February 18, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Titus Chapter 3
1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
14 And let our’s also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
The third chapter of Titus is a compelling exhortation from the Apostle Paul to Titus and the Christians in Crete on how they should conduct themselves as believers in the world. He emphasizes the necessity of obedience to authorities, readiness for good works, and a peaceful attitude toward all people. Paul reminds them that all believers were once living in sin but were redeemed by God’s mercy. This new life in Christ calls for a rejection of futile disputes and a lifestyle that testifies to their faith. Additionally, Paul provides practical instructions for church service and concludes the letter with personal greetings.
Commentary
1.Christian Duties in Society (Verses 1–2)
Paul urges believers to submit to authorities, be ready for good works, and demonstrate gentleness toward all people. This highlights that Christians should bear witness to their faith through their way of life.
2.The Foundation of Our Salvation (Verses 3–7)
Paul reminds the believers that they too once lived in sin, but they were justified not by their own works but by God’s mercy. The renewal through the Holy Spirit makes them heirs of eternal life. This salvation is solely a work of God’s grace.
3.The Importance of Good Works (Verse 8)
Faith and works are not opposed to each other but complement one another. Paul emphasizes that believers should be committed to good works, as they are beneficial to people. Christian faith is expressed through active and tangible love.
4.Warning Against Strife and False Teachings (Verses 9–11)
Paul warns against pointless discussions on trivial matters such as genealogies and legal disputes. False teachers who refuse to listen after multiple admonitions should be avoided. Those who spread false doctrines condemn themselves spiritually.
5.Practical Instructions and Final Greetings (Verses 12–15)
Paul gives Titus guidance on organizing the church, particularly in supporting ministers of the Gospel. He encourages believers to engage in good works so that they will not be “unfruitful.” The letter concludes with warm greetings and a blessing.
Summary
Titus 3 teaches that Christians should be a light in the world through their conduct. They are to submit to governing authorities, be peaceful, and excel in good works. Paul makes it clear that salvation comes solely through God’s mercy and not through human effort. At the same time, he underscores the necessity of a godly lifestyle as an expression of faith. Unnecessary disputes and false teachings should be avoided, while the church should focus on the practical well-being of fellow believers. The letter ends with words of blessing and encouragement to remain in God’s grace.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 5—Consecration
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction: The Meaning of Devotion
Devotion to God is not a one-time act but a profound, life-changing decision. The Lord promises that those who seek Him with all their heart will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13-14). Yet true devotion requires humility, a struggle against one’s own self, and a complete renewal of our being. Our sinful nature has separated us from God, but He calls us to repentance and offers us the opportunity to return to His presence through His grace. This chapter demonstrates that devotion is not merely an outward confession but a total self-abandonment—a decision that leads us from the slavery of sin into the freedom of the children of God.
Commentary: The Struggle for Complete Devotion
The greatest challenge in a believer’s life is the battle against one’s own self. Paul describes this inner conflict as a spiritual struggle that requires a conscious decision to submit our own will to God’s authority. God does not force us into submission; rather, He invites us to come to Him freely.
Devotion means not only abandoning bad habits but also letting go of everything that separates us from God. For some, it is wealth; for others, honor, comfort, or self-will. Yet Christ demands a complete decision: “Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33).
A superficial faith or half-hearted Christianity leads to an empty, worthless service to God. Those who devote themselves entirely to Christ experience a deep love and joy that surpasses all earthly bonds. Only when Christ fully fills our hearts do we stop asking for the slightest requirement for heaven, but instead strive for complete alignment with His will.
Nevertheless, many find it difficult to take this step. People cling to their old nature out of fear of change or because they are aware of their own weakness. But God demands nothing impossible. The only prerequisite for complete devotion is the decision to surrender our will to God. Once we entrust ourselves to Him, He works in us to will and to act according to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
Summary: The Choice Between Slavery and Freedom
Chapter 5 clearly shows that devotion to God is a conscious decision. Every person faces the choice: either to remain in the slavery of sin or to experience the wonderful freedom of being a child of God. This devotion is not passive but requires an active decision to let go of our self and completely entrust our lives to Christ.
God does not force anyone into submission; rather, He calls us in love and patience. Those who recognize His love will not ask how little they must do, but will be willing to give everything. Yet this step demands courage, humility, and trust in God’s promises.
Ultimately, it is the free will of each person that determines whether they accept or reject God’s offer. Those who surrender their will to God experience a complete transformation—a new life characterized by faith, love, and true freedom.
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The Keys to True Devotion to God:
1.Complete Devotion to God is Necessary for Renewal
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Our sinful nature has estranged us from God, and only through total devotion can spiritual restoration occur. God does not force us into submission but invites us to seek Him with all our heart (Jeremiah 29:13-14).
2.The Battle Against One’s Own Self is the Greatest Challenge
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The greatest obstacle on the path to God is our own will. Total submission of our personality to God’s will requires humility and self-sacrifice. Without this devotion, true change cannot occur.
3.God Accepts No Forced Worship
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God desires a voluntary decision for Him. Forced devotion would be meaningless, as it would engage neither our heart nor our mind (Isaiah 1:18).
4.Devotion Means Letting Go of Worldly Attachments
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Everything that separates us from God—be it wealth, fame, comfort, or self-will—must be relinquished. Jesus demands that we give Him priority over everything else (Luke 14:33).
5.The Decision to Devote Oneself Leads to True Freedom
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Those who completely surrender to Christ experience the true freedom of being God’s children. This devotion does not result in loss, but in gain—the liberation from sin, peace with God, and a life filled with His love and grace.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/18-02-2025-titus-chapter-3-believe-his-prophets/
