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Heirs of Grace
Titus 3:1 to 8 connects everyday behaviour with God’s saving mercy. It calls believers to live gently and helpfully, while making clear that salvation comes from God’s kindness, mercy, grace and the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This part of Titus gives direct instruction. It first describes how believers should act toward rulers, authorities and other people. Then it explains why humility and good works fit them: God’s kindness appeared, he saved by mercy, and believers should therefore maintain good works.
Titus 3:1–8Main takeaway
Believers should live humbly and maintain good works because God has mercifully saved them by his grace through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Follow the letter’s teaching
01Ready to do goodThe passage begins with public and practical conduct. Believers are to be in subjection to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready for every good work.
Explanation
The passage begins with public and practical conduct. Believers are to be in subjection to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready for every good work. Faith is shown in a life that is cooperative, willing and prepared to do what is good.
02Gentle speech and humilityThe passage adds attitudes for dealing with people. Believers are to speak evil of no one, not be contentious, be gentle, and show all humility toward all men.
Explanation
The passage adds attitudes for dealing with people. Believers are to speak evil of no one, not be contentious, be gentle, and show all humility toward all men. These commands cover both words and manner, calling for restraint and kindness toward others.
03Remembering our former conditionHumility makes sense because “we were also once” foolish, disobedient and deceived. The verse also mentions serving various lusts and pleasures, and living in malice, envy and hatred.
Explanation
Humility makes sense because “we were also once” foolish, disobedient and deceived. The verse also mentions serving various lusts and pleasures, and living in malice, envy and hatred. Remembering this past leaves little room for pride over other people.
04Saved by mercy through God's workThe turning point is God’s action. His kindness and love toward mankind appeared. He saved, not by works of righteousness done by us, but according to his mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, poured out richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Explanation
The turning point is God’s action. His kindness and love toward mankind appeared. He saved, not by works of righteousness done by us, but according to his mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, poured out richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
05Grace that leads to good worksGod’s saving purpose includes being justified by his grace and made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Explanation
God’s saving purpose includes being justified by his grace and made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Because this saying is faithful, these things should be taught confidently, so that believers will be careful to maintain good works, which are good and profitable to men.
Questions to explore
01What commands in this passage describe how believers should treat rulers and other people?
02Why does the passage remind readers what “we were also once” like?
Titus 3:3 points to a former life of foolishness, disobedience and hatred, which supports a humble attitude toward others.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Titus 3:1–8
1Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
2to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.
3For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared,
5not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior;
7that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you insist confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men;