Titus 3

3:1As Christians, our first allegiance is to Jesus as LORD, but we must obey our government and its leaders as well. Christians are not above the law. Obeying the civil law is only the beginning of our Christian responsibility; we must do what we can to be good citizens. (See Acts 5:29 and Romans 13:7ff for more on the Christian’s attitude toward government.)

3:2How does one “show true humility’? Humility is a very elusive character trait, yet the Bible regards it as a highly important quality. Jesus referred to himself as “humble and gentle at heart” (Matthew 11:29). In Romans 12:3, Paul wrote the clearest definition of humility apart from Jesus’ own example: “Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” Humility, then, boils down to having an honest estimate of ourselves before God. We show false humility when we project negative worth on our abilities and efforts. We show pride when we inflate the value of our efforts or look down on others. True humility seeks to view our character and accomplishments honestly. Recognizing that we have succeeded in an effort need not be pride.

3:3Following a life of pleasure and giving in to every sensual desire leads to slavery. Many think freedom consists of doing anything they want. But this path leads to a slavish addiction to sensual gratification. A person is no longer free but is a slave to what his or her body dictates (2 Peter 2:19). Christ frees us from the desires and control of sin. Have you been released?

3:4-6All three persons of the Trinity are mentioned in these verses because all three participate in the work of saivation. Based upon the redemptive work of his Son, the Father forgives us and sends the Holy Spirit to wash away our sins and continually renew us.

3:4-8Paul summarizes what Christ does for us when he saves us. We move from a life full of sin to one where we are led by God’s Holy Spirit. A// our sins, not merely some, are washed away. Washing refers to the water of baptism, which is a sign of salvation. In becoming a Christian, the believer acknowledges Christ as LORD and recognizes Christ’s saving work. We gain eternal life with a//its treasures. We have a new life through the Holy Spirit, and he continually renews our hearts. None of this occurs because we earned or deserved it; it is all God’s gift.

32:7,8Paul urges Titus to be a good example to those around him so that others might see Titus's good deeds and imitate him. Paul's ‘Ife would give his words greater impact. If you want someone to ct a certain way, be sure that you live that way yourself. Then you Swill earn the right to be heard, and your life will reinforce what you "Reach. #2:8 Paul counsels Titus to be above criticism in how he taught. pis quality of integrity comes from careful Bible study and listen- ‘ing before speaking. This is especially important when teaching “or confronting others about spiritual or moral issues. If we are ‘impulsive, unreasonable, and confusing, we are likely to start vrguments rather than to convince people of the truth.

3:8In this chapter, Paut stressed that believers must devote themselves to doing good. Paul understood good works as faithful service, acts of charity, and involvement in civil affairs. While good works can’t save us or even increase God’s Jove for us, they are true indications of our faith and love for Christ. Paul did not make this aspect of discipleship optional. Service to others is a requirement. Everyone who is a Christian should be involved. Does your church encourage everyone's involvement and service? What can your church do to help every member identify the good works he or she should be doing?

3:9Paul warns Titus, as he warned Timothy, not to get involved in foolish and unprofitable arguments (2 Timothy 2:14). This does not mean we should refuse to study, discuss, and examine different interpretations of difficult Bible passages. Paul is warn- 'ng against petty quarrels, not honest discussion that leads to wisdom. If foolish arguments develop, it is best to turn the discussion back to a helpful direction or politely excuse yourself.

3:9The false teachers were basing their heresies on spiritual pedigrees and speculations about the Jewish laws (see 1 Timothy 1:3, 4). Similar to the methods used by false teachers in Ephesus and Colosse, they were building their case on genealogies of angels. We should avoid false teachers, not even bothering to get involved in their foolish discussions. Overreaction sometimes gives more attention to their points of view.

3:10,11A person must be warned when he or she is causing division that threatens the unity of the church. This should not be a heavy-handed action but a warning to correct the individual's divisive nature and restore him or her to fellowship. A person who refuses to be corrected should be put outside the fellowship. As Paul said, that person is self-condemned—he or she is sinning and knows it. (See also Matthew 18:15-18 and 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15 for help in handling such problems in the church.)

3:12The city of Nicopolis was on the western coast of Greece. Artemas or Tychicus would take over Titus’s work on the island of Crete so Titus could meet Paul in Nicopolis. Tychicus was another of Paul's trusted companions (Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7). Titus would have to leave soon because sea travel was dangerous in the winter months.

3:13Apollos was a famous Christian preacher. A native of Alexandria in North Africa, he became a Christian in Ephesus and was trained by Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-28: 1 Corinthians 1:12).

3:15The letters of Paul to Titus and Timothy are his last writings and mark the end of his life and ministry. These letters are rich treasures for us today because they give vital information for church leadership. They provide a strong model for elders, pastors, and other Christian leaders as they develop younger leaders to carry on the work, following Paul’s example of preparing Timothy and Titus to carry on his ministry. For practical guidelines on church leadership and problem solving, carefully study the principles found in these letters.