June 29th 2025
Titus ch 3
Paul here introduces another paragraph discussing righteous living, which, he declares, should be inspired by the example of our own unworthiness and God's dealing with us in kindness and love.
He makes it clear (v. 8) that the intention of Christian doctrine is that believers should demonstrate good works. The grace of God is the root; the good works are the fruit.
This description of God's goodness to us (vv. 4-7), is placed in the setting of the believers responsibility to demonstrate good works before men.
V 1 put them in mind of Principalities and powers
Obey or be obedient to magistrates unless in contradicts the faith of the Lord Jesus
V 2. Be careful how you address things, showing wisdom to unbelievers
V 3. We ourselves . Paul never lost his memory of what he once was, and it moved him to compassion for the lost. We all too must remember where we have come from.
V 4. Kindness and love were shown to us. These graces appeared completely in Christ, though they are manifested in all God's natural compassions
V 5. Not by works of righteousness. Not by works done in righteousness, which [works] we did ourselves. It is the free mercy of God, exhibited in the work of the Spirit.
The washing ... renewing. The Holy Spirit renews us in regeneration.
These two ideas are closely linked together as two ways of expressing the one work of the Spirit.
V 6. Which was Shed on us. Poured out. The symbolism of water is often used of the Spirit. Jesus is the one through whom the Spirit is given
Abundantly. (more than we realize). The Spirit is true riches in that he is the earnest of our inheritance and the source and creator of all blessings.
V 7, being justified by His grace That gives the result of the gift of the Spirit: "so that in being justified by his grace, we become heirs according to the hope, eternal life."
V 8 This is a Faithful saying.
It not only gives weighty emphasis to the doctrinal statement just uttered (v. 4-7), but it also calls attention to the concise, powerful restatement of the message of the whole epistle.
Affirm constantly Press this home continually it is the work of Jesus not us.
The instilling of Gospel truth requires patient repetition.
They which have believed ... maintain good works.
The grace of God, producing faith, comes first; good works should follow: the root and then the fruit.
V,9. Good and profitable of verse 8 contrasts with
unprofitable and vain of verse 9, where the Apostle lists things that distract attention from the truth.
These should be avoided, as should also those individuals who, having been admonished by the church, still perversely cling to them.
V 10. Heretick is used in the strict sense or of one causing division.
Admonition. is a most important aspect of church discipline.
V 11 Subverted this person disrupts the work of the Gospel
Sinneth implies willfully sinning, as in Heb 10:26.
Condemned of himself. A person who has received knowledge of the truth and stubbornly rejected it, is himself the witness that he has twice rejected an earnest explanation and appeal.
After a few personal notes, Paul gives the final reiteration of the main burden of his letter-that the believers should be careful to maintain good works.
V 12. Artemas is not mentioned elsewhere;
Tychicus appears in Acts 20:4; Eph 6:21; Col 4:7; 11 Tim 4:12.
Nicopolis is in Epirus. Titus is instructed to join the apostle there
V 13. Zenas appears only here. He was a lawyer
Apollos was an Alexandrian; it is possible that the journey alluded to was to Alexandria by way of Crete.
V 14. Maintain may mean "to be concerned with," but as used elsewhere in the Pastorals, it means "to lead or rule."
There is the suggestion that Christians should he in the lead in doing good works.
V 15. Grace. This is the characteristic conclusion of all Paul's epistles
News from the Church New dates
2nd July..…..Friendship Group, (this covers all ages and the lonely people)
16th July…. Knit and natter is a time to finish old projects or learn new skills
if you just want to talk well that’s OK too
ANSWERS TO 15th June QUESTIONS
1) Twelve 2) Two 3) Five 4) Seven 5) 3,000 6) Four including the voyage to Rome 7) Forty
8) Two 9) 5,000 10) Andrew 11) Levi 12) John the Baptist 13) Moses and Elijah 14) Joseph
15) Zaccheus 16) Caiaphas
Bible Quiz this week’s Quiz is MEN in the NEW TESTAMENT
1 Who betrayed Jesus?
2 Whose ear was cut off in the garden of Gethsemane?
3 Which Apostle has the longest name?
4 Who was the brother of Mary and Martha?
5 Who were called the sons of thunder?
6 Who walked on water to Jesus?
7 Whose daughter was brought back to life by Jesus?
8 Which disciple was a tax collector?
9 Which disciple doubted the resurrection?
10 Who denied knowing Jesus 3 times in one night?
11 Who had a diet of locusts and wild honey?
12 Who was the King at the time of the birth of Jesus?
13 Which ruler of the Jews came to Jesus by night?
14 Herodias wanted whose head on a charger?
15 Who was set free in the place of Jesus?
16 Who was James and John’s father?
Benjamin Shaw’s prayer
A prayer for today: O Lord our God, let us today give you thanks with a whole heart.
Let our hearts be full of songs of praise.
Let us remember your steadfast love and faithfulness.
Let us remember the promises you have recorded for us in your word.
Let us remember that when we have prayed, you have answered us, and you have given strength to our souls.
Let your gospel go out to all nations so that even the kings of the earth may humble themselves to give you thanks.
Grant that all sorts of people, the high and the low, may hear of your glory and give you praise. For you have preserved us in times of trouble.
You have delivered us from the wrath of our enemies. You will not forsake the work of your hands but will fulfill your purposes for us.
Let us give you thanks from the fullness of our hearts.
We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Psalm 138)
God Bless