Anchored in Christ

We’ve all heard about the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but may have never paused to reflect on exactly how the gospel transforms people, what the implications of it are at church, and what Christians are to do to keep it at the center of their individual lives and churches.

This is the thrust of the sometimes-neglected book of Titus and is what Dr. Tim Chester seeks to answer in his book Titus for You in the God’s Word for You Series. In seven two-part chapters Chester explains Titus in a volume that reads like a short blend of a devotional commentary, Bible study, and sermon series.

The God’s Word for You series claims not to be commentaries but are intended to be explore each book of Scripture and its’ themes for use in your personal devotions, along a sermon series at church, or to help you teach others the portion of Scripture. Or more simply, these books for “people of every age and stage, from enquirers to new believers to pastors and teachers,” for reading, feeding, and leading (from the back cover).

Chester’s clear and direct style compellingly discusses Titus’ issues from a pastor’s heart, explaining God’s desire for spiritual leaders, disciple making in the church, and how the gospel radically transforms believers.

Each day as I read through Titus for You, I read through Titus at least once (thanks to a challenge by Jennifer Guo) and was richly blessed by it and Chester’s fuller exploration of its themes and implications. His explanation and practical application of Titus is understandable and beneficial for everyone. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about gospel transformation and how the gospel plays out practically in the life of the church. Because Titus is one of the Pastoral Epistles of Paul, this book holds special relevance for pastors and other church leaders.

One added note on aesthetics (for the print version): Titus for You and the rest of the series look and feel great. I don’t normally mention the look and feel of a book in my reviews, but T4Y‘s appearance is visually appealing inside and out and feels good to hold in your hands. It’s excellence is worth mentioning.

Title: Titus for You
Author: Tim Chester
Publisher: The Good Book Company
Year: 2014
Pages: 115
Rating: 5 stars