Christian Conduct In The Community - part 1

INTRODUCTION

The Apostle Paul’s letter to Titus has been a great study in Ecclesiology… the doctrine of the church.

Chapter 1 - Leadership In The Church

Chapter 2 - Character Of The Church

Chapter 3 - Conduct By The Church

The past 4 weeks we have deeply examined The Abundant Grace of God in Titus 2:11-14, particularly as it relates to:

The Incarnation

Salvation Offered To Every Man

The Call To Holy Living

The Hope We Have For The Future

Now, to avoid the possibility of being too focused on the future hope of the return of Jesus, Paul shifts in chapter 3 to how believers are to live in society.

Read Titus 2:15-3:11.

Paul tells Titus to instruct the people with all authority, and to not allow anyone to disregard/look down on him.

As an Elder/Pastor in the church, Titus’ words carry weight and he must be listened to.

It is utterly disrespectful and dishonoring to God when people in the church undermine the authority of a Pastor/Elder

Paul tells Titus: “Don’t allow that happen!”

Instead, here are 7 things they need to know:

Be Submissive To Rulers and Authorities

There is a spirit of rebellion that seems to readily flow in the veins of most Americans.

Why not?

Our country was established through an act of rebellion against authority (i.e. The Revolutionary War)

It seems any form of progress that has been made in our country comes through an act of rebellion

Does this make rebellion a justified means to an end?

Based on what we read in Scripture, it is not just in our day that there is a ready rebellious spirit against authorities.

It is apparent here that there was some inclination among the believers in Crete

In 2 Corinthians 11 and Galatians 1-2, Paul defended his apostleship against the claims that he was a false apostle.

In Romans 13, Paul reminds people they are to be submissive to authority

In 1 Peter 2, Peter mentions that submission to governmental authorities is a reflection on the Lord

A.W. Tozer The essence of sin is rebellion against divine authority.

1 John 3:4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.

That’s why it is so important to recognize the authorities over us as being established by God:

Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Daniel 2:21 [God] changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings

And if our lives are to be lived to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and we are to please Him in all that we do (2 Corinthians 5:9), then we must be careful not to live in such a way that dishonors the authority that God has placed over us… keeping in mind that our words/actions are a direct reflection on our Savior.

Be Obedient

In the same vein as our being subject to human authorities placed over us by God, we must also live in obedience to them.

The only exception regards their commanding us to do something that is against the command of God.

Acts 5:29 Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”

Thus, our first level of obedience must be to the command of God.

Since God’s Word commands us to be subject to the governing authorities, we must humble ourselves and follow their instruction.

Be Ready For Every Good Work

Paul is referring to here a sincere, loving eagerness to serve others. This is the holy life that we have been called to as believers.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

James 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Matthew Henry Not only take, but seek, occasion for doing good, keep fitness and readiness that way; put it not off to others, but embrace and lay hold on it thyself, delight and rejoice therein, put all in mind of this.

No matter how hostile the society around us may be, we are to be good to the people in it whose lives intersect with ours.

Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

We are to do good out of love for our Lord and for other people. The lives of believers should continually demonstrate the spiritual transformation they have received through faith in Jesus Christ.

Do Not Speak Evil Of Anyone

It is easy for us to gossip and malign another individual when we have been hurt by them or when they are assaulting biblical standards.

In the name of “truth,” we justify the words we say and the way we talk about another person

No matter how vile an individual may act towards us or others, we must never stoop to speaking evil about another individual.

The Greek word here is βλασφημέω, which is where we get our English word blasphemy

Thus, we are speaking evil of someone else, we are slandering and treating someone with contempt

Many Christians speak this way of politicians and other public figures, not taking into account that fact that it is actually hindering the work of redemption.

Read 1 Timothy 2:1–4

Let us be careful of the words we speak and with what intention we speak them.

Ephesians 4:29, 31 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear… Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

Avoid Quarreling

The proper behavior toward the lost is to be friendly and peaceful, not quarrelsome.

It’s easy to become angry and impatient with an ungodly society, speaking in a condemning way towards them

Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Consider the fact that God so loved the world (without limit or condition), that He sent His sinless Son to redeem it.

How can we, as sinful recipients of His grace, be callous and loveless toward those who have not yet received it?

Be Gentle

The word used here means “gentle; kind; tolerant”

It is an attitude that does not hold grudges but always gives others the benefit of any doubt.

It echoes the kind of attitude that describes the Lord:

Numbers 14:18 The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression

Which we are called to mimic:

James 1:19–20 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Being gentle and kind towards others, especially those who are not so toward us, can open a door of opportunity for us to share the love of God with them.

Show Perfect Courtesy Toward Everyone

The word “courtesy” would be more accurately translated “humility” or “meekness.”

Matthew Henry We must be of a mild disposition, and not only have meekness in our hearts, but show it in our speech and conduct.

John Calvin Those who are excessively severe and ill-tempered carry with them a fire to kindle strife.

Our attitude toward unbelievers should always reflect a spirit of humility:

1 Peter 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence

2 Timothy 2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth

We are also to express humility toward erring brothers:

Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”

CONCLUSION

As followers and imitators of Jesus Christ, our calling is not to fight for our rights or privileges against the ungodly.

Rather, we are to live in this corrupt world:

being submissive and obedient to human authority

doing good deeds

speaking evil of no one

avoiding quarreling

being gentle and courteous

Then we will be examples of the gracious power of God to transform sinners and make them like Himself.