Titus 3: Learning to Do What is Good

In the first two chapters of Paul's letter to Titus, he gave instructions on how to choose godly church leaders and how members of the church should behave. The societal norms in the first century Roman church were very different than modern society today. I struggled through the second chapter's descriptions of how slaves are to obey their masters, and how women are not permitted to speak. I fully understand why these rules were written as this was the practice at the time and for a slave or woman to rebel, it would be very scandalous.

The true minister of Christ is expected to be pure and beyond reproach, not disobedient or disrespectful, practicing humility while being able to teach others. I am beginning to learn that God can use any one of us, but our roles and methods may be very different.

In Titus 3, Paul describes who we used to be versus who we are in Christ.

AT ONE TIME WE WERE…

Foolish

Disobedient

Deceived

Enslaved by passions and pleasures

Living in malice

Living in envy

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" (Titus 3:4).

NOW WE ARE TO BE…

Spiritually washed, reborn, and renewed by the Holy Spirit

Heirs (of Abraham) having the hope of eternal life based on our faith in Jesus Christ

Those who trust in God

Careful to devote ourselves to doing what is good

Pursuing things that are excellent and profitable for everyone

BUT AVOID…

Foolish controversies, genealogies & arguments

Quarrels about the law (O.T. law)

Things that are unprofitable and useless

A divisive person, warped & sinful; they are self-condemned

In the first-century church, just as now, our faith and spiritual devotion are daily choices and a spiritual discipline that makes us stronger in our faith as we live by our faith and are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 51:10-12

In the New Testament, Jesus said there are two commandments that sum up the O.T. law. These can be found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark or Luke,

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27).

Before Paul closes his letter to Titus, he urges him to remind everyone to devote themselves to doing what is good, "in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives". This is my favorite verse of this chapter. Lord, please help us to provide for others and live productive and fulfilling lives led by our faith and good works--surely, this is true religion, to take care of others and love them.