Titus 3

Titus 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.

As this political season comes to a close on Tuesday all the slander that has gone back and forth between the candidates of all the races will come to a close...till the next election.  But this order is to Christians. We are told to be subject to these people.  What do we say about the guy we don't want to win?  Are we peaceable and considerate?  Gentle?

 
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.

Do we live differently from before we were saved?  When we read this list, is it our past or our present?  There may be one or two things we may be struggling with still.  Pray on those this morning and ask the Spirit to convict you of thing that still need to go.

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.

Every wish for a do over?  God generously poured out his spirit through Jesus so that we could have that do over.  Sure the things we have done still happened but there is no long any eternal punishment for our sin.  We are now part of God' family with all rights and privileges associated with it.

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.

Lineage was very important to the Jews as they wanted to know which tribe they belonged to for status.  Others would argue about the OT law.  There was no need for any of it because they were now under grace through Jesus Christ and we are all the same in Christ.  Also Christ fulfilled the law so there was no point in arguing over it anymore.  Do you know someone who is not happy unless they are stirring the pot?  Warn them once and then again, then just walk away.

¹² As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. ¹³ Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. ¹⁴ Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
¹⁵ Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.

Paul was prepping for winter and telling Titus to ensure the needs of others are met.  We should be preparing and meeting others needs as well.  We should be doing what is good.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.