Titus 3

The way believers should live

Remind them to be subject to rulers and those in authority, to be obedient and ready for any good work, 2 not to speak evil of anyone, not to be quarrelsome, but gentle, showing complete humility toward everyone.

The way believers lived before they believed

3 For in time past we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

Salvation is by God’s grace and mercy

4 But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 he saved us, not by righteous deeds that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7 so that having been justified by his grace, we would become heirs in accordance with the expectation of eternal life.

Those who are saved should do good deeds

8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to declare these things constantly, that those who have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable for men.

Things and people to avoid

9 But avoid foolish debates and genealogies and controversies and quarrels about the Law, for they are unprofitable and useless.

3:9 See Titus 1:13-14; 1 Tim 1:4, 7; 6:4; 2 Tim 2:14-16, 23, 24. Paul is saying that preachers and teachers should not be diverted from their main task of declaring the important truths God has revealed. They should stick to the heart of the gospel and emphasize those things which are useful and build people up in the faith. Observe in vs 8,9 what is spiritually profitable and what is not.⚜

10 Reject a person who chooses to follow heresy, after a first and second warning. 11 Know that such a person is twisted and sinning, and stands self-condemned.

3:11 By rejecting the solemn warnings of God’s servants he proves he is sinful and has a twisted mind which does not want the truth. And by doing so he condemns himself.⚜

Closing remarks

12 After I have sent Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Make every effort to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos for their journey, so that they will lack nothing. 14 Our people must learn also to maintain good deeds, to provide for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

3:14 See the great emphasis in this letter on doing good – vs 1,8; Titus 1:16; 2:7, 14. God wants us to devote ourselves to doing good to others – give ourselves completely to it. By “pressing needs” he probably means the needs of others as well as one’s own – Acts 20:35; Rom 12:13; Eph 4:28.⚜

15 Everyone with me greets you. Greet them who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.