Doing Good in a Not-So-Good World (Titus 3:1–11)
Life can be messy. People can be difficult. The world around us doesn’t always reflect kindness or truth. But in Titus 3:1–11, the Apostle Paul gives us a powerful reminder: Even in a broken world, God calls us to live differently.
This part of Paul’s letter is all about how followers of Jesus should behave—not just in church, but in everyday life.
Let’s explore what he says.
Be Good Citizens and Kind Neighbors
Paul starts by telling Titus to remind the people to:
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Obey rulers and authorities
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Be ready to do good
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Avoid speaking badly about others
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Be peaceful and gentle
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Show kindness to everyone
In other words, Christians should stand out—not by being loud or aggressive, but by being kind and respectful.
Even when we don’t agree with leaders or the people around us, we’re called to respond with humility and goodness.
Remember Where You Came From
Paul reminds us that we weren’t always on the right path:
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived…”
Before we knew God, we were caught up in sin, selfishness, and bitterness. It’s easy to forget this and become judgmental toward others.
But Paul is saying: Don’t look down on people who haven’t found Jesus yet—remember, you were once there too.
God Saved Us by His Mercy
Here’s the heart of the passage:
“When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us…” (v.4–5)
We didn’t earn salvation. It wasn’t because we were good enough or did enough good things. God saved us because of His mercy—through Jesus.
Paul says we were washed clean, made new by the Holy Spirit, and given hope of eternal life.
This is powerful! It reminds us that:
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Salvation is a gift
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God loves us deeply
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Our new life comes through His grace, not our efforts
Devote Yourself to Doing Good
Paul says this message of grace should motivate us to do good. He wants believers to focus on:
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Helping others
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Living with purpose
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Being useful in their communities
Good works don’t save us, but because we’re saved, we should want to do good for others. It’s how we reflect God’s love to the world.
Don’t Get Caught Up in Foolish Arguments
Finally, Paul warns about avoiding pointless debates, especially about things that don’t lead to peace or spiritual growth.
He tells Titus not to waste time on arguments about rules, genealogies, or endless controversies. These only divide people.
And if someone keeps causing problems after being warned, Paul says to walk away—because they’re not interested in unity or truth.
Final Thoughts
Titus 3:1–11 is a practical and powerful reminder of how to live as followers of Jesus:
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Be respectful and kind in how you treat others
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Remember your own story—you’ve been forgiven, too
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Celebrate God’s mercy—He saved you because He loves you
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Devote yourself to doing good
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Avoid arguments that distract and divide
Even when the world feels frustrating or unfair, we’re called to be people of grace, peace, and purpose. We don’t do good to earn God’s love—we do good because we already have it.
So let’s live in a way that shows others the kindness and mercy of Jesus.
Titus 3:1-11 (WEB)
3:1 Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. 3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7 that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you insist confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; 9 but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a one is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.