READY FOR EVERY GOOD WORK
Titus 3
Renewal Of The Holy Spirit
Titus was a Gentile believer who served alongside Paul and Barnabas. In this letter, Paul counsels Titus on matters of ministry and church leadership. He instructs Titus to remind the people of the teaching and instruction they had received concerning Christian relationships with others in the world. Christians are to obey and submit to the rulers and authorities as a good citizen. Christian liberty is not an excuse for unchecked civil unrest and disobedience. The Christian cannot give unconditional allegiance to the state, and if there is a collision of faith and conscience between God and the state, the Christian is obligated to God first. Christians should be law abiding citizens that seek the good of their communities and be ready to contribute for every good work. When it comes to relationships within the community, the Christ should not speak evil of others, avoid quarreling, and be courteous to all people. Paul’s instructions could not be clearer. The way a Christian speaks is a good indicator of the posture of their hearts. The Bible shows that words come from the heart, so our language should not be abusive or insulting. Even if it becomes necessary to criticize a politician, a fellow believer, a colleague, or a family member, must be exceptionally careful in choosing the way believers speak to others. The way believers speak of others should be noticeably different. The Christian should speak with gentleness, humility, and courtesy. Paul directs Titus to remind believers that they too were unbelievers at one time and shows the progression of moving from foolish to the breakdown of relationships in hostility. Paul reminds the people of God's goodness and loving kindness which serves as the basis for good works motivated by love. Salvation is from God who because of kindness, love, and mercy extended grace to sinners and rescued them from the hopeless condition. There is nothing to commend a sinner to God. There is no merit, and there is nothing that can be given to the Almighty, for he lacks nothing. The sinner is incapable of righteousness, and so in mercy, God saves his people by the work of the Holy Spirit whom he poured out richly through Jesus Christ, the Savior. The sinner is justified and declared righteous through the work of Christ. The saint who has been justified because of God's grace is made family and becomes a co-heir with Jesus Christ because they have been adopted as children. The believer enjoys the promise of eternal life, and Christ is the object of hope. Paul insists that believers should live lives characterized by good works. The Christian is obligated to do what is good because they are excellent and profitable for people. Titus is to avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law. Titus should not get tangled up and distracted by such matters because it would not spiritually benefit the church. The divisive person should be warned twice, and if they refuse to repent, their membership should be revoked, and there is to be no fellowship until he gives clear evidence of repentance. The refusal to repent leaves the divisive lead self-condemned. Artemas or Tychicus should replace Titus in Crete. There were several cities named Nicopolis, but it is assumed it was the city of that name in Epirus because of Paul’s plan for the winter there. Titus is to help Zenas and Apollos on their way and make sure that they were well fortified. These instructions to Titus are followed by a general exhortation for the people to devote themselves to good works and help those with needs for the sake of being fruitful. Paul extends greetings to Titus personally and from everyone with him. He asks Titus to convey his greetings to those who love them in the faith. Finally, Paul closes his letter with the comforting words, "Grace be with you all."
Things To Consider:
- Why is forgetfulness dangerous for the Christian?
- Do you struggle to submit to governing authorities? Why?
- Why are our words important?
- How can we speak grace when others speak hate?
- Why is it helpful to remember our condition before salvation?
- How does God save us?
- What is the role of the Holy Spirit?
- How is the sinner made righteous?
- Why is justification necessary?
- How can leaders avoid being distracted by divisiveness?
- Why is church discipline important?
- How should we help others in ministry?
- Are you giving yourself to good works? If so, what are you doing? If not, why?
- How can we speak grace to others?