Titus 3. Let’s continue reading Paul’s letter to Pastor Titus from a missional point of view. In chapter two, Paul addressed the conduct of various people groups within the church. He argued that good moral behavior within the congregation was essential if the truth of the gospel was to be easily accepted by nonbelieving outsiders. All Christians should aim to live above reproach so that no one could say anything evil about the church community.

Paul then shifts in chapter three toward addressing the conduct of believers toward those who are outside the church community. He writes remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people (3:1-2).

That last one is a bit tricky – show perfect courtesy toward all people!

He reaffirms this guidance a few verses later, writing 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 all people (3:8). Our response as believers toward those who are outside the church or ungodly is quite significant. Our ability to be known for kindness, gentleness, courtesy, and good works can open a door for the gospel to be heard.

This visible, external behavior is important because we were not always lovely and good people ourselves! 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 (3:3). We were once just like most of the unbelievers we interact with every day!

Yet what happened to us? What changed? When the goodness and loving kindness of God our savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy by the washing and regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our savior so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life (3:4-7).

In God’s great mercy, he saved us and we have been given a new interior life through baptism and the Holy Spirit. This new spiritual life we have is to be made manifest in our exterior conduct, and especially in our relationships with other people.

How has salvation and rebirth by the Holy Spirit changed you and your character? How has it changed how you relate to other people? Are you aware of what reputation you have with people outside the church – what are you known for? Are there things you could do differently to ensure that your life is above reproach?