<Titus - Lesson 8>

The Just Shall Live By Faith

Romans 1:17 “ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."

Chapters one and two are the heart of the message from Paul to Titus for setting things in order and establishing that which is lacking. Here in Chapter three, Paul begins his final admonitions to Titus on behalf of these brethren.

It is important to note before we examine our text that Paul instructs Titus to, “ Remind them ”. There is every indication that they had received much instruction concerning their citizenship in the kingdom of heaven and its requirements for righteousness. However, through our study thus far, we recognize that they had been caught up in foolish disputes, idle talk, and many were insubordinate. This under-minded what was necessary for them to be complete and follow the pattern of sound doctrine, and made it necessary for Paul to send Titus to them to restore them back.

Restoration is that which returns something to the origin condition, design, or intent. It is vital that we also examine daily that we are conforming to the original design and intent of the Lord for His church.

This is made easier by conforming to the structure of a sound congregation as has been laid out in chapter one and two (elders and sound workers trained by saving grace). Now we are going to look into some individual instruction designed to remind these brethren in Crete of certain obligations they had previously understood they should maintain.

Titus 3:1-8 “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. 3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”

Subject to Authorities: This obligation to the law of the land is also described by both Paul and Peter in the following passages, Romans 13: 1-7 ; I Peter 2:13-17 , and you are encouraged to read both passages at this junction.

Here Paul instructs that we are to obey them and to be ready to participate as fellow earthly citizens, based on good works. We must remember that governments are not a threat to good works, thus we must be busy after the pattern of our Lord, His Apostles, and many brave first century saints. None of these engaged in insurrection or physical combat to bring into existence the kingdom of heaven. However, many died for their refusal to compromise their faith in the Gospels message of salvation and morality.

Neighborly: The separate items of verse two are designed to instruct us concerning our consideration for others.

To speak evil of no man does not stop us from condemning sin, but is speaking of evil expressions that are not founded on facts.

Gentleness does not mean that we compromise with evil, but that we use appropriate language and behavior towards those who are on the outside.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”

Finally, Paul mentions humility towards all men, and then goes into verse three to remind us why it is necessary to be humble towards those who are on the outside. We also were once just like them, in a state of separation from God based on our physical lusts and desires. This stands as commentary on two other statements Paul would state to two other churches, note:

Colossians 4:5 “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”

1 Thessalonians 4:12 “that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.”

We did not become Christians to judge those who are not of the body of Christ (that is for God – I Corinthians 5:13 ), but to live with them sensibly in hope that they too may find salvation by our actions and teaching.

We Live to a Higher Standard: Verse four is similar in thought to that of 2:11 , and speaks to our motivation for living as true citizens of the kingdom of heaven while here on earth. Since God loved us and brought about salvation through Christ we too should love our fellow man and work the works of righteousness.

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

This is the theme for the remainder of the text. Since we are His workmanship, created in Christ, we should be careful to maintain good works.

Verse 5 explains that works of righteousness are very necessary, however, not based on our own devise, but those works of righteousness which God has established. Paul would go on to explain that only God devised the plan of salvation and we must follow it to His standards via the washing of regeneration (namely Baptism, see: Hebrews 10:22 ; I Peter 3:21 ), and the spiritual nourishment that the children of God need to sustain their life of service to Him (renewing of the Holy Spirit) through the word ( II Peter 1:19-21 ).

Verse 7 describes exactly what it is that separates us from those on the outside. We having been freed from our sins and the bondage therein, having been justified by the salvation brought about through Christ Jesus (explained in verse 5 ) and became fellow heirs according to the hope of salvation. We therefore are new creatures in Christ, no longer servants of our own desires and lusts, but servants of the righteousness of God.

This is a Faithful Saying: Based on the understanding of what has been done for us, which has made it possible that we should be called the children of God; we are now going to be reminded that we should be careful to maintain good works.

Believers should follow up their conversion from the life of verse 3 , with actions and works befitting those who have been redeemed. They will be profitable because they will bring much spiritual gain to men.

Summary: Although we are citizens of the kingdom of heaven, there are certain expectations for how we live in this present life, especially as ambassadors of Christ and His Gospel. Note what Paul wrote to Timothy regarding this very expectation:

1 Timothy 2:1-4 “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

One of the greatest reasons that we must be careful to maintain good works is for all those who are watching us ( I Peter 2:11 -12 ). When we are observed as Christians we may by our good works teach the truth to others.

It was always God's intention that the Gospel be preached ( I Corinthians 1:21 ), however, it is well documented that this method of bringing the message of salvation to the world was to be followed by deeds that honored it.

Romans 8:13 “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

Romans 6:18 “And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”

1 Corinthians 9:27 “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”