Two Reminders – Titus 3:1-8

In my morning readings today I found two reminders that are helpful in these challenging times (though good and profitable at all times according to verse 8). These “reminders” were something that Paul wanted Titus to give to the saints. So, I give them to you!

Reminder One

It is easy to become frustrated with the numerous social restrictions and rules, and with the numerous changes or lack of change. It is easy to get impatient or even irritated. It is easy to wonder if those who make all these rules really know what they are doing! In many cases it appears that they may not!

“Be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.”

Just a reminder, watch your “civic manners” dear people! Remember who put those “rulers” and “authorities” in their positions. They may not always know what they are doing, but our Sovereign Lord does!

The reminder is for us to be graciously “civil” in the public realm. This civility is to be a positive one, i.e., a readiness to do good. This civility is to be a controlled one, i.e., no bad-mouthing (or bad “tweeting”). This civility is to be one marked by peaceableness and gentleness. We are not called to be agitators or disturbers of the public peace. Rather we are to be manifesting and displaying “complete courtesy” to everyone, maintaining a patient trust and confidence in the One who rules all things.

Reminder Two

This reminder has two simple parts:

Remember what you once were

You weren’t so “hot” yourself! “For we also were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another” (v. 3). It is wonderful to hear that that is what we “were,” dear saints, but remember that some of sin’s stinking slop still remains! Let us not fall back into it when things aren’t going the way we think they should.

Remember what God in Christ by His Spirit has done

You were deserving of nothing good and you could do nothing good before the living and holy God. He saved you “according to His mercy”. You had nothing to do with it. Your salvation and hope of eternal life is all on account of the “kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind”. You have been “justified by His grace”. You have been regenerat[ed] and renew[ed] by the Holy Spirit,” i.e., you are now a new creation in Christ, and are being continually renewed into His very image. You have the “hope” [read: “certain expectation”] of eternal life.”

The point? Live a life here that reflects the realities of the new life you have received through faith in Christ Jesus! Life is more than possessions and common pleasures, and it is more than even our personal liberty to “move about the country.” We are free where it really matters!

You may not be able to walk on the beaches, play in the parks, barbeque with friends or, for a season, fellowship with the saints; but be patient, be “civil,” be humble, be beneficial, and be exceedingly grateful for a salvation that will one day remove us from the confines of this groaning creation and escort us to the rich unbounded everlasting enjoyment of His glory.

Blessings in Christ.