I read a chapter out of my bible that resonated a little differently with me this morning. Go ahead and grab your bible and a cup of coffee. I’ll be here when you get back.

Now, read this with me – slowly – and with an open heart.

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

At 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. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he 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, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Footnotes:

subject = submission to the authority of Scripture demands submission to human authorities as part of a Christian’s testimony.

everyone = christians are to exemplify these godly virtues in their dealings with everyone. The admonition applies especially to dealings with unbelievers. The use of this phrase here to refer to mankind in general (particularly those who cross our paths), rather than every person who lives, supports the fact that it has the same meaning as “all people” in Titus 2:11.

we too – it is not that every believer has committed every sin listed here, but rather that before salvation every life is characterized by such sins. That sobering truth should make believers humble in dealing with the unsaved even those who are grossly immoral and ungodly. If it weren’t for God’s grace to His own, they would all be wicked.

kindness…..appeared – as in Titus 2:11, Paul is speaking of Jesus Christ, who was kindness and love incarnate, appearing in human form.

not because of….things we had done – salvation has never been by deeds, or works. Salvation brings divine cleansing from sin and the gift of a new, Spirit-generated, Spirit-empowered and Spirit- protected life as God’s own children and heirs. This is the new birth. The Holy Spirit is the agent of the “washing of rebirth”

generously – when believers are saved, Christ’s Spirit blesses them beyond measure.

justified – the central truth of salvation is justification by faith alone. When a sinner repents and places his faith in Jesus Christ, God declares him just, imputes the righteousness of Christ to him, and gives him eternal life by virtue of the substitutionary death of Christ as the penalty for that sinner’s iniquity.

heirs – as adopted children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, believers become “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ”

profitable for everyone – that is, for the sake of evangelism, again “everyone” is general, referring to those who respond by the holy witness to the gospel.

foolish controversies – Paul again warns against becoming embroiled in senseless discussions with the many false teachers. Proclaiming the truth, not arguing error, is the biblical way to evangelize.

have nothing to do – anyone in the church who is unsubmissive, self-willed, and divisive should be expelled. Two warnings are to be given, following the basic pattern for church discipline set forth by Christ.

self-condemned – by his own ungodly behavior, a factious believer brings judgment on himself.

what is good – again the emphasis is on good deeds as the platform for witnessing effectively.

Okay friend, how does this passage speak to you? Let me know in the comments.

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