Titus 3 Studies

For those who may wish to ‘study’ this chapter, the following simple resources are provided for you. Each chapter is divided into a number of studies and each study or passage has a simple four-Part, verse-by-verse approach, to help you take in and think further about what you have read.

Passage: Titus 3:1-8

1 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.

A. Find Out:

1. List the things Titus was to remind the people. v.1,2
2. How had they once lived? v.3     List the things.
3. But what had changed that? v.4
4. How had He done it? v.5,6
5. With what result? v.7
6. Why did Paul want to stress these things? v.8

B. Think:

1. What sort of citizens was Titus to teach the church to be?
2. What point is he making in verses 3 to 7?
3. With what end objective in mind?

C. Comment:

     First, in this passage Paul gives a broad call to Titus to remind the people (implying they’ve been taught it already but have forgotten it!) to be good citizens, obeying the law, being ready to bless the community, speaking well of all, being at peace with others, always showing care and consideration for them and being humble.

     Then he gives us a passage that reminds us of what is the experience of all Christians. Initially we were a mess! (that sums up verse 3!) Then God’s love was expressed to us, as the Gospel came to us. This was an act of pure mercy, completely undeserved, just an act of love. Then, when we responded to His prompting, He washed us clean and made us new people by the power of His Holy Spirit, who He put within us. This opened the door to a completely new future for us, one with an eternal dimension.

     So why does he say all this? Because the outworking of all this is to be changed lives. Real Christians don’t stay the same!  God brings about that change when we come to Him, and then He oversees us for the rest of eternity, but while we’re on this earth at least, WE have the responsibility for working it out, co-operating with God and purposing these changes. We find the same thing in Phil 2:12,13 where Paul tells us to work it out, because God is working it out in us.

D. Application:

1. Are we the citizens that Paul speaks about here?
2. Do we appreciate the wonder of the change in us – and work on it?

Passage: Titus 3:9-15

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.

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.

A. Find Out:

1. What is Titus to avoid and why? v.9
2. How is he to deal with divisive people? v.10
3. How does Paul describe such a person? v.11
4. What further instruction did he give Titus? v.12
5. Who did he say they were to help? v.13
6. How does he sum up the teaching of this letter? v.14

B. Think:

1. What seems to be a particular problem that Titus is facing?
2. What did that seem to have produced?
3. How was Titus to deal with this?

C. Comment:

    Earlier in the letter Paul had spoken about people who taught wrong things (1:10,11), and had said don’t get caught up in legalism and speculation (1:14). Now he repeats that guidance – stay away from such things (v.9) because they don’t go anywhere. Such people wanting to purvey these false wares, simply do so for ego-boosting reasons and just cause divisions.

    OK, says Paul, warn them, warn them again, and if they carry on, leave them to their own devices and have nothing to do with them. Such a person has a bad attitude and a bad heart. (Observe that there is a great deal of difference between these carping people and someone who is asking questions, genuinely seeking the truth. The latter will not be argumentative, but open to being taught.)

     After some domestic directions (v.12 & 13), Paul finishes off (v.14) with a general statement of intent for this church – for them to live good (wholesome and righteous) lives, and profitable and productive lives, so they are providing for themselves and their families, not just sitting around debating and relying on others for provision. This is really a summary of intent for his whole letter.

D. Application:

1. Are we open to be taught, or do we have a disturbed spirit that delights in arguing and disagreeing with those in authority? Repent.
2. Are we seeking to ensure our lives are filled with goodness and with righteousness, working and providing for our family?