God’s elect have the gospel. We are chosen, and our faith bears fruit. Let us see what this looks like in the church, particularly, and in our lives individually.

First, we have a command to preach the gospel! vs1-3

“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began. In His own time He has made His word evident in the proclamation entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior.”

We have not been let off the hook because we are elected. Instead, we engage in the business of the gospel, which is the WHOLE MEANING of our life - to get the gospel in, so we can get it out.

If we don’t get it in, then we have nothing to minister; it has no power; it is simply head knowledge.

If we don’t get it out, then we can’t be happy.

One sister asked me how to overcome fear in evangelism. I’m afraid often, but when I begin to speak, it leaves me. I press through that fear because not speaking leads to sin: the guilt and the shame leads me to depart from Christ, so in order to keep my soul happy, I minister to others.

It may seem selfish, but our own happiness is wrapped up in ministering, and we must do it to be fulfilled.

God will give you the gospel, so you can get it out, but you must get it out to enjoy the fullness. Those who spread it gain it.

Secondly, elders must be qualified. vs5-9

“The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination.” vs5-6

We need elders in every city, men who can faithfully set forth Christ and lead us in worship.

Elders must be qualified in character, as well as in teaching.

They must meet qualifications at home, showing that the gospel has power in their lives; it can’t be head knowledge; it must be heart knowledge that TRANSFORMS THE Life. This is how you know that someone has access to God: What is their behavior?

Is he humble, kind, and gracious? Does he live by the gospel with self-control? Is he firm and yet loving? Is he a clear teacher of God’s word?

“Hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refuge those who contradict it.” vs8-9

Choose wisely, when you choose your pastor, and look at the man’s character. Don’t judge him by his beauty or charisma. Choose the man that’s sent by God to serve your soul: he preaches the gospel and lives by it.

Don’t be deceived by Christless sermons, and look for the Spirit’s grace in him. He should be holy and gracious at the same time, pointing you to Jesus and following His example.

Thirdly, what can we say about Nigeria? vs10-16

For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not. As one of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”

1. We must be careful not to appear racist and tribalistic, as though our tribe is better than others. Paul clearly rebukes the Jews also in this chapter, twice.

2. We can pick out the faults of particular cultures, because every group has besetting sins.

3. Nigerians love money and are very superstitious. They are willing, like Americans, to turn a blind eye to their leaders and justify their sinfulness.

We must not be like this: We must deal fairly, and while many around us are CARRIED AWAY with the love of money, we must behave differently and teach the kingdom that's spiritual! We must be seen as people who live for God’s glory, hold leaders accountable, and truly love each other.

Let our Christianity be real and open, as we live among a religious but deceived people. They need to be withstood, challenged, and our works must show that we know God. We must be blameless.

“This testimony is true. So, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith and may not pay attention to Jewish myths and the commands of men who reject the truth.” vs13-14