Titus 3

What does the Lord require of us? He requires us to treat all people fairly, to be compassionate and show it by our works and deeds to those in need, and to always remember that faith alone pleases God and it is a gift so that no one can boast. Micah 6:8

3 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. 3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing. 14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all. Amen.

The NKJV Study Bible says this: Paul had already instructed the Cretans regarding submission and obedience to the authorities in their communities. Titus was to remind them of their duty to be good citizens, a virtue which the Cretans notoriously lacked. Disobedience permeated the Cretans' lifestyle, both in the church and in government. Titus must advise them to get along with civil authorities and to live peacefully with their neighbors. This type of life would reflect positively on the Christian faith and thus glorify God. Paul provides another motive for good works by explaining the rationale for the Christian life. The believers were supposed to treat others the way God in His grace had treated them when they were involved in the ungodly activities noted. Since Paul has been exhorting Titus to emphasize good works in his ministry with the Cretans, he wants to make it clear that such works have no value in saving a person. Rather, it is solely on the basis of God's mercy that we are delivered from the penalty of our sin. The continual process of Christian living is enabled by the Holy Spirit, resulting in growth in character and good works. God justifies believers so that they might become coheirs with Jesus Christ in His coming reign. Paul was admonishing Titus to avoid anything that would promote wickedness among the believers. God saved us through one process with two aspects: the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit. Paul gives the Cretans a practical way they can start demonstrating their faith in good works: they can begin meeting the needs of other people. A recurring theme throughout the NT is that believers should live up to their holy calling. They should continue being sanctified. Justification is solely a gift from God, but we will be rewarded according to what we do on this earth. What a tragedy it will be for some to stand ashamed at Christ's return. How much better it will be to abound in good works which the Holy Spirit empowered us to do.