Titus 3 New American
Standard Bible (NASB)
Godly Living
3
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be
ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing
every consideration for all men. 3 For we also once were foolish ourselves,
disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our
life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness
of God our Saviour and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the
basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy,
by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He
poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7 so that being
justified by His grace we would be made heirs [a]according to the hope of
eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I
want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be
careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about
the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a factious man
after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a man is perverted and
is sinning, being self-condemned.
Personal
Concerns
12
When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at
Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Diligently help
Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them.
14 Our people must also learn to engage in good [b]deeds to meet pressing
needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.
15
All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace
be with you all.
The IVP New Testament
Commentary Series
The Church in the World
(3:1-8)
Biblical
Christians are by definition in a predicament. Christians must live in this
world, but they are not of this world. As the Father sent Christ into this
world to minister, so he sends believers to be ministers in the world (Jn
17:14-18).
Titus
2:1—3:8 is concerned with living in this world. The previous passage stresses
engagement in the world, by enforcing Christian respectability in a way that
shows sensitivity to accepted social rules and relationships. At this point the
question of the Christian's general attitude toward all people and political
institutions is raised. What is the Christian's obligation in relation to the
world—that is, to its unbelieving inhabitants and its political structure? The
early church had to deal with this question (1) because it was compelled by
Christ's missionary mandate to reach the world with the gospel, a task that
requires interaction, and (2) because the political system was generally
opposed to the exclusive claims of Christianity.
What
Paul has to say in Titus 3 is not new, but reflects agreement with both his own
earlier thinking and that of 1 Peter 2:13-17. The instruction in 3:1-8 divides
into three parts: verses 1-2 give the instructions; verses 3-7 give the
theological foundation for the behaviour that is prescribed; and verse 8 adds a
missionary motive.
Christian
Living in the World (3:1-2)
Christian
conduct outside of the church is to be sensitive in two directions, to
government authorities (v. 1) and to all people (v. 2).
Paul's
injunction to recognize the state is firmly embedded in the New Testament
church's ethical code. Here we find a command common to other New Testament
"household codes" at the head of a list of virtues (see 1 Tim 4:12;
6:11; 2 Tim 2:22; 3:10). It is likely that Paul and other New Testament writers
drew on and adapted teaching from a common source to which the "household
code" belonged (see on 1 Tim 2). This aspect of the teaching encouraged
the church to respect the government; a form of the verb "to be subject
to" is typical of this kind of teaching (Rom 13:1, 5; 1 Pet 2:13).
Essentially, the instruction calls for Christians to participate in this level
of the social structure (as far as possible) according to society's rules.
Participation
as such takes two courses. "Obedience" is left unexplained, but
presumably it corresponds to Romans 13:6 where a specific example of doing what
is obligatory (paying taxes; in 1 Tim 2:2, obedience takes the form of praying
for—and thereby expressing loyalty to—government leaders) underlines the need
to do what the "system" requires. Subjection to the state—that is,
adherence to and recognition of this institution—means obeying the rules.
Yet
subjection also necessitates the more active expression of the Christian life
which is (according to the early church's code) traditionally termed
"doing good" (Rom 13:3; 1 Pet 2:15). This was the attitude of the
respectable, loyal citizen. As with the other two passages cited and throughout
the Pastorals, "doing good" is Christian existence portrayed in
tangible ways in the life of the believer or the community (collectively) as
the observable manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Paul has stressed in other
contexts that this "expression of the Spirit" will include socially
responsible behaviour (Tit 2; 1 Tim 2:8-15; 5:1-2, 9-14; 6:1-2).
At
verse 2 the church's responsibility toward all people comes into view. The
tradition seems to have influenced Paul here to connect this responsibility and
the responsibility to the state (compare 1 Pet 2:13, 17). Essentially, the
instructions advise the Cretan Christians to make as few waves as possible by
living in a way that fosters good relations. In the area of speech, Christians
are not to be known as those who slander others. Rather, in speech and conduct
(that is, in the totality of life; see discussion at 1 Tim 4:12) they are to be
known for peace able ness, gentleness (NIV considerate) and meekness (humility)
toward all people.
Misunderstanding
these qualities leads to what has been called "doormat Christianity."
But in reality they have nothing to do with passivity. Peaceableness is a
conscious mode of response that allows one to resist taking a violent course in
difficult situations, often sacrificially, in order to save relationships.
Gentleness (or consideration) is an attitude that quiets personal concerns to
make room for the concerns of others. And meekness (humility) is that balanced
perception of oneself that makes it possible to regard others as more important
(compare Phil 2:3-4). In fact, the last two qualities describe Christlikeness,
the basic disposition of Christ toward others (2 Cor 10:1; compare 1 Tim 3:3; 2
Tim 2:25). Paul's language portrays Christian living in relation to all people
as reasoned forbearance in every aspect of life, the putting of the concerns of
others ahead of one's own.
The Bible Panorama
Titus 3
V 1–2: ACCEPT AUTHORITY Church
members are to be told to accept lawful authority and to be ready to do good
works. They must live peaceably and gently, speaking no evil and showing
humility to all men.
V 3–8: CONVERSION CONDUCT Paul
reminds Titus of the shameful and wicked ways that he and they lived before
coming to know Christ. But God’s kindness and love in Christ have changed that,
through His mercy, His cleansing and the work of His Holy Spirit in response to
faith in Jesus Christ. Because of God’s grace, which has justified repentant
sinners, they should now maintain good works, and Titus must teach this because
it is good and profitable for them all.
V 9–11: DAMAGING DIVISIONS
Foolish disputes and unprofitable discussions which are going nowhere, and lead
to strife, are to be avoided. A person causing division is to be warned twice
only. If he still continues in his selfishness and sin, he is then to be
rejected. The implication is that church discipline should then exclude him
until repentance and faith are manifested.
V 12–14: SUPPORTING SAINTS Paul looks
forward to a visit from Titus soon, and briefs him on the itineraries of some
of his co-labourers in the gospel. He urges Titus to make sure that God’s
saints are supported in their needs, lacking nothing. The church people must
also maintain good works to meet their needs, and thus be fruitful.
V 15: GRACIOUS GREETINGS Again, Paul
ends one of his letters by sending the greetings of all with him and asking
Titus to greet all who love him in the faith. They need what he wants for them,
namely God’s grace.
Dictionary of Bible Themes
4018 life, spiritual
Life embraces more than physical existence; it includes humanity’s
relationship with God. Human beings come to life spiritually only through faith
in the redeeming work of God in Jesus Christ. This spiritual life is a
foretaste of the life which believers will finally enjoy to the full in the new
heaven and earth. Life in the Spirit means keeping in step with the promptings
and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and always being open to his gifts and
empowerment.
The nature of spiritual life
It is new life Ac 5:20 See also Ac 11:18; 2Pe 1:3; 1Jn 3:14
It is true life 1Ti 6:19
It is eternal life Ro 5:21 See also Da 12:2; Mt 19:29; Jn 6:27; 1Jn
5:11,20
It is abundant life Ps 16:11; Jer 17:8 See also Ps 1:3; Jn 10:10
The origins and nature of spiritual life
Spiritual life is the work of the Holy Spirit Jn 3:6,8 See also Eze
36:26; Jn 3:3,5-7; Ro 8:11; Tit 3:5-7
Spiritual life unites believers to Jesus Christ Eph 2:4-5 See also Ro
6:3-5; Ro 8:10; 1Co 12:13; Col 2:13; 1Jn 5:12
Spiritual life makes believers the children of God Jn 1:12-13 See also
Dt 30:20; Mt 6:9; Ro 8:15; Jas 1:18; 1Jn 4:7; 1Jn 5:1
Spiritual life brings people to know God Jn 17:3 See also Mt 11:27
Spiritual life brings about faith Jn 3:15; Jn 20:31 See also Jn 3:16,36;
Jn 5:24; Jn 6:40; Jn 11:25
Keeping in step with the Spirit
A new way of life is made possible Gal 5:25 See also Ro 8:5-6,9-16; Gal
5:16-18,22-24
Bondage to the written law is ended Ro 2:29 See also Ro 7:6; Ro 8:2; 2Co
3:6; Gal 5:17-18
Obedience to God is made possible Ro 8:4 See also Eze 36:27; Ro 8:13;
Gal 5:16; 1Th 4:7-8
Deepening unity is encouraged Eph 4:3 See also Col 2:13; Php 2:1-4
Strength and encouragement are received Ac 9:31
Gifts for those living in the Spirit
Gifts are given for building up the church 1Co 12:4-11 See also Ro
12:6-8; 1Co 12:27-30
Visions are given Ac 2:17; Joel 2:28; Rev 1:10,12-13; Rev 4:2; Rev 17:3;
Rev 21:10
Miracles are worked Mt 12:28 See also Ac 10:38; Ro 15:19; Gal 3:5
Ministry is enhanced 2Co 3:6 See also 2Co 3:7-9
Those living in the Spirit receive revelation and guidance
God is revealed as Father Gal 4:6 See also Ro 8:14-16
God’s purposes are revealed 1Co 2:9-10 See also Ro 15:13; 2Co 5:2-5; Gal
5:5; Eph 1:17-18
Guidance is given to believers Ac 8:29 See also Ac 10:19; Ac 11:12; Ac
13:2; Ac 16:6-7; Ac 20:22-23
Help is given to pray Ro 8:26-27; Eph 6:18; Jude 20
The Holy Spirit sanctifies those in whom he lives
Through the Spirit, Jesus Christ lives in believers Eph 3:16-17
The Spirit transforms believers 2Co 3:18 See also Ro 15:16; 2Th 2:13;
1Pe 1:2
The fruit of the Spirit is seen in believers’ lives Ac 13:52; Ro 5:5; Ro
8:6; Ro 14:17; Ro 15:30; Gal 5:22-23; Col 1:8; 1Th 1:6
Examples of life in the Holy Spirit
Jesus Christ Mt 4:1 pp Mk 1:12 pp Lk 4:1; Mt 12:18,28; Lk 4:14,18; Lk
10:21; Ac 10:38
Simeon Lk 2:25-27
Peter Ac 4:8; Ac 10:19,44
Stephen Ac 6:5,10; Ac 7:55
The first Christians Ac 4:31; Ac 6:3-5; Ac 11:24,27-29; Ac 13:1-3; Ac
15:28
Yours by His Grace
Blair Humphreys
Southport, Merseyside, United
Kingdom
31st July 2015
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