Articles
Living godly Titus 3:1-2
Living godly Titus 3:1-2
Remind them - teach them - put them in remembrance - etc. This is one of those present tense verb forms that means to keep on reminding them. People often forget how they ought to live. God's people also need this constant reminding. Don't get upset when the preacher does his job! Paul here lists some of the qualities of life that Christians are to have incorporated into their character.
To be Submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient. As citizens of a civil government, we are to obey (Rom. 13, 1 Pet. 2:13-17). As members of a local congregation, we obey the elders (Heb. 13:7, 17). As slaves were under their masters, they were to obey them (Eph. 6:5). Children are to obey their parents in The Lord (Eph. 6:1). Yet, the most significant aspect, one that in fact is the foundation that all of these are built upon, is that we are obedient children of God (1 Pet. 1:14).
To be Ready for every good work. This is another reoccurring theme in Paul writings to Timothy and Titus (1 Tim. 2:10; 5:10, 25; 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:21; Titus 2:7, 14; 3:8, 14). Godly people are not only to be ready for good works but we are to be devoted to them.
To Speak evil of no man. The word 'blasphemy' literally means to speak evil of one. We are to speak so as to build up and edify rather than tear down and destroy. Even in rebuking and reproving the ultimate goal is the reformation and salvation of the person.
To Avoid quarreling. Literally, this is ‘not fighting, not contentious’. While we ARE to teach, we are not to quarrel about words. In our associations with others, there will be disagreements and discussions. We are to engage in such in a civil, controlled manner. As Paul instructed Timothy: “... the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,” (2Tim. 2:24-25).
To be gentle. In all of our dealings with each other, we are to do so gently and kindly. We are not to be rough and callous. We are not to be uncaring and hard-hearted. We are to be gentle as a loving mother with her newborn babe.
To show Perfect courtesy toward all people. The world today is filled with discourteous people – often they are downright rude. People fail to take into consideration the other person's feelings. Courtesy is consideration shown in kindness.
Our conversion from what we once were (cp. Verse 3), is to show in our lives. It makes a difference not only in the outward show of godliness but also in the inner desire for being right with God. Hence Titus was to keep on reminding the disciples of these things. We to need constant reminding!
Hugh DeLong
