SUBMISSION TO AUTHORITIES
Titus 3.1
Paul teaches also teach about submission to authorities, and not just church authorities, but to all secular authorities what rule this world. Of course, our submission and obedience to the world's authorities must be only on the basis of the Gospel of Christ, in which we believe and which we do follow. But here is exception in our submission to the rulers of this world, that our believe and Faith shall be not overshadowed and overpowered by the rules and laws of the world.
Every law of the world that goes against Gospel and teachings of Christ cannot be accepted by the true Christian, because every true Christian shall stand by the Ideals, Principals, and Laws of GOD, and not submit to any other law. If the rules and laws of the world do not go against the Laws of GOD, we shall certainly be submissive to it. But if the rules of this world are hostile and do not reflect the Rules and the Word of GOD, such rules we can refuse to obey and do not submit to it. It is better for us to be punished by this world then to be punished by our GOD.
~ 1. Respect Secular Authorities: (Exodus 22.28) (Romans 13.1-7) (1Timothy 2.1-2) (Titus 3.1) (1Peter 2.13-14.17).
PREVIOUS LIFE
Titus 3.3
Here Paul counted all the sins, transgressions, and iniquities of people whose previous life was without Christ, it was full of lusts, wickedness, disobedience, and deceive. Paul started this statement from a word "We," which means all of us. These words of Paul relate not only to all of us, but to all humanity. As Christians, we are especially sensitive to the issue of our previous life and our sins, because we found Christ in our life and changed for the better. Those who are outside of Christian Principals and Ideals usually do not regret their previous life or current life, in which done injustice, deceit, lies, and crimes, because they are still living in their wickedness. They live according to their conscience and to the laws of this world, in many of whom conscience does not even exist.
Thanks to Paul who constantly reminding and me about my past and makes me not forget my transgressions against One Who loved me from my birth, found me, was with me with most adverse and difficult situations, cared for me and carried me like a small child in His gentle hands, helped me in situation there was no hope and no exit, and finally let Himself to be found by me in the most extraordinary ways, and have been patient with me throughout my life. What else I can say? I cannot express my gratitude to Him with words, but only in my repented soul.
It does not matter how a person was brought to Christ, but the most important thing is how a person humble before Christ and live in Christ.
If GOD forgives, He forgives once and for all, for eternity, and never will remember or remind us of our sins. The best example of this is David. GOD never again mentioned his sins, but did not leave him unpunished, GOD forgave him as it never happened. Only Nathan once mentioned the sin of David (1Kings 15.4-5).
THE GOOD DEEDS
Titus 3.1.5.8.14
And of course, Paul never forgets to mention the Good Deeds and mentioned them in four different verses. This perhaps makes the Epistle to Titus the richest and the most enhanced chapter that encourage us to do Good Deeds.
Paul also mentioned that by Good Deeds alone, even done in our Righteousness and Faith, we are also saved by the Mercy of GOD (5). Indeed, Paul absolutely right in this sense, because no matter if we have Faith proven by our Good Deeds, or we have the Good Deeds that prove our Faith in Christ, we are still remain sinners, because we are born in sin and sin constantly, knowingly and unknowingly, and because of it, the Mercy of GOD plays essential role in our salvation and should not be forgotten.
But to prove that we are GOD'S people, and follow Him and live according to His Commandments and His Statutes, and love Him from the heart, the Good Deeds as the proof of Faith are extremely essential in acceptance of us by GOD, in order to be blessed and inherit all the promises of GOD concerning forgiveness, blessings, and Eternal Life in His Kingdom, forever.
In verse 8 Paul again encouraged readers "be careful to engage in Good Deeds." (KSB), The translation of this particular verse may vary and be different from one Bible to another, but the meaning, the substance, and the essence of the verse remain the same.
~ 8. *"be concerned with giving their time to doing Good Deeds." GNB.
"be careful to maintain the Good Works." KJV, Gideons.
"be careful to devote themselves to Good Works." NRSV, NIV, ESV.
Paul also combined together Good Deeds and Faith in verse 14, writing, "And let our people also learn to engage in Good Deed to meet pressing needs, that they may not be Unfaithful." It seems like doing Good Deeds do not come naturally for the most people, and so, because of it they must LEARN how to do them. The best example of course how to learn to do Good Deeds will be from Jesus Christ, Apostles, Paul, and all other men of GOD who dedicated themselves to do Good Works in the Name of GOD, and proved their Faith in GOD by doing so?
~ 1.5.8.14. *Good Works: (Nehemiah 2.18) (Matthew 5.16, 12.12) (Luke 6.35) (John 5.29, 10.32) (Acts 9.36, 10.38) (Romans 2.7.10) (2Corinthians 9.8) (Galatians 6.9-10) (Ephesians 2.10, 6.7-8) (Philippians 1.6) (Colossians 1.10) (2Thessalonians 2.17, 3.7-13) (1Timothy 2.9-10, 5.9-10.25, 6.18) (2Timothy 2.21, 3.16-17) (Titus 1.16, 2.7.14, 3.1.5.8.14) (Hebrews 10.24, 13.16.21) (James 1.22-25, 2.14-26, 3.13, 4.17) (1Peter 2.12, 3.6.11.17).
~ Works of Faith: (1Thessalonians 1.3.5) (2Thessalonians 1.11) (James 2.14-26)