As we close our journey through Paul's letter to Titus, chapter 3 shifts the focus outward. In chapter 1, Paul emphasized how believers should live differently than their culture. In chapter 2, he gave practical guidance for life stages and roles. Now, in chapter 3, Paul addresses how we relate to those around us–even when we believe and live differently.
Representing Christ in Our Community
Paul begins with a simple but challenging question: How can we represent Christ well in our community? His answer starts in verses 1-2:
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. - Titus 3:1-2
- Submit to rulers and authorities. Christians in Crete still lived under local governments, and Paul reminds them to respect those in leadership. Unless a command directly contradicts God's Word, believers are called to obey and avoid stirring unnecessary conflict.
- Show kindness toward everyone. Even when our choices differ from those around us, our interactions should leave people thinking, We may not agree, but we can live at peace.
Empathy Rooted in Grace
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 3:3
Starting in verse 3, Paul reminds us why humility matters: We were once far from God too. Whether our past feels dramatic or ordinary, every believer shares the same story–we were separated from Christ because of sin. This truth should shape how we treat others, giving us empathy and patience for those who don't yet know Him.
The Beauty of Transformation
Verse 4-8 paint a stunning picture of salvation. Paul contrasts the bleak reality of life apart from Christ with the hope found in Him:
- Salvation is not earned by effort. It's a gift of God's kindness and mercy.
- Outside of grace, we are hopeless.
- Inside grace, we are renewed and made heirs of eternal life.
When we remember this transformation, it changes how we live. Grace becomes the lens through which we see others... and the motivation for how we respond.
Grace Within the Family of God
Paul doesn't stop with relationships outside the church. In verses 8-15, he turns inward:
- Keep the gospel central. Don't let controversies, genealogies, and arguments distract from what matters most.
- Guard unity. Paul warns Titus to avoid divisive people–a striking reminder of God's desire for harmony in His church. Jesus prayed for unity in John 17, and Paul echoes that call here.
- Model familial love. Paul's closing words overflow with warmth. He mentions friends like Zenas and Apollos. Men that could have been rivals, yet Paul trats them as brothers. This is the kind of love that should characterize the church.
Finally, Paul urges believers to be productive, a subtle contrast to Crete's reputation for laziness. Hard work and godly living make the gospel visible in a watching world.
Titus reminds us that grace isn't just the starting point of faith; it's the foundation for every relationship, every decision, and every act of obedience. As we finish this series, let's carry Paul's message with us: Live with humility, pursue unity, and let grace shape how you engage with the world.
Reflection Questions
- How could you help foster more of the familial love for other believers that Paul exhibits for Titus and the others he mentions?
- Paul encourages hard work for the believers in Crete, perhaps in contrast to their infamous laziness. What virtue or habit could you embody to contrast your cultural situation?
Cornerstone Impact Update
Work isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. In October's Every Good Endeavor blog, we dove into:
- Why all work matters to God.
- The beauty of common grace.
- How to engage culture without losing your soul.
- Moving from dualism to integration.
Read now and discover how faith reframes vocation.
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