TITUS 3: 1-7
RENEWED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
[Romans 13:1-7]
Christians have been changed and are different than we once were, yet we still need to be reminded of who we are and what has been done to us and how it was done. Christians are to be in the world but not of the world. Christians need to interact with the world to reach the world with the gospel (CIM). They need to be good citizens of a generally hostile system without compromising their faith. These behaviors and good deeds reflect the grace and mercy which Christians have received from God and point others to God.
I. LIVING IN THE WORLD, 3:1-2.
II. THE BASES FOR GODLY LIVING, 3:3-7.
Paul first gives directions for Christian conduct to government authorities and then to all people (v.2), they must be good citizens and good neighbors. Verse 1 presses Christians to fulfill their duties to the government. “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,”
Christian citizenship carries over into their public as well as private and church life. Heavenly citizenship does not absolve the believer from his responsibilities as a citizen on earth. Titus is to remind believers of what Paul had previously taught about being subject to governmental authorities. Christians were to do what was obligatory like paying taxes and uplift govermental leaders in prayer. They were to be subject to the state, that is, to adher and obey its rules. They were also to do good or to participate in making govt, good govt (1 Tim. 2:2). Christians are responsible for participating positively & eagerly in the social structure. It has never been more necessary than today.
Our nation was founded on biblical Judeo-Christian principles wedded to the idea of self-government. Those principles work only when a significant segment of the population is voluntarily obeying the law because they are aware of being subject to a higher authority. When this percentage of the population that is voluntarily obeying the law drops below a certain level, then a self-governing democracy doesn't work. When this percentage who are not out for the common good but want government to provide for their good over the good of others our system of government will turn in on itself.
John Adams, our second president and one who labored most diligently to secure our Constitution wrote the following in 1798:
"We have no government armed in power capable of contending in human passions unbridled from morality and religion. Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other."
A genuinely Christian America would mean that the vast majority of its citizens has come to a personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior-not through government sponsorship or subsidy, but by the evangelistic action of individual Christians, churches, and mission groups. [Richard Land in Real Homeland Security]
After reminding the Christian about civil obedience verse two reminds Christians of some public conduct responsibilities. “to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.”
In areas of speech, Christians are not to be known as those who malign [blasphēmein, insult, deflame, slander] others. Insulting and abusive language is out of place for anyone, certainly for believers. But more than an absence of vice is expected. They are to be peaceable, (considerate, NIV) gentle or meek (humble) toward all people. These qualities have nothing to do passivity. Peacableness is a conscious mode of responding that keeps violence out of difficult situations. Meekness (humility) is a balanced perception of oneself that makes it possible to regard others as important or significant. Considerateness is an attitude that quiets personal concerns to make room for the concerns of others. Christians are to be considerate to all people.
People who CONSTANTLY CRITICIZE others and take delight in speaking ill of them reveal a poor self-image and a weakness in their character. By contrast, those who delight in praising others, pointing out their strengths and passing along good reports about them, reflect a loving heart and a proper view of themselves. Instead of condeming others, they take delight in commending others. They would rather build up than tear down. These individuals not only refrain from negative and hurtful talk themselves, but by their attitude they also discourage unkind remarks from others.
Two boys on the school playground were DISCUSSING A CLASSMATE. One of them remarked, "He's no good at sports." The other quickly responded, "Yes, but he always plays fair." The critical one added, "He isn't very smart in school either." His friend answered, " That may be true, but he studies hard." The boy with the mean tongue was becoming exasperated with the attitude of the other, "Well," he sneered, "did you ever notice how ragged his clothes are?" The other boy kindly replied, "Yes, but did you ever notice, they're always clean!" Every negative observation was countered by a positive one.
What an excellent example for us to follow! Let's refrain from "evil speaking" and be "kind to one another" (Eph. 4:31,32). Rather than contributing to the spirit of criticism, let's be known as those who cancel it. Do we belong to the construction gang or to the wrecking crew? Those who point a critical finger should learn to hold out a helping hand instead.
II. THE BASES FOR GODLY LIVING (3-7).
A reason for the Christian’s positive conduct toward fallen people and a corrupt society is given in verse 3. “For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
Paul said don't be too critical of your neighbor, remember what you were before God saved you. Reflection upon our former condition makes it easier for us to be mild and kind toward others.
The picture drawn here of our old selves is as humbling as it is accurate. Men, in general, are as we once were. As it seemed hopeless that we could be reclaimed so it may seem hopeless that they may be reclaimed. Christ makes all the difference.
Close to where I grew up was a sign that indicated the WATERSHED for the Continental Divide. All the water falling west of the Rockies went on to the Pacific, all water falling east went to the Gulf of Mexico. The point at which a drop of rain fell made all the difference as to its final destination.
Christ is the water shed event in life. The moment we receive Him our life begins to follow a different way. We enjoy new life. As new creations in Christ we are on the path that leads to heaven. Before we were bound for hell.
Can you look back at the water shed event in your life? This is a time when you were acting like the world but turned to follow Christ instead? What you decide about Christ determines your direction in life.
Radio personality Paul Harvey once told of how an ESKIMO KILLS A WOLF. The Eskimo coats his knife with animal blood and lets it freeze. Another layer of blood is added, then another, until the blade is completely concealed. The hunter then fixes his knife in the ground with the blade up. A wolf follows the scent, finds the source, and begins licking. Aroused by the taste, it licks the blood covered blade progressively faster and harder.
Amidst the wolf's frenzy, it doesn't notice the eventual sting of the exposed blade on its own tongue, nor that it's now consuming its own warm blood. The wolf simply craves more and more, until it falls dead in the snow.
Its a grisly story, but a poignant illustration of how we too stand in danger of being consumed by our own lusts.
Following a life of pleasure and giving in to every sensual desire leads to slavery. Many think freedom consists in doing anything they want. But this path leads to a slavish addiction to sensual gratification. A person is no longer free, but is slave to what his or her body dictates (2 Peter 2:19). Christ frees us from the desires and control of sin. Have you been released? [See Hendriksen, William. NT Com. Titus. 1957, Baker Book. Grand Rapids, Mich. p. 388, 9 ]
"My will was perverse and lust had grown from it; and when I gave in to lust, habit was born; and when I did not resist the habit it became a necessity. These were the links which together formed what I have called my chain, and it held me fast in the duress of servitude." -St. Augustine (354-430)
Verse 4 provides the reason for the transition mentioned in verse 3. “But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,”
What made the Christian life possible was an event in history when the kindness and love of God was manifested. The appearance of Christ is the fullest expression of God's grace and love for mankind. Christ’s appearance [manifestation] in human history was the divine response to our fallen perdicatement and behavior.
The contrast between man's inhumanity to man is contrasted with God's kindness. It is God's kindness that moves people toward repentance. God our Savior carried out a rescue plan of epic proportions when Christ came in the flesh. It was the kindness and love of God our Savior that came to man's rescue. Man's situation was hopeless. But God's love-toward -man (philantropus) poured itself out in Christ's appearance and redemption.
Verse 5 teaches us that the kindness and love of God that saved us was according to His mercy. “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,”
In verse 5 we find a summary of what Christ did for us when he saved us. We move from a life full of sin to one where we are led by God's Holy Spirit. All our sins, not merely some, are washed away. Washing refers to the water of baptism, which is a sign of salvation.[Regeneration, παλινγγιενεσια; παλιν - again & γινομαι- to become; becoming again.] In becoming a Christian, the believer acknowledges Christ as Lord and recognizes Christ's saving work. We gain eternal life with all its treasures. It is the Holy Spirit who applies Salvation to us. We have renewal by the Holy Spirit, and He continually renews our hearts. [Renewal, ανακαινώσεως from ανα- again, above, up & καινος -new; new again.] None of this occurs because we earned or deserved it; it is all God's gift.
Notice that Salvation is not by works of righteousness meaning the effort of a person attempting to gain salvation. It is only because the mercy of God that we can be saved and continually renewed by the Holy Spirit.
Napoleon was moved by a mother's PLEA FOR A PARDON for her son. However, the emperor said it was the second offense; and justice demanded death. "I do not ask for justice," implored the mother, "I plead for mercy."
"But," said the emperor, "he does not deserve mercy."
"Sire," cried the mother, "it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask. "
The compassion and clarity of the mother's logic prompted Napoleon to respond, "Well, then, I will have mercy. "
Justice is God giving to me what I deserve. Mercy is God withholding from me whatl deserve. Believe me, we don't want justice from God. What I deserve is death and hell because of my sin. I don’t want what I have earned and deserve. I want mercy. It is only mercy that can give to me eternal life. Salvation is granted according to God's great mercy.
[Mrs. Whyte had a visitor one day who talked to her about what it meant to be Christian. In the course of their conversation, Mrs. Whyte made this comment, "Well, I'm certainly trying to be a Christian!" Her visitor, sensing that Mrs. Whyte had a wrong idea about salvation, asked, "Are you trying to be Mrs. Whyte?" "No," she replied, "I am Mrs. Whyte!" " And how long have you been Mrs. Whyte?" her visitor asked. Fingering the wedding band on her hand, she responded, "Ever since this ring was placed on my finger!" The visitor then explained that it's the same way with salvation. We don't receive it by trying. Rather, it comes through trusting. It's something we receive freely by God's grace.
When the Philippian jailer cried out, "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30), he was told, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ" (v.31). Salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn (Eph. 2:8-10). Therefore, if you want to be saved and you recognize that the Lord Jesus Christ died for your sins at Calvary and rose from the dead, just ask him to save you. (Read John 1:12, 3:16, 5:24.) Salvation is a gift to be received, not a goal to be achieved. And if you are a believer, thank God every day for His mercy and His wonderful gift of salvation.
Nothing can for sin atone -
Nothing but the blood of Jesus:
Naught of good that I done -
Nothing but the blood of Jesus. - Lowry]
John Newton, author of the well known hymn AMAZING GRACE, was a miserable man at the age of 23. He had been involved in an immoral lifestyle and was engaged in the heartlessly cruel African slave trade. But he was fed up with his sinful way of life.
A crisis came on March 10, 1748, on board a ship that was caught in a violent storm. Thinking all was lost, Newton cried out in terror, "Lord, have mercy on us!" Suddenly the word mercy struck him with great force. If anybody needed it, he did. At that moment he believed on Jesus Christ as his Savior. God forgave his sins and broke the power of his wicked lifestyle.
The apostle Paul referred to both the mercy and the grace of God in Salvation. But he also said it is God's mercy that delivers us from a lifestyle which he described as "foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another” ( v. 3). When people believe on Jesus Christ, they are "justified by His grace.” This speaks of forgiveness. But they also receive the "washing of regeneration" and "renewing of the Holy Spirit.” These bring about a change in a person's behavior.
[That was the case with Broadway playwright Paddy Chayevsky. At one time he called himself AN ATHEIST. Yet he must have felt uneasy about God's existence, because he wrote, I have lived by life of womanizing, heavy boozing, utter selfishness, and using every person....for my own advantage. If there is a God out there somewhere, I am going straight to hell."
But one night Paddy received Christ as his Savior and became a changed man. He overcame his drinking habit, became a faithful husband, was restored to his children and began treating people with respect. He testified to his faith and led others to the Savior. When he died in 1987, he was at peace with God. No one who new him could deny that he became a radically different person after he met Jesus.]
Does your life exhibit the difference that comes from trusting Christ as Savior? If not, submit to Him today. You will be changed. Jesus can change the foulest sinner into the finest saint.
Verse 6 confirms that the key to our salvation or regeneration is the Holy Spirit. “whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,”
The verb poured out takes the reader back to Pentecost. The preposition through indicates that it was Jesus and His work that made the gift of the Holy Spirit possible (John 16:7, Acts 2:33).
All the Holy Spirit there is has been poured out at Pentecost after the death and resurrection of Christ. Though all the Holy Spirit potential is available to us, all of us may not be available to the Holy Spirit. When Jesus is allowed to have more of an individual then that individual experience more of Him.
The finished work of Christ was the His substitutionary work on the cross which was necessary for the Holy Spirit to be poured out. As the cross and resurrection of Christ does a more complete work in you, the Holy Spirit will have more of you (Rom. 5:5, Joel 3:1&2, Acts 2:17&18, Zech.2:10, Acts 10:45, Gal.4:6).
Verse 7 again states that our justification was an act of grace. “so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Justification is by grace. Justification is salvation looked at from a legal or forensic perspective. It’s the judge’s declaration of the sentence being terminated. The reason is not innocence but because the account has been paid by another, in this case Christ, so it is a matter of grace.
What is the goal of God's redemptive work? It is eternal life. Through the justifing blood of Christ the believer takes up the privileged position as God's heir. The inheritance is yet to be received so it remains an object of hope. Nevertheless, eternal life is a certainty though yet to be fully obtained.
CONCLUSION
Because of the grace and mercy of God, and because of the regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit the Christian can boldly live the kind of life God has prescribed for him or her. God has intervened in human history to bring about this change in individuals. The historical events of Christ's ministry, His life, death and resurrection and the out pouring of the Holy Spirit provide each of us the opportunity to be all God requires. But to experience the reality of the new life the believer must step forward into the new future by faith. Will you walk forward by faith into your new reality?
John Chapman did. John Chapman was better known as JOHNNIE APPLESEED [was born in 1774]. This itinerant missionary traveled throughout pioneer settlements from the Allegheny River to the central Ohio Valley. From the moment his adventure began, he became a legendary folk figure. In addition to scattering apple seeds, he consistently distributed religious tracts. Although we might not agree with his theology, we could learn from his zeal. His motivation was to help people become rightly related to God.
In a similar way, the apostle Paul journeyed from city-to-city preaching the gospel of justification by grace. In his letter to Titus, he gave one a clear expression of the good news (3:1-8). To be "justified by grace" means that God took the initiative in making sinners acceptable to Himself through Jesus Christ. One result of this miracle, which becomes ours through faith, is the assurance ("hope") of eternal life.
Scattering apple seeds produces fruit trees that bear fruit for many years; scattering seeds of gospel truth results in lives that endure for eternity.
