A Few Thoughts on the Epistle of Titus Part 7

Chapter 3

Titus 3:1-2 Dealing with non-Christians

Dealing with non-Christians

1 Remind them to be under the authority of rulers and authorities, to comply with [their rules], to be ready for every good work,

2 Not to insult anyone, or be contentious, [but to be] gentle, showing a complete meekness to all people.

Notes:

B1 Government authorities

C1 As much as possible, we are to follow the law of our government.

C2 There is no such thing as a just government. As far as I know, all governments have corruption.

D1 A rather full review of the Roman Empire is here .

D2 Some the main reasons that the Empire fell is here.

D3 Basically, the empire fell due to governmental and society corruption. Just like governement and society do today.

C3 Romans 12:18 CSB If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

C4 Some things we are required as Christians:

D1 Pray for leaders: 1 Timothy 2:1-2 CSB First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

D2 Be respectful of them: Acts 23:5 CSB I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest," replied Paul. "For it is written, You must not speak evil of a ruler of your people.

D3 Pay taxes: Romans 13:6-7 NLT Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

D4 No bias in society: 1 Timothy 5:21 NLT I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone.

D5 Seek peace, not confrontation: Matthew 5:9 NLT God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

D6 Telling and living the truth: Matthew 5:37 NLT Just say a simple, 'Yes, I will,' or 'No, I won't.' Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

D7 No molestation, exploitation, or abuse:

E1 1 Timothy 4:12 NLT Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

E2 1 Timothy 5:2 NLT Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.

B2 Attitudes towards all people

C1 Humility: Philippians 2:5-8 NLT You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross.

C2 No complaining or arguing: Philippians 2:14 NLT Do everything without complaining and arguing.

C3 Thankfulness: Colossians 4:2 NLT Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

C4 Faithfulness: John 8:31 NLT Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.

B3 Speech What we say is to be

C1 Truth

D1 Jesus is the perfect example. Everything He did and said is 100% truth: John 14:6 CSB Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

D2 Our worship must be true. John 4:24 GW God is a spirit. Those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

E1 God is spirit, that is, Yahweh is not flesh, stone, wood, etc. He is not material.

E2 Worship in spirit:

F1 An attitude of reverence

F2 The opposite of fleshly worship such as many heathen worship ceremonies

G1 Deuteronomy 12:31 CSB You must not do the same to the LORD your God, because they practice every detestable act, which the LORD hates, for their gods. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.

G2 Deuteronomy 18:9-11, 14 CSB When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable customs of those nations. 10 "No one among you is to sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire, practice divination, tell fortunes, interpret omens, practice sorcery, 11 "cast spells, consult a medium or a spiritist, or inquire of the dead. ... 14 "Though these nations you are about to drive out listen to fortune-tellers and diviners, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do this.

G3 1 Kings 14:23-24 NLT For they also built for themselves pagan shrines and set up sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. 24 There were even male and female shrine prostitutes throughout the land. The people imitated the detestable practices of the pagan nations the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites.

G4 1 Timothy 4:1 NIV The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

F3 According to God’s standards

G1 1 Timothy 4:13 NIV Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

G2 Ephesians 5:18-20 NIV Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

E3 Worship in truth

F1 Not outward form or piety

F2 But in inward piety

C2 Being contentious (also translated quarrelsome, argumentative, etc. Also, some understand not to be referring to speech but action so it is translated as peaceable)

D1 Not hot tempered about personal opinions

D2 Gentle in what we say instead of abusive, emotionally hurting words

C3 Gentle

D1 In words, deeds, body language

D2 Seen in pleasant treatment of others (especially vulnerable people) and animals.

D3 Antonyms often help us understand. Some listed antonyms of gentleness are abusive, brutal, ferocious, fierce, violent

D4 Philippians 4:5 NIV Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

D5 Note the contrast: 1 Corinthians 4:21 NLT Which do you choose? Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit?

C4 Meekness

D1 Again some antonyms: aggressive, arrogant, and being rude and pushy

D2 With some people it is their way or no way. It is their opinion only. They are controlling and demanding.

D3 Some verses

E1 God separates the meek and the arrogant in judgment: Zephaniah 3:11-12 NIV On that day you, Jerusalem, will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from you your arrogant boasters. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill. 12 But I will leave within you the meek and humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the LORD.

E2 Speaking of Messiah, the Psalmist writes: Psalms 45:4 ESV In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!

E3 Note the contrast: Proverbs 16:19 GW Better to be humble with lowly people than to share stolen goods with arrogant people.

E4 God helps the meek (the humble) and opposes the proud and arrogant: James 4:6 CSB But he gives greater grace. Therefore he says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.