DOCSLIB.ORG

TITUS 3 Accountability: Maintaining an Effective Christian Witness in a Secular World Closing Remarks & Greeting

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
TITUS 3 Accountability: Maintaining an Effective Christian Witness in a Secular World Closing Remarks & Greeting TITUS 3 Accountability: Maintaining an Effective Christian Witness in a Secular World Closing Remarks & Greeting The public expression of a Christian witness is perhaps the most challenging aspect of following Jesus Christ. Its where the “rubber meets the road” and where we “put our money where our mouth is”. All Christians live within some form of government authority and God’s Word is not silent on describing our relationship to that authority. Note that the last chapter of this pastoral letter is fairly short with only about 210 words but the Holy Spirit has “power packed” it with spiritual truth! Whereas chapter 1 emphasized church order and chapter 2 emphasized sound doctrine, this last chapter emphasizes the works of a Christian as being salt to a decaying society and light in a dark world. vv. 1, 2Ø REMINDER TO BE A GOOD ‘CITIZEN’ [1 Remind them to be subject to rulers1 and authorities2, 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.] Paul closes his letter to Titus by giving practical instruction on how a Christian is to respond to and behave in a hostile and ungodly society. Any worldly, secular culture is going to challenge the integrity of a Christian’s witness and Paul wanted that to remain an effective influence. So the Holy Spirit inspires Paul to remind us what the characteristics of the “Christian citizen”. Although most Gentile kingdoms have been and are secular in nature, the Bible tells believers they are to respect governmental authority since God has ordained the powers that be. Refer also to Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and 1 Peter 2:13-16. The scriptures describe what it is to be a Christian citizen and here Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, adds to that understanding. [“…subject to rulers and authorities, to obey…”] The Greek word translated “subject” here is the same word translated “obedient to” in Titus 2:5,9 in relation to young wives towards their husbands and servants towards their masters. It literally means to arrange under, and is a military term carrying with it the meaning of respecting order and arranging oneself under another. The word for “obey” here is an interesting compound Greek word: [3980 peitharcheo (pi- tharkh-eh'-o)] Literally “persuaded/convinced by a ruler”, that is to submit or conform to authority. 1 Rulers [746 arche (ar-khay')] Chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank). Beginning, corner, first estate, magistrate, power, principality, principle, and rule. Translated principalities in Ephesians 6:12 and magistrates here and in Luke 12:11. But most often this word is translated beginnings in the New Testament. 2 Authorities/powers [1849 exousia (ex-oo-see'-ah)] Lit. “out of self (rule)”, privileged capacity, jurisdiction, freedom to act, liberty to make decisions, right, strength or (objectively) mastery, delegated influence. Translated powers in Ephesians 6:12 referring to supernatural adversaries. But most often this word is translated powers in the New Testament. 1 Titus Chapter 3 Klaus G. Schiessel © January 2005 Note that the Bible does not qualify our submission to established authority based on a preference to any of the various forms of government [democratic republic, imperial monarchy, parliamentary, religious or fascist dictatorship]. Christians are to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey the laws and be ready to serve in the interest of the public good regardless of the form of government. Are there any exceptions to this in God’s Word? Yes, but only one: when a government law is in direct opposition to a higher law of God. This action is given the term “civil disobedience”. See for example Acts 4:17-20; 5:25-29; 16:16-23. Why can Christians be subject to the powers that be? Because God is control of all nations and sets up kings and brings them down, He even allows the lowliest person to be put in high public office3. All this to serve His eternal purposes. See Daniel 2:20,22; 4:17. Why can Christians be good citizens while here on earth? Because of the hope a believer has in his/her real citizenship4 in heaven. Note what Philippians 3:20 says “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ….” What kind of conditions existed in the society that Paul was speaking about? The people of Crete were “…always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” and posed a challenging problem for a believer to maintain the integrity his or her Christian witness. Additionally, there was the problem of “…many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision…”, that is the Judaizers5, “…who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.” Paul describes the actions of these in individuals in Galatians 2:1-5; 4:4-11 and Colossians 2:4-17. And yet Christians are to be………. [“…Be ready for every good work…”] This is the will of God and part of responsibility we have as Christians because of our salvation. It occurs when the Word of God is understood and practiced. See 1 Timothy 3:14-17. Note that Paul reiterates the exhortation to maintain good works in verse 8 because they are good and profitable to society. And in verse 14 he repeats the same exhortation because by maintaining good works urgent needs will be met and the believer will be fruitful. 3 Does this imply that God sets up people like Stalin, or Hitler (and all the evil that they wrought) or even an immoral President? I do not think the Bible teaches this but rather the responsibility lies with the people in what God allows them to have. {e.g., 1 Samuel 8:6,7; Psalms 106:15}. 4 Interestingly this word in the Greek is "politeuma" from which we get the word "politics" or "conversation" as it is translated in the King James. And ‘politics’ certainly does generate a lot of conversation. It refers to a “manner of life” within a commonwealth of people. It can also pertain to things we concern ourselves with most or to get involved in the "marketplace" of community discussion. 5 Jews who were believers or unbelievers that required the keeping of the Law, especially circumcision. See Acts 15:1, Philippians 3:2,3. 2 Titus Chapter 3 Klaus G. Schiessel © January 2005 In Philippians 2:9-16 Paul elaborates on this theme by explaining it in terms of “…working out our salvation with fear and trembling”. Listen to Paul, writing from prison, as he talks about being ready for every good work Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. What are the attributes of ‘every good work”. Paul now lists them for us: [to speak evil of no one ] 987 blasphemeo (blas-fay-meh'-o); Literally, “injurious speech”. To vilify; specially, to speak impiously: blaspheme, defame, rail on, revile, to speak reproachfully, to be evil spoken of. [to be peaceable] 269 amachos (am'-akh-os); Literally, “without, instead of or opposed to battling/fighting/striving”; not contentious, abstaining from fighting, peaceable, i.e., without a ‘macho’ attitude. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” This then refers to only what the believer can do in having an attitude of forgiveness – he or she is not responsible for the other person to be peaceable. [gentle] 1933 epieikes (ep-ee-i-kace'); Literally “to take after/resemble” [weakness], appropriate behavior as becoming a Christian, by implication mild, patient, moderate, suitable, equitable. [Showing all humility to all men] 4236 praiotes (prah-ot'-ace); gentleness, by implication humility, mildness, meekness. There was a lot of false doctrine being propagated and it needed to be stopped. But in opposing the false teaching, Christians are to maintain an orderly and peaceful demeanor within the society they live – not speaking evil of anyone, being peaceable, gentle and showing an attitude of humility to all men. Paul next quickly moves from this subject to reminding Christians that before their conversion to faith in Jesus Christ they exhibited the same kinds of wicked and unruly behavior. Therefore, by remembering this, a believer will be ready to submit to authority, be ready for every good work, speaking evil of no one, being peaceable, gentle and humble before all men. Why can we be good citizens while here on earth? Because our real citizenship6 is in heaven. Note what Philippians 3:20 says “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ….” 6 Interestingly this word in the Greek is "politeuma" from which we get the word "politics" or "conversation" as it is translated in the King James. And ‘politics’ certainly does generate a lot of conversation. It refers to a “manner of life” within a commonwealth of people.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus & Philemon
    Notes & Outlines 1 TIMOTHY 2 TIMOTHY TITUS PHILEMON Dr. J. Vernon McGee PASTORAL EPISTLES The two letters to Timothy and the one to Titus are labeled Pastoral Epistles. The contents of the letters reveal the obvious reason for this. They were written by Paul to two of his young converts (1 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4) who had followed him on many of his missionary jour- neys and whom he had established as pastors of churches at the time of the writing of these epistles. Although they were addressed by Paul to his young friends in the ministry, the message is for churches. He gave instructions for the orderly procedure of local and visible churches. These letters have a particular message to young pastors, and they have pertinent instructions for the present-day church. 1 TIMOTHY WRITER: Paul DATE: About A.D. 64 Probably Paul was released from prison at Rome between A.D. 64 and 67. If this is accurate, it was during this interval that he wrote this first letter to Timothy. He wrote to Titus at this same time. Some authorities think that Paul wrote from Macedonia. Apparently he had left Timothy in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3), and he wrote this letter to encourage and assist him (1 Timothy 6:20). THEME: Government and order in the local church. This is in contrast to the Epistle to the Ephesians where the church is the body of Christ, the invisible church. Here it is a local assembly of believers organized for a common purpose. KEY VERSES: As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine.
    [Show full text]
  • Titus 3:12-15 - April 25, 2021 Godly People in Our Lives JD Farag
    Titus 3:12-15 - April 25, 2021 Godly People in Our Lives JD Farag Good morning and welcome to our second service. We're so very glad that you're joining us online. We have two services on Sunday morning. The first is our Prophecy Update, and the second service is our study through the Bible. We are currently in the book of Titus, and actually Lord willing, today we will complete the book of Titus. Our text is Chapter 3:12-15. And once we're done with the Book of Titus, we have actually the book/very short letter to Philemon. Then after Philemon, you know what comes after Philemon? Hebrews? That's what I'm talking about. So here's the thing: I was thinking about this just this morning. So on Thursday nights, we are going through the Book of Isaiah. Do you realize absent the rapture, between now and maybe a couple of weeks from now, we will be on Thursday nights in the book of Isaiah, and on Sunday mornings, we'll be in the Book of Hebrews? It doesn't get any better than that, all right. So looking forward to that. After the Book of Hebrews is the Book of James, then 1st and 2nd Peter, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John, very short book Jude, and then Revelation. Yeah! Then after that, the rapture can come. Actually, the rapture can come anytime now, thank you very much. All right, if I might trouble you to stand, you can follow along as I read, beginning in verse 12, Titus Chapter 3.
    [Show full text]
  • The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Titus
    Titus 1:1 1 Titus 1:14 THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO TITUS 1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowl- edging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; 4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. 5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. 10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.
    [Show full text]
  • Titus 3 Resources
    Titus 3 Resources Previous Next ADORNING THE DOCTRINE OF GOD Click chart to enlarge Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission Another chart by Charles Swindoll - click chart on right side of page to enlarge HENRY ALFORD James Rosscup writes that "This was the great work in the life of the versatile Dean of Canterbury. An outcome of this production was the New Testament for English Readers (4 vols.). Alford was a Calvinist, conservative and premillennial, though not dispensational. He takes a literal interpretation of the thousand years in Rev. 20 and has a famous quote there, is strong on sovereign election as in Ro 8:29, 30 and 1Pe 1:2, but, unfortunately, holds to baptismal regeneration in such texts as Titus 3:5 and John 3:5. He shows a great knowledge of the Greek text and faces problems of both a doctrinal and textual nature." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works) John Piper writes ""When I’m stumped with a...grammatical or syntactical or logical [question] in Paul, I go to Henry Alford. Henry Alford...comes closer more consistently than any other human commentator to asking my kinds of questions." Charles Haddon Spurgeon writes that this text "is an invaluable aid to the critical study of the text of the New Testament. You will find in it the ripened results of a matured scholarship, the harvesting of a judgment, generally highly impartial, always worthy of respect, which has gleaned from the most important fields of Biblical research, both modern and ancient, at home and abroad.
    [Show full text]
  • Titus 3:1-7 Discussion Questions
    TITUS 3:1-7 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1 Why do you think Paul called on Titus to “remind” his congregation of the series of imperatives in Titus 3:1-3? Consider 1 John 3:16–24; James 1:26–27; 3:6–12 as well as the note below. 6 “These are qualities demonstrated more in the home than they are on the stage. If the gospel has not transformed us in these areas, we cannot claim to know anything of its power. Paul is making a direct contrast between the lives of true believers and false teachers (Titus 1:10–16; 3:9–11). Christ’s disciples are “submissive” rather than “insubordinate”; “gentle” and “courteous” rather than “evil beasts” and “detestable”; “ready” for every good work rather than “unfit” for them; and they avoid “quarreling” rather than “quarreling about the law.” This is the fruit produced by the gospel of grace.” (Gospel Transformation Bible) H What were the imperatives that Paul gave? ___________________ ______________________ in _________________ ______________________ What are some practical examples of how each of these can be lived out daily? Discuss what each means and how they apply to your life. 2 In Titus 3:3, Paul asks the Cretans to remember their former life. What “former life” is he referring to? Take a moment to put Paul’s description of life before Christ in your own words. If the Apostle Paul would have asked you to remember your life before Christ, what kinds of things would you list? Read the following verses and discuss how the descriptions match your experience apart from Christ.
    [Show full text]
  • Titus 3 Titus 3 Mr Wee Hian Woon
    …on the sermon preached on 29 November 2020 ActNow! (Applying Christ’s Teaching NOW) follows the weekly sermon series of TPMC, and challenges us to apply and put into practice the biblical truths we hear each week. It is the recommended Bible discussion material for TPMC’s Connect Groups, and leader’s notes are available to all Connect Group Leaders and at the Information Counter. Titus 3 Titus 3 Mr Wee Hian Woon SERMON SYNOPSIS • In the Book of Titus, Apostle Paul writes to give instructions and encouragement to Titus who had been left in charge on the island of Crete in leading the church. In Chapter 1 Apostle Paul gives instructions about the qualifications and appointments of elders and warnings of false teachers. In Chapter 2 he instructs concerning the teaching of sound doctrine to various groups of people. In this third chapter, Apostle Paul dealt on the basic practical details of Christian living. The recurring theme of Chapter 3 is “do good”. Paul had instructed Titus “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works...”. Our Lord Jesus Christ set the perfect example of one who went around doing good and all who were oppressed by the devil, as He taught and preached the gospel of the kingdom. And the greatest good done by Christ Jesus is when He died for sinners (cf. Titus 2:7; 3:1, 8, 14; Acts 10:38, Matthew 4:23). • The call to do good is based on the gospel that includes both faith and works. DDDoctrineDoctrine precedes doingdoing.
    [Show full text]
  • Doing Good the Book of Titus (Part 4) Will Change Your World Titus 3
    Doing Good How Doing Good The Book of Titus (Part 4) Will Change Your World Titus 3 Introduction: There’s hope for your community. 3 Questions: 1. What has the power to convince your neighbors, friends, and co-workers that God’s Word is true? 2. What has the power to restore your credibility and influence as a follower of Christ? 3. What has the power to make your neighbors, friends, and co-workers want to explore a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? 1 Answer for all 3: DOING GOOD in your home, at your work, and in your ____________________________. For more resources, go to LivingontheEdge.org 1 Copyright © 2020 Chip Ingram and Living on the Edge Doing Good How Doing Good The Book of Titus (Part 4) Will Change Your World Titus 3 What does it look like for Christians to live like Christians? For you, in your community? Titus 3:1-2 1. Obey the ________________________________________. Romans 13:7 - “submit to rulers and authority” 2. Serve your ________________________________________. Galatians 6:10 - “ready to do whatever is good” 3. Guard your ________________________________________. Ephesians 4:29 - “slander no one” 4. Refuse to ________________________________________. Romans 12:17-18 - “be peaceable” (literally a “non-fighter”) 5. Be ___________________________________ and forbearing. James 3:17 1 Peter 2:18-25 - “be considerate, gentle, willing to yield one’s rights” 6. Treat everyone like a ________________________________. Philippians 2:3-4 - “show yourself humble to all men” For more resources, go to LivingontheEdge.org 2 Copyright © 2020 Chip Ingram and Living on the Edge Doing Good How Doing Good The Book of Titus (Part 4) Will Change Your World Titus 3 Why must we DO GOOD in our communities? Titus 3:3-8 1.
    [Show full text]
  • The Epistle to Titus
    a Grace Notes Bible Study The Epistle to Titus by Warren Doud Grace Notes 1705 Aggie Lane, Austin, Texas 78757 Email: [email protected] Epistle to Titus Table of Contents TITUS “PREVIEW” ................................................................................................................. 5 Introduction to the Study of Titus ........................................................................................................ 5 Titus, Chapter 1 ..................................................................................................................... 6 Titus 1:1 .............................................................................................................................................. 6 Titus 1:2 .............................................................................................................................................. 9 Titus 1:3 ............................................................................................................................................ 10 Titus 1:4 ............................................................................................................................................ 11 Titus 1:5 ............................................................................................................................................ 12 Titus 1:6 ............................................................................................................................................ 14 Titus 1:7 ...........................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Notes on 2 Timothy 202 1 Edition Dr
    Notes on 2 Timothy 202 1 Edition Dr. Thomas L. Constable HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Following his release from house arrest in Rome in A.D. 62, Paul resumed his itinerant ministry in the Mediterranean world. Writing to Titus from somewhere in Macedonia, probably between A.D. 62 and 66, he said that he planned to visit Nicapolis (Titus 3:12). Assuming that he did visit Nicapolis, Paul went from there to Rome, evidently indirectly. His visit to Troas (2 Tim. 4:13) probably took place shortly before he wrote 2 Timothy. It may be that Paul's arrest required his leaving his cloak, books, and parchments there, but that is only speculation. In any case, Paul ended up in Rome as a prisoner again (2:9). He had already had his initial hearing and was awaiting trial when he wrote this epistle (4:16). He believed that the Roman authorities would execute him soon (4:6). Copyright Ó 2021 by Thomas L. Constable www.soniclight.com 2 Dr. Constable's Notes on 2 Timothy 2021 Edition "According to tradition which goes back at least to the fifth century, the Mamertine prison is the place where both Paul and Peter were confined before their execution under Nero."1 Paul's Roman Imprisonments Contrasted2 First Last He had freedom in his house. He was in chains as a criminal. Acts 28:30 2 Tim. 2:9 He could entertain many visitors. It was dangerous to visit him. Acts 28:30-31 2 Tim. 1:16-17 Many believers were with him. He was completely alone.
    [Show full text]
  • Titus 3:1-3 Sermon
    Titus 3:1-3 Sermon Last week we had the privilege of discovering God’s deep truths found in one of the most beautiful and important passages in the whole Bible. In that passage Paul began by writing about the “grace” of God. He wrote: For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. Historically, church leaders have often been reluctant to emphasize the God’s grace because it can have a tendency to make people inactive in their faith. Because the thinking is that if I’m saved by God’s grace and not by what I “do” then why should I bother to do anything. All I have to do is accept God’s grace and then I’m guaranteed a place in heaven when I die and I can go on living my life anyway I want. It’s a win/win for me. Paul battled that thinking in his letter to the church in Rome. Here in Titus, rather than battling that type of logic, he immediately states the power God’s grace ought to have in a believers’ life to motivate them to live life differently. To live transformed lives. And he writes: It (God’s grace) teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self- controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, (Titus 2:12-13 (NIV)). God’s grace, offered to each and every one of us ought to motivate us to live radically different lives out of gratitude not guilt.
    [Show full text]
  • 2 Timothy Leader Guide (NASB and ESV)
    2 Timothy Leader Guide (NASB and ESV) A STUDY IN DISCIPLESHIP i 2 Timothy Leader Guide (NASB and ESV) © 2017 Precept Ministries International Published by Precept Ministries of Reach Out, Inc. Chattanooga, Tennessee 37422 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible® © The Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission. www.lockman.org Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 1st edition (3/2018) ii USING LEADER GUIDES Leader Guides are intended for you, the leader, to guide your Precept Upon Precept® and In & Out® discussions. They are designed to help you reason through the content of the lessons and to ensure you have understood what your group should have learned from their study. The guides offer effective plans for leading discussions. The Holy Spirit is your guide as you prepare. He is the one who knows what your group needs to apply to their lives. Pray for them as they study and for yourself as you prepare to lead the discussion. These guides can be used for either the NASB or the ESV edition of the courses. ESV words follow the NASB after a slash / or are set off with parentheses.
    [Show full text]
  • Exegetical Paper on Titus 3:1-7
    Exegesis of Titus 3:1-7 By Corey Keating Professor Mike Baird NE502 Exegetical Methods – Final Exegetical Paper Fuller Theological Seminary Phoenix Extension Fall Quarter 2002-3 Finished Translation of Titus 3:1-7 1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil1 of no one, to be peaceable, tolerant, showing all humility to all people.2 3 For even we ourselves were at one time foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, spending our lives in wickedness and envy, being detestable,3 hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love for humankind4 of our savior God appeared, 5 he saved us5, not by works of righteousness which we ourselves6 have done, but according to his own7 mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing8 of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he abundantly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our savior, 7 in order that, having been justified9 by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 1 The Greek word here is blasfhmei/n (‘blaspheme’), which primarily means ‘to demean through speech’. The English word ‘blaspheme’ would more properly be used only when this Greek word is in the context of ‘reviling transcendent entities or authorities’. 2 The Greek word avnqrw,pouj (‘men’) is here translated ‘people’ in order to conform to more gender inclusive language. The author of this letter did not intend for the readers to ‘show humility’ only to ‘male humans’, but meant all categories of human beings.
    [Show full text]