The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Titus Chapter Three
1 Put them in remembrance that they be subject to the principalities and powers, and that they be obedient, and ready to every good work.
2 That they speak evil of no man, that they be no fighters, but soft, showing all meekness unto all men.
3 For we ourselves also were in times past unwise, disobedient, deceived, serving the lusts and divers pleasures, living in maliciousness and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4 But when that bountifulness and that love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
5 Not by the works of righteousness, which we had done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of the new birth, and the renewing of the holy Ghost,
6 Which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 That we, being justified by his grace, should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a true saying, and these things I will thou shouldest affirm, that they which have believed God, might be careful to show forth good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
9 But stay foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and brawlings about the Law: for they are unprofitable and vain.
10 Reject him that is an heretic, after once or twice admonition,
11 Knowing that he that is such, is perverted, and sinneth, being damned of his own self.
12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me unto Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
13 Bring Zenas the expounder of the Law, and Apollos on their journey diligently, that they lack nothing.
14 And let ours also learn to show forth good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
15 All that are with me, salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen
Cross references:
Titus 3:1 : Romans 15:1; 1 Peter 2:13
Titus 3:3 : 1 Corinthians 6:11
Titus 3:5 : 2 Timothy 1:9
Titus 3:9 : 1 Timothy 1:4, 7; 2 Timothy 2:23
Editor’s thoughts:
Verses 1-8 - The attributes and qualities that we must maintain to be good proxies of our Lord.
Be subject to those in authority over you and be ready to demonstrate your willingness to do good works for them. Do not speak evil of anyone, (idle gossiping and backbiting) nor repay evil with evil. (Read Romans 12:17; 2 Corinthians 2:20; 1 Timothy 5:13). Remember always, that we once traveled in similar company. But now, we have put on the new man of faith, and as such we should strive to refrain from all our former evils. (Read Ephesians 4:17, 24; Colossians 3:10, 12)
God has called us to demonstrate to the world how the righteous man should endeavor to live, however, let us not forget that it is His mercy, kindness, and love that caused Him to make the pathway to salvation by the sacrifices of Christ Jesus. Hereafter, let us walk in His image of righteousness.
Finally, always remember that it is through this redeeming of ourselves by Him to Himself, that we are saved. Our works are the fruition of that redemption. Maintain them always.
Verses 9-11 - Avoid contentious people. These are those that would seek to only cause strife within yourself and within your circle of those of your family and friends. To argue with such distracts from the paths you have been set upon. It is likewise of no profit to you.
Verse 14 - Read verse 3:8
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