Titus 3:1-15
Doing What Is Good
1 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 to show true humility toward all men.
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. 8This 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.
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 him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
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 that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
St. Paul gives lessons to Titus on helping to develop himself and the church...He gives Titus instructions and encouragement on not only the church, but on its members...The church's members are men, and Paul knows that Titus would need to be able to handle the confrontations that would come up in a growing organization...St. Paul teaches us often, to do whatever is good...
St. Paul reminds Titus and us to be subject to rulers and authorities and be obedient...Civil obedience is one thing and spiritual obedience is another...Spiritual obedience is much more important than agreeing with our political leaders...We must put our political leaders in perspective in our lives...It appears some men in Crete were disrespectful to their leaders...No matter where we live, there will be someone with authority over them...But Jesus is more important, and God's authority is over every authority and every government...We must always remember this...
St. Paul also reminds us that it is important to do good...If we are bad and do not listen to each other, it is difficult to get along and build relationships and an organization...Praying for kindness, doing good, and to love for one another is important in the ways of life and being a follower of Christ...When we show true humility toward all men, are peaceful and considerate -it reflects the teachings of Christ...This is because it shows we love one another...Jesus teaches a kindness and love...When we love one another, we show that we are a disciple of His (John 13:34-35)...Love, kindness, and doing good are excellent and profitable for everyone...
God sent His Son for us...He was and is our Savior...It was and is God's Plan...God sent Jesus to save us...He saves us, not because of our righteousness, because we are sinners...When we realize that we are sinners, we then realize that it is by His grace that we are saved...This grace gives us the hope for eternal life...Because of Jesus we do not have to fear death, He has overcome death with His resurrection...And we do not have to understand His death and resurrection to be saved...We are saved by a gift of God, we are saved by His grace through our faith and trust in Him (Ephesians 2:8-9)...
St. Paul at the end of his letter to Titus, reminds us that we should greet all we see with love in the faith...This small act, helps not only ourselves but shows a small love to others...