Tonight we will be discussing Titus 3. Verses 4-7 are a single sentence in the Greek, and reflect either a baptismal formula or at least a statement of faith. One of the great themes throughout the epistles, is that we become a new creation, not by anything we do, but by everything that God through Christ and the Holy Spirit does. We are justified solely by God’s grace and not our own merit (Rom. 3:28, Gal. 2:16) and we love only because God first loved us (1 John 4:19). Within these baptismal verses, it is God who is active. He is active in appearing to us with goodness and love for us (v.4). He is active in saving us by his own mercy. (v.5). He is active in carrying out our regeneration in our baptism. (v.5). He is active in our renewal by the Holy Spirit. (v.5). He is active in justifying us by his grace. (v.7). And he is active by making us heirs through hope. (v.7)
It is because of this activity of God, that we can and should avoid stupid controversies and quarrels over the law (v.9). The very purpose of these controversies and quarrels ultimately concern what we can or should do or not do to earn and gain our salvation. However, because our salvation is by grace, these controversies and quarrels have no importance. Only once we understand that our salvation isn’t based upon the law or morality or anything that comes from us can we then be gentle and live in perfect courtesy towards all (v.2). We have been redeemed from obedience to the Law (Galatians 3) and we simply must live in light of that redemption.
Dinner is at 6. The menu is cheeseburgers. Discussion about 6:45. Hope to see you here.
But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to [the Law], for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.
Gal. 3:25-29.