Slices
Prepare
Thank God for how he has changed you since you started walking with him.
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
Right down to his closing remarks, Paul’s focus on ‘truth that leads to godliness’ (1:1) remains clear. In this chapter, his angle widens to take in how Christians behave in the civic community (vs 1,2) and beyond (vs 12–14). Where do you see godly service in these realms? God-honouring submission to authorities and supplying needs are not merely practicalities – they are the fruit of God’s Word at work in and through us, evidence of its efficacy. As Paul warns, only God’s Word can bear this kind of fruit. That’s why Titus is to deal so decisively – yet hopefully, and in line with Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 18:15–17) – with divisive controversies and those who disseminate them.
Just as Paul’s emphasis on doing good is unmissable in the letter, so too is his firm grasp on the truth that these deeds are the fruit of salvation, not its foundation. God showed his kindness, love and mercy to who we were, not who we have become through his cleansing in Christ and generous gift of the Spirit. But having received that, and with it the dignified inheritance of eternal hope, our devotion to doing good is both a response to God’s kindness and love, and the ongoing re‑expression of it. Paul closes his letter with some very practical instructions, including supporting Zenas and Apollos. Who are you supporting in their ministry?
Respond
How are you drawn to practically respond to and re-express God’s kindness and love?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ecclesiastes 12; 1 Timothy 3
Pray for Scripture Union
Praise God for the means to produce the free Reveal Bible Reading Guides for children, which have been distributed at events this summer. Please pray that they will enable a new generation to really engage with Scripture. (This week's prayers relate to this article.)
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