GETTING STARTED
Some time ago, I was at a doctor’s appointment and needed to schedule my next visit. We agreed on a date, and they gave me a little card with the information. Did I put that date in my calendar? Nope. Why not? Because I knew they would call about two days before the appointment to remind me. We all need to be reminded of things, simply because too often life distracts us from remembering even those things we consider important.
- Think about the last important event or appointment you forgot. What were the consequences?
READ THE WORD: TITUS 3:1-15 (ESV)
3:1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
1. How many commands or examples can you identify in verses 1-11?
2. What do you suppose verse 3 is describing?
3. Conversely, what do you suppose verses 4-7 are describing?
4. Describe the request, and the result, in verse 8. Contrast this with the request, and the result, in verses 9-11.
5. In what area can you “be careful to devote [yourself] to good works?
RESPOND TO GOD
Reminders are good. We need to be reminded that our actions must be consistent with our words. We need to be reminded that we used to live differently. We need to be reminded that we are able to live lives that are pleasing to God now because of what God has done with and for us by giving us new life. We need to be reminded that good works are useful, not as a basis for our salvation, but as a response to it. We need to be reminded that good works are excellent and profitable for others. We also need to be reminded to avoid those things that are unprofitable and worthless.
- Take a moment to thank God that he has given you specific reminders of how he wants you to live your new life, as well as reminders of why and how he expects us to accomplish that new life.