What should be done about sin and injustice in the world? Many modern people immediately turn to political solutions, trying to change the structures of society that reflect and reenforce inequality. As a result, some of these people focus on the problem of generational poverty, but many of their recent efforts to level the economic playing field have devolved into character assassination, vandalism, and riots. As Paul would say, their envy of the wealthy and privileged has spilled over into malice and hatred (Titus 3:3).
Of course, other people remain complacently unconcerned about the struggles of the poor. They are only interested in gratifying themselves in whatever manner pleases them, and so they seek to remove any cultural or legal boundaries to their sexual activities or drug use. As Paul would say, they are “enslaved to various lusts and pleasures” (Titus 3:3).
But instead of urging Christians to look down on either the hateful or the lustful, Paul reminds us that we all started out in this sort of disobedience. We were all deceived by sin into thinking that the wealth and the pleasures of this world are all that matters. Moreover, none of us have been released from this sort of worldly focus because of any merit in ourselves, or because of any deeds we ourselves have done (Titus 3:5).
No, God saves sinners solely because of His mercy. God gave all who trust in Jesus new spiritual life, washing away our sin and filling us with the Holy Spirit simply because of His great love for us. We have thus been made righteous in God’s sight by His grace alone through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Savior. And God did all this, not so that we might maintain our focus on the things of this world, but so that we might inherit the even greater gift of eternal life (Titus 3:4-7).
And so how should Christians live such a God-centered, heaven-focused life in this selfish, hateful, sinful, unjust world? Paul simply says that we should “engage in good deeds” (Titus 3:8). So, if you know someone who is poor, help him out. If you know someone who is trapped in addiction or besetting sin, pray for him and show him that purity is possible by denying yourself “ungodliness and worldly desires” and instead living “sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:12).
Yes, it seems that the only way to achieve justice and freedom is to abandon hate and lust and to embrace love and humble service instead – for isn’t that what Jesus did for all of us on the cross (Titus 2:14)? And who knows? If enough people live out the life of Christ through such self-sacrifice and unconditional love, wouldn’t they end up transforming the culture, eventually putting an end to all those unjust laws and customs?
Titus 2:11-3:7 (NASB)
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus;
14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,
2 to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,
5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
