1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (Titus 3:1-8 KJV)
Be Ready for Every Good Work
Paul instructs Titus to remind believers to live peacefully, submit to rulers, do good, and show kindness and gentleness to everyone—virtues that make faith attractive. Ministers must continually remind their people of these duties, for forgetfulness is a common weakness (Isaiah 62:6; 2 Peter 1:12).
Believers must obey rulers and authorities because civil government is ordained by God for the good of society. Obedience should come not from fear but from conscience, showing that faith promotes peace and order, not rebellion (Romans 13:1–5; 1 Peter 2:13–15). Spiritual freedom strengthens, rather than cancels, civil responsibility.
They must also be ready for every good work, always seeking opportunities to help and bless others. Doing good includes anything that promotes peace, order, and the well-being of others. “Whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report—think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Good intentions and kind words are not enough; good deeds must follow, for “pure religion is to visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).
They must speak evil of no one, avoiding slander, gossip, and unjust criticism. If nothing good can be said, it is better to remain silent. Christians must not take pleasure in exposing faults or spreading harmful rumors, for “he who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends” (Proverbs 17:9). “If anyone seems to be religious but does not bridle his tongue, his religion is worthless” (James 1:26). Uncharitable speech displeases God and destroys harmony (Ephesians 4:31).
They must not be quarrelsome. Christians may defend truth but never with malice or rage. They must pursue peace and show the patience that reflects the God of peace and love (Romans 12:19). “The glory of a man is to overlook an offense,” and “he who rules his spirit is better than one who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32). Wise believers restrain anger and forgive quickly.
They must be gentle—fair, considerate, and willing to yield personal rights when peace requires it. They must show meekness to all people, both inwardly in humility and outwardly in speech and action. “Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). True meekness distinguishes between sin and sinner, showing compassion for the lost while hating evil. “Of some have compassion, making a difference; others save with fear” (Jude 1:22-23). Meekness adorns the gospel, reflects the spirit of Christ, and brings peace and blessing (Psalm 25:9; Matthew 5:5).
These duties are grounded first in remembering what we once were. Such reflection humbles the believer and stirs compassion toward the lost. “We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another” (Titus 3:3). We were ignorant of truth, rebellious against God, wandering from His ways, and enslaved by sinful desires that promised freedom but led to bondage (2 Peter 2:19). We lived in envy and hatred, warring with one another like Cain, who killed his brother out of envy (1 John 3:12). Remembering our past should move us to patience and mercy toward those still bound by sin.
The second reason for these duties arises from what we are now—people saved by God’s mercy, not by our own merit. The change in our condition should fill us with humility and gratitude, not pride. Salvation’s author is God the Father, “our Savior,” who reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18). “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). All spiritual blessings flow from Him through Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
The source of salvation is the kindness and love of God, who saves purely by grace. It was not our goodness that moved Him, but His mercy (Micah 7:18; Ephesians 2:7). The means of this salvation is the gospel, through which the Spirit works to transform and renew believers (Romans 1:16).
Salvation is not based on works of righteousness we have done but on God’s mercy (Titus 3:5). Our good works cannot earn salvation; they are its result. “He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:9). “By grace you are saved through faith—it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). From beginning to end, salvation is all of grace, leaving no room for boasting (Romans 3:24).
This salvation begins with regeneration—a spiritual renewal where old things pass away and all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). The person remains the same outwardly, but his heart and nature are transformed. A new principle of holiness governs his thoughts, desires, and actions. Grace begins the work of glory that will be completed in heaven. Without this new birth, there can be no share in eternal life (John 3:3).
Baptism outwardly signifies this inward renewal—the “washing of regeneration.” The water symbolizes the cleansing of sin by the blood and Spirit of Christ. It is a seal of righteousness by faith and a pledge of our belonging to God. “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16). Christ sanctifies His church “with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26). Yet baptism alone does not save; it must be joined with “the answer of a good conscience toward God” (1 Peter 3:21). The baptized person is bound to live in obedience, keeping the covenant of grace (Matthew 28:19–20).
The Holy Spirit is the divine agent of this renewal. We are born, sanctified, and strengthened by the Spirit, who enables us to resist sin and live righteously. “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you are sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). He renews and assures believers, turning them to God by His power.
This Spirit is poured out abundantly—far more richly under the gospel than under the law. “I will pour My Spirit on all flesh” (Joel 2:28). When Christ ascended, He poured out the Spirit on the church (Acts 2:33). The Spirit brings abundant gifts—faith, hope, love, and holiness. Yet these blessings benefit us only if we open our hearts to receive them. “Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
All this comes through Jesus Christ our Savior, who purchased every blessing of grace. “Of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace” (John 1:16). He is our righteousness, peace, and strength (1 Corinthians 1:30). Therefore, let us praise God through Christ and depend wholly on Him for salvation.
The purpose of this new life is that, “being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:7). Justification is God’s free pardon of sinners and His acceptance of them as righteous through faith in Christ. “By the deeds of the law no one will be justified” (Romans 3:20), but through faith in Jesus we are reconciled to God. Good works follow as the fruit of this justification, showing that faith is alive and genuine.
Eternal life is the believer’s inheritance—a living hope, incorruptible and unfading, reserved in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). Remembering God’s mercy should make us gentle and kind to all, for as we were once lost and are now saved, so we must hope and work for the salvation of others.
“This is a faithful saying,” Paul concludes, “that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works” (Titus 3:8). True faith is active and fruitful. Christians should not wait to do good but eagerly pursue it, for “these things are good and profitable to everyone.”