Titus 3 reminds me of “The Millionaire Next Door”. This book investigated the habits of the rich. The authors were surprised to learn that most millionaires accumulated wealth through very hard work, thrift, and consistent saving over a long time. They also found that family wealth is typically lost within two generations, as their children become consumers rather than savers. Today’s lesson is about maintaining humble roots. Paul begins the final chapter of this short letter to Titus with what initially seems to be a self-serving list. “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities”. He adds, “be obedient”. His critics deceptively called him power hungry, but Paul was carefully protecting the reputation of the early church. He continues, “ready to do whatever is good… slander no one… peaceable and considerate”. He adds two absolute declarations in one short phrase, “always to be gentle toward everyone”. Those who represent Christ need to be patiently humble to all, without exception. And Paul explains why that is necessary, “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived”. He is not insulting the lost; he is noting the church should have compassion toward the sinner because every member has been there too. Paul describes it as, “enslaved by all kinds of passions”. This refers to a person bound in selfish pleasure; unconcerned that they are hurting others. These desires isolate and divide. They cast blame outwardly, ultimately leading to “being hated and hating one another”. My friend, are you gentle or judgmental?
Paul explains how anyone’s life can be redeemed. We are transformed by the sacrifice of the Savior; “when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us”. Paul makes it abundantly clear that forgiveness cannot be purchased through our own good works, but it is given, “because of His mercy”. After we receive “renewal by the Holy Spirit”, we want to generously share the experience with others. On the cross, Jesus paid the debt for my sins. I received a full pardon by believing God’s promises. Though I did not deserve it, God forgave me completely. Paul says we have been “justified by His grace”. More than that, we are also adopted. We have become “heirs having the hope of eternal life”. That means we have confidence that our future is secure. Those who have made it out of poverty understand the need for role models. Paul says followers of Christ should “devote themselves to doing what is good” to become a living example. The poor in spirit will continue to take, in order to fill the emptiness. In love, we must show Christ is “excellent and profitable for everyone”.
The letter closes with a few actions that undermine success. Paul says to “avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments”. Agitators intentionally derail productive conversations by magnifying differences. Unifiers resolve issues by looking for points of commonality. All of us share the same human condition: death awaits. Paul says, that quarreling over fine points of the Law is “unprofitable and useless”. Don’t waste time arguing with someone intent on dividing. He adds, “Warn a divisive person”, then “warn them a second time”. If they continue to disrupt meaningful dialog, “have nothing to do with them”. Yes, there are some who do not want peace. They hold onto power by consuming rather than saving. Paul says they are bankrupt; “warped and sinful; they are self-condemned”. Wealth can be inherited, but it is often squandered. Salvation must be individually received by humble faith, but God’s mercy is available in unlimited quantities. Paul concludes, “Our people must… devote themselves to doing what is good… to provide for urgent needs”. He closes with a prayer for everyone, “Grace be with you all”. My friend, have you received God’s peace?