Christians were often looked on with suspicion in the Roman Empire because their conduct was so different and they met in private meetings for worship (see 1 Peter 2:11–25; 3:13—4:5). It was important that they be good citizens without compromising the faith. Their pagan neighbors might disobey the law, but Christians must submit to the authority of the state (see Rom. 13). “Ready to every good work” (Titus 3:1) means “cooperating in those matters that involve the whole community.” Our heavenly citizenship (Phil. 3:20) does not absolve us from responsibilities as citizens on earth.
The believer should not have a bad attitude toward the government and show it by slanderous accusations and pugnacious actions. The word gentle (Titus 3:2) means “an attitude of moderation, a sweet reasonableness.” Christians with this quality do not insist on the letter of the law, but are willing to compromise where no moral issue is at stake.
Again, Paul linked duty to doctrine. “Don’t be too critical of your pagan neighbors,” he wrote. “Just remember what you were before God saved you!” Titus 3: needs little explanation; we know what it means from our own experience.
What a difference “the kindness and love of God” (Titus 3:4) made! If you want a beautiful illustration of “the kindness of God,” read 2 Samuel and note David’s treatment of Mephibosheth, a little lame prince. Because Mephibosheth was a part of Saul’s family, he expected to be slain. But David, in kindness, spared him and treated him as one of his own sons at the palace table.
Salvation came not only because of God’s kindness and love, but also because of His mercy (Titus 3:5). We did not save ourselves; “he saved us.” How did He do it? Through the miracle of the new birth, the work of the Holy Spirit of God. I do not think that “washing” here refers to baptism because, in New Testament times, people were baptized after they were saved, and not in order to be saved (see Acts 10:43–48). “Washing” here means “bathed all over.” When a sinner trusts Christ, he is cleansed from all his sins, and he is made “a new person” by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Paul related this same cleansing experience to the Word of God (Eph. 5:26). Salvation comes to a sinner when he trusts Christ, when the Spirit of God uses the Word of God to bring about the new birth. We are born of the Spirit (John 3:5–6, where “water” refers to physical birth, which Nicodemus had mentioned earlier, John 3:4) and of the Word (1 Peter 1:23–25). “Which” in Titus 3: ought to be “whom,” referring to the Holy Spirit who is given to us at conversion (Acts 2:38; Rom. 5:5; 8:9).
Not only have we who are Christians been washed and made new in Christ, but we have also been justified (Titus 3:7). This wonderful doctrine is discussed in detail in Romans 3:21—8:39. Justification is the gracious act of God whereby He declares a believing sinner righteous because of the finished work of Christ on the cross. God puts to our account the righteousness of His Son, so that we can be condemned no more. Not only does He forget our sins, but He forgets that we were even sinners!
What is the result of this kindness, love, mercy, and grace? Hope! We are heirs of God! This means that today we can draw on His riches, and when He comes, we will share His wealth and His kingdom forever. This hope ties in with Titus 2:13: “Looking for that blessed hope.” But there is something more involved: We should live godly lives and be “careful to maintain good works” (Titus 3:8). The only evidence the unsaved world has that we belong to God is our godly lives.
“Good works” do not necessarily mean religious works or church work. It is fine to work at church, sing in the choir, and hold an office; but it is also good to serve our unsaved neighbors, to be helpful in the community, and to have a reputation for assisting those in need. Babysitting to relieve a harassed young mother is just as much a spiritual work as passing out a gospel tract. The best way a local church has to witness to the lost is through the sacrificial service of its members.