Titus chapter 3
Paul reminds them to be ready to do every good work. We are not saved by righteous deeds we do but by God’s mercy. And Paul gives Titus his farewell.
BE READY TO DO EVERY GOOD WORK
VERSE 1. Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
Remind them. A big part of any pastor’s public ministry is reminding people of what they already know. We call it The Ministry of Reminding.
be in subjection to rulers and to authorities. Some Christians interpret this to mean that they should always obey their civil government, no matter what.
However, some actions of civil governments are intrinsically unjust. When this is true, there is no choice but non-cooperation.
Recall the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King. In his day, there were unjust laws. He leading people in non-violent non-cooeration with those unjust laws.
for every good work. Some Christians refuse to do good works. Their rationalization is tortured. It is something like this:
- Salvation is by faith and not by works.
- If they do good works, they will eventually forget that salvation is by faith
- Then they will try to earn their salvation by good works
We Christians say salvation is by faith. Yet the New Testament calls us to put our faith into action. Otherwise our faith is worthless. Read more »
VERSE 2. to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.
VERSE 3. For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
Titus 2:12. instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;
VERSE 4. But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared,
VERSE 5. not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
NIV translation: he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
This verse is fantastic! Would you consider memorizing it? More great verses to memorize from the Letter to Titus and from the entire Bible.
not by works of righteousness. Are we are saved by faith? By God’s grace? By our own good works? Or by some combination of those? What does the Bible tell us? Read more »
To sin is to violate God’s will for us. It harms our relationship with God. We all have missed the mark and sinned. Here are the verses we’ve found »
the washing of regeneration and renewing. God saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 9:15. For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
VERSE 6. whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior;
VERSE 7. that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
VERSE 8. This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men;
be careful to maintain good works. We believers are not exempt from doing good works. On the contrary, we ought to excel in doing them.
VERSE 9. but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
VERSE 10. Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning,
Avoid a factious man. There is nothing to be gained by fellowshipping with a known troublemaker.
VERSE 11. knowing that such a one is perverted and sins, being self-condemned.
FAREWELL
VERSE 12. When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there.
VERSE 13. Send Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them.
VERSE 14. Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.
VERSE 15. All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
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(Philemon chapter 1)
TITUS
RESOURCES: Summary, Outline, Memorize
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