Chapter 3
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5Not 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 Ghost;
6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8This 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.
9But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
10A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
11Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
12When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
13Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
14And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
15All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
“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 Ghost.”
Overview
Paul reminds Titus to urge believers to be subject to rulers, to be gentle, and to show meekness toward all men, remembering that they themselves were once foolish and enslaved to sin. He presents one of the most concise summaries of the gospel: 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 Ghost. He closes with instructions to avoid foolish controversies and to maintain good works.
Key Themes
Saved by Mercy, Not Works
Salvation is entirely by God's mercy, not by human works of righteousness, accomplished through the regenerating and renewing work of the Holy Spirit.
The Washing of Regeneration
God saves believers through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He poured out abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Maintaining Good Works
Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works, demonstrating that grace-wrought salvation produces a life of fruitful service.
Study Questions
How does remembering what we were before Christ (v. 3) keep us humble and compassionate toward others?
What does 'the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost' (v. 5) mean?
How does Paul balance 'not by works of righteousness' (v. 5) with being 'careful to maintain good works' (v. 8)?
Why does Paul instruct Titus to 'avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions' (v. 9)?
How does this chapter's summary of the gospel (vv. 4-7) capture the essentials of the Christian faith?
Connection to Christ
God saved us through Jesus Christ our Saviour, pouring out the Holy Spirit abundantly through Him, so that being justified by His grace we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (vv. 5-7). The entire Trinitarian work of salvation centers on and flows through Christ.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Titus 3. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?