Doing Good or Being Good – (Titus 2&3)

In his letter to Titus, who was leading a network of home churches on the island of Crete, Paul provides guidance on the teachings that should be upheld within these churches. He instructs Titus to teach in accordance with sound doctrine. He emphasizes that older men should be temperate, respectful, self-controlled, and steadfast in faith, love, and endurance. Likewise, older women should live reverently, avoiding slander and excessive drinking, and instead focus on teaching what is good. They are to mentor younger women, encouraging them to love their husbands and children, be self-controlled and pure, prioritize their home responsibilities, be kind, and submit to their husbands so that God’s word is not discredited. Paul also urges young men to cultivate self-control.

Lead by Example

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. – Titus 2:7-8 (NIV)

Didn’t Jesus say that when we proclaim the Gospel, people will speak badly about us? The message of Christ isn’t always well-received, and its truth can be met with resistance. Our message from Christ isn’t validated by whether it’s accepted or rejected by our peers. In fact, both Paul and Jesus faced harsh criticism and were scrutinized and mocked for the very message they preached.

The criticism they faced serve as a reminder that we can never fully satisfy people, no matter how hard we try. The truth often challenges the status quo, and that can lead to opposition. We should remember that while the message may be difficult to swallow, it is still the truth that leads to life. Our responsibility is to deliver the message faithfully, without being discouraged by the rejection or criticism of others.

Submit to Authority

Paul instructs servants to be submissive to their masters in everything, aiming to please them without talking back or stealing, and instead showing they can be fully trusted. In doing so, they will make the teaching about God, our Savior, more attractive. This message is similar to the one Jesus shared.

The Messiah was often misunderstood by the masses as an anarchist, but Jesus was not trying to free people from their earthly servitude. His mission was to free us from our eternal bondages—our sin and separation from God. However, once we experience this freedom, it’s tempting to undermine the earthly authorities over us.

Both Jesus and Paul presented a new philosophy when it came to subjugation under earthly authorities. Jesus encouraged His followers to submit to these authorities, teaching that this submission was not a sign of weakness but an opportunity to reflect His grace and truth. Even Paul, in his letters, emphasized submission to those in power, showing that true freedom in Christ sometimes requires us to live under the authority of earthly rulers in a way that honors God.

Paul reflects on his own past, admitting that he was once foolish and enslaved by passions. We must remember that through God’s mercy, He saved us, not because of our deeds, but through the Holy Spirit’s renewal. Justified by grace, we become heirs with the hope of eternal life. Paul emphasizes that those who trust in God should devote themselves to doing good, as these actions are beneficial for all.

These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. – Titus 2:15 (NIV)

This teaching is especially significant in the context of Crete, where the people had a reputation for a lack of restraint. Paul’s command to submit to rulers and authorities implies that these authorities are not calling for rebellion against God, but are fulfilling their God-ordained duties.

Stay Away From Controversies

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. – Titus 3:9 (NIV)

We often get trapped in arguments as satan uses our egos to sow seeds of disharmony within a fellowship. The desire to prove our point takes over, and we forget the importance of humility and imparting God’s message instead. When people hold different opinions, we feel the urge to correct them immediately, often forgetting that the goal is not to win an argument but to communicate God’s truth.

The end result of such arguments is usually that we walk away without actually conveying the point that God intended for us to share. We waste our time and energy trying to convince someone who is unlikely to change their mind, which leads to frustration and division. How many times have we ever truly convinced someone to let go of their beliefs in such moments? The answer is most likely, no. Perhaps in a teacher-student relationship, there might be room for growth but arguments between equals rarely lead to true understanding.

In a corporate setting, we’re often told to avoid political discussions, as they aren’t healthy and tend to cause resentment. Similarly, when it comes to our faith, we must keep the bigger picture in mind and focus on presenting what Christ wants us to share—His truth, love, and grace—rather than engaging in fruitless debates that only serve to divide.

Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. – Titus 3:10-11 (NIV)

While it might seem tempting to remove people who disrupt the harmony of the group, it’s important to consider how we approach such situations. In common fellowship, people may sometimes resort to passive-aggressive behavior, attempting to push others out or subtly encourage them to leave. However, cutting someone off should not be done hastily or in a way that causes further division. Paul offers a better approach in his letter to Timothy.

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. – 2 Timothy 2:24-26 (NIV)

Even when facing opposition, we are called to gently instruct others, trusting that God, in His time, will lead them to repentance and the knowledge of the truth. Rather than cutting someone off, our focus should be on patience, gentleness, and creating space for reconciliation and growth, believing that God is at work in their lives. Even if it is not through us, rest assure He still has a plan for everyone to come to know the truth. Instead of straining relationships and losing our peace, we should leave it to God to work in their hearts.

Do Good and Be Good

In his closing remarks to Titus, Paul instructs him to make every effort to join him at Nicopolis once Artemas or Tychicus arrives. He also urges Titus to support Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey, ensuring they have everything they need. Paul emphasizes the importance of believers learning to devote themselves to doing good, meeting urgent needs, and leading productive lives. Subtly, he encourages them not only to contribute what they can but, more importantly, to be good citizens. There is a difference between doing good, which often brings recognition and truly being good. Christ has called us to a transformed life, not just marked by good works but by a completely renewed and purified heart.

Discussion Questions

1. Did Jesus not say that when we proclaim the Gospel people will say bad things about us? Is our message from Christ when its accepted or rejected by our peers?
2. How do we get trapped in arguments and controversies from the scriptures?
3. According to Paul, when should we cut off someone from lives? Is this possible in a common fellowship?
4. What is the difference between doing good and being good?

Map of Crete