.

Paul was aware of this, and he knew that Titus was working with new Christians on the island of Crete. Before they could begin to build examples Christian lives for all the world to see, they had to have a solid foundation. Paul told Titus to stress the essential truths that form the basis of the foundation for a Christian life.

The first truth, is that everyone is lost, and in need of salvation. It is self-deception to pretend otherwise and self-righteous to believe otherwise.

Second, salvation is an act of mercy, not a reward for effort, or good behavior. Paul was a practicing Jew, and he kept the letter of the law to the extreme. Yet, it was only when he recognized the impossibility of being good enough to deserve forgiveness, that he was able to accept forgiveness as a gift.

Third, salvation is not just the gift of life, it is the renewing of our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit, and it is that relationship that makes the difference. Our relationship with God becomes the foundation upon which every part of our life as a Christian is built.

Paul tells Titus to stress these truths “so that those who trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.” Our right relationship with God is the foundation for everything we build. With God, our life becomes a monument to His glory.