“Saved in Order to Do Good” (Titus 3:3-11)

“Saved in Order to Do Good” (Titus 3:1–11)

3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

³ 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. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ 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, ⁶ whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. ⁸ This 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.

⁹ But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. ¹⁰ Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. ¹¹ You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. (Titus 3:1–11, NIV)

 

1. Living as a Christian in Society (vv. 1–2)
   1. The Christian’s Duty to Civic Authorities (v. 1)
   2. The Christian’s Duty to All People (vv. 1–2)

 

2. Saved in Order to Do Good (vv. 3–8)
   1. Remembering Who We Were (v. 3)
      • Wandering in Ignorance
      • Slaves to Pleasure
      • Anti-Social Behavior
   2. Remembering What We Have Become by God’s Grace (vv. 4–6)
      • The Principal Cause of Our Salvation (vv. 4–5a)
      • The Efficient Cause of our Salvation (v. 5b)
      • The Meritorious Cause of our Salvation (v. 6)
   3. Remembering What We Have to Look forward to (v. 7)
      • Justification
      • Glorification
   4. Remembering Why We Strive to Do What Is Good (v. 8)
      • Sanctification

 

3. Avoiding and Rebuking False Teachers (vv. 9–11)
   1. What to Avoid and Why (v. 9)
   2. Whom to Rebuke and Why (vv. 10–11)