7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Paul moves from the general congregation to specific advice for Titus. It was important that he not only taught the truth but lived it as a model of good works. His teaching was to be characterised by integrity, dignity, and sound speech. With his teaching rooted in truth and unaffected by side issues no one would be able to fault him or have anything evil to say about him or others in Christian ministry.
Slaves were instructed to be submissive to their own masters in everything. The Bible acknowledges the existence of slavery without condoning its practice. Yet slaves had a great opportunity to be a witness to their masters in their conduct. They were to work well, not talk back, and not steal from their masters. They should be faithful in all matters and so exemplify the teachings of Jesus Christ. While not slaves, employees can certainly mirror these characteristics in their dealings with employers.
Paul sums up his instructions to the various groups of believers by pointing out that one of the great purposes of our salvation is to produce lives of holiness. The grace of God has appeared in Jesus Christ who brought salvation for all people. The salvation of Jesus is available to all people even though not all will avail themselves of it. This verse is not teaching that all will be saved, only that Jesus made it possible for all to be saved. God’s grace works in our lives to save us but also to train us to leave behind ungodliness and worldly passions (sexual sins, the lust for power, pleasure, fame, and all things worldly) and to strive to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. Our lives should stand in stark contrast to the lives of unbelievers around us. We should be motivated by the anticipation of the appearance of Jesus when He comes again. He gave Himself up for us to save us from lawlessness and to purify us as a special people who belong to Him and who are zealous for good works. Consider the intense passion people have for sports, politics, and other issues. We should have the same drive for good works.
Titus was to teach all of this and correct where necessary with boldness and authority. He was not to let anyone disregard him and undermine his authority, for he was speaking the word of God.
Where are you on the walk from ungodliness to holiness? Are you still clinging to some worldly passions? What is the next step you need to take on the journey of grace towards good works?
Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan
Defeating Jericho: Joshua 6