DEVOTE YOURSELVES TO DOING GOOD

Passage: Titus 2:15-3:15

Key verse: 3:8

NIV

15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

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)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

15 Declare these things; exhort and (A)rebuke with all authority. (B)Let no one disregard you.

Be Ready for Every Good Work

3 Remind them (C)to be submissive to rulers and authorities, (D)to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 (E)to speak evil of no one, (F)to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and (G)to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For (H)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 (I)the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, (J)not because of works done by us in righteousness, but (K)according to his own mercy, by (L)the washing of regeneration and (M)renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he (N)poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that (O)being justified by his grace we might become (P)heirs (Q)according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is (R)trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful (S)to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But (T)avoid foolish (U)controversies, (V)genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for (W)they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, (X)after warning him once and then twice, (Y)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 (Z)Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me (AA)at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and (AB)Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn (AC)to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not (AD)be unfruitful.

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

(AE)Grace be with you all.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

Paul says, “These, then, are the things you should teach.” He is referring to the gospel, which is the basis for all encouragement and rebuke. The gospel is something we need to be reminded of again and again. Before Christ, we too were like the notorious Cretans and were lost in our sins. We were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved. It was not a pretty picture at all! But when Jesus, who is the kindness and goodness of God incarnate, we were saved by his mercy. We were washed and renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit and made heirs of eternal life. Salvation is a staggering and wonderful gift of God and a sure promise for all those who believe in Christ.

In response to the kindness and goodness of God, we must do good ourselves and avoid any divisive behavior that destroys the unity of the church. There is no place for foolish controversies or arguments that waste our time. Divisive people are to be warned and then separated from the church. The need for the gospel is urgent and we must be focused on what is profitable. Believers are to do good not only inside the church, but outside the church as well. They are to be good citizens that reflect the character of Christ in the world.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the mercy, goodness, and kindness of Christ. Help us to live gospel centered lives and to do what is good.

One Word: Do what is good and profitable