Bible Study Class 104 - Titus Chapter 5: Christian Ethic; Discipline of Factious Men

Posted : 4 May, 2011 11:41 PM

Bible Study Class 104 - Titus Chapter 3: Christian Ethic; Discipline of Factious Men by David Guzik

A. Remember good works.

1. (Verses 1-2) Remember to live obedient and kind lives.

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

a. Remind them: In the grammar of the ancient Greek text, remind is in the present tense: "Go on reminding." Titus was to constantly remind the Christians under his care to show proper respect and humility towards all people, particularly those in a position of authority.

i. Knowing the sometimes difficult character of the people of Crete (as mentioned before in Titus 1:12), this command to be subject to rulers and authorities had special meaning.

b. Ready for every good work: If we simply focus on being subject to rulers and authorities, it is easy to make the Christian life passive. Titus should not allow this, and also remind them to be ready for every good work.

c. Speak evil of no one . . . peaceable . . . gentle, showing all humility to all men: This is a distinctively Christian kindness, coming not from simple good manners but from knowing who we are and who others are in the heart of Jesus.

2. (Verses 3) Remember what you used to be.

For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

a. For we ourselves were also once: This shows why Titus should remind them of the things mentioned in Titus 3:1-2. Remembering where we once were shows us that the fallen nature is not so far from us, and we need constant reminding to stay where we should be in the Lord.

b. Remembering that we were also once foolish, disobedient, and deceived also builds four things in us. First, gratitude for how God changed us. Second, humility as we see that it was His work that changed us. Third, kindness to others in the same place. Finally, faith that God can change those who are still in that place.

3. (Verses 4-8) Remember the great salvation of God.

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

a. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared: When we were in the place described by Titus 3:3, we didn't rescue ourselves. We were rescued by the kindness and the love of God. He reached out to us long before we reached out to Him.

b. Not by works of righteousness which we have done: Our salvation isn't based on any works of righteousness which we have done. In and of itself, response to an altar call does not save. Saying the sinner's prayer does not save. Baptism does not save. Church attendance does not save. Giving does not save. Reading the Bible does not save. Each of these may be wonderful works of righteousness, but they do not save us. Instead, according to His mercy He saved us.

c. He saved us: This is the essence and distinctive of the gospel. We can notice the emphasis: of God . . . not by works . . . His mercy . . . He saved us . . . of the Holy Spirit . . . He poured . . . through Jesus . . . by His grace . . . heirs. God is always the initiator, and we receive from Him before we give anything back.

d. Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works: This reminds us what we are saved for - to maintain good works. Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone. We must never put the cart of works before the horse of grace!

i. "The theology of Christianity is based on grace; the ethics of Christianity are based on gratitude." (Briscoe)

4. (Verses 9-11) Remember to keep on course.

But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

a. Avoid foolish disputes: These are some of the things which ought not to be taught warned against in Titus 1:11. These foolish disputes are simply unprofitable and useless. Instead, Titus should focus on the simple word of God.

b. Reject a divisive man: Titus must take measures against those who insist on going their own way. Their self-will makes them self-condemned.

B. Concluding thoughts.

1. (Verses 12-13) Remember people.

When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing.

a. These personal words of Paul - common at the end of his letters - may seem insignificant, but are really very important. They communicate that Paul was a real man in a real world with real friends that he had regular contact with and care for.

2. (Verses 14-15) Remember to do good deeds.

And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

a. That they may not be unfruitful: This is a recurring theme through Paul's letter to Titus. Paul was concerned that Christians might be barren and unfruitful, yet still have a "wonderfully" confident assurance of their standing in the Lord. Instead of being unfruitful, God's people must learn to maintain good works and to meet urgent needs.

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