C) Loving Goodbyes (Titus 3:15)

Paul leaves us three final remarks all recorded in Titus 3:15.

1) All who are with me greet you.

Paul lived in the midst of other believers. Notice the "all who are with me." He was no solo leader. He worked with others. They lived as a community. We see how important this community is through meeting this ‘crisis’ in Crete. Paul was helping out. Others were willing to help out even at great expense and time.

2) Greet those who love us in the faith.

Paul wasn’t careless in his focus. He worked with those he could. There were some who avoided Paul and were not of the faith. Paul cared for the family in the faith of Christ Jesus. It is this family of God to whom God revealed His amazing grace.

3) Grace be with you all.

And very ‘Paul-like,’ he wished and prayed that more grace would be with all the believers there. He wrote to Titus, one person, but his conclusion shows that this letter was meant for all the believers there in Crete during the early 60s and for those around the world today in the 21st century. This is the grace that distinguishes the people of God. We are saved because of our goodness but because of His amazing grace.

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Conclusion: Connected & Caring

Paul’s example of faithfulness, living by God’s purpose and team spirit is clearly set before us throughout this epistle. The same tones of love, commitment to God's ways is seen all the way through right up to the last sentences of the Book of Titus. This letter served as another step that shaped the people of Crete into the people of God, that is, His community.

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Overview of Titus

Discerning Conversations (Titus 3:9-11)

We need to focus on developing relationships and bringing the truth of God into the lives of people. Only discussing anti-truth just will not help. The proclamation of the truth stands as our chief asset.

Right Relationships (3:12-14)

We, like the apostle and Jesus, need to show our value for our coworkers, family, brothers and sisters by the way we aid and train them.

Loving Goodbyes (Titus 3:15)

We need to be part of a community of God’s people. They need to be dear to us. We need to be committed to them, the church of God.