Titus 3

The Christian Attitude

Titus 3:1–2 NIV

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

At the heart of following God, there has to be a primacy placed upon the furtherance of the gospel. The very reason we take in breath is to convey the truth of the gospel of Christ to a world who knows not the One who created them.

So in this vain, Christians ought to respond to the world in a manner that is befitting of the One whose kingdom we are representing. We should seek to do good in our community.

To refrain from slander takes much grace but also does much to commend the gospel.

Double Dynamic

Titus 3:3–8 NIV

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

The dynamic of the Christian life is twofold. First is the realization that Christians were no better than those who are still bound in their sin. Second is the realization of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ.

Notice what is the vehicle used by God to take us from death to life: kindness and love.

The reason for our response to the world is because of the kingdom that we represent. We do not need to be consumed with being right but rather we can endure what is thrown at us because our Savior did the same. We respond as He responded.

The Danger of Contentious Discussions

Titus 3:9–11 NIV

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

In contrast to the double dynamic of the Christian life, Paul warns against the discussion of empty worthiness. We could not earn the righteousness of God so why do we continually return to the fruitless arguments of our worth.

Paul then follows with the course of action against such divisive people that should be taken. Paul points to the problem being their heart which no one but God can change.

Final Remarks

Titus 3:12–15 NIV

As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

Paul gives his future plans to Titus. We see the personalness of Paul in this section.

In light of what we said above about doing good and the primacy of the gospel’s furtherance, Titus is instructed to equip Zenas and Apollos with what ever they need.

Doing what is good leads us to continue to be aware of more good that can be done.