"I love the sense of satisfaction that I get when I’ve done a swimming workout or race, and know that I gave my whole being and heart to God in every moment of the swim. It’s the best worship I can offer him."
Knowledge of the truth
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 in the hope of eternal life. Titus 1:2It was the tradition in the ancient world that you started your letter in a more flowery way than “Dear Stuart”. The writer first of all introduces themselves. But Paul’s simple introduction is loaded with theological content.
If you had 3 words to introduce yourself, what would you say? Paul’s three words are “servant of God” to which he adds that he is an apostle of Jesus.
Paul then states his purpose as being to further the faith of God’s people. Am I (are you) encouraging the faith of people we meet? The way to do it is to help them to understand God’s truth better.
For Paul, theology is never abstract, always practical. Increasing your knowledge of God’s truth is not about knowing more. It is about doing more! Knowledge of God, Paul would say, is useless if it does not lead to a change in your actions. Knowledge of God should lead to godliness. Godliness means showing more of the character of God in your life.
Then Paul blows our mind with the amazing statement that we live “in the hope of eternal life”. That is an amazing promise that we will spend eternity in the presence of God. But note that we are not just to believe it. We are to LIVE in the HOPE of eternal life”.
As you go to training today and as you compete, do it as someone who lives in the hope of eternal life.