Titus 3:1–8 - 1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. 3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
What does today’s passage say?
In this section, Paul tells believers that they should yield to people in authority over them with humility and respect (vv. 1-2). He then reflects back on our past state, when we were enslaved to various passions and lived in malice toward others. Even though we deserved judgment, God showed us tremendous mercy by saving us (vv. 3-7). He gave us new life in Christ, washing away our sins and renewing us with the Holy Spirit, so that we could become His children with the hope of eternal life. We did not earn this gift but received it freely through faith by His grace and love toward us. Paul concludes by saying our incredible redemption should continually turn us toward upright living and serving others through good deeds (v. 8).
How can I apply Titus 3:1-8 to my life?
In this passage, Paul emphasizes that the incredible grace we receive in salvation should transform every part of our lives. It changes how we view both those in authority over us as well as those around us. No longer living for self, we honor leadership with humble respect. We see others through eyes of compassion rather than pride, eager to meet pressing needs. This free redemption compels us to pour out what we've freely received, serving those God places in our path through acts of kindness and generosity that communicate His love. The mercy shown should motivate mercy given. Having been saved to do good works, we steward time, talents, and treasures in whatever way we can to benefit others, reflect God’s heart, and bring praise to His name. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Submit to Those in Authority Over You with Respect and Consideration (vv. 1-2): Paul instructs Titus to remind Christians to submit to rulers and authorities. As believers, this requires that we show due respect and consideration in our actions and attitudes toward them. After laying out the wonderful mercy and grace of God toward us, Paul now shifts to how we can express the change the gospel brings in relation to those in positions of earthly authority. Though we may disagree with the decisions or character of leaders, God still calls us to yield to their leadership unless it violates His commands. We honor Christ when we respectfully obey earthly authorities, not resisting unless such obedience requires us to sin. We must guard against a critical spirit, pride, or disrespect toward leaders. Though imperfect, God has sovereignly allowed them to have governing authority for order in society. Our role is not to resist but to submit and intercede for them through prayer. Our humble, respectful submission is part of our testimony to the grace of salvation we have received Jesus Christ. As believers transformed by grace, we yield personal rights and liberty out of reverence for Christ and a desire to let His life be seen through us by how we honor leadership. This includes watching our tone and attitude especially when we disagree. The goal is acting in an upright manner as God's ambassadors (Romans 13:1-7; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 2:13-17).
Food for Thought: What area of my life do I struggle with submitting to authority the most - at work, in the church, or in the government? Why? When I disagree with someone in authority over me, is my tone and attitude one that still shows respect and honor for their position?
2. Know That God’s Grace, Mercy, and Love Transform You in a Way That Good Works Can’t (vv. 3-7): Paul reminds us that before knowing Christ, we wandered in darkness, ignorant and defiant toward God's ways, chained to passions and pleasures that only led to more emptiness. We were filled with hatred, jealousy, and condemnation toward others, even though we deserved condemnation ourselves. But in tremendous mercy and unconditional love, God intervened to save us, not because we were good enough, but simply because of His grace, mercy and love and His desire to make us spiritually alive in Christ. This free gift of salvation that we receive through faith took away our sins and made us reborn. It was not earned by moral living but came purely by God's compassion. In His kindness, He poured out His Spirit to permanently indwell us, declaring us His children and heirs of eternal life. This radical deliverance should stir up deep thankfulness and humility in how we view others, removing any room for pride or judgment. It compels us to love others in the same way and to serve God in all that we do. We have no basis to feel superior over anyone but owe all glory to the Giver of such an undeserved gift (Romans 6:1-4; Galatians 4:4-7; Ephesians 2:4-10).
Food for Thought: Do I go through each day mindful of God’s mercy in freely saving me by His grace? How could an increased awareness of this amazing gift change how I see and treat others?
3. Let Your Salvation Compel You to Good Works (v. 8): Paul closes out this section reminding Titus that genuine salvation leads to good works. When we fully grasp the gracious gift of salvation through Jesus' sacrifice, it should lead us to want to honor God through serving others. Having personally walked in darkness and been shown Christ's light, we long to reflect His love. As recipients of such divine compassion, we must steward our time, energy, and resources to intentionally meet needs. Schedules shaped by the Savior make time for encouraging and serving others. Selfish ambition loses its grip over hearts now motivated by giving hope and help in Jesus' name. Of course, we need to avoid useless arguments or activities with no real value but, with so much poverty, loneliness, and pain in this world, there are always worthwhile ways we can serve. Our salvation should propel us into greater ministry to people, desiring to touch lives for Christ's sake through kindness, encouragement and meeting tangible needs. As we grow in responding to human need with divine love, our faith shines brightly through good deeds that glorify our Father. As they receive help given in Jesus' name, it softens their hearts to be receptive to the gospel. Our merciful Savior uses our hands, words and sacrifices to demonstrate His compassion in a way that uniquely speaks to those needing hope, purpose and new life in Him (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 13:16).
Food for Thought: What habits or activities could I change in order to have more time and resources to devote toward good works? How can I grow in living out the gospel daily through selfless action and meeting the needs of others?
This passage in Titus reminds us that the incredible mercy we have received should transform how we live. Having been rescued by God's love, we yield in humility to earthly authorities with respect and honor. Our hearts overflow with compassion for others rather than pride or judgment, since we too were lost in darkness before His light shone through. This undeserved gift of salvation motivates us to pour ourselves out in service to others through good works that display Christ's love. When we grasp the depth of God's grace, our schedules, ambitions, and resources get reshaped by the desire to encourage the hopeless and help the helpless. May our lives spill over with the mercy we've freely received.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would make me more aware of the mercy You showed by saving me from darkness and giving me newness of life in Christ. Create in me deep gratitude that overflows into compassion and humility in all my relationships. Help me to yield to leadership with honor and respect. I pray that You would soften my heart to see people through Your eyes of grace rather than pride. Help me to make my schedule and resources instruments that can meet pressing needs in my sphere of influence and empower me through Your Spirit to overflow with hope and help that shines the light of Your love. Use my words, my hands, and my service to demonstrate Your compassion in a way that softens hearts to be receptive to Your gospel of grace.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Titus 3:7 - “so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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