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.
