Titus 3 1-11 Godly Living

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

Jesus himself gave us an example by telling Pontius Pilate that all of the power that he has was given to him by Father-God, and Jesus submitted to his authority. Jesus also said to render unto Caesar that which Caesar's, but render unto God, that which is God's. Jesus and Paul are not against law and order, but explain that when we submit to the authorities, we are honoring God who provided their authority. This he calls profitable behavior, but warns believers not to engage in foolish talk and controversy, but instead live peaceful lives and to love kindness and gentleness.

Daily Prayer: Father, to a live a godly life, one needs to put away "self" and "flesh" and to be others motivated and God motivated, because this is the high calling for disciples of Jesus Christ our Savior. In his holy name I pray Amen.