Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. Titus 3:1-2
Sometimes it is good to be reminded. Jesus knew that, which is why he gave us the communion meal. But we also need to be reminded of our everyday behaviour and obligations. Living in a world that goes its own way we need to be reminded that this is not our way. So as we begin a new week let us do so with a resolution to be the people God wants us to be. Let us pray that when we stumble he will pick us up and show us the right path.
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. Titus 3:3
Our verse today continues the reminder of yesterday giving us more detail on the behaviour that will cause us to stumble. Ways that were common in our old life under self but have no place in our new life under Christ. Such ways make us slaves because they govern what we do rather than us being in control of our actions. Let us praise God that he has released us to live not under the control of foolish ways but in control of a righteous life.
But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, 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, Titus 3:4-5
The Salvation we have through Christ can never be earned; we can never be good enough to deserve what he has done for us. This gift of life he offers is made possible only through his mercy. Again this is not something he is obliged to offer; it is offered through his grace. Let us praise God that he would give us the means to be set right before him, a way to receive what we do not deserve.
so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:7
The Bible contains some wonderful promises and none are so great as the one contained in this verse. By his grace and mercy we have the hope of eternal life! How amazing is that. We cannot buy it, we cannot earn it, we certainly can never deserve it. But God, through Jesus makes it possible for us to have it anyway. Let us praise God for an inheritance that can never spoil, perish or fade, that is ours through our Salvation.
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Titus 3:9
It is so easy to get drawn into arguments and foolishness. Today we are given a challenge, and not just for today but for everyday. The challenge is to pass all we do and say through the lens of, ‘is it profitable or useful’. If it is not then it should have no part in us. Let us pray that we would be filled with the wisdom to live in a way that builds and encourages those around us.
Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. Titus 3:10-11
No one is condemned outright; we must always give an opportunity for change to take place. Of course, if such guidance and encouragement is rejected and goes unheeded then it is not us who have condemned them but they have condemned themselves. And while we are in this world, we are not part of it and we must ensure we protect ourselves from its effects. Let us pray for a right balance between being an influence in the world and protected from it.
order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. Titus 3:14
As we come in worship we have an opportunity to give thanks for God’s protection and strength in the week that is drawing to a close and an opportunity also to pray for his continued guidance in the week to come. Let us give thanks for his teachings and his power at work in us. Let us come in praise of a God who love us and cares for us in every aspect of our lives.