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Paul's Letter to Titus

Good works as the fruit of salvation

Titus chapter 3

Introduction

This chapter continues the subject of 2:14 - that our free salvation in Christ has the motive of making us "a people exclusively His, zealous of good works". Such works do not save us (3:5), but should characterize those who already are saved by the grace of God (3:8).

Good citizenship – verses 1 and 2

The Christian has to be a model citizen, submitting to national and local laws, helping the authorities to maintain "order and progress" in the country and in the city. The believer must not be defamatory or quarrelsome, but prudent and moderate in his talk even with those who have opinions or of parties with whom he disagrees.

Divine goodness – verses 3 to 7

Here is a faithful description of ourselves (Paul and his readers, and all men) as we were before being saved by "God our Saviour". What an ugly picture v. 3 gives of humanity without Christ, our nature and our carnal, selfish and malicious works!

However, “God our Saviour"  showed us "goodness and love" and "saved us" - by the renewal and purification made in us by the Holy Spirit. This was not by any works, merits or religious acts on our part, but solely by means of the work done on the cross by "Jesus Christ, our Saviour", Who brought us free justification and eternal life making us His heirs (v. 7).

A faithful saying – verses 8 to 11

See 1 Timothy 1:15-16. Here is the 5th “faithful Word" of those found in the letters to Timothy and Titus; it shows how believers should demonstrate the divine love towards them (revealed perfectly by the free salvation in Christ) , through the love which they themselves exercise towards others, in their good works (v. 8).

The testimony of the believer may also consist in avoiding certain things and people (vs. 9-11). The "discussions, disputes and debates" are not "excellent" or "beneficial", because they do not help in the conversion of anyone.

In addition, heretic (or sectarian) men should be avoided, who deny the Christian truths and obstinately disobey the admonitions of elders, because they prefer live sinning (v.11).

Recommendations and greetings – verses 12 to 15

1. Paul will send Artemas or Tychicus to Crete and then Titus will be free to go and meet the apostle in Nicopolis. where he decided to spend the winter. Nicopolis was a city of Greece.
2. Zenas is mentioned only here. Apollo was of Alexandria - see Acts 18:24-28; 1 Corinthians 3:4-6; 16:12.
3. Again we have the "good works" that Christians must always learn and practise in favour of the needy and here especially in helping evangelical travellers.
4. "Grace be with you all" the greeting was for all believers.

Note: A notable feature of this Epistle is the repetition of the double phrase: "God our Saviour - Christ our Saviour"; see 1:3 and 4; 2:10 and 13; 3:4 and 6. Note especially the phrase "our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2:13).

Also, note the phrase: “He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit" (3:5). Here our salvation is tied to the work of the Holy Spirit in our regeneration and renewal. The "washing of regeneration" is a process is done once and forever; the "washing of renovation" is a process that continues until the end. See Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 4:16. The “washing of regeneration” is illustrated also by the words of the Lord Jesus in John 13:10: "He who is bathed" and "washing of renovation" in the words "to wash his feet, but is completely clean".

 

Richard Dawson Jones (1895-1987)

 

 

 

 

 

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. 

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. 
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. 
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. 
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. 

 

12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, 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 with haste, 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. 
15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Titus chapter 3