Wednesday 11 November 2009

Background

This chapter begins with Paul offering Titus instructions forthe Cretan Church to abide by, but from verse 3 onwards, he changestack from setting out rules and regulations to providing personalexamples of the changes that were brought about when he and Tituswere saved and received the gift of eternal life.

Paul admits that in the past he and Titus had been, among otherthings, foolish and disobedient. In this way, he is identifyinghimself and his young friend with the Cretans. He contrasts his ownand Titus' past lives with what happened when God saved them,stressing that they were saved through God's mercy alone. Here,Paul is vividly explaining that salvation is not attained by anyamount of good works, but by recognising Jesus Christ as Saviour.Goodness and loving kindness are the practical outworkings of God'sgrace.

In writing about the "water of rebirth and renewal by the HolySpirit", Paul is emphasising the experience of being 'born again' -a new start - and the revelation that in being reborn and renewedthe Holy Spirit has poured new life into them in rich abundance(see also John10:10). The old life is finished and a new life, empowered bythe Holy Spirit, has begun.

In effect, Paul is giving his own testimony, and what betterpractical example for Titus to pass on to the Cretans as he workedat building up the Church there. The reminder to Titus of thewonderful gift of salvation gained purely through God's mercy wouldhave given him confidence in his Lord for the difficult task he hadbeen assigned. What hope and encouragement!

To Ponder

How do we build up and affirm each othertoday?

What do you understand by the "water ofrebirth"?

What, in your opinion, are "works ofrighteousness"?