Servant

 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness

Titus 1:1 NIV

Paul wasn't self serving; he served God. So many self proclaimed ministers and self named ministries are self serving. Paul's ministry wasn't pauline; it was divine.

So many self proclaimed apostles are blowing their own trumpets, not Jesus Christ's. If we're proclaiming ourselves rather than Christ, we're preaching another gospel. Paul on the other hand was personally commissioned by the risen Lord to proclaim Him to the Gentiles.

Paul wasn't about furthering his bank balance; he was about furthering the faith of God's elect. Having been chosen by God and given the gift of faith, we are to exercise that trust in God every day. It's like if a child is given the gift of a bike, they should use it.

Paul wanted his people to grow further in their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness. Knowledge of the truth isn't just intellectual; it's relational. After all, Jesus Christ is the truth personified who came to help us to become like Him, godly.

'God our Saviour, please further our faith in, and knowledge of You through the study of Your word. In Jesus' name, amen'

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