2 Timothy 3
Titus 3 is the final chapter among the entire Book of Titus, emphasizing the right attitude of a Christian’s life and proper conduct within and outside the faith community. Paul conveys to Titus the responsibilities of a Christian in civic society, the change in life as one who has been saved, and the lessons that must be observed within the community.
- Verses 1-2: Social responsibilities of Christians, obedience and gentleness
- Verses 3-7: Our past and salvation by God’s mercy
- Verses 8-11: Exhortation to work for good deeds and caution against disputes
- Verses 12-15: Personal requests and final greetings
1verseBut know this: that in the last days, grievous times will come.
2verseFor men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3versewithout natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, not lovers of good,
4versetraitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5verseholding a form of godliness but having denied its power. Turn away from these, also.
6verseFor some of these are people who creep into houses and take captive gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,
7versealways learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8verseEven as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind, who concerning the faith are rejected.
9verseBut they will proceed no further. For their folly will be evident to all men, as theirs also came to be.
10verseBut you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness,
11versepersecutions, and sufferings—those things that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I endured those persecutions. The Lord delivered me out of them all.
12verseYes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
13verseBut evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14verseBut you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.
15verseFrom infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16verseEvery Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,
17versethat each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Summary of the Main Content
In this chapter, Paul first urges obedience to worldly authorities, along with kindness, and gentleness toward everyone (verses 1-2). He reminds us that we once were foolish and indulged in wrongdoing, but that we have been saved by God’s mercy and compassion (verses 3-7). He emphasizes that salvation is accomplished only by God’s grace. Next, he advises that Christians should devote themselves to good works while avoiding unnecessary arguments and disputes (verses 8-11). Finally, he shares everyday requests and greetings for fellow workers (verses 12-15).
Points to Ponder
- 1. In the society and community where I belong, what does it look like for me to live with obedience and gentleness?
- 2. As someone who has been saved by God’s grace, let’s reflect on whether I practice gratitude and a changed life every day.
- 3. Is my attitude naturally inclined to work for good deeds and pursue peace rather than arguments?
Try Applying It to Me
- Let’s remember God’s mercy and compassion even more deeply, and let’s also make an effort to treat others with kindness and gentleness.
- In our daily lives, let’s seek wisdom to participate in good deeds voluntarily and to avoid unnecessary quarrels.
- Let’s show an example of faith within and beyond the community, and let’s pray so that we can build peaceful and harmonious relationships with people around us.
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