Titus 3:1-8
Q.1. How has God changed sinners into living as His children? Why? What can we now look forward to? – (Tit.3:3-7)
Paul drew attention to the kindness of God and His love for mankind. He ascribed deity to Jesus. He described Him as – God our Saviour. (Tit.3:4). He listed all the ugly and sinful attitudes and actions that formally characterized our lives (Tit.3:3). However, through God’s merciful intervention that precludes personal righteousness, we were given a new hope and destiny, when – 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds we have done … but according to His mercy, by washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (3:5-7). We look forward to eternal life as joint heirs of everything owned by God.
Q.2. What trustworthy statement did Paul give to underscore the new direction the Lord inspires? – (Tit.3:8 & 1-2)
Paul stated the transformation that the Gospel brings in this declaration – This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds … (Tit.3:8). Truly saved people will change and keep changing towards Christlikeness – These things are good and profitable for men (3:8). As we become more like Jesus, the more we and others will benefit. That is why Paul urged Pastor Titus to – 1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men (Tit.3:1-2). Though we are not saved by works, saved people are to express their salvation by godly living.