Scriptural text: Titus 3:3-11
Lesson Context:
The context surrounding the Island of Crete and Paul’s travels there has been covered in a prior lesson. Paul had written this letter to address certain disturbances that faced the believers on that island. There had been a lack of godliness that had led to meaningless controversies and distractions )Titus 1:10-15). Paul instructed Titus to appoint godly leadership (1.5) to encourage others with gospel truth and refute the teachings of the opposition.
l. Gospel Reminder (Titus 3:3-8):
A. Our Situation (v. 3).
3a. “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures.” For we ourselves were also once: This shows why Titus should remind them of the things mentioned in Titus 3:1-2. Remembering where we once were shows us that the fallen nature is not so far from us, and we need constant reminding to stay where we should be in the Lord. (David Guzik’s Bible Commentary)
3b. “Living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.”Malice and envy are feelings of wickedness directed at another person. These two feelings tend to go hand-in-hand; the undenying Greek words occur together also in Romans 1:29 and 1 Peter 2:1. These feelings result from sinful desires and can lead to anger or other sins. (International Sunday School Commentary 2023-2024)
B. God’s Response (vv. 4-7):
4. “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.” When we were in the place described by Titus 3:3, we didn’t rescue ourselves. We were rescued by the kindness and the love of God. He reached out to us long before we reached out to Him.
5a. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” Our salvation isn’t based on any works of righteousness which we have done. Each of these may be wonderful works of righteousness, but they do not save us. Instead, according to His mercy He saved us. (David Guzik’s Bible Commentary)
5b. “By the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Through the washing of regeneration: These words are commonly taken as a reference to baptism, and this passage is sometimes quoted in support of the idea of baptismal regeneration. Paul specifically mentions baptism here, and the only use of the ancient Greek word translated washing here is connected with the spiritual cleansing of the believer by the Word of God through faith.
lll. Gospel Behavior
(Titus 3:9-11):
A. Avoid Foolishness (v. 9).
“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and striving about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.”
Avoid foolish disputes: These are some of the things which ought not be taught, which were warned against in Titus 1:11. These foolish disputes are simply unprofitable and useless. Instead, Titus should focus on the simple word of God (David Guzik’s Bible Commentary)
B. Admonish Divisiveness (vv. 10-11):
10-11. “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject knowing that he that us such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Typically use of the word heretic refers to someone who espouses false teaching. However, that meaning is not in view in this verse’s mention of a man that is an heretick. Instead, the underlying Greek word in this verse refers to someone who causes division. Rather than build up the body of Christ that is the church, this type of person creates discord and disruption. Therefore, believers should avoid such a person. (International Sunday School Lessons)
Conclusion: In response to Paul’s directives to Titus, one should reflect on his teachings and the practices of our churches