SCRIPTURE: TITUS 3
MEMORY VERSE:
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” (Titus 3:1-2)
DOING WHAT IS GOOD (vs. 1-11)
- To subject to rulers and authorities. (v. 1a)
- To be obedient and ready to do whatever is good. (v. 1b)
- To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate. (v. 2a)
- To show true humility toward all men. (v.2b)
- To avoid foolish controversies , genealogies, arguments and quarrels about the law. (v. 9)
At one time, we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being 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. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. (vs. 3-8)
FINAL REMARKS (vs. 12-15)
As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopoli, because I have decided to winter there. Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. Everyone with me sends you greetings, greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
THOUGHTS:
As Christians, our first allegiance is to Jesus but we must obey our government and its leaders. Every Christian has the responsibility to be a good citizen by serving the country.
When a person is following a life of pleasure and giving in to sensual desire, it leads to a slavish addiction to sensual gratification. He is no longer free but is a slave to what his body dictates. Christ had freed us from the desires and control of sin. Have you been released?
Paul summarized what Christ does for us when he saves us. We move from a life full of sin to one where we are led by God’s Holy Spirit. By becoming a Christian, the believer acknowledges Christ as Lord and recognizes Christ’ saving work. We gain eternal life and have a new life through the Holy Spirit given as a free gift to us.
A person must be warned when he is causing division that threatens the unity of the church. The warning is to correct the individual’s divisive nature and restore him to fellowship. A person who refuses to be corrected should be put outside the fellowship.
This letter to Titus is the last writings of Paul and marks the end of his life and ministry. It gives vital information for church leadership and provides a strong model to elders, pastors and other Christian leaders to follow. Older Christians leaders should develop young leaders to carry on the work by following the example of Paul and his guidelines on church leadership.