Titus 3:1-8 – Living right

In Titus 3, Paul began by instructing believers on how to behave among unbelievers. His motive was to get them to live rightly in the world. Four areas were dealt with: believers’ duty; believers’ previous state; believers’ salvation and mission.

Firstly, in terms of duties, believers must be subjected to the earthly rulers and authorities. The word “remind” in verse one tells us that he was not covering new grounds. The topic of subjecting to governing authorities had been taught by him in his other epistles, such as Romans 13:1-3. In fact in I Timothy chapter two, he began by urging that prayers, intercession and supplication be made for them. Now he told Titus to bring back to the believers’ memory, concerning respecting earthly rulers. Believers were told to be obedient and be ready for every good deed. The point here is this: Should believers be obedient to all governmental authorities in everything, regardless? This question is best answered by the incident in Acts 4. We learn something from the response of the Apostles Peter and John in Acts 4:19-20, when they were told by the authorities not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18). They firmly told them why they could not accede to their demands. For they knew that the God they served was infinitely greater than any civil government. From that we conclude that the only time civil government can be disobeyed is when they made unreasonable demand to stop the preaching of the Gospel. Other than that, believers should be subjected to all governing rules of a society. Then with regards to their neighbors, the believers must not malign anyone. The term malign comes from the word that is translated “blaspheme” elsewhere. This word could also mean slander. Thus, Paul meant for believers not to slander another person. We can confront a sinner concerning his sin but we should never defame or denigrate him. Paul went on to say that Christians must be peaceable, meaning they must not be overly contentious. They must also be gentle. Gentle can also be taken to mean reasonable and forbearing. Then they must show consideration for all men. This is the believer’s duty.

Secondly, believers must remember their previous state. This would help them to view the people from the perspective of their own personal unworthiness. For when they were unregenerate, they also behaved like the pagans, indulging in the seven vices.  They were also foolish and lacking in understanding. Not only that, they were also disobedient and enslaved to various lusts and pleasures. They too used to spend their lives maligning others and were filled with envy, hateful and hating one another.

Thirdly, believers ought to remember their salvation. This he did with the objective to let them know that had it not been for God’s grace, they too would be lost, like the pagans. Verses 4-7 form a summary of God’s grace that brought our salvation. It began with the kindness of God because salvation is a divine initiative. When Paul said “His love for mankind appeared …” (verse 4), he was talking about the Incarnation of Christ, especially of His death and resurrection. Without a doubt it was that historical act that had rescued all believers who accept His love. In verse 5, Paul reminded the believers that their salvation was a gift of God and they did not earn it. It was this act of God’s mercy that brought a new disposition in us through the washing of regeneration or rebirth, and renewing by the Holy Spirit. In the act of salvation, an inner cleansing takes place at conversion and believers receive his rebirth. This is not talking about baptismal regeneration, as some would argue. It is referring to the spiritual birth. In verse 6, Paul said that this work of regeneration was through the Holy Spirit poured out on believers through Christ. He is the means of the believer’s salvation and through Him believers are justified and made heirs of the hope of eternal life. 

Finally, believers must be reminded of their mission. In verse 8, Paul shared another one of those trustworthy statements. This statement has to do with all that he had been talking about being good witnesses in a pagan society. Believers ought to engage in careful living consistently, so that their lives could be a constant testimony of the Gospel. Titus was to share those things he learnt from Paul and to speak confidently to believers. Paul wanted the Crete Christians to engage in good and profitable deeds so as to be an influence to all men.

So let us act, speak and live right. This can only happen when we are rightly connected to Christ our Lord and live a life guided by His Spirit. Let’s stay connected to Him and be sensitive to His guidance!