1 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. NAS
Think with me for a moment about the world at the time of the birth of Christ.
It was a world of slavery
It has been estimated that there were 3 slaves to every 1 free man in the world at that time. Slavery was a common and flourishing aspect of society.
It was a world of absolute rulers
At the end of the Roman Republic, the Caesars took power and ruled with absolute authority. August was proconsul and tribune of Rome for life. He was the commander in chief of the military, he reigned over the Senate, and he controlled all civil-affairs.
The same thing was true in the land of Palestine. Herod was a puppet-King, not even a real Jew (he was an Idomite). However, when it came to his ruling style he was a ruthless man. Remember what he did to the children of Bethlehem? He had absolute authority over life and death (he in fact murdered nearly all of his own family).
It was a world of high taxes
When Jesus came into the world – taxes were exorbitant. Those who worked as tax-collectors had sold themselves to Rome for money and then they overcharged the people (i.e. Zaccheus – Luke 19). Why did Mary and Joseph have to travel to Bethlehem in the first place? To take a census in view of taxation!
It was world of persecution
At the time of Jesus birth, the Jewish people were considered as nothing. They were chattel for the Romans. They were underprivileged and oppressed, they had no voice in government and they had to bear a heavy burden of taxation.
In the world that Jesus came into, they did not have democracy, the opportunity to vote, or most of the freedoms we enjoy today.
Yet Jesus did not come with power and force to overthrow the Roman government. He did not seek social change by eliminating slavery or other issues. He did not come with a political or economic agenda. He did not come to bring a new government or even wave the flag of Judaism.
Rather, his appeal was to always to the hearts and minds of individuals. His focus was on preaching the gospel.
The Son of Man came to seek and save that which was lost. His goal was not better institutions but better men. That is why He said,
Matthew 22:21
21 They said to Him, "Caesar's." Then He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." NAS
Throughout the ages of the church, Christians have struggled with the issues of how we should respond to government.
- What should our priorities be in politics (if any)?
- What right does the government have over us?
- What should our response be to a hostile government?
- How do we balance the tension between being citizens of God’s Kingdom and good citizens in this world?
Some of these questions are answered in passage in Titus 3.
Daniel Webster is purported to have said, “Whatever makes men good Christians; makes them good citizens.”
In writing to Titus Paul tells him how to instruct the Cretan Christians so that they can be both good Christians and good citizens.
In this post, I want to talk about Good Citizenship. What does it mean to us a believers, what does it look like? What is the basis for good citizenship? How can we practically be good citizens?
The characteristics of Good Citizenship – v.1-3
Titus is to deal with three things. (1) Their attitude toward authority; (2) Their activity in society; (3) Their approach toward Humanity
A Good Citizen is Characterized by His or Her Attitude toward those in Authority – v.1a
1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient
The fact the Paul says to “remind them” indicates that he had already taught on this subject in the Churches of Crete. Titus was simply to reinforce that teaching. What was he to remind them of?
To be subject to and to obey
The phrase “to be subject to” here means to put oneself into subjection under the authority of another.
The use of the direct middle voice emphasizes that this is to be a voluntary subjection. This makes the whole action an attitude.
The phrase “to be obedient” has in it the idea of being obedient to specific commands of government, i.e. taxes, speed laws etc.
Historians tell us that the Cretans hated being under the yoke of Rome and looked for opportunities to express that attitude. Paul was concerned that their attitude toward the state would reflect badly on the Gospel.
Just because we are citizens of another Kingdom doesn’t mean that we are relieved of our civic responsibilities, rather it reinforces it. As Christians we are not exempt from reasonable and appropriate obligations toward the government.
It used to be a badge of honor to be loyal and submissive to those in authority i.e. employers, teachers, law enforcement personnel etc.
Governmental authority is God-given and the sinful personal lives of those in authority must not negate our responsibility to be subject and obey.
Let’s be clear, what we are talking about here is governmental authority.
The word “rulers” refers to the first person or thing in a series, here it speaks of the person first in order in the community.
The word “authorities” speaks of delegated authority.
Most often these two terms are used together in the New Testament to speak of spiritual agencies but here they clearly refer to government agencies.
Peter reinforces this concept.
1 Peter 2:13-17
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. 17 Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. NAS
The passage in Peter is pretty straight forward and hard to argue with! Who was the ruler when Peter wrote those words? Nero. One of the most vile and evil rulers that the world has known.
Paul makes our responsibility toward government even clearer.
Romans 13:1-7
1 Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. 5 Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. NAS
At this point, I think it would be a good time to talk about issue of resistance and protests – civil disobedience
So are the passages in Titus, and Peter and Romans saying that if we participate in a civil protest (for example), that our participation is resistance against God? Or, does it mean since we have been guaranteed that right by our government, that are we free to do so in God's eyes?
I mean after all, our government was founded upon certain ideas that we hold to be...well, very American! "No taxation without representation." "Give me liberty or give me death."
Certain acts of civil disobedience are associated with the founding of our country, including the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution. Were the Founding Fathers in reality resisting God because they were revolting against the British Government?
Additionally, as Americans, we have been guaranteed by our constitution (the basis for our government) the right to free speech and other important rights including the right to protest.
There are some excellent resources available that discuss what the Founding Fathers were thinking and the justification they gave for their "revolt" in the Declaration of Independence.
However, I don't think there is an easy answer to the question of whether they were in violation of this principle.
I do know that there are some examples in Scripture where godly people appeared to usurp this principle. In each of the examples, these people responded as they did because a higher principle was at stake.
Hence, there does appear to be limitations to the above mentioned principle.
For example, in Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were commanded by the government to bow down and worship the image of Nebuchadnezzar. This was a clear violation of Scripture about practicing idolatry. These three young men refused.
They were however, respectful and they were willing to suffer the consequences of their decision.
In Acts 4, Peter and John were arrested for proclaiming the gospel. Later they were hauled before the court (Council) and interrogated. Upon their release they were threatened and told to stop proclaiming the gospel. This was their response:
19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “ Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
In Acts 5, the two Apostles are once again arrested for continuing to proclaim the gospel. Again they are hauled before the Council. This was their response:
27 When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and [yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “ We must obey God rather than men.
In Acts 22, the Apostle Paul used the rights he had as a citizen of Rome to defend himself and to further his mission.
When Jesus was sent to Pilate in John 19, He acknowledged both Pilate's authority as the Governor to have Him crucified and the fact that Pilate's authority came from God. Jesus was respectful, but also assertive about the truth.
8 Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; 9 and he entered into the Praetorium again and *said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate *said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” 11 Jesus answered, “ You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above (John 19:8-10)
The point, then, is that there are times when it is appropriate for us to stand-up to the government.
- Whether it is because the government is requiring us to do something that Scripture forbids us to do (the example of the three friends in Daniel) or…
- Whether the government is commanding us not to do something that Scripture commands us to do (the example of Peter and John).
- Furthermore, when it is for the common good, we have the ability to use our rights as citizens for our own protection and practice (the example of Paul).
- Finally, we have the right to speak the truth to power (the example of Jesus). In all of these examples however, the individuals were willing to suffer the consequences of their actions.
Here is the point we need to understand – there are times we may not be able to submit to and obey governmental authorities--because God is always the final and ultimate authority—but when we have to practice civil disobedience it should be done quietly and we should be ready to accept the consequences that come with our actions.
What we should be doing all the time is praying for those in authority over us. Submission and obedience are made easier when we can pray for those we must submit to and obey.
1 Timothy 2:1-3
1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, NAS
A Good Citizen is Characterized by his or her Activity in Society – v.1b
to be ready for every good deed
This phrase forms a bridge between our responsibilities toward our government and our responsibilities toward our neighbors. This is the ministry of “salt and light.” Jesus put it this way:
Matthew 5:13-16
13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 "Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. NAS
We as Christians should not be on the sidelines when there is real and beneficial community work to be done. We are to use our influence as Christians for the good of the neighborhood, community, and beyond.
The adjective “good” reminds us of the type of "deeds" (works) for which we are to be involved.
This is the way it used to be…nearly every longstanding educational, housing, hospital or charitable initiative was founded on or encouraged by the faith community.
A Good Citizen is Characterized by his or her Approach toward Humanity – v.2-3
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.
We are to treat our fellow man in ways that exemplify the gospel of Christ and the change that has occurred in our lives.
v.2-3 is really a list of virtues and vices…
Verse 2 describes the virtues.
“to malign” means to revile or blaspheme; to speak reproachfully of someone. It has the idea of verbal abuse – how we speak to and about others…especially those in authority.
The phrase “no one” shows a progression in Paul’s thinking…from government, to society, to all citizens in general.
To be "uncontentious” is to not to be quarrelsome – to be peaceful. Our desire should be to always influence men for good and toward God.
The word “gentle” here speaks of an attitude of moderation or sweet reasonableness. It refers to one who is forbearing and who doesn’t insist on his own rights.
“showing every consideration for all men” = KJV shewing all meekness to all men; consideration here has the idea of meekness or humility.
- Gentleness refers to outward conduct, yielding one’s rights to others.
- Meekness refers to the inward virtue that produces such conduct
Showing every consideration for all men then is a summary phrase to describe the person that does not malign others and is uncontentious and gentle.
Notice words every and all – this is not so easy.
Why should approach our fellow man this way? Because of what we used to be.
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.
Verse 3 describes the vices.
The word “foolish” speaks of being without spiritual understanding, being senseless (1 Cor. 2;14; Eph. 4:18).
To be “disobedient” is to be unpersuadable and non-compliant toward God
To be “deceived” is to be delude, made to wander from the truth, duped by Satan
“enslaved to various lusts and pleasures”
While the above phrase can certainly refer to sexual lusts and pleasures, it could just as well refer to a lust for power and the pleasure that comes from controlling others, which is a major temptation in today's world.
“spending our life in malice and envy”
The word “spending” means to lead through, to pass the time
"Malice” is the evil attitude of mind which shows itself in ill-will and a desire to injure others. It is a wicked perversity of the mind.
To “envy” is to begrudge others their good fortune. It speaks of a continual dissatisfaction with ones own position, possessions and power when compared to someone else.
- Jealousy is being afraid of losing what one has;
- Envy is hating to see another person have something we don’t have.
The word “hateful” is as it sounds, it means to be detestable, disgusting offensive, and repulsive toward others.
“Hating one another” is the natural result of hateful people living together.
Verse 3 serves as a perfect diagnosis for the human condition.
Thank God for His kindness and love…and thank goodness for verse 4.
God the Great Philanthropist - v.4-8
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. 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. NAS
The love of God or as Paul puts it here, "His love for mankind” is expressed in God’s feelings of pity toward all men.
We get our English word Philanthropist from the word that Paul uses and is translated here "His love for mankind.”
God is the first great philanthropist!
Furthermore, the Greek word translated here as “appeared” is where we get our English word "epiphany." An epiphany is a sudden appearance or manifestation...a dawning.
When did God's kindness and love for mankind appear?
Romans 5:8
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. NAS
Notice the stark contrast between the human disposition in v. 3 and God’s divine attitude in v.4. God’s kindness and love is the divine response to the human condition (John 3:16).
Here we see the true source of Good citizenship is God and His saving work with an emphasis on the Goal of our Salvation – v.8
It is the goal of our salvation that now becomes the focus. We have been saved for something. We are not saved just for the sake of salvation, although eternity is at stake.
But when we are washed in the regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, there is something that happens that changes our purpose in life.
Paul put it this way in Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. NAS
It has always been God’s goal to save us with a purpose in mind.
Titus 2:14
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. NAS
There is no such thing as easy believism in the Bible. If people come to Christ and think it won’t change their life, then they have not experienced salvation.
Notice Paul’s emphasis in verse 8.
This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
To be "careful” has the idea of taking careful thought, of pondering.
It points to the seriousness of our responsibility to engage in good deeds.
The word “engage” has the sense of “taking the lead in” in something.
We who have believed in God should be taking the lead in good works. The world should have nothing on us when it comes to doing good deeds.
Why? Because it is “good and profitable” for men.
Humanity benefits when we as believers take our responsibility in good deeds seriously, when we take the lead. (Mother Theresa – Hospitals – Education etc.)
Paul tells Titus that this is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently. This is to be a point of emphasis for the Cretan Christians.
And should be a point of emphasis for us…
Are you a model citizen?
What is your attitude toward authority?
What is your activity in society like?
What is your approach toward your fellow man?
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