Paul’s Pastoral Epistles

Paul penned three epistles we have come to know as his “pastoral epistles,” namely 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus.  In Paul’s letter to Titus, I am drawn to chapter three.  I often suffer the same prideful tendency that afflicts many Christ-followers, though it should not.  I create a mental divide between myself and non-christians.  The barrier wall being the knowledge that I have of the Saviour and the life-style I try to lead which honours him.  Titus’ faith community faced the same temptation, and Paul speaks directly to it in chapter three.  He gives clear instruction to remind the people to obey rulers and authority figures, to do what is good, and to remain humble.  He points out that though we are saved, we once were not, “we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved.”  We must remain humble, because we were, and are, the same as those who are yet lost.

 

This theme is also found in 1 Timothy.  Paul point the finger at himself in chapter 1.  He advises Timothy to recall the Jesus came and died to redeem sinners, and also states that he, Paul himself is “the worst.”  If anyone has a basis for pride, surely it is Paul, yet even Paul who was not doubt far better spiritually than I calls himself “worst.”

 

2 Timothy challenges further with a call to action.  In chapter 1 Paul tells Timothy to not fear but rather to “fan into flame the gift of God, which is already inside of you.”  Timothy should have courage because God has called him to a purpose, a purpose that will allow him to do the seemingly impossible.  God has equipped him in a way that is unique and powerful, and by remaining humble and cognizant of the fact that it is by grace he is called and by nothing to do with his own merit, he can change the world.