Slices
Prepare
Listen to some contemplative music of your choice as you prepare to read God’s Word and pray.
Bible passage
Saved in order to do good
3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle towards everyone.
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
Final remarks
12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.
Explore
As his letter draws to a close, Paul once again takes the opportunity to spell out the essentials of the Christian faith – as if reciting a familiar liturgy that does not change. You can almost imagine Paul, like a teacher, writing an equation on the whiteboard, explaining how one part of it must result in the other: because of the Holy Spirit, you are a new human (vs 4–7)!
The shape, size and appearance of renewed humanity may not look very much different from the old, but what comes forth is remarkable. It is as if to define a human being would be to list the following characteristics: good towards others, peaceable, humble, kind, loving, free and not a slave to any self-satisfying desires. Then, just in case there is any chance of misunderstanding, Paul clarifies that the Holy Spirit poured generously into their lives is what makes the equation work (vs 5,6)!
There is one other aspect to this new humanity that makes this new creation so very different: they are to make others the focus. Paul urges believers to devote themselves to generous, helpful actions on behalf of the wider community (vs 13,14). This is the way of truth (v 8).
Respond
What acts of service for the community are you involved in? Are there other aspects of being a renewed human being that you find challenging? Bring your thoughts and ideas prayerfully before God.
Deeper Bible study
Pause, rest, wait. Allow some quiet to fill your mind as you turn your thoughts to God. Ask for inspiration, encouragement and wisdom, as you turn to the reading.
In these closing comments, Paul gives final directives to help Titus lead the people. Among all the details, we are reminded that this is a letter with a writer and an audience. Paul and those with him (v 15) write to Titus to help him lead ‘the people’ (v 1). While Artemas and Tychicus are sent in one direction, Titus is invited to visit Paul and at the same time the travelling ministries of Zenas and Apollos are to be provided for. These details remind us of the personal nature of the letter, and also the personal nature of faith. We are part of a worldwide church that recognises that we are each uniquely a member of that body.
I have met Christians from and in many countries, sometimes within the context of ministry. It has been an experience of both giving and receiving. Something as large as God’s global church is suddenly given a name and a face and a setting. It is humbling to meet sisters and brothers as they serve and labour in diverse cultures. Having our eyes opened to the personal is at the heart of the gospel. Not only does God love ‘the world’,1 but God also loves you and me. Jesus reminds us that loving our neighbours – that personal touch – is central to expressing our faith.
The very nature of Scripture means that this is more than a letter from Paul (and friends) to Titus and the Christians on Crete. We also are invited into the message of this letter. The personal nature of God can use these words to inspire us today.
We are encouraged to be open and expectant that God, who directed Paul, will speak to us and help us grow in our faith, no matter who we are or where we live.
What can you do to engage with the worldwide church in a personal way? Are there people and ministries that would benefit from some support and encouragement?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 1 Samuel 23,24; Mark 16
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Trust Fundraiser Nozipho Dube as she continues to nurture connections with trusts and family trusts in the current fundraising climate. May she have the boldness to approach new grant opportunities and wisdom as she collaborates with different SU teams to create proposals.
