from all iniquity from which the word “lawlessness” is derived. The positive side is given in the figure of purification which presup poses a previous defilement by sin. The thought that we are a peculiar people means that we are God’s pri vate possession. This doesn’t mean that we’re to be strange, odd or ridic ulous in clothing, manners and cus toms. God is not the author of con fusion. By character and conduct, we’re to reveal that we’re not our own, but that we belong wholly to Jesus Christ. We should be zealous of good works. We shouldn’t merely be good, but also be good for some thing. The words of Titus 2:15, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with authority. Let no man despise thee” sound like First Timothy. Titus is busy doing these things which are to be continued faithfully. Titus is clearly to set forth the things of which Paul has been speak ing in the presentation of the will of God. He must speak the whole truth. There is to be no basis for human speculation. It’s not so im portant what the minister thinks. The important thing is what God’s Word has to say. Philosophical utter ances mean little unless they are di rected by the Holy Spirit. Titus is to apply the truth to local circum stances. The Bible is always relevant for the hour of the day. We need to exhort others. People need to know what Scripture has to say. Titus is told to reprove, which means to convict. He must rebuke those who neglect their spiritual duty. His authority is the truth it self. Paul invites his own ministry to be checked up. The ministry of Titus then rests not merely on the authority received from Paul, but more importantly rests upon Scrip tures. It’s the plain duty of the min ister to speak the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul adds the warning, “Let no 14
man despise you.” This is the picture of a man trying to rationalize him self into a position in which he can evade these responsibilities, continu ing in his own sins. C hapter T hirteen I t was D wight L. M oody who de clared : “If you trust yourself, you’ll be doomed to disappointment. If you trust your friends, they’ll die and leave you. If you trust in money, you may have it all taken away. If you trust in your reputation, some slanderous tongue can blast it. But if you trust in the Lord, you’ll never be confounded throughout time or all eternity.” The study of Titus concerns be lievers and their specific responsi bilities in the world. This is the theme of verses 1-11 of chapter three. Here is the scope of the be lievers’ conduct in relation to gov ernment and society in general. This section caa be divided into three parts: The believers’ obligation to society (w . 1 and 2 ); three consid erations undergirding these obliga tions (w. 3-8); a summary state ment of the proper reaction to spir itual truth and spiritual error (vv. 8-11). Whatever your situation to day, remember life without Jesus Christ has a hopeless end. On the other hand, life with Christ is an endless hope! Christianity always makes better citizens out of people. It doesn’t re lieve them of their civic duties, but it rather buttresses and enforces them. They have obligations to the government according to these first two verses. Titus is urged to impress this matter upon the children of God there on the Island of Crete. We are told to be “in subjection to rul ers.” This is a challenge not just to a few, but to all Christians. We all need such an exhortation! Romans 13:1-7 contains a similar challenge. Read that over for yourself. In I Peter 3:8-17 there is another good
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