Titus 3:1-8

¹ “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, ² to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people.³ For we too were once foolish, 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 Savior and His love for mankind appeared, ⁵ He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,⁶ whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior,⁷ so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ⁸ This statement is trustworthy; 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 beneficial for people.”

Verse 1: Paul instructs Titus to remind the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready to do good. Believers are called to live in a manner that reflects the grace and love of Christ, even in our interactions with governing authorities. This includes being obedient to the laws of the land and being ready to engage in acts of kindness and goodness.

Verse 2: Paul emphasizes the importance of believers refraining from slander, being peaceable, considerate, and gentle towards others. As recipients of God’s grace, we are called to extend that grace to others through our words and actions. This includes avoiding slander, promoting peace, and treating others with kindness and gentleness.

Verse 3: Paul reminds the believers of their past state of foolishness, disobedience, and enslavement to sinful passions. This serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives. We were once trapped in a life of sin, but through Christ, we have been set free and are now called to live in a way that reflects His love and grace.

Verse 4: Paul highlights the kindness and love of God our Savior that appeared to us. God’s kindness and love are central to the gospel message. It is through His love and grace that we have been saved and transformed. This kindness and love are not based on our own efforts or merit, but on God’s unmerited favor towards us.

Verse 5: Paul emphasizes that our salvation is not based on our own righteous deeds, but on God’s mercy. Salvation is a result of God’s grace and mercy, not our own works. It is through the work of the Holy Spirit that we are washed, reborn, and renewed. This transformation is a result of God’s grace and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Verse 6: Paul highlights that the Holy Spirit has been poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior. Through Jesus, we have received the fullness of the Holy Spirit. This pouring out of the Holy Spirit is a result of God’s finished work in the Son.

Verse 7: Paul reminds the believers that through God’s grace, they have been justified and made heirs with the hope of eternal life. Our justification and inheritance are not based on our own efforts or merit, but solely on God’s grace. It is through His grace that we have been made righteous and have the assurance of eternal life.

Verse 8: Paul emphasizes the importance of stressing these truths and encouraging believers to devote themselves to doing good. As believers, we are called to live out the goodness and grace of God in our lives. Our actions should reflect the transformative work of God’s grace within us. By focusing on these truths, we can experience the excellence and profitability of a life lived in alignment with God’s grace.