Titus, Part TwoPrimjer

Holding on to the basics

“Older men are to be… sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness” (Titus 2:2).

Several character traits have already been mentioned that are important for believers. But in fact, these are all traits that derive from the indispensable foundation of faith, hope, and love (see also 1 Corinthians 13:13). Granted, Paul uses the word “steadfastness” or “endurance” here instead of hope. But the two are closely related. The hope of eternal life gives us strength to persevere in difficult circumstances and resist temptation – and steadfastness, in turn, strengthens our hope (Romans 5:3-4).

These words are also connected in 1 Thessalonians 1:3 when Paul speaks of “your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

None of these three can be missed. Without faith, our hope is void — a bubble that will burst sooner or later. Without love, our faith is cold. “If I have not love, I am nothing,” Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:2. Faith always includes the hopeful future God promises His children, far beyond this earthly life. That gives the courage to persevere and look forward expectantly to Jesus' return.

Are faith, love, and endurance present in your life? Which of the three appeals to you the most? How could you strengthen the other two?