We Can Relate Titus 3:3 - Equipped for Battle

Isn't it interesting how it is so easy to give instruction to others and so difficult to receive instruction ourselves? Usually the difference is perceived whenever the instructor can relate to those he or she is instructing. We have been studying Paul's words to Titus and learning of the doctrine that he is giving him to share with the church in Crete. Now Paul identifies with those who will receive the instruction by including himself and Titus in their group. He wrote in chapter three and verse three:

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

Paul begins by saying, “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish.” If we recall yesterday's verse we note that Paul's desire was that the church members “speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, [but] gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.” He gives the reason for this gentle meek behavior by stating that he and Titus were once the way they are too - “Foolish.” In other words, they too were unintelligible, not understanding, and unwise. So often when others are taught the teacher forgets that they too were unlearned at one time. Paul reminds Titus of these former traits so he will relate to his church members.

Paul next says they were “disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures”. They were not compliant, contumacious, and resistant to obey. They were led astray from the right way, wanderers who were led into error and sin, and they followed after different desires and pleasures that were according to whatever direction they wanted for their lives. In other words, they were ungodly in their ways.

Paul continues, “living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.” The natural way for Paul and Titus to live was to live with malice or ill-will. They had a desire to injure others, and wickedness and depravity were as common to them as anyone else. Evil and trouble in their lives aligned with their hatred and detestation of others, and they justified themselves in doing so. Let's just say that Paul declares that he and Titus were among those who were considered a very bad group.

When we consider some of the traits listed by Paul, we may easily understand why he would have acquired the idea of a meek and gentle spirit. It was much easier to speak to people when Paul realized that their wayward standpoint is one in which he also has stood at one time. We can learn from these teachings when we encounter others who are ungodly in our lives. It is much easier to relate to others when we do not think ourselves any better than they, and the words we share with them are as though those words are directed toward ourselves. We profit in our conversations with others when we know ourselves to have been they way they are, and then the change in our behavior becomes the hope that they too will be witnesses of the wonderful altering love of Jesus Christ.

Next time we will discover what Paul says made the difference in he and Titus' life, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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