The Dynamic Church
13
We now reach the final chapter of Titus, and of the three pastoral letters. In this third chapter Paul continues the theme he dealt with at the end of chapter 2. He shows us how to live in a way that makes the gospel attractive. Christians should be good citizens. We read in verse 1, “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready to do whatever is good”. The pagan Cretans were often rebellious against the government. Christians should be law abiding citizens. The last phrase of that verse, “ready to do whatever is good”, carries the idea of cooperating in those matters that involve the whole community. We can become insulated as we meet in our churches. There’s the danger of the “holy huddle”! We must always be mindful of the needs and problems our community faces. There are many people living near your church who are having problems in their marriage, family or in other circumstances. Are you relating to the community where the Lord has placed you? The community should know you because of the good and helpful things you do for them. Paul goes on to say in verse 2, “to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility towards all men”. What a difference this would make in a society filled with lawlessness, violence, and arrogance. We are to be known as peacemakers, bringing healing and harmony to the community and the nation.
Paul gives us a good reason why we should live like this. It’s because God has saved us from our sin. We’re reminded of what we were in verse 3. We read, “At one time we were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures”. We all acted like the unsaved in the past. Then God opened our eyes to see the truth in Christ. He removed our sin and guilt. We read of the process in verses 4 to 7, “But when the kindness and love of God our saviour appeared, he saved us not because of righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy”. Our salvation is from God. He initiated it. Our good deeds had nothing to do with it. He goes on to say, “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour”. God saved us through the new birth.
This washing isn’t water baptism. We are baptised after we are saved, not to make us saved. It shows that we are born again through the word of God, or the message of the gospel. Scripture is likened to the cleansing effect water. Jesus said in John 15 verse 3, “you are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you”. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to bring us to conviction of sin. We repent and turn in faith to Christ and our sin is cleansed. We receive the Holy Spirit who renews our life and makes us a new creation in Christ Jesus. It’s all because of Jesus and what he did for us on the cross. We read in verse 7, “so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life”. When our sin is washed away we are justified. This means we have a new standing before God, and he sees us as if we have never sinned. We are righteous in his sight. Our response then ought to be grateful thanks and a willingness to do all he asks. Paul says in verse 8, “this is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone”. Peter puts it like this in 1 Peter 2 verse 9, “But you are a chosen people, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”. Living a holy life where God has placed you brings him glory. Holiness should never be detached from everyday living. People need to see what God is like and what he can do in their lives. They will only see it in you and me. We declare his character as he lives in and through us. They feel the impact through the deeds we do in Christ’s name. John Wesley said, “Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can”. Paul underlines this again in verse 14. We read, “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives”. That is good citizenship. A preacher said to his congregation, “We’re going out to preach the good news”. The congregation happily followed him. He took them through the main streets of the city, he turned down the many side streets, and then they walked out to an outlying village. They then went back to the church taking the longest route. Some of the congregation said, “Why have you brought us back? You said we were going out to preach”. “Ah”, said the preacher, “we have preached. We were preaching while we were walking. We have been seen by many; our behaviour has been closely watched. It’s of no use to walk anywhere to preach unless we preach everywhere we walk”.
The last part of chapter three refers to some people who were unhelpful and others who were helpful. Some people like to argue about things that don’t really matter. They argue over issues that are of no value to spiritual growth. We read in verse 9, “but avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because they are unprofitable and useless”. Be sure that you are focused on what matters, which is making known the gospel and living it out before a needy world. Some people bring division into the church. They distract the church from its main objective of bringing glory to God through godly living and unity. Verses 10 and 11 tell us how to respond to them. We read, “warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self condemned”. If someone is divisive try to show them the truth from God’s word. They may see their sin and turn from it. If they don’t, and continue to preach false doctrine, they can’t remain in fellowship. Their influence is destructive to the sound witness and work of the rest of the church.
Paul mentions those who have been helpful to him in the work. In verses 12 and 13 he mentions Artemas, Tychicus, Zenus and Appolos. These were co-workers with Paul and a great support to him. They were more of a help than a hindrance. These are the kind of people we need in our churches, men and women who are faithful to the Lord and the gospel. Men and women who help the work of the Lord along. People like that make the church dynamic.
Our studies in the pastoral letters come to a close. I trust you’ve been blessed, encouraged and challenged. May we all contribute to the local church where God has placed us and make it dynamic for Christ.
Goodbye.