Titus 3 - Are You Leading a Fruitful or Unfruitful Christian Life?

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Saved in Order to Do Good

3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

As Paul continues the theme that our salvation should also lead to the way we lead our life. We are saved to serve. We are saved to live a life worthy of our calling. We are saved to be a witness to the world of what a true Christian looks like. In this case it involved being submissive to the governing authorities, most likely Rome. Though they were under the heavy hand of Rome, as believers they needed to show that they were under a different Lord. To follow Jesus meant to be peaceable, considerate, and gentle to everyone. This is a great reminder to us today even when we disagree with our governing authorities. There is always a way to express our disagreement, and at times we need to stand up to gross inju,stice but in most matters we need to heed to Paul's teaching to Titus. 

3 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. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 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, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Paul points to the transformation they had undergone, which would empower them to live the aforementioned type of life. He lists all the characteristics of those who are enslaved to the sinful nature we all inherited at birth. As believers we can be tempted to go back to that kind of living. We never completely get rid of the desires of our flesh. But, Paul makes the transition as he reminds them of the mercy and opportunity God gave us for a new life, when he sent Jesus into the world. 

He reminds them that their deliverance from sin, death, and the power of the devil did not come about by anything they did on their own. As Isaiah tells us, "Our righteousness is like filthy rags!" But when we came to faith in Jesus, we underwent a complete transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit. He mentions several aspects of the important work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit washed us our sin, as we were born again. The Holy Spirit continues to renew us and mold us into the image of Christ. The Holy Spirit has been pouted out upon us. We have received the fullness of the Holy Spirit not just a portion of the Spirit. Most importantly God saved us by His own choice. 

"He saved us: This is the essence and distinctive of the gospel. We can notice the emphasis: of God… not by works… His mercy… He saved us… of the Holy Spirit… He poured… through Jesus… by His grace… heirs. God is always the initiator, and we receive from Him before we give anything back."          - Guzik 

9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Like some other young churches, the church got caught up in some silly speculations about things like genealogies and the role of the Mosaic Law. Remember Jesus taught NOTHING about these kinds of matters. Everything we need to know and apply Jesus what taught us. When we start getting caught in theological interpretations of unimportant matters, the devil is happy. He would rather have us focus on anything other than the preaching and teaching of the gospel. The only thing we need to focus on is "Being a disciple who makes other disciples"  This will give us so much to focus on we won't any have time to get caught up in these kinds of trivial arguments. 

“The Jewish Rabbis spent their time building up imaginary genealogies for the characters of the Old Testament…. It is much easier to discuss theological questions than to be kind and considerate and helpful at home, or efficient and diligent and honest at work.” (Barclay)

Final Remarks

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. 15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

Paul's final remarks to Titus include personal comments regarding his next assignments. Titus was the bishop in Crete and was instrumental in helping establish several churches there, but he also played a key role in delivering Paul's strong letter to the Corinthians. He is also believed to be the author of 2 Corinthians. Therefore, Titus played the role of both pastor and apostle. He was a valuable co-worker of Paul's. It reminds us that Paul hand many trusted friends, who partnered with him in the planting of the majority of churches in the known world at that time. He asked him also to help Apollos, who we know was a preacher both in Ephesus aned then in Corinth. Articus and Tychius are assumed to be the leaders who took over in Crete. 

These personal words of Paul – common at the end of his letters – may seem insignificant, but are really very important. They communicate that Paul was a real man in a real world with real friends that he had regular contact with and care for. - Guzik

Paul closes by reminding him that the main purpose of a pastor is to equip the people to live productive lives. Every Christian is called to live a productive life. Many Christians sit on the sidelines, or grow lukewarm in their faith. Pastors are called to encourage, equip, and at times rebuke those they are shepherding. This is always essential to every church in every time and place. 

Are you leading a productive and fruitful Christian life? Why or why not? Where are you distracted from your primary in life to be a disciple who makes disciples? What are the next steps you need to take today!