TUESDAY July 22, 2025

God’s Plan of Salvation Made Known

[God] has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior....
Titus 1:3

How has God made Himself known to us? The word manifested means “to make visible” or “to make known what had been hidden.” This is speaking of the plan of salvation. It has been made “actual” and “visible” to us. Paul knew that preaching the way of salvation was committed to him. It was also committed to these young men––Timothy and Titus.

In many ways, there are similarities between Paul’s letter to Timothy and his letter to Titus. The main thrust was to teach and preach sound doctrine.

Timothy was exhorted by Paul to: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2). Titus was commanded: speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine ... speak these things, exhort and rebuke with all authority (Titus 2:1, 15). Both letters also included an exhortation of qualifications for those appointed to positions of eldership.

Paul encouraged Timothy and Titus in similar ways. To Titus, he said: Let no one despise you (Titus 2:15), and to Timothy: Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12). They were men of the Word and, although young, deserved honor and respect in their positions as pastors.

All across America and the world, preachers are in pulpits. What is their message? It should be the message of the Cross and the love of God revealed through Christ’s sacrifice: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

What about us? We should also have a readiness to share the Gospel with others. People will question why we have a hope in God. First Peter 3:15 encourages: ...always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.... Preach Christ and the message of hope He brings.

The only place we can find a clear, unmistakable message is in the Word of God, which we call the Bible.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!