Doing What is Good
1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Final Remarks
12As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
15Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.
3 comments:
Titus 3
Another for our memory boys.
NLT
4But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. 5He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.[a] 6He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did. 7He declared us not guilty because of his great kindness. And now we know that we will inherit eternal life.
I also felt a little twinge when I read this one from verse
2They must not speak evil of anyone, and they must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
This must be for the rest of the boys not me:-) Anyway, I hope you guys have a blessed weekend and get some well deserved rest.
IN Christ,
c
Couldn't agree with you more on verse 2. I am definitely a “quarreler” and am nowhere as gentle as I should be. After I quarrel I usually feel so guilty and heavy. Like I know my approach was wrong and that I had failed in my “test”. Man, this happens a lot to me. It's so hard to find balance between being gentle and standing up for your opinion. Father God, please forgive me for my argumentative spirit. Help me to be more gentle and to find words that are more compassionate and understanding and express my thoughts or concerns or opinions in a gentle way.
Titus 3:
I don't know what you guys are talking about... don't think I've ever been in an argument in my life. :) More seriously, I would be lying if I didn't thank you guys and God's word for noticeably changing me in my "quarrelability". There are certainly times that I find myself getting into debate/argument mode, and I can feel myself wanting to pick little things, faults in logic, irritations, and asking myself "do I really want to do this?" "Would God want me to do this?" Occasionally, I do let myself get into it, but I would say over the last 6-9 months it happens much, much less. It just doesn't seem loving to do.
7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
I want to learn every instance of the Bible that speaks these words. That we are already justified by grace, not going to be or possibly be, or conditionally, but its almost matter-of-fact to Paul, and it should be matter of fact to all. We have been justified by faith. No more if's or what if's.
Father, grant us a little more patience today. I'm frustrated and I don't understand why You're keeping us waiting, but I know that You have a reason, and I'll be happy when Izzy's "done" and ready to meet us. Grant Allyson peace of mind and patience to deal with everyone's obvious questions at work. Please continue to watch over jrs, Andy's cold, timmcd6 and Sheree, ER and family, LT, cas, and all those lives who come into contact with this site. Help us be beacons to spread Your word. I pray these things in the name of Your Son, without whom we would be hopeless.
Amen,
crb
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