Our pastor is preaching a ten-part series on the core values of our church. This morning's sermon was on the importance of doctrine and one of the key texts was Titus 1:1-2.
“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began” (Titus 1:1-2 ESV).
Over the last 4-6 months I have been drawn to the book of Titus. In three brief chapters Paul lays forth one of the clearest explanations of the gospel and its implications for good works, relationships, and worship. Today I was reviewing the verses from the sermon cited above and was struck by the great hope that is contained in the title Paul ascribes to God: ho apseudeœs theos - "the God who never lies."
God is worthy of our worship simply by virtue of his position (i.e., creator of the universe and the ground of all being). However, it is wonderful to know that God's character is worthy of praise and honor as well. We are able to honor Him for His goodness as well as His position!
This thought finds great contrast when I think of the limited amount of authority God has given me in the workplace. Those who work under that authority are called to respect that authority by virtue of my position. However, I am weak and fleshly and often fail to lead with clarity, vision, gentleness, etc. (the list could go on and on). In short, there is a disconnect between the honor owed to my position and the honor warranted by my character, person, and work. For God the honor owed His position is synonymous with that owed to His character, person, and work. He is worthy of infinite honor and worth, a worthiness that exceeds our ability to express in its fullness.
He is the God who never lies and who has promised eternal life to all who are in Christ. What He promises will surely come to pass. May we praise Him for his character and for the great work of salvation He has accomplished through Christ and given to all who place their faith and trust in Him.
Grace and Peace,
J
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