In the final chapter of Paul’s letter to Titus, we have some very important passages to consider. They are important because they are the truth. We have a problem in this world today that if people don’t like the truth, they invent their own. Actually, that’s been going on for a very long time. Why do you think Jesus always started sentences with, “Truly, I tell you…” or “I tell you the truth…”? It’s because the religious leaders of the Jews in the past made up stuff to glorify themselves in stead of God. That’s why God sent us believers His Holy Spirit so that we who are born again and receive the gift of the Spirit, we can discern what is the truth and what is a lie. We must always seek the truth.
Titus 3
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Oh, oh! Here we go again with having to submit to authorities and rulers.
- We must respect the position. I heard something interesting from Senator Ted Cruz. He said, “We Republicans fight till we win. When we lose, we stop. The Democrats fight and even when they lose, they keep fighting.” They don’t respect the will of the people. I remember in November of 2016, all the protests and riots in every major city that occurred after Trump won the first time. The leftist were yelling, “Not my president!” I cried when Obama won twice, but I accepted it, prayed for him and respected the office. I didn’t agree with anything he did, but as Americans we have the right to cast our votes.
- And as Americans we need to accept and respect the government authorities and obey the laws.
- Do what is good, don’t slander — that means on Twitter, too! Be peaceable– no burning down businesses that took hard-working Americans lifetimes to build. Be gentle toward everyone.
Is that so difficult?
Continuing…
3 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. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 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, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Jesus saves us by God’s love, mercy and grace. Our sins are washed away in rebirth — we are born again! It’s a renewal by the Holy Spirit — our old lives are dead and our new eternal life with Christ begins. We then have a confident hope that this evil world is not all there is!
Because we are saved and transformed by grace and the Holy Spirit, we are then supposed to dedicate ourselves to doing good. When we obey and follow God’s will for our lives, our lives become excellent and profitable.
Dealing with Dissenters
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
Life’s too short to spend arguing! I’ve found that there are people who are so brainwashed by the Catholic church that nothing I can say or quote from the Bible will change their minds. Sadly, they are “warped and sinful and self-condemned”. Here we are told to warn them no more than twice, then walk away.
What I usually do is hit them with an article or two, then some scripture verses. If that doesn’t work, then I tell them, listen, invite Jesus into your heart and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the truth. You have nothing to lose! And I stop messaging them. I will, however, pray for them.
Final Remarks
12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Titus 3 NIV
I love how Paul adds a personal touch to all of his letters. We lose that personal touch in emailing and messaging. Nevertheless, Paul reiterates that we must learn to devote ourselves to doing what is good. There is a lot of need out there right now. We are not to live unproductive lives.
How do You Know What God’s Will is For YOU?
Read and study the Bible and pray daily. He will tell you. How? It depends. Sometimes you’ll get an idea and you’ll have to pray and ask Him if that’s His will for your life. Sometimes it will be a person who happens to cross your path. Or a sermon, song or video. You have to keep your heart and mind open to receive His Word.
I’m going to end today’s post with one of my favorite Psalms…
1 God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!4 A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the Most High.
5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
From the very break of day, God will protect it.
6 The nations are in chaos,
and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders,
and the earth melts!
7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
See how he brings destruction upon the world.
9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
Psalm 46 NLT
the God of Israel is our fortress.
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies! That’s a mighty God!
If you’re not sure if you’re saved or not, if you truly want to be born again and have the assurance of salvation, receive the Holy Spirit, feel His Shalom — a peace that surpasses all understanding, and get a 1-way, non-stop ticket to Heaven after you die, or that you won’t be left behind at the Rapture, which can happen at any moment, this is what you have to do…
