SAVED BY MERCY; SAVED TO DO GOOD

Passage: Titus 3:1-15

Key verse: 5

NIV

Saved in Order to Do Good

3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,(A) to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,(B) 2 to slander no one,(C) to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

3 At one time(D) 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(E) and love of God our Savior(F) appeared,(G) 5 he saved us,(H) not because of righteous things we had done,(I) but because of his mercy.(J) He saved us through the washing(K) of rebirth and renewal(L) by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us(M) generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace,(N) we might become heirs(O) having the hope(P) of eternal life.(Q) 8 This is a trustworthy saying.(R) 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.(S) These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

9 But avoid(T) foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels(U) about the law,(V) because these are unprofitable and useless.(W) 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.(X) 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Final Remarks

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus(Y) to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.(Z) 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos(AA) on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good,(AB) 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.(AC)

Grace be with you all.(AD)

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ESV

Be Ready for Every Good Work

3 Remind them (A)to be submissive to rulers and authorities, (B)to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 (C)to speak evil of no one, (D)to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and (E)to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For (F)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. 4 But when (G)the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, (H)not because of works done by us in righteousness, but (I)according to his own mercy, by (J)the washing of regeneration and (K)renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he (L)poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that (M)being justified by his grace we might become (N)heirs (O)according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is (P)trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful (Q)to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But (R)avoid foolish (S)controversies, (T)genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for (U)they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, (V)after warning him once and then twice, (W)have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Final Instructions and Greetings

12 When I send Artemas or (X)Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me (Y)at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and (Z)Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn (AA)to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not (AB)be unfruitful.

15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.

(AC)Grace be with you all.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
1. Jesus saved us (1-7) Christians are to be subject to civil authorities, obedient and ready to do good, peaceable, considerate and gentle. In the past, we were foolish, disobedient and enslaved by ungodly passions and pleasures. We lived in envy and hatred. Jesus saved us from such things by his one-sided mercy. We had not done anything righteous but God saved us by giving us new birth through the Holy Spirit. Jesus justified us by his grace and we now live with the hope of eternal life. 2. Devote yourself to doing good (8-15) God saved us from sin and destruction so that we would do good. God's grace inspires us to carefully devote ourselves to things that are excellent and profitable, not only for ourselves, but for others. We avoid controversies, needless quarrels and divisiveness. Instead we do what is good, provide for the needs of others and live productive lives (14).

Prayer: Lord, thank you for saving and cleansing me from sin. Help me to always do good with this new life.

One Word: Remember God's grace and do good