Scripture

He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and a new life through the Holy Spirit.

Observation

We should submit to the government and its officers. We must not slander anyone, nor be quarrelsome, instead being gentle and humble.

We were once foolish and disobedient. We were slaves to lusts and pleasures.

But then God revealed His love to us. He saved us because of His mercy, not because we deserved it. He gave us a new birth and a new life by the Holy Spirit. Now He declares us righteous and gives us the assurance of eternal life.

Application

The death of Jesus washed away our sins.

We could never pay the penalty for our sin by ourselves. Instead, God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to die in our place. Now, anybody who asks can receive a new birth and a new life.

This new birth is a chance to start over with a clean sheet. Nothing is held against us. Our sins are washed away, and the record is cleared. It is just as if we had never anything wrong.

But there is more! Every time we mess up, God forgives us as long as we keep coming back to Him. He is not our judge looking to convict us. No, He is our Father, looking to be in relationship with us

God gives us a new life. As long as we keep looking to God, He will transform us from sinner to saint. He sets us free from lusts, addictions, and bondages. This does not always happen overnight, although it does start straight away. We continue to fall into bad ways, but as long as we look to God, He will pick us up and make us stronger in Him.

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for your great love for us. You give us a new birth and a new life. This comes as your gift not something we strive to achieve. Amen.

Scripture

He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

Observation

Slaves must obey their masters, being respectful and trustworthy.

The grace of God has been revealed bringing salvation to all people. So we must leave as godly people and reject sinful pleasures. We must live with wisdom while we look forward to eternity with hope.

Jesus gave his life to free us from sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people.

Titus must preach these things and encourage his people to obey. He needs to use his authority to correct them when necessary.

Application

Paul mentions here three goals of Christ’s death on the cross.

Firstly, he died to set us free from every kind of sin. We are all in bondage to sin because our fleshly natured dominates the way we live. When we follow Jesus, this unerring capacity for sin is broken, and we can live the life God intends for us.

Secondly, He died to cleanse us. Jesus’ death on the cross was a sacrifice that takes away the penalty for our sin. We were law breakers, breakers of God’s law, and we deserve to die. But Jesus has paid the price our sin.

Thirdly, Christ died to make us his own people. Once we were far away from God, but now we are adopted into His family. He calls us His Bride – a people set apart for him.

Prayer

Thank you Lord Jesus for all that you accomplished for me. I am free from the bondage of sin; I am cleansed from the blackness of sin; I am a part of your special people. Hallelujah! Amen.

Scripture

Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticised. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.

Observation

Titus is to teach older men to exercise self-control and to live wisely. Similarly, the older women must not slander others or drink heavily. They are to train the younger women to love their husbands and children, and to submit to their husbands.

Titus should encourage the young man to also live wisely. He should be the good example to them by doing good deeds, and teaching the truth so that nobody can criticise him or Paul.

Application

Nowadays, teaching truth does not guarantee freedom from criticism. Preachers (and others) who point out that the Bible condemns homosexuality or that women are biologically different to men are likely to get roasted.

Nevertheless, as followers of Jesus, who is the way, the Truth, and the Life, we must commit ourselves to following and proclaiming the truth wherever we are.

The gospel has never been popular because it threatens those whose status and income are dependent on either their own sins or the sins of others. When we tell people that their lifestyle is not acceptable to God and they need to repent, then we can expect hostility.

Being unpopular does not make the gospel wrong. In the end, it is only God’s opinion that matters.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to keep my eyes fixed on you, the source of all truth. Amen