NT Fire Starters – Day 301: Titus 3:1-15

READ: Titus 3:1-15

THINK: While God doesn’t want us to dwell on the past–the good or bad–He does want us to remember where we would be without Him. This inspires humility and compassion toward those who don’t know Jesus. After all, we don’t receive a relationship with Christ because of good works or right things we do. Rather, it’s only by God’s mercy that we are “born again” and renewed spiritually, as we simply surrender to Jesus and entrust our lives to Him.

RESPOND: What should be your attitude and conduct toward leaders and those in authority? (See 3:1 note.) Why is this important, and what can it accomplish? What must we keep in mind–and why must we remain humble–as we interact with those who don’t know Jesus (vv. 3-5)? What does it mean that we are spiritually saved “through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit”? (See 3:5 note.) In what way has God poured out His Spirit on us generously? (See 3:6 note.) What does it mean to be justified by God’s grace? (See articles on Biblical Words for Salvation, p. 1577, and Faith and Grace, p. 1590.) Why are controversies and quarrels typically “unprofitable and useless” (v. 9)? In this passage, whom does Paul have in mind when he refers to “a divisive person,” and how should church leaders respond to such a person? (See 3:10 note.) What does Paul have in mind when he says, “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good” (v. 14), and why is this important? (See 3:14 note.)

PRAY: Pray for leaders and authorities outside of your church, including teachers and school administrators, coaches and directors, job supervisors and government officials. Pray that God will give them wisdom and guidance.

ACT: Send a note or e-mail to one or more of the leaders you prayed for, expressing appreciation for their work and letting them know that you’re praying for them. If you’ve recently had a tense quarrel with someone, contact the person to apologize and try humbly to settle the issue–without quarreling further.