Context No. 2706 of 4322 · Titus

Titus 3:1-15: in context

1Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. 3For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, 5not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you insist confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; 9but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning, 11knowing that such a one is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned. 12When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. 13Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them. 14Let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet necessary needs, that they may not be unfruitful. 15All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Paul tells Titus what to keep reminding the young church: be law-abiding and ready for good work, slander no one, avoid quarrels, be gentle and humble toward everyone. Then he gives the reason, and it is not that they are better than their neighbors. We too, he says, were once foolish, disobedient, enslaved to our passions, full of malice and envy, hating and hated.

The turn comes with the word "but." When the kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous works we had done, but according to his mercy, through the washing of rebirth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit. The ground for treating others gently is memory. We were rescued while we were still foolish, by mercy and not merit, and remembering that keeps humility underneath every good work Paul urges.

Do I remember that I was saved by mercy, not merit, when I am tempted to look down on someone still in the mess I was pulled out of?

Sources

Ephesians 2:8: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God."
1 Corinthians 6:11: "Such were some of you, but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified."
Titus 2:11: "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men."