Titus 3

http://www.esvbible.org/Titus+3/

Paul tells believers to willingly place themselves under the authority of the government (unless that authority contradicts what is written in the Bible). We should obey the laws and help the government officials with the good things they do. Christians should not curse anyone or be quarrelsome but be courteous and gentle towards people.

Remember, before Jesus came into our lives, we were disobedient, stupid, and misled. We were slaves to lust and pleasures of the world. Paul uses the word slave here because God through His Son Jesus is the only one who could break the chains and free us from our former lives. Before, we were mean and jealous. We hated others and were hated. When Jesus came in all of God's kindness and love for humanity, he saved us not because of what we did to gain the approval but because His mercy saved us through the cleansing that gave us the Holy Spirit. If this is not already enough, God gave us a generous amount of the Spirit. He gave us enough that the Spirit can lead us in our lives. We have become heirs of God through Jesus Christ, and Paul says that statement can be trusted, We should insist on these things when we speak with others so that those who believe can set a good example for others by doing good things. This is good and helps others.

The next section is Paul's advice to Titus. he tells Titus to avoid things like contraversies about genealogies, quarrels, and Moses's teachings. These things are useless and worthless. Additionally, if someone begins teaching what is false, warn them once or twice and then if they continue, have nothing to do with them. At that point, it should be obvious that they are corrupt and condemned by their own actions.

Paul then says that he is sending Titus someone to take his place temporarily so that Titus can go on what seems like a sabbatical. Paul wants Titus to come with him and stay in his presence fo a while. He also tells Titus to send Apollos and a believer lawyer his best for their journey. Then, he adds that the people of Crete should learn how to set an example by doing good things when there are urgent needs so that they can live productive lives.