Exposition of Titus Lesson 6 A Gospel Influenced Society

Exposition of Paul’s Letter to

TITUS

LESSON 6: A GOSPEL INFLUENCED SOCIETY

Review

Justin Taylor writes, “The dominant mode of evangelical preaching on sanctification, the main way to motivate for godly living, sounds something like this:

You are not _____;

You should be _________;

Therefore, do or be ________!

Fill in the blank with anything good and biblical (holy; salt and light; feed the poor; walk humbly; give generously; etc.).”[1]

“This is not how Paul and the other New Testament writers motivated the church in light of the resurrection and the outpouring of the Spirit. They did give imperatives (=what you should do), but they do so only based on indicatives (=what God has done).”[2]   Therefore in the last lecture we saw how Paul did that with Titus.  When it came to giving commands he did it this way:

1.       This is what various gender/age groups must do (2:1–10); because

1.1.    This is what is true (the Gospel) (2:11–14); and

1.1.1. To summarize (2:15)

2.       Here are more instructions to proper living that you must do (3:1–2)

2.1.    This is what is true (Gospel) (3:3–7); and

2.1.1.Here is the summary (3:8)

This week we look at the 2^nd section of commands in Chapter 3.

Text: Titus 3:1–8

¹ Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, ² to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. ³ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. ⁴ But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ⁸ The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.  

Exposition Titus 3:1–11

Here Is What You Are To Do (3:1-2)

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”

Christians have Gospel obligations to civil government and fellow citizens.  Christians live in God’s Kingdom so Paul uniquely writes to Titus that Christians are to be “willingly be in subjection” to earthly rulers.  The Greek tense is in the “middle voice” and could be translated “subjecting yourselves to”.  Of course, even in the next phrase (“be obedient”) we know Paul is not making this an absolute, but is a general rule of conduct (see Acts 5:29).  Remember that the Cretan society was recognized as being rebellious.

There is a transition from civil government to civil society.  Christians should be ready for good work.  I spoke of this recently considering the cultural mandate in Creation.  This seems to be a major theme as we noted in the last lesson in Titus 2:7 (ESV), “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity. . ..”     “This seems to indicate the believer’s sphere of influence for good ought to be felt in every realm. Joseph, Daniel,” ^[3] etc. are good examples of this.

Gospel motivated Believers are also called to “speak evil of no one”.  “The Greek word used here, blasphēmeō, describes speaking against someone with the purpose of harming his or her reputation. Believers will ruin their own reputation if they seek to ruin the reputation of others.”^[4]  Christians should not be known to be quarrelsome and contentious but rather on the positive side being gentle.  Rather than retaliating, Believers ought to be willing to yield rights to another. 

The reason we ought to act in these ways is because of the Gospel which we have believed and has saved us.

What is True?  (The Gospel Basis for Holy Living) (3:3-7)

“Paul's opening "for" in the original (gar, not represented in the NIV rendering) again indicates that the required conduct is being undergirded by weighty reasons.”[5]

“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

1. We remember where we came from (v.3).   Seven indicators of our unconverted life are stated.  Before we were saved we were:

       1.       Without understanding; unable to perceive truth.

       2.       Disobedient.

       3.       Deceived.

       4.       Enslaved by our own passions and pleasures.

       5.       (When we are self-serving and selfish) Being mean to others and envying others.

       6.       People who were detested by others.

       7.       Involved in hating one another.

Paul says, “Before you jump all over others, remind yourself of your own history.” 

2. We realize that all we have came to us via free grace (4-7).   What was God’s disposition toward hostile sinners?  Answer: Good and loving-kindness (or mercy).  Mercy is withholding justice that is deserved. And this mercifully, kind Savior, “He saved us.”  This is the aorist tense meaning it happened in the past.  It is complete.  It will never be repeated.  It’s a done deal.  How did God save us?  What was the channel, the means whereby He saved us: 

       a)       NOT …. “not because of works done by us in righteousness.”^[6]

       b)      BUT …. “but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”^[7]

We contributed nothing to our salvation.  God saves us by mercy (withholding due judgment) and through regeneration – through the New Birth.  Jesus taught on this necessity for the New Birth (John 3:3, 5, 8).  It is the only way that the Bible determines that dead people can become alive (Ephesians 2:1–6).  Cleansing and regeneration are two sides of the same coin of New Birth.  By the way, there is no linguistic or exegetical need to read into this the ordinance of baptism. We note however that Paul refers to the work of the Spirit as “whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,” (Titus 3:6, ESV). 

“’Whom he poured out on us generously,’ or ‘richly,’ stresses that God has made ample provision for the development of this renewed life.”[8]

And what is the result of this saving mercy of God in Christ?  Answer:

       a)       We are justified. We are pronounced righteous.  We are pronounced guiltless.

       b)      We are made heirs.  Notice Peter’s words: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3–5, ESV)

       c)       We have hope of eternal life.

Contextual Application

So how does this work?  Treat non-Christians with respect and dignity because the only difference between us and them is mercy – free undeserved mercy.  Belief in the gospel message of free forgiveness for sinners on the sole basis of faith must result in a merciful, kind and respectful attitude to unbelievers whether they are in civic office or society.  

Conclusion (3:8)

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.”

“The command to insist on these things is similar to 2:15, both statements carrying a significant tone of authority. Again, note the emphasis on good works as a mark of believers (see 1:16; 2:14; 3:1).”^[9]  The practice of good works is the logical expectation of a true receiving and believing of the Gospel of the grace of God,

Questions

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[1] https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/justintaylor/2010/05/03/imperatives-indicatives-impossibilities/

[2] Ibid,

^[3] Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (Eds.). (1994). KJV Bible Commentary (p. 2523). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[4] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Tt 3:2). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

[5] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Titus/Exposition of Titus/IV. Concerning Believers Among Men Generally (3:1-11)/B. The Motives for Such Godly Conduct (3:3-8), Book Version: 4.0.2

^[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Tt 3:5). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[7] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Tt 3:5). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

[8] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Titus/Exposition of Titus/IV. Concerning Believers Among Men Generally (3:1-11)/B. The Motives for Such Godly Conduct (3:3-8)/2. The motive from our present salvation (3:4-7)/c. Its means (3:5b-6), Book Version: 4.0.2

^[9] Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 2351). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Exposition of Titus Lesson 5 The Order of Sanctification

Exposition of Paul’s Letter to

TITUS

LESSON 5: The Order of Sanctification

Review

As Titus seeks to “put in order” what is necessary in Crete he will need spiritual leaders who model what is required. The emphasis on knowing the Truth and practicing what you preach – the emphasis on embodying the Gospel in life resulting in godliness is the type of leadership required in Crete. The context for this need is that there is an abundance of false and destructive teaching going on, in the Church and this must stop.  Paul then moves to specific matters of conduct within the Church.  Let me outline his approach:

Outline of Titus 2:1 – 3:8

In contrast to the false element in the Church that is described by Paul as “they profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work” (Titus 1:16, ESV), the Apostle relays to Titus the type of living that flows out of belief in the Gospel. Remember, this is the concern of this letter:  right doctrine should lead to right behavior.  Paul does something interesting, he describes the right living by describing activity within certain age, gender of social groupings.

Of note is the method that Paul uses.  It is clearly a New Covenant method.  Commands or imperatives in the New Testament are more than often stated by saying, “Because such and such is true, therefore be this kind of person.”   Technically it is called moving from the indicative (that which is true) to the imperative (that which you do).  Watch how this happens in this section. Paul just reverses this order:

1.      This is what various gender/age groups must do (2:1–10); because

1.1.   This is what is true (the Gospel) (2:11–14); and

1.1.1.      To summarize (2:15)

2.      Here are more instructions to proper living that you must do (3:1–2)

2.1.   This is what is true (Gospel) (3:3–7); and

2.1.1.      Here is the summary (3:8)

Here’s another example of this New Covenant method: “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8, ESV).  Do you see what is happening?  You are light, ∴ walk as light.   So, we look at Chapter 2.

Text: Titus 2:1–15 (ESV)

¹ But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. ² Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. ³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, ⁴ and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, ⁵ to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. ⁶ Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. ⁷ Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, ⁸ and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. ⁹ Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, ¹⁰ not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. ¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, ¹² training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, ¹³ waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. ¹⁵ Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Exposition Titus 2:1–15 (ESV)

For teaching purposes I’m going to reverse Paul’s order.

What is True?  (The Gospel Basis for Holy Living) (vv11-14)

All the imperatives that are expected by the Apostle are products of the Gospel – they are the fruit of salvation that comes by God’s grace.  The grace in this case is personified.  He is speaking of Jesus’ first coming.  Not only was Christ the embodiment of grace (“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14, ESV), but it was grace that sent Him.  He came for all mankind (“. . . who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”^[1]) but His saving mercies are owned by only those who believe.

This grace that sent Christ the embodiment of grace also taught.  The Gospel teaches us (negatively) to say no to sin (That’s the first half of repentance.) and (positively) to live a self-controlled life showing freedom from sin (That’s the second half of repentance.); and to live in light of the Second Coming.   Notice that when Paul wrote the Thessalonian church he showed proof positive that they were chosen by God and had believed the Gospel, because they “. . . turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (1 Thessalonians 1:9–10, ESV). 

Secondly, note Paul reminds Titus that the reason Christ came and died was to “. . . to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:14, ESV). Someone who has believed the Gospel now belongs to Christ who saved us from ungodliness, cleansing us and fitting us for good works. 

So, Paul reminds them what is true: Since you believed the Gospel you have repented of your sin, turning to Christ to live purified and productive lives. So on that basis ….

Here Is What You Are To Do (2:1-10)

A.      If you are an older man (50+) (vv1-2).  They ought to be clear headed, self-controlled, living life with dignity and seriousness that invites honor and respect, living healthy Christian lives. “The overall picture of older men is of Christian dignity and vibrant faith.”^[2]

B.      If you are an older woman (vv3-4a).  The overall picture is of a reverent woman, living similarly to older men.  “The conduct of the older women must reveal that they regard life as sacred in all of its aspects.”[3]  Their lives have a teaching role – “teaching what is good” with a specific role in discipling younger women.

C.      If you are a younger woman (wife and mother) (vv4b-5), your Gospel-living is seen in your love for your husband, children, home, etc. It is also a life of self-control, busy doing what is a priority and holiness. Such a wife shows honor to the Word of God when she lives in submission to her husband.

D.      If you are a young man (v6), then the instruction is short and to the point: live self-controlled lives.

E.       If you are Titus (or perhaps a pastor) (vv7-8). It is possible to read this instruction with the view that Titus is to be the example to the young men.  This might broaden the expectations of the young men to include living a life of good works. Titus should show seriousness in his teaching and practice what he preaches!  His speech must be “sound” or healthy silencing his opponents.

F.       If you are a slave (employee) (vv9-10) then your Gospel living should be seen in obedience and compliance to your employer, not taking what does not belong to you, being trustworthy.   This puts beauty on the Gospel when we live this way.

Paul then restates in conclusion the duty of Titus: “Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” (Titus 2:15, ESV)

Conclusion

Paul is convinced that if someone has believed the Gospel; they have looked to Christ and repented; if they have embraced the hope of the Gospel, then their lives will show that evidence.  Paul is convinced that if someone has trusted in a Savior who came to set them free from sin and to live lives of holiness – their lives will show that.  Paul is convinced that if we believe the Gospel, that is, by faith we belong to God in Christ Jesus, we will never be the same – our conduct will change, our homes will change, our church will change and our work will change!

Some Further Resources

Ø  Article: “Imperatives – Indicatives = Death” by Jim MacLellan (https://jamesmaclellan.blogspot.ca/2013/03/i-just-finished-12-commandments-of.html)

  Ø  Article: “Become Who You Are: Indicatives & Imperatives of the Gospel”, by Dr. Peter Cockrell (https://pjcockrell.wordpress.com/2008/08/28/become-who-you-are-indicatives-imperatives/)

  Ø  Sermon on applying the Gospel to sanctification with examples. “A Call to Arms – Part 2” by Jim MacLellan (http://www.elkpointbaptistchurch.com/media/2017-09-24-a-call-to-arms-part-2)

Questions

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^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Ti 4:10). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[2] Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 2349). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

[3] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Titus/Exposition of Titus/III. Concerning the Natural Groups in the Congregations (2:1-15)/A. The Instructions for the Different Groups (2:1-10)/2. The instruction to different age groups (2:2-6), Book Version: 4.0.2

The Sayings of the Wise – Part 23

THIRTY SAYINGS OF THE WISE

SAYING NUMBER TWENTY-TWO

Proverbs 24:7 (ESV) reads:  “Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth.”

What does the Bible mean when it refers to a place called “the gate”?  Well, in Genesis 19:1 the gate was the place where men discussed business or political issues. In Deuteronomy 21:18-21 it was a place where civil law was practiced. Even in Ruth 4 we learn that’s where property rights were upheld. The point of the Proverb seems to acknowledge “the incompetence of fools to speak in the gate where public policy is formulated.”^[1]  “If guidance and counsel help one win a battle [as noted previously], the fool has none to give at the gate, where public decisions and judgments are made.”^[2]

Wisdom is unattainable for a fool, so says the Sage. What is a “fool”?   Notice a few passages that “fool” is mentioned in Proverbs:

·         “The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.” (Proverbs 10:14, ESV)

·         “The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.” (Proverbs 10:18, ESV)

·         “Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.” (Proverbs 10:23, ESV)

·         “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15, ESV)

·         “Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.” (Proverbs 13:16, ESV)

·         “One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.” (Proverbs 14:16, ESV)

“Often in Scripture, a fool is associated with wickedness and a direct denial of God (e.g., in Psalm 53:1). Because God has infinite wisdom, the person who neglects God will naturally miss out on wisdom—he will become a fool. A fool is anyone who does not follow the warnings and commands of God. A fool lacks wisdom, has no concern for others, does not desire to avoid sin, and brags about his sinful actions.”[3]

“The point here is that he is at a loss when a situation calls for serious analysis.”^[4]  The Bible makes a direct correlation between the ungodly, the moral corrupt and their ability to be trusted in their choices.  The prerequisite to wise counsel and direction is moral aptitude than can only come from honor and respect for God.  “The verse portrays a fool out of his element: in a serious moment in the gathering of the community, he does not even open his mouth.”[5]  In most cases that would be a blessing.  Unfortunately, too often, fools don’t understand that they are out of the league and they seek to contribute wisdom that in the final analysis is “fool’s gold”. 

The primary assertion of proverbial literature is “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7, ESV) To seek counsel and direction in civic affairs and human justice from those who deny God and live in rebellion to His will, is to invite the worst of advice or at least no advice at all.  Likewise those who seek guidance in relational, therapeutic or personal matters are faced with the same concern.

Psalm 1:1 (ESV) , “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.”

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^[1] Waltke, B. K. (2005). The Book of Proverbs, Chapters 15–31 (p. 273). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

^[2] Koptak, P. E. (2003). Proverbs (p. 562). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

[3] https://www.gotquestions.org/fool-Proverbs.html

^[4] Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 1176). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

[5] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Proverbs/Exposition of Proverbs/IV. The Sayings of the Wise (22:17-24:34)/A. Thirty Precepts of the Sages (22:17-24:22), Book Version: 4.0.2