1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
Titus 3:1-3
After conveying the deep, theological truths of 2:11-14 that form the basis for the exhortations to godly character given in 2:2-10, Paul encourages Titus to remind the believers in the churches of Crete of what it means for them to live out their faith. The language used here (“remind them”) implies that they have been instructed in these things before, perhaps by the apostle Paul himself when he was present among them. The fact that Titus is instructed to once again present these truths illustrates for us their importance as we seek to live lives of faithfulness in the present age.
The specific teaching that Titus is to remind believers of has to do with the way they live out their faith publicly. First, they are to be characterized by a submissive attitude towards governing authorities. In numerous places throughout Scripture, believers are exhorted to recognize that God’s authority is exercised through established lesser authorities. This structure is foundational for civilization and is necessary for human flourishing. Christians are therefore to live as a faithful people who seek the welfare of the cities in which they live. As the city flourishes, Christians are afforded the opportunity to live properly before unbelievers (1 Thess. 4:11-12). By avoiding unnecessary confrontation with the established authorities, Christians are available to God to be used by Him for His purposes in the world. Next, Christians are also to be characterized by certain conduct in terms of their interpersonal relationships. Believers are not to be slanderers or those who quarrel unnecessarily with others. Rather, they are to be characterized by gentleness, showing courtesy towards others. The terminology used here has to do with the manner in which Christians are to relate to others. Specifically, they are to exhibit humility, showing kindness and concern for the well-being of those with whom they interact.
It is important that Christians are reminded of this because God has done a great work in them, delivering them from their past and renewing them by the power of His Spirit. He takes time, however, to remind them of the things that characterized them in their unbelief in order that they might be encouraged to display different character in light of the salvation that has come to them in Christ. He then describes the conduct of their unbelieving life in terms of both foolishness and slavery. First, as unbelievers, they were those who were not governed by biblical wisdom, but were instead disobedient and led astray. Second, they were enslaved to their passions, having their conduct governed solely by their feelings and appetites. These things all came together in a fruitless and futile life that was characterized by a fundamental selfishness that revealed itself through covetousness and conflict.
Christians must be reminded that God has saved us and made us His people in order that we might reflect the truth of the Gospel to the surrounding world. It is therefore of great importance how it is that we live our lives in relation both to the governing authorities and to those among whom we live. For believers to be zealous for good works means that we are zealous for the things of God, valuing the things that He values and loving those whom He loves. As we model faithfulness to the surrounding world, we expect both opposition and interest from unbelievers. No matter the response, however, Christians are called by God to follow Jesus and to invite others to join with us in worshiping Him!
We look forward to gathering for worship this week to consider these things and spend time together in prayer.
Soli Deo Gloria.
-Thomas