The book of Titus is a short letter written to a young pastor and the Christians who lived on the Island of Crete. These Christians were facing all sorts of threats to their faith. They were living in the midst of a pagan culture that didn’t honor God, and they faced false teachers within their church who were leading families and friends away from God.
Titus 1:10 (ESV) For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.
In response to these threats, the apostle Paul writes a letter to this church in order to encourage them and bring them back to the truth of God’s word, which will help them through all of their problems. This letter to Titus comes as an answer to an emergency that the Christians were facing. And, although this letter was written long ago, it answers the problems and threats we face in our own walk with God.
In order to help us navigate the dangerous threats we face, Paul challenges us to trust in the Gospel, the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. And he demonstrates how belief in the Gospel will affect every part of our lives. In this lesson, we focus on the content of the Gospel as described in Titus 3.
Before We Can Be Saved, We Have to Understand Our Problem
The message of the Bible is a message of salvation through Jesus Christ. But many people wonder, “What do I need to be saved from?” Before the Gospel is explained in Titus 3, Paul explains exactly what our problem is.
Titus 3:3 (ESV) 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.
The Bible teaches that our most serious problem in life is sin. Sin separates us from God and others. So, the answer to the question, “What do I need to be saved from?” is “sin.” Or more specifically, we need to be saved from the penalty of our sins.
You Can’t Find Salvation Through Trying to Earn It
Before we can understand how God saves us from our sins, we have to also understand that we can’t find salvation through our own works. Many people realize that they have a sin problem. However, they try and deal with this problem through being religious, moral, or doing acts of charity. But none of these things will fix our sin problem. We can’t be saved because of our righteous works.
Titus 3:4-5 (ESV) But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness…
Salvation Is the Work of God in You
Instead of being based on our works, salvation is the work of God, from beginning to end. The Bible teaches that although we are sinners, God loves us. He loves us so much that he sent his Son Jesus Christ to the earth. Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and was raised from the dead so that we might be saved. And if you put your faith in Jesus, you will receive this salvation as a gift from God.
Titus 3:4-7 (ESV) but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
The Bible says that the Holy Spirit regenerates us in salvation. He makes us new from the inside out. Instead of working for our salvation, we are recipients of God’s grace.
Salvation Is Meant to Lead Us to a Life of Good Works
Sadly, many Christians think that the forgiveness of sins is the end of the Christian life, but this is not what the Bible says.
Titus 3:8 (ESV) The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good.
God saved you so that you can worship him through living a life of good works. You don’t do those good works to earn your salvation, but out of love and thankfulness to him. When you start to live a life of good works, it reveals that you really understand what Jesus did for you on the cross.
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What are some of the threats you feel to your safety in everyday life?
- What are some of the threats that you face that affect your relationship with God?
- Read Titus 3:3. How would you explain this verse to someone who didn’t think his sin was that big of a deal?
- Read Titus 3:4-5. Why do people try and earn their salvation or forgiveness through religion or morality?
- Read Titus 3:4-6. What is regeneration? How would you describe God’s role in the work of salvation? Be specific.
- Read Ephesians 2:8-9. What are some ways people try to earn forgiveness? How is salvation “The Gift of God”?
- Have you trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins? If not, what is holding you back?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
This topic is part of the Through the Book of Titus series.
