The New Birth and Christian Living: A Study of Titus 3
An exploration of the transformative power of God's grace, the necessity of the new birth through water and Spirit, and the practical application of faith in daily life.
1. Submission and Social Responsibility
1.1 Civic Obedience
Verses: Titus 3:1
- Subjecting ourselves to principalities and powers as a testimony of faith
- Being ready for every good work within the community
1.2 Christlike Temperament
Verses: Titus 3:2
- Speaking evil of no man and avoiding brawling
- Showing all meekness and gentleness unto all men
2. The Miracle of the New Birth
2.1 The Contrast of the Old Life
Verses: Titus 3:3
- The state of being deceived and serving divers lusts and pleasures
- Living in malice and envy toward one another
2.2 The Appearance of God our Savior
Verses: Titus 3:4
- The kindness and love of God toward man appearing in the person of Jesus
- The revelation of God's saving nature through His manifestation
2.3 The Washing of Regeneration
Verses: Titus 3:5
- Salvation not by works of righteousness which we have done but by His mercy
- The essential role of water baptism as the washing of regeneration
2.4 The Renewing of the Holy Ghost
Verses: Titus 3:5-6
- The internal transformation and empowerment by the indwelling Spirit
- The abundant outpouring of the Spirit through Jesus Christ our Savior
2.5 Justification and Eternal Hope
Verses: Titus 3:7
- Being justified by His grace rather than legalistic adherence
- Becoming heirs according to the hope of eternal life
3. Practical Holiness and Sound Doctrine
3.1 The Affirmation of Good Works
Verses: Titus 3:8
- The necessity for believers to be careful to maintain good works
- The profitability of these actions for the benefit of all people
3.2 Avoiding Vain Contentions
Verses: Titus 3:9
- Shunning foolish questions and genealogies that cause strife
- Rejecting strivings about the law as unprofitable and vain
3.3 Addressing Division
Verses: Titus 3:10-11
- Rejecting a heretic after the first and second admonition to preserve unity
- Understanding the spiritual state of those who are subverted and self-condemned
4. Ministry Cooperation and Final Greetings
4.1 Supporting the Work of the Ministry
Verses: Titus 3:12-13
- The importance of apostolic oversight and strategic planning in the church
- Assisting fellow ministers so that they lack nothing for their journey
4.2 The Call to Fruitfulness
Verses: Titus 3:14-15
- Learning to maintain good works for necessary uses to avoid being unfruitful
- The impartation of grace to the entire body of believers