As Paul explained to Titus his own "job description," he very succinctly gave instructions to Titus that would provide the basis for his work of preaching the gospel of Christ in his time, and it would as well provide the format for our proclamation of the word of God today: "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness - a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and at the appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior" (Titus 1:1-2)

Preaching brings the elect to faith. That is the means appointed, for the Holy Spirit uses the word to produce faith (Romans 10:17, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, James 1:18). God gives the increase in their hearts when preachers plant and water (1 Corinthians 3:6). Jesus has sheep not of the original fold, and he must go, through his appointed ministers of the word, and bring them in (John 10:16). God has many people out there, and that provides the mandate to preach to them (Acts 18:10).

Second, preaching provides the knowledge believers now need to reach godliness, as they are directed by the Spirit. Thus pastors, teachers, and even evangelists need to keep the goal of the growth of the body to the very measure of Christ ever in view (Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 4:11-16). The faithful declaration and teaching of the word provides the knowledge that safeguards Christians from subversive forces (Acts 20:27-31, 2 Timothy 4:1-5). And the Lord does not intend that his elect, his sheep, be deceived (Matthew 24:24, John 10:28, 1 John 2:20, 3:9).

Third, the faith that results from preaching, and the knowledge that also results, obviously both under the direction of the Holy Spirit, combine to produce hope and assurance which enable us to live in joy and peace, assured that we are the recipients of the glorious promise of God that culminates in eternal life. And God cannot and will not lie to us. We need the word to understand these truths of what God has done for us and what God has promised us deeply in our hearts! We must preach the Word!