Titus 3
1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
We should follow those in leadership roles. God placed them there for a reason. It's important to see their "good work" because we are NOT to follow evil people.
2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Be understanding of those not as knowledgeable, those not a fortunate to see the blessings of God. We must put ourselves in their shoes when talking to them. Use common sense though. Today, people will try to deceive. To take advantage of your understanding nature or love for them. Christians aren't door mats, but everyone should be given a chance to hear The Truth and see the work behind it. There are ways to avoid a fight with those placed in authority, walk away and pray. God will unlock an answer.
3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
This is why I said, "Everyone should be given a chance" because we were once where they are now. At least not IF you call yourself a Christian. Paul once was one to kill Christians, but when he woke to The Truth, he changed his whole way of life. God struck him down on that road to Damascus and when Paul could have kept on the dark road, he had seen The Light. To many are on that dark road, ignoring The Light that could change them. They serve the evil one with their foolishness, disobedience, deceitfulness, serving diverse lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Our Father shows His love with the giving of Himself. We are blessed to have the heart for The Lord and the wonderful peace it brings.
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit;
You can't EVER do something to earn your way to heaven. Good people don't have life eternal, only those that believe and follow that sacrifice given. This washing was by His blood. How would you feel if you gave all you have to give and someone throws it out in the trash as if it didn't matter? After given a chance to receive it and have a different way to help themselves and others, they want to do it on their own. Why would you have a place where peace will be forever with those that would hate it being there? Heaven is called such because evil won't be there.
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
That blood was enough! Believe and repent, then start that second and everyone to become as a new creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Favor! We have been given favor from God, that we may have life through that eternal hope. What you believe will be what separates you from peace and reward.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Believe in God? Then you will do good things.
9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
When people twist things to conform to the world instead of what God has said, move on. Don't waste your time with them, they don't want The Truth. As plainly as it is written, it should be followed. If they are twisting it in the sight of God, they will twist it no matter what you have to say.
10 A man that is an heretick
after the first and second admonition reject;
"Heretick" Greek = "hairettikos" =
"schismatic". They constantly are trying to divide those around him
or her. If you try to teach, they are trying to come up with something else in
place of it.
11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
These "hereticks" (verse 10), will be seen for who they are through their own words.
12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
Paul's telling Titus he's going to be in Nicopolis, Greece, during the winter. Paul wants them all to join him. A great time to study together.
13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
Paul is to speak to Zenas the lawyer and Apollos because they knew the Torah and the law of Moses very well also.
14 And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
No matter what you do for a living, use it in some way to bring others to see Christ. A smile to witnessing, from giving help to planting a seed, then Pray.
15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.