Titus 3 - 1.17.25

Scripture:  Titus 3:1-2

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2:to slander none, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward men.”

Observation

Paul is writing to Titus, who was one of Paul’s Gentile converts.  In Titus chapter 1, Paul talks about the Church to be orderly. In chapter 2, he talks about how the church should teach good doctrine, and Chapter 3 is about the Church doing good works.

Our focus here is the beginning of Chapter 3. Why this stood out so much to me is we recently voted to change Presidents from Joe Biden to Donald Trump, and we also had the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. During the fires in Los Angeles, we have seen many different leaders, in different positions, making various decisions. We all have our opinions on these leaders and people in authority. Titus 3 reminds people to be subject to rulers and authorities. In Romans 13:1 Paul wrote. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” The authorities that currently exist have been established by God. We do not need to go against God in this area. We are to be obedient to the leaders, as long as it does not compromise our relationship with God or go against the Bible.

We are to slander no one; we are always to be truthful. Social media and now with A.I. can twist anything we see and say. Be diligent and careful in what you say or post. Be peaceable and considerate of others. Ephesians 4:2 “be completely humble and gentle: to be patient bearing with one another in love.” How do you handle driving when someone cuts in front of you? Show true humility.

Application

We are to serve and respect those in authority or who hold an office. When is the last time we have prayed for our current President, or anyone else in authority that we agree or disagree with? Are they a punch line or a meme in a social media post?  Pray, pray, and then pray some more. We are to pay our taxes as  Jesus taught us in Matthew 22:21,  “Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Monday is Inauguration Day. I believe we need to have a little extra fasting and prayer for our incoming President. We need to do what is good and show everyone we love people.

We have a leader (Pastor) in Church, authorities (Elders, Teachers, Ushers). We should mirror how we treat leaders in our Church to how we treat rulers and political authorities. We need to go further and be subject and obedient to our employers or emergency responders, teachers or anyone else in authority. Pray for all of them.

Prayer

Jesus thank you for teaching us in your Word how we are to be toward those in authority. Help guide my tongue. May my thoughts be aligned with yours. Take any anger, slander or inconsiderate thoughts and actions away. Jesus, give me peace and love and help me always do what is good in your sight, Lord. Let me be an example of a follower of Jesus. Let me love God, love people and let me love those I disagree with. In Jesus name. Amen.

- Robert Oberg