Paul’s Instructions to Titus Regarding Some Practical Matters Titus 3:1-15
Having discussed with Titus the need to ordain elders in the churches for organization, along with the need to teach sound doctrine to combat the false teachers (Titus 1) and to instruct the various age groups to live godly as a result of God’s grace (Titus 2), Paul will now deal with two additional classes of people in this final chapter.
Titus 3:1-15 may be outlined as follows: I. Honor Civil Rulers – Titus 3:1-7; II. Be Aware of Heretics – Titus 3:8-15.
- Honor Civil Rulers – Titus 3:1-7
Titus is exhorted by Paul to remind the believers in Crete to be good citizens within their communities, a virtue in which Cretans were evidently deficient. As believers we should be model citizens obeying the laws of the land in which we live unless those laws conflict or contradict our relationship with God. Even if we cannot honor the man, we must honor the office and the laws of the land. Again, if the laws contradict the Word, or fist allegiance is to God (Acts 4:19; 5:29).
In verses 1-2, Paul listed seven qualities expected of Christian citizens: (1) to be subject to rulers and authorities; (2) to be obedient; (3) to be ready to do whatever is good; (4) to slander no one; (5) to be peaceable; (6) considerate; (7) to show true humility toward all men. By demonstrating these qualities, a believer demonstrates that he or she understands the lifestyle expected of God’s grace!
In verse 3, the Apostle Paul never forgot the sinful lifestyle he and his converts once embraced. Verse 3 really reveals a bleak picture of the unsaved today and also portrayed our darkened past. We ere foolish instead of being sensible, disobedient instead of being submissive, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures instead of being self-disciplined and ready for every good work. Instead of being peaceable, considerate and humble, we were described as being with malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. However, all of that changed when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared (v. 4).
In verse 5, God in His grace saved us who believed, not because of any righteousness that we possessed (Romans 3:21-24; Ephesians 2:8-9; II Timothy 1:9) but because of His mercy. In verse 6, God has poured out the Holy Spirit generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour. The Holy Spirit has been generously given to us so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. “The hope of eternal life” points to the great hope of the believers, the coming of Christ for the church (v. 7).
- Be Aware of Heretics – Titus 3:8-15
In verse 8, due to the fact that what Paul had been saying is trustworthy, Titus was admonished to emphasize these things in order to promote godly behavior among the believers. Paul was concerned that theses believers would focus on doing what is good because these things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Titus was to promote good works, for they are in alignment with sound doctrine.
In verse 9, the believers were instructed to avoid foolish controversies and genealogies, and arguments and quarrels about the Law, for such empty discussions are unprofitable and useless. In verses 10-11, the person who is advancing such useless things are divisive influence in the church is to be given two warnings. If the two warnings don’t work, then Titus was to have nothing to do with them. By not responding to the warnings, it is assumed that the offender is warped and sinful and self-condemned.
In verse 12, Titus was informed by Paul that reinforcements are coming to assist him in the difficult ministry of Crete. Either Artemas or Tychicus would replace him so he might join Paul at Nicopolis. In verse 13, Zenas the lawyer is mentioned here, but nothing is known about him. However, Apollos was a familiar fellow worker (Acts 19).
In verse 14, Paul reminded the believers about good works. As believers, we must maintain good works by helping others along the way. Paul closes this epistle with his apostolic greeting, linking love with faith, and of course, he concludes his greeting mentioning the word “grace” (v. 15).
May God Bless!
