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A Painful but Good Reminder (Titus 3:1-3)
Preface - Be Sure to Check Out the Podcast Audio Linked Above.
A Verse
Titus 3:1-3
1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
A Comment
Having considered verses 1-2, we now look at verse 3, which functions as a partial explanation for why Titus’ congregation should “speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Paul’s explanation is that “we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.” In other words, the people that you are tempted to speak evil of, to fight with, to be harsh toward, and to be inconsiderate to are not much different from us before God’s grace in Christ changed us.
Thus, verse 3 serves as a painful but good reminder of who we were before God’s merciful salvation came to us. When we are tempted to treat others sinfully, we should remember our former condition. God did not show kindness toward us because we were more deserving than others. Likewise, as those called to reflect God’s character, we also shouldn’t attempt to justify cruelty and sin toward others because we feel they deserve it. No one really deserves kindness. But that’s part of the point that Paul is making here. We do not treat people as they deserve to be treated because God has not treated us as we deserve to be treated. God is merciful and patient toward us. And, in light of how this mercy and patience have changed us (as we will see in the following verses), we ought to be the most merciful and patient people our undeserving neighbors and enemies encounter in this sin-broken world.
A Prayer
Would you pray with me? (Pray along with me in the audio version linked above)
A Blessing
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
Get full access to Hope for Life with Dr. Casey B. Hough at hopeforlife.substack.com/subscribe
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By Casey B. HoughPreface - Be Sure to Check Out the Podcast Audio Linked Above.
A Verse
Titus 3:1-3
1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
A Comment
Having considered verses 1-2, we now look at verse 3, which functions as a partial explanation for why Titus’ congregation should “speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Paul’s explanation is that “we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.” In other words, the people that you are tempted to speak evil of, to fight with, to be harsh toward, and to be inconsiderate to are not much different from us before God’s grace in Christ changed us.
Thus, verse 3 serves as a painful but good reminder of who we were before God’s merciful salvation came to us. When we are tempted to treat others sinfully, we should remember our former condition. God did not show kindness toward us because we were more deserving than others. Likewise, as those called to reflect God’s character, we also shouldn’t attempt to justify cruelty and sin toward others because we feel they deserve it. No one really deserves kindness. But that’s part of the point that Paul is making here. We do not treat people as they deserve to be treated because God has not treated us as we deserve to be treated. God is merciful and patient toward us. And, in light of how this mercy and patience have changed us (as we will see in the following verses), we ought to be the most merciful and patient people our undeserving neighbors and enemies encounter in this sin-broken world.
A Prayer
Would you pray with me? (Pray along with me in the audio version linked above)
A Blessing
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
Get full access to Hope for Life with Dr. Casey B. Hough at hopeforlife.substack.com/subscribe