Submission to Authority. Titus 3:1-2.
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, be obedient, be ready for every good work, speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show perfect courtesy to all people.
Dear Heirs of the Heavenly Kingdom,
Good works do not save, but we are saved to do them (Ephesians 2:10). How we look to the world around us is critical to the testimony that we are expected to present for Christ.
Compliance (v. 1). Submission to the government is an important key to our testimony. Human government is never perfect – not even close, but God instituted for the provision of order and stability (Romans 13:1-4). Even a bad government is to be preferred to the chaos of anarchy. This is not to excuse poor governance, rather, it is the classic formula of overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21). Christians should always be ready to do good. It should be our “default setting.”
Composure (v. 2a). A Christian’s life should be marked by the control of speech. It is easy to bad-mouth others and pick up quarrels about what we do not like or agree with. The issue is no right or wrong but demeanor. Even when we disagree with people, they must not sense in us a spirit of contention.
Courtesy (v. 2b). A general attitude of gentleness and courtesy toward everyone should be our distinguishing demeanor and approach to all people and situations. Paul probably still has the authorities and the need to be a good testimony to them at the back of his mind, but this should be the case always, whether we are dealing with corrupt government officials or fellow believers. Peace should be our banner.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.