Titus 3:1-2

III. CHURCH MEMBERS IN SOCIETY 3:1-11

1.

AS CITIZENS Titus 3:1-2

Text 3:1, 2

1 Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,
2 to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all meekness toward all men.

Thought Questions 3:1, 2

114.

Had the Cretans been instructed before on the matter of their relationship to civil authorities? When, and by whom?

115.

Is there some distinction between rulers and authorities? Specify.

116.

Why say to be obedient when they are already reminded to be in subjection?

117.

What good work would be open to Christians on Crete? Please note that this good work is civil in nature.

118.

In what sense are we to speak evil of no man? Paul outlined and itemized the evil works of many men.

119.

How can we contend for the faith and yet not be contentious?

120.

Discuss the strength of gentleness.

121.

Surely showing all meekness toward all men is an overstatement. Show how such an injunction could be translated into life.

Paraphrase 3:1, 2

1 Put the Cretians in mind of what I have taught them; namely, to be subject to the governments and powers established in Crete; to obey magistrates though they be heathens; to be ready to perform every good work enjoined by the laws of their country;

2 To speak evil of no one on account of his nation or religion, to be no fighters, but of an equitable disposition, (Philippians 4:5, note), and to show the greatest meekness to all men, even to enemies.

Comment 3:1, 2

Titus 3:1 Here are some of the good works for which the Christians on Crete are to be zealous. Evidently Paul had spoken to the Cretans about this beforeit now remains for Titus to put them in mind of these things, for the truth to be carried out. If we are to believe historians of the time (and we have no reason to doubt them), Cretans were very dissatisfied with the Roman rule, and showed signs of revolt. So says Polybius and Plutarch. In the light of this situation, the Christians leave a testimony to present to the world.

Adopt a willingness to subject yourselves to your rulers. Even if such rulers live evil lives, yet God has ordained law and order. As long as the laws of the land do not contradict the laws of God, we should be perfectly willing to obey men (Cf. Acts 5:29). The word authorities as coupled with rulers simply enlarges on one thought, that is, rulers have authority. Romans 13:1-6 indicates such authority is from God.

The Christian is not only to be willing, but when called upon to act, he will obey. How easy it is to justify disobedience when we feel the ones who command obedience are themselves disobedientmost especially is this true when the laws are apparently but a matter of opinion or interpretation, Such attitudes cannot be indulged in by the Christian, for his example is watched and followed. To those looking for an opportunity to criticize The Way, he has provided it, To those looking for occasion to rebel, he has unwillingly given excuse.
In what good work would the civil authorities engage, to which we could lend assistance? We can think of a number of community projects to which we could pledge our support if we would, Is the donation of blood a good work? Would the relief of war victims be a good work? Would appeal to our public officials for righteous legislation, or support of some who are attempting to persuade such legislation, be a good work? What are we doing about it?

Titus 3:2. There are in Titus 3:1-2 seven responsibilities for the believer, Three are in Titus 3:1 and four in Titus 3:2: (1) Be in subjection to rulers and authorities; (2) Be obedient; (3) Be ready unto every good work; (4) Speak evil of no man; (5) Do not be contentious; (6) Be gentle; (7) Show all meekness toward all men.

Titus 3:2 seems to relate to those on the outside of the church, whereas verse one discusses those on the inside. To speak evil of no man in the midst of a wicked world, is no easy injunction. The word used is stronger than criticism; it means to heap curses upon or to blaspheme. No good is accomplished by such wordsour attitude of good will toward all men, is hardly upheld by such outbursts.

Someone has humorously said, Some church members are born in the objective case and the kickative mood. Such a one might be designated as contentious. Such persons are also very poor witnesses for Christ, to say nothing of being poor neighbors and citizens.
The word gentle is a good one as relating to its root meaningone filled with a positive good willready to yield personal advantage, eager to help the needy, kind to the weak, considerate toward the fallen, always filled with the spirit of sweet reasonableness (Hendriksen). We could easily say of the thought here, that a true Christian will be a true gentleman.

How did Paul imagine believers would be able to show all meekness (or mildness) to all men? Was this the attitude needed with these liars, evil brutes, and lazy bellies? (Cf. Titus 1:12) We have no right to ask such a question. We do not want to overcome evil with good. We somehow imagine we shall overcome evil with force or demanded respect. Until the world can see some of the humility and meekness (which is but strength under control) of our Lord, we shall have but little progress in making the kingdoms of this world the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.

Please do not shrug off this word as an ideal. It is moreit is God's answer to a lost world.

Fact Questions 3:1, 2

77.

How was Titus finishing a work started by Paul?

78.

Timothy was told to pray for rulers. Titus was told to command obedience to them. Is this a fair comparison? If not, why not? If so, why so?

79.

When, and only when, should the Christian rebel against authority?

80.

Is there some distinction in the use of the terms, rulers and authorities?

81.

Since many laws are only a matter of opinion, why should we bother to obey them? (Especially when we are in a hurry to keep an important appointment.)

82.

In what good work could the believers help?

83.

List the four responsibilities of Titus 3:2, and give a specific, personal example of how they are fulfilled in daily life.