VERSES 1 & 2 of this chapter continues the exhortation in chapter 2 concerning adorning the doctrine of Christ our Saviour. Verse 3 gives us a description of who and what we were before God saved us, which is the condition of all who are unsaved in the world. Verses 4-8a tells the story of our salvation, and that this is a trustworthy saying. Verses 9-11 gives warning against controversies, etc which divide the family of God. Verses 12-15 are words closing the letter.

VERSES 1 & 2.

These instructions, unlike the previous ones are addressed to the whole family of the church, and apply to every Christian. These need no explanation but obedience and application, specially the last about humility which really is root of overcoming all the other matters mentioned.

VERSE 3.

Here is a powerful description of the unregenerate heart. I guess our fleshly nature reacts against such a diagnosis, yet when we are ready to face the truth, we have here a very cogent description of fallen humanity. Seeing this it is no wonder that the world is as it is. Being able to admit this sinfulness makes the believer appreciate so much more deeply the blessing that God has bestowed upon us in salvation.

VERSES 4-8a.

Verse 8a is Paul's evaluation of the gospel he has outlined in the previous verses. This is a trustworthy saying. In other words this gospel is the truth of God and can be trusted with wholehearted commitment.

What do we learn about the gospel of salvation from these verses. Here is and outline for our discussion and meditation.

In the first place Paul asserts that salvation is due to the kindness and love of God. This kindness was made known when Jesus appeared in the world to work the salvation, which God in his wisdom had devised. (v.4).

Verse 5 tells us that if we are saved and have been brought to faith it is entirely by the work and power of God alone. He (God) saved us.

Verse 5 also tells us that we contributed nothing towards it. We have no righteousness to deserve it.

Verse 5 also tells us that salvation is entirely due to the mercy of God to us sinners.

Verses 5 goes on to tell us what God has done in saving us. Our salvation is through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This means that by the powerful renewing work of the Holy Spirit we have been raised to new life � given new birth � which has washed us clean from sin. New birth is birth of a new life which is created to be like God in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24). This is the resurrection of the soul which died in humanity when Adam sinned. This new life is holy, but is expressed in this life through our sinful flesh. This produces the conflict between the flesh and the spirit, and this is because the holy and new life we have can't tolerate sin.

Verse 6 tells us that God spared nothing in the doing of this work. He poured out his Spirit generously for the doing of it; and that this generosity was made possible by the work of Christ according to the purpose of God, so that God could be just and at the same time justify (account righteous) the ungodly.

Verse 7 tells us how the work of Christ makes this new birth a reality. Christ's work for us fulfilled all righteousness in our place so that God can be gracious to us and account us righteous in his sight. This is an act of pure unmerited favour (grace). So through Christ's work we are raised to new life in God's family and become heirs with Christ, and have the sure hope of life eternal in heaven.

VERSE 8.

Titus is urged by Paul to constantly stress these things concerning salvation in all his teaching and preaching. This is the ministers prime responsibility, for it is by this teaching that believers become strong and holy people. If the gospel as Paul sets it out here is not constantly and fully preached, then the life of the church will deteriorate.

VERSES 9 � 11.

There will always be seen in the church the work of Satan to pervert the truth. In these verses Paul gives Titus direction as to how to deal with the manifestations of this Satanic action.

VERSES 12 � 15.