Titus II Corinthians 8:22-23 I. Introduction. A. Titus was a close companion of the apostle Paul: Galatians 2:1. 1. His concern for him: II Corinthians 2:13. 2. To be missed by Paul(comment). B. Name means "honorable" so far as could be determined. 1. His character and life reflected honor in God's kingdom. 2. Active in the pursuit of righteousness as well as assisting others. 3. A Greek(Gentile): Galatians 2:3. 4. Probably converted by Paul: Titus 1:4. C. Titus is mentioned at least 12 times in the New Testament. II. Body. A. Paul's description: II Corinthians 8:22-23. 1. Sent "our brother"--what a super way to put it. a. A divine relationship. b. Even to those whom he did not personally know (comment on traveling). 2. Titus had "proved earnest in many things." a. Paul knew his background and his activities. b. Earnest: active, diligent"(very earnest). 3. Increased by great confidence he had in Corinth. a. Must believe in other Christians and their willingness to do right. b. Paul considered him his "partner." B. Cared from the heart for disciples: II Corinthians 8:16. 1. Finding those who truly "care" can be difficult. 2. Such care must come from the heart. a. This type of care comes from God. b. Manifest in spiritual interest for others. 3. Song: Does Jesus care? 4. Not this kind of cares: Mark 4:19. C. A source of comfort to other Christians: II Corinthians 7:6-7. 1. Relate condition at Corinth. 2. Define: Comfort--a calling to one's side. 3. Titus helped and encouraged those with whom he came in contact. 4. Note: Philippians 4:2-3. 5. Use the word: II Thessalonians 4:18. D. Possessed a refreshing spirit and refreshed others: II Corinthians 7:13. 1. "We" joyed for the joy of Titus. a. Happiness and joy is contagious. b. Who wants to be around a griper and complainer? 2. Included in the original word: delight. 3. Delights in: Psalm 1:2. 4. Paul found this in friends: Acts 27:3. 5. Hence: Philemon 20. E. Was willing to receive exhortation(to call to a person-Greek). 1. One must accept encouragement if it is to benefit. 2. Titus is encouraged to complete what he started. 3. No person is alone or should so feel. 4. One who exhorts should also accept exhortation. 5. Paul's exhortation: I Thessalonians 5:14. 6. Needed: Hebrews 3:13. F. Did not take advantage of others: II Corinthians 12:18. 1. Rhetorical questions of Paul: answer implied. 2. Possessed the same spirit as Paul: Acts 20:33. a. Was in a position to do so. b. Further: Acts 20:34-35. 3. Paul and Titus did their part: exhorted others to do the same. 4. People do have a fear of others taking advantage of them. 5. Christians are open and honest with people: no hidden motives. G. Titus was a dedicated and dependable servant. 1. Stood with Paul; encouraged Paul in his work; carried out instructions from Paul. 2. Left in Crete to set things in order and appoint elders: Titus 1:5. 3. Paul gave final instructions to Titus in seeing that others: Titus 3:14. III. Conclusion. A. Titus was an honorable man because he was a Christian. B. As a Christian, he distinguished himself as a faithful servant.-jy