Titus 3 The good citizen Part 30


Titus 3:1-2

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate and always to be gentle toward everyone.”

The way that Christians behave in society has a direct relation to the impact of the gospel. Once again, Paul speaks of Christian living but this time he’s specifically referring to our conduct in society. The Christian should be law-abiding, obedient, and, as our text says, “ready to do whatever is good.” Paul, once again, takes us back to the evils of the tongue when he tells us to slander no one. We are called to radical goodness! Not only are we not to speak evil of others, but we are also to be courteous and considerate to everyone. We often try to categorize sin into greater and lesser evil but that is not right. Sin is sin. All of our behavior must be such that it commends the gospel so that others will be attracted to the gospel. We must seek to save! Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 5:16 where He said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” This reminds us that spreading the gospel isn’t only about our words. We are to be a light in the darkness, that is, to live in such a way that others are drawn to God through our lives. We are to slander no one, including those whom God has put in authority over us. We ought to use our tongues and words for good and pray for those in authority over us because it pleases God and will help us live peaceable lives. When people come away from meeting you, they should have the impression that you are a good person. Does this describe you? Do people think you’re a gossip or are they impressed by your manners? Gentle courtesy must be exhibited towards everyone, including the people we like the least, including those who aren’t nice, including non-Christians, including the people in authority that you don’t like. Are you peaceable, considerate and always gentle to everyone? Be like Jesus, “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29) and let your beliefs and behaviors be a model for Christian living! 

1. One way in which many of us disobey the government is the traffic laws, can you think of other common ways we disobey the government when we ought not to?

2. Read Romans 13:1-7, what does Paul tell us about obedience to the government in this passage. What else can we learn from it?

3. What does 1 Timothy 2:1-2 teach us?

4. What can we learn from 1 Peter 2:13-17?

5. What does Jesus say about obeying the government? Find several passages

6. Why did Daniel and his friends disobey the government? Were they right in their disobedience? What was the result of this?

Ruler Supreme, One and only God, I humbly come before You to ask that You guide and guard the actions of our leaders. Make them wise and make them make good and moral decisions. Help me to be obedient to the authorities that You have put in place and help me to be like Jesus, gentle, peaceable and considerate of everyone. Forgive me when I fall short, not because I am worthy but for the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ, Amen.


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