(9) And tell this to those who are slaves: They should be willing to serve their masters at all times; they should try to please them, not argue with them; (10) they should not steal from them; and they should show their masters that they can be trusted. Then, in everything they do, they will show that the teaching of God our Savior is good. (11) That is the way we should live, because God’s grace has come. That grace can save everyone. (12) It teaches us not to live against God and not to do the bad things the world wants to do. It teaches us to live on earth now in a wise and right way—a way that shows true devotion to God. (13) We should live like that while we are waiting for the coming of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. He is our great hope, and he will come with glory. (14) He gave himself for us. He died to free us from all evil. He died to make us pure—people who belong only to him and who always want to do good. (15) These are the things you should tell people. Encourage them, and when they are wrong, correct them. You have full authority to do this, so don’t let anyone think they can ignore you.
Titus 2:9-15 ERV
I have read Titus at least once a year for the last 40 years. When I read it this morning, it was speaking to me. Paul writes to Titus, a young man whom he has tasked with the difficult job of establishing order and raising up leaders in the fledgling church on Crete. The island was a busy hub for trade and travel. Culturally, it was predominantly pagan, shaped by Greek and Roman influences. This atmosphere was reflected in the church.
As it was in most of the world, slavery was part of everyday life. Paul neither endorsed nor condemned slavery. Rather, he was instructing a young pastor on how to encourage his congregation to live effectively in their particular world. What lessons can we learn from them?
- Freeing the slaves was not Paul’s first concern. They were already believers who were destined for heaven. His goal was to secure salvation for their masters. Think about that. Let that sink in. If you are saved, the salvation of others becomes more important than your own condition. Your “ministry” begins with the people around you every day.
- The behavior of Christians can affect how effective the gospel is in reaching non-believers. The King James Version says it can ‘adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour’. How you live matters!
- God’s grace has come in Christ, and it is available to everyone, including slaveholders. Yes, Christ died for the grumpy waitress, the rude driver who cut you off in traffic, your ex, and your greedy boss. Change your attitude! It’s hard to reach people you hate.
- Grace doesn’t just forgive sin. It also teaches us how to live properly. It can say, ‘I still love you,’ and then, ‘Now stop that!’ Pray for your pastor to have the boldness to train you.
- Our goal is to be ready when Jesus comes back, and to help get others ready as well. Eternity matters! Get your priorities straight.
- Jesus died to free us from sin and purify us for a life of doing good for others. He didn’t heal me so that I could play golf more comfortably. He healed me so that I can walk and get to you. You have purpose, too. Don’t let it pass you by.
- If you’re a pastor, you are to encourage people. You’re also to correct them. Thank God, “Jesus paid it all.” The next line in that old hymn is, “All to Him I owe.” Preach the whole message: Salvation is a gift, sanctification and service are a debt.
Wow! We get to gather with the saints this week and be trained for effectiveness. Lord, prepare us to bloom in the field where we are planted.
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