TITUS 3
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
– Titus 3:1-11
TITUS 3 DEVOTE & DISCIPLINE YOURSELVES TO DO GOOD
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
As servants of the Lord, you are called to devote yourselves to do good
Make it a habit to be mindful by purposely having discipline to do so
When you dedicate a set time to regularly apply the gifts of the Spirit
You are sowing seeds of grace that later on reaps a bounty of riches
So, guard your mouth, mind and heart so that only the truth is revealed
Do away with all malice and envy; start living and glorifying Jesus Christ.
In this letter, Paul reminds Titus of the old nature that was transformed now by the new creation when they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. He compares the key differences in this transition from old to new. In verse 3, he discusses our old ways from that sinful nature that loves to gratify its flesh, is foolish, disobedient, malicious, quarrelsome, envious and haters. Whereas the new nature in Christ is totally the opposite of those old tendencies.
Paul encourages them to be obedient and submissive to every authority that Christ has given to them as if it was to Christ that they were actually submitting to. They must be busy and mindful to discipline themselves to do good works at every occasion that they are presented with. Verse 2 presents a key aspect of this charge to the believers: they are not to slander anyone, gossip or quarrel and create division among themselves. Instead, they are to be gentle and compassionate and show kindness to everyone. By being accountable to the Lord, they will devote and discipline themselves to do good at all times and on every occasion.
REFLECTION
- Why must a Christian be purposeful in making a lifestyle or discipline themselves to do good?
