*Titus 3:1-11
Paul instructs Titus to remind believers to be responsible citizens, live morally upright lives, and show grace to others, for they themselves were once undeserving of God’s love.
- Submission to Authority:
- Paul instructs Titus to remind the believers in Crete to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.
- They are to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
- Remembrance of Past State:
- Paul reminds the Cretans that they themselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing their days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
- However, when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved them, not because of works done by them in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on them richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.
- They have been justified by his grace and have become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
- Avoiding Controversies:
- Paul advises Titus to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.
- He warns against foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
- Anyone who stirs up division, after warning them once and then twice, is to be avoided, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Titus 3:1-11 teaches us to be kind, humble, and ready to do good. Paul reminds us that we were once lost, but God saved us through His love and mercy, not because of anything we did. Since God has shown us such grace, we should be patient and gentle with others, avoiding arguments and focusing on what is good. We can apply this by treating people with kindness, showing God’s love through our actions, and staying away from unnecessary conflicts that don’t bring peace or growth.
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.