Not Intimidated!

I recently completed a seven-week sermon series taken from Paul's letter to Titus. From our inferences from Paul's writing, coupled with historical accounts, we can safely say that the people of Crete were quite the challenge to disciple. But Paul reminds us that the gospel is truly sufficient for all things...and for all people! We may have tendencies to be become intimidated by others, particularly by those that we view as, well, intimidating. The gospel, however, is "God's power for salvation to everyone who believes." And Paul instructed Titus in relation to the gospel. The Cretans, as hardened as they were, needed the message of Jesus. Paul was confident that this message was sufficient enough to do all that needed to be done among the Cretans: establish and care for local churches, ensure sound teaching, correct wrong doctrine and behavior, lead people into good works, keep a godly focus, and support the cause of the gospel elsewhere. So what do we learn from this? If the Good News was all that was needed for the people of Crete, that is all that is needed for the people of today. Whether they be the people of our own churches, the people that live across town, or the people a thousand miles away, the gospel is all-sufficient in saving them and supplying their needs. Unleash it and let it do its work.