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Titus 3

Titus 3 offers guidance on how Christians should live in society, focusing on good works, avoiding foolish controversies, and being gentle and humble. Paul emphasizes the importance of obedience, being ready for every good work, and the role of God’s grace in salvation. The chapter also addresses practical instructions on dealing with divisive people in the church.

Titus 3:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,
2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

Christians are urged to be obedient and respectful to governmental and social authorities, emphasizing a proactive stance in good deeds. They are also called to maintain a gentle and humble demeanor in all interactions, refraining from slander and promoting peace. This sets a standard for Christian behavior in the public sphere, underlining the importance of a positive, respectful witness in society.

Titus 3:3 (NKJV)
3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

This verse highlights the contrast between the believers' past and their new life in Christ. It serves as a reminder of their former state of sin and disobedience, underscoring the transformative power of God’s grace. This retrospective acknowledgment helps foster humility and patience towards others, recognizing that all are in need of God's mercy.

Titus 3:4-7 (NKJV)
4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

These verses encapsulate the core of Christian doctrine—the salvation and regeneration through Jesus Christ, not by human deeds but by divine mercy. The "washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit" symbolizes baptism and the continual transformative effect of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. The ultimate purpose of such grace is to justify and make believers heirs of eternal life, highlighting the hope and future promised to Christians.

Titus 3:8 (NKJV)
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Paul emphasizes the reliability of the doctrinal summary just provided and instructs Titus to reiterate these truths. The aim is to encourage believers to engage in good works, not as a means of salvation but as its natural fruit. These activities are beneficial not only to the individual Christian but also have a positive impact on the broader community.

Titus 3:9-11 (NKJV)
9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.
10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,
11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

Paul warns against engaging in fruitless debates and controversies, particularly disputes about the law, which Paul emphasizes as unprofitable and useless. These arguments likely centered around Jewish ceremonial laws, traditions, or legalistic requirements that some tried to impose on Christians. Such disputes were not only distractions but also incompatible with the new covenant and the true gospel, which is based on grace through faith in Christ, not works of the law. Paul highlights that focusing on these outdated practices detracts from the transformative power of the gospel, which leads to a heart-centered relationship with God rather than outward compliance. He advises rejecting divisive individuals who persist in such arguments after two warnings, as their actions reveal a corrupt and self-condemned heart. This passage calls for believers to stay grounded in the gospel of grace, avoiding legalism and focusing on the unity and spiritual growth that come from faith in Christ.

Titus 3:12-14 (NKJV)
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that they may lack nothing.
14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

These verses shift to personal instructions and logistical arrangements, emphasizing the supportive network among early Christian leaders and missionaries. Paul plans for Titus’ travel and the well-being of other co-workers, illustrating the practical aspects of ministry and the importance of providing for fellow workers. The directive for all to engage in good works, especially in meeting urgent needs, underlines the practical expression of faith in community life.

Titus 3:15 (NKJV)
15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

The closing greeting conveys the warmth and connection within the early Christian community, extending mutual greetings and blessings of grace. This benediction underscores the shared faith and fellowship among believers, reinforcing the collective identity and support in the Christian life.

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