Titus 3

Chapter Summary

Titus chapter 3 begins with instructions on how believers should interact with the world around them, reminding them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, and to be obedient and ready to do good works. The chapter then transitions into a beautiful description of God's saving work in believers, highlighting the contrast between their former and current state. It emphasizes that salvation is not based on works, but on God's mercy and the washing of regeneration. The chapter concludes with practical advice on dealing with divisive people and the importance of maintaining the unity of the faith. Key verses, such as Titus 3:5, remind us that our salvation is not based on our own righteousness, but on God's mercy and grace.

Context for the Chapter

Titus chapter 3 is part of a letter written by the Apostle Paul to Titus, a young pastor on the island of Crete. The letter is focused on instructing Titus on how to lead and teach the churches under his care, emphasizing sound doctrine and the practical outworking of the faith. This chapter fits within the larger narrative of the New Testament, which emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith in a manner that honors God and reflects the grace of the gospel, demonstrating the transformative power of salvation in the lives of believers.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Titus chapter 3, we are reminded to examine our own lives and ensure that our behavior and actions reflect the gracious salvation we have received. We should strive to demonstrate kindness, respect, and humility in all our interactions, being mindful of the impact our lives have on those around us and the testimony we bear for Christ. By living out our faith in this way, we will be a shining example of the gospel's power and love.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Titus chapter 3 teaches us that our faith should be demonstrated through our actions and behavior, showing respect and kindness to all people. It reminds us that our salvation is a gift from God, received through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, as seen in Titus 3:5. We should strive to live out our faith in a way that honors God and reflects the love and mercy of Christ, as encouraged in Titus 3:1-8.

Voices from the Church

“The true Christian is not one who merely holds a creed, but one whose life is a creed, who by his actions and behavior demonstrates the reality of his faith.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“We are not saved by our works, but our salvation will always produce works, for faith without works is dead, and a tree is known by its fruit.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Instructions for Believers (Titus 3:1-2) — Believers are instructed to be submissive to rulers and authorities, and to be obedient and ready to do good works, demonstrating the practical outworking of their faith.
2. The Description of God's Saving Work (Titus 3:3-7) — The chapter describes the contrast between the believer's former and current state, highlighting God's gracious salvation and the washing of regeneration, which is the foundation of their faith and the motivator for their good works.
3. The Importance of Maintaining Unity (Titus 3:8-11) — Believers are encouraged to maintain the unity of the faith, avoiding divisive and unprofitable discussions, and to focus on the things that promote peace and edification, as instructed in Titus 3:9-11.
4. Conclusion and Final Instructions (Titus 3:12-15) — The chapter concludes with Paul's plans to visit Titus and with final instructions on how to treat different individuals within the church, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating love and hospitality to all people.
5. The Final Greeting (Titus 3:15) — The letter concludes with a final greeting, where Paul sends greetings from those with him and expresses his desire for peace and grace to be upon Titus and the church.

Core Doctrines

Salvation by Grace

Titus 3:5 emphasizes that salvation is not based on works, but on God's mercy and the washing of regeneration, highlighting the gracious and redemptive nature of God's work in the lives of believers.

The Importance of Good Works

The chapter teaches that good works are a demonstration of a believer's faith, and that they should be engaged in good works as a result of their salvation, as seen in Titus 3:1 and Titus 3:8.

The Unity of the Faith

Titus 3:9-11 emphasizes the importance of maintaining the unity of the faith, and avoiding divisive and unprofitable discussions, to preserve the peace and testimony of the church.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The chapter highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in the believer's salvation, particularly in the washing of regeneration and renewal, as described in Titus 3:5, which is the means by which believers are transformed and empowered to live out their faith.

Lessons from Titus 3

1. The Importance of Humility — Titus 3:2 reminds us to be humble and gentle, demonstrating the importance of humility in our relationships and interactions with others, as a reflection of the humility of Christ.
2. The Power of the Gospel — The chapter teaches that the gospel has the power to transform lives, and that believers should demonstrate this transformation through their actions and behavior, as seen in Titus 3:3-7.
3. The Need for Unity — Titus 3:9-11 emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity within the church, and avoiding divisive and unprofitable discussions, to preserve the peace and testimony of the church.
4. The Role of the Church in Discipleship — The chapter highlights the importance of the church in teaching and discipling believers, particularly in the areas of sound doctrine and practical living, as instructed in Titus 3:1-11.
5. The Importance of Demonstrating Love and Hospitality — Titus 3:13-14 reminds us to demonstrate love and hospitality to all people, particularly to those within the church, as a reflection of the love and hospitality of Christ.

Themes from Titus 3

1. Living Out Our Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of demonstrating our faith through our actions and behavior, as seen in Titus 3:1 and Titus 3:8.
2. The Transformative Power of the Gospel — Titus 3:3-7 highlights the dramatic change brought about by God's salvation, demonstrating the gracious and redemptive nature of God's work in the lives of believers.
3. The Importance of Unity and Love — The chapter teaches that believers should strive to maintain unity and demonstrate love and hospitality to all people, as instructed in Titus 3:9-11 and Titus 3:13-14.
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit — The chapter highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in the believer's salvation, particularly in the washing of regeneration and renewal, as described in Titus 3:5.
5. The Importance of Sound Doctrine — The chapter emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and the need for believers to be taught and discipled in the faith, as instructed in Titus 3:1-11.

Questions for Meditation

1. How can I demonstrate my faith through my actions and behavior in everyday life, and what impact can this have on those around me?
2. What does it mean to be submissive to rulers and authorities, and how can I apply this principle in my own life, as instructed in Titus 3:1?
3. How can I maintain the unity of the faith, and avoid being divisive or argumentative, as warned against in Titus 3:9-11?
4. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in my salvation, and how can I cooperate with His work in my life, as described in Titus 3:5?
5. How can I ensure that my life is a reflection of the gospel, and that I am a shining example of the love and mercy of Christ, as encouraged in Titus 3:1-8?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Titus 3

	Sermon	Description
	Are You Well by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers being a true representation of God in every aspect of their lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who was sinless
	Ye Must Be Born Again - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of being born again, arguing that mere morality is insufficient for true spiritual transformation. He critiques the modern church's focus
	A Satanic Deception Regarding Salvation by Charles Stanley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the true source of authority in life, death, and morality. He asserts that the final authority is found in t
	Beware of Dogs - Part 1 by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker delves into the importance of defending the true gospel of Jesus Christ and warns against false teachings that add human effort to salvation. Paul's str
	Wolves by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Matthew chapter 13, where Jesus tells a parable about a man who sowed good seed in his field, but an enemy came and sowed weeds am
	Genesis by Jim Cymbala	Jim Cymbala preaches on Genesis 38, focusing on the flawed character of Judah and the messy circumstances surrounding his family. He emphasizes that despite Judah's moral failures,
	(Titus - Part 12): Sound Doctrine in Life by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sound teaching, which consists of both a foundation and a superstructure. He compares this concept to a tree with its roots
	(Titus - Part 2): An Introduction to Titus by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker announces the start of a new series on the careful study of the Sermon on the Mount. He encourages everyone to attend the first sermon and emphasizes th
	You Can Come Back to His Love by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the profound love of God for His children, highlighting the struggle many believers face in truly accepting and believing in this love. It addresses the burd
	Are You Destroying the Church by Francis Chan	Francis Chan emphasizes the critical importance of unity within the church, warning against the destructive nature of division and gossip. He reflects on biblical examples of God's

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Titus 3

Matthew Henry's commentary on Titus 3 emphasizes the importance of living out our faith in everyday life, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in our relationships and actions. He highlights the contrast between the believer's former and current state, and encourages believers to be mindful of their behavior, showing respect and kindness to all people. Henry also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the unity of the faith, and avoiding divisive and unprofitable discussions, as warned against in Titus 3:9-11. He reminds us that our salvation is a gift from God, received through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, as described in Titus 3:5, and that we should strive to live out our faith in a way that honors God and reflects the love and mercy of Christ, as encouraged in Titus 3:1-8. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?