Introduction

In Titus 3:1–15, Paul reminds Titus of the practical implications of sound doctrine. He exhorts believers to live godly lives characterized by humility, civility, and good works, grounded in God’s saving grace. Paul also warns against distractions such as divisive controversies and emphasizes the importance of fruitful living through good works and mutual support in ministry.

Key Points

• Main Point: God’s saving grace transforms lives, leading believers to live godly, fruitful lives that reflect His character.
• Purpose: Live godly lives by devoting ourselves to good works, grounded in the grace and hope of eternal life, and avoid distractions that hinder fruitful living.

Titus 3:1–2

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

Paul urges the Cretan Christians to embody civility, gentleness, and reasonableness toward those around them, standing in stark contrast to the character of the broader Cretan society (1:10–16; 3:3). When Christians live godly lives, they represent God to society by showcasing a profound difference in character and values—exemplifying selfless love, complete forgiveness, and integrity that set them apart from the world.

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

Paul reminds Christians that all believers were once rebellious toward God, a state that led to self-harm and harm to others. This is the default condition of every person and should not surprise believers. God, in His grace, has saved us from our rebellion (3:4–6). Therefore, when we encounter ungodly lives and values in those around us, it should serve as a reminder of our own past state and the transformative power of God’s grace that has redeemed us.

Titus 3:4–6

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior…

God saved us from our sin purely out of His good grace, entirely independent of our works. He accomplished this by creating in us a new heart through His Spirit (Eze 36:26) and through the finished work of Jesus Christ (Heb 10:12–18), providing forgiveness for all our sins. We owe our salvation entirely to God and rightly give Him praise for His pure and good grace, which rescued us from the destructive spiral of sin and sorrow.

Titus 3:7

…so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

God has graciously declared us as righteous by His grace and brought us into His family, granting us the confidence of living forever with Him. This assurance inspires us to live godly lives, knowing that the same God who saved us is the one who sustains our life now and promises eternal life. Through His Spirit, He lives in us, and we eagerly anticipate living fully with Him when He returns.

Titus 3:8

The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

Paul urges Titus not only to emphasize godly living (2:15) but also to underscore the sound doctrine of who God is. He underscores the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior (3:5) and the grace He has shown us (3:6–7), knowing that understanding these truths is crucial for growing in godliness. To adorn the doctrine of God our Savior, we must rightly know Him—both in our minds and our hearts—and persist in the truth revealed in His Word. When we grasp who God is, He empowers us to live in alignment with His ways.

Titus 3:9–11

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Paul warns Titus not to waste time or effort on Jewish myths or any information that distracts from truly knowing God. He even instructs Titus to cut off contact with individuals who persist in promoting such distractions after two warnings. While gaining wisdom about God can be beneficial, it should never draw us away from a right understanding of who God is. Instead, we should invest our time and energy in knowing Him rightly, which in turn empowers us to live rightly.

Titus 3:12–14

When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.

Paul reminds Titus of their joint ministry with other Gospel partners, urging him and the Cretan believers to demonstrate hospitality toward them. One practical way to live according to sound doctrine—rightly knowing God—and to exhibit godliness is by extending hospitality and support to fellow ministers of the Gospel.

Titus 3:15

All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

Paul concludes his letter by sending final greetings from his team to Titus, recognizing their Gospel partners and allies. Proclaiming God’s Word—whether for individual growth, community edification, or evangelism—requires the collaboration of like-minded, mission-focused believers who desire to know Christ and make Him known.

Conclusion

Titus 3:1–15 highlights the transformative power of God’s saving grace, which leads to fruitful and godly living. Christians are called to humility, civility, and readiness for good works, reflecting the kindness and mercy they have received from God. Paul reminds believers to avoid divisive distractions, focus on good works, and support one another in Gospel ministry. These practices reflect sound doctrine and ensure that the church remains fruitful and effective in its mission.

Summary

• Believers are to live submissive, obedient, and gentle lives, ready for good works (3:1–2).
• All Christians were once rebellious toward God, but His grace has transformed them (3:3–4).
• God’s mercy, not human works, is the foundation of salvation, accomplished through Jesus Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit (3:4–6).
• Being justified by grace gives believers the confidence of eternal life and motivates godly living (3:7).
• Devotion to good works flows from sound doctrine and is profitable for the church and society (3:8).
• Believers are to avoid unprofitable controversies and divisive people, focusing instead on unity and fruitful living (3:9–11).
• Hospitality and generosity are essential expressions of godly living and Gospel partnership (3:12–14).
• Proclaiming the Gospel and supporting its work require a community of like-minded, mission-driven believers (3:15).