Devotional #1 — Kingdom Passport
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. (Titus 3:1, ESV)
Submission and obedience do not play well in American government and politics these days. Scripture teaches, though, that earthly authority is somehow God’s doing. Regardless of our governmental system and political realities, the words of Paul (and ultimately Jesus, too) continue to apply.
Our kingdom passport carries more weight than our American one. Our kingdom citizenship requires that our identity be found in Christ and be lived out in “every good work” and by not speaking evil of anyone, avoiding controversies, being moderate and reasonable, and showing kindness and courtesy to all people.
Devotional #2 — Before and After
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy,… (Titus 3:3–5a, ESV)
Our life before Christ is lived with all sorts of evil played out in our daily lives and relationships. But when the goodness and love of God come to us, we are saved — set free from these evils that steal, kill, and destroy our relationships and our lives. This is a free gift of mercy from God our Savior. Let us not, then, having been set free continue to do things that hurt others, create disunity, and break relationships.
Devotional #3 — Null and Void
The saying is trustworthy…insist on these things…be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. (Titus 3:8-9, ESV)
Paul ends his letter by reminding the church to be devoted to good works in response to the free gift of mercy that they have received from God. He cautions them strongly to AVOID — run from, refuse to engage, make null and void in your life — all things that stir up needless division, distraction, and disunity. People who do such things are to be avoided and not given a place to continue to damage the witness of God’s people.
As God’s people, we are not independent agents. We are responsible to and for each other.