Sermons on Titus 3:1

Titus 3:1 Interpretation:

Living Out God's Grace Through Good Works (VVCC Kent) interprets Titus 3:1 as a call for Christians to actively submit to governing authorities and to be ready for good works, not as passive compliance but as a witness to the world. The sermon uniquely frames submission as an act of dying to self, emphasizing that submission is not about agreeing with every rule but about reflecting God’s character—gentleness, patience, and love—even when authorities are imperfect or rules are inconvenient. The preacher uses the analogy of their mission trip, where the team had to adjust to facility rules and schedules, as a living metaphor for the kind of flexible, gracious submission Paul envisions. The sermon also draws a distinction between submission that is required unless it leads to sin, and submission that is a matter of attitude and witness, highlighting the tension experienced during COVID-19 restrictions as a modern parallel. The preacher does not delve into Greek or Hebrew, but the practical, lived analogy of mission work and the repeated emphasis on “dying to self” and “being a witness” provide a fresh, experiential lens on the passage.

Living Authentically: Embracing God's Transformative Grace (Fellowship Baptist Church - Linton) interprets Titus 3:1 as a practical outworking of the Christian’s new identity, emphasizing that obedience to rulers and readiness for good works are not just external behaviors but flow from an internal transformation. The sermon’s unique insight is its focus on the danger of spiritual amnesia—forgetting who we were before Christ—and how that forgetfulness can lead to prideful, judgmental attitudes toward others. The preacher repeatedly returns to the idea that Christians are “sanctified children of God living in an unchristian world,” and that their submission and good works are a testimony to the world. The sermon also clarifies the meaning of “meekness” as “power under control,” not weakness, and stresses that the Christian’s distinctiveness is not in separation from society but in returning to the same places with a new attitude and purpose. This focus on memory, humility, and the internal-external dynamic offers a nuanced interpretation of the passage.

Living in Grace: Obedience, Transformation, and Eternal Focus (Growing Together Ministry Worldwide) interprets Titus 3:1 as a direct, non-negotiable command for believers to submit to government authorities, regardless of personal opinion or the government’s perceived quality. The sermon’s notable insight is its insistence that submission and readiness for good works are not contingent on the government’s righteousness but are a measure of the believer’s own spiritual maturity and relationship with Christ. The preacher uses the metaphor of “changing clothes” to illustrate the necessity of changing one’s mind and attitude, just as one changes garments, and connects this to the need for continual renewal by the Holy Spirit. The sermon also frames submission as a matter of crucifying the mind and holding thoughts captive to Christ, making the internal discipline of thought life central to the passage’s application. This psychological and metaphorical approach, along with the preacher’s candid self-reflection on resisting the urge to speak evil, provides a distinctive interpretive angle.

Navigating Authority: Submission, Conscience, and Redemption (David Guzik) interprets Titus 3:1 as a clear and broad command for Christians to submit to governmental authority, but with two nuanced principles: first, that true submission is only tested when there is disagreement (otherwise, it is mere agreement, not submission), and second, that submission to human authority is never absolute—if government (or any human authority) commands something contrary to God’s commands, Christians must obey God rather than men. Guzik uniquely frames submission as a multi-sphere principle (church, workplace, family, government), drawing a parallel between all these areas and emphasizing that the biblical call to submission is consistent but always subordinate to God’s ultimate authority. He also introduces the idea of “Christian conscience” as a legitimate, though not easily claimed, basis for civil disobedience, urging believers to ensure their conscience is genuinely shaped by God rather than social or peer pressures. This careful distinction between conscience and mere opinion is a notable interpretive angle.

Living Righteously: Submission, Transformation, and Grace (Pastor Chuck Smith) interprets Titus 3:1 as a straightforward command to be subject to governing authorities, emphasizing that the Bible does not teach civil disobedience as a norm. Smith adds a linguistic insight by explaining the Greek word "amachos" (not a brawler), using the negative prefix "a-" to illustrate how Christians are to be non-combative and gentle, not fighters. He also uses the analogy of God as an artist, with Jesus as the model, to describe how God is shaping believers through submission and transformation, which is a unique metaphorical approach to understanding the passage’s call to readiness for good works and gentle conduct.

Titus 3:1 Theological Themes:

Living Out God's Grace Through Good Works (VVCC Kent) introduces the theme that submission to authority is not merely a civic duty but a spiritual discipline that shapes Christian character and witness. The sermon adds the facet that submission is a form of “dying to self,” which is itself a participation in Christ’s humility and a means of displaying God’s loving kindness to the world. The preacher also weaves in the idea that readiness for good works is a proactive stance, requiring preparation and intentionality, not just a reaction to needs as they arise.

Living Authentically: Embracing God's Transformative Grace (Fellowship Baptist Church - Linton) presents the theme that the Christian’s obedience to rulers and readiness for good works are rooted in a continual remembrance of their own past sinfulness and God’s mercy. The sermon uniquely develops the idea that spiritual forgetfulness leads to pride and judgmentalism, while humility and empathy flow from remembering one’s own need for grace. This theme is further nuanced by the preacher’s insistence that the Christian’s distinctiveness is not in withdrawal from society but in returning to it transformed, as a living testimony.

Living in Grace: Obedience, Transformation, and Eternal Focus (Growing Together Ministry Worldwide) offers the theme that submission to authority and readiness for good works are litmus tests of spiritual maturity and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The sermon adds the angle that the believer’s speech and thought life are the true battlegrounds for obedience, and that continual renewal by the Holy Spirit is necessary to maintain a Christlike posture toward authorities and others. The preacher’s emphasis on not letting “communication on Facebook” or public discourse become a source of division or hate is a contemporary application that grounds the theological theme in modern life.

Navigating Authority: Submission, Conscience, and Redemption (David Guzik) introduces the distinct theological theme that submission is not merely about external compliance but is a test of the heart, especially when one disagrees with authority. He further develops the theme that Christian submission is always conditional—never absolute—because God’s authority supersedes all human authority. Guzik’s treatment of “Christian conscience” as a valid but weighty reason for disobedience adds a fresh layer, warning against confusing conscience with cultural or social influences and calling for deep self-examination before claiming a conscience-based exemption.

Living Righteously: Submission, Transformation, and Grace (Pastor Chuck Smith) presents the theme that God’s sovereignty is expressed through both good and evil rulers, sometimes as judgment or blessing on a people, and that submission to authority is ultimately submission to God’s providence. Smith’s additional angle is the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to live out the submissive, gentle, and fruitful life described in Titus 3:1—not by human effort, but by divine regeneration and ongoing transformation. He also explores the theme of justification and grace, emphasizing that God erases the believer’s past and calls them to fruitful living as a response to grace, not as a means to earn it.

Titus 3:1 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Living Authentically: Embracing God's Transformative Grace (Fellowship Baptist Church - Linton) provides historical context by noting that Paul’s audience in Crete, like other early Christian communities, was living under authorities that were often hostile or at least indifferent to the faith. The preacher highlights that Paul’s command to submit to rulers was given to people who were sometimes facing persecution or marginalization, making the call to obedience and good works even more countercultural and challenging. This context underscores the radical nature of Paul’s exhortation and the importance of Christian witness in a non-Christian society.

Living in Grace: Obedience, Transformation, and Eternal Focus (Growing Together Ministry Worldwide) explicitly situates Titus 3:1 in the context of “civil government,” drawing a direct line from the Roman authorities of Paul’s day to modern governments. The preacher emphasizes that Paul’s command applies regardless of the government’s character, and that the early Christians were called to pray for and respect rulers even when they were unjust or pagan. This contextual insight is used to challenge contemporary believers who may be tempted to dismiss the passage as irrelevant or outdated.

Living Righteously: Submission, Transformation, and Grace (Pastor Chuck Smith) provides historical context by referencing the political climate of Crete, describing its people as rebellious and prone to insurrection, which makes Paul’s command for submission particularly pointed and countercultural. Smith also recounts the story of Nebuchadnezzar to illustrate the biblical worldview that God raises up and brings down rulers, sometimes allowing evil leaders as a form of judgment on a nation, and that the experience of oppression under evil rulers can drive people to repentance and a desire for righteousness.

Living Out Grace: Focus on Good Works (Alistair Begg) offers historical context by referencing the English Reformation and the martyrdom of Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer, using their struggles with submission to authority (specifically, the tension between obeying the queen and remaining faithful to the gospel) as a real-world example of the complexities inherent in Titus 3:1. Begg highlights how Cranmer’s repeated attempts to submit to royal authority, even to the point of signing letters he did not believe, ultimately led to his repentance and martyrdom, illustrating the limits of submission when it conflicts with the gospel.

Titus 3:1 Cross-References in the Bible:

Living Out God's Grace Through Good Works (VVCC Kent) references Galatians 6:9 (“let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up”) to reinforce the call to persistent good works as an outflow of grace, not a means of earning salvation. The sermon also alludes to Hebrews 11:1 (“faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”) to connect the hope of Christ’s return with the motivation for godly living and submission. These cross-references are used to expand the meaning of Titus 3:1, situating it within the broader biblical narrative of faith, hope, and active love.

Living Authentically: Embracing God's Transformative Grace (Fellowship Baptist Church - Linton) draws on Romans (specifically the “body of death” imagery) to illustrate the believer’s deliverance from the controlling power of sin and the call to live in newness of life. The preacher also references the broader New Testament teaching on church order and relationships (e.g., Paul’s instructions to employees and masters) to show that the call to submission and good works is a consistent theme. These references are used to support the argument that Christian transformation is both internal and external, and that obedience to authority is part of the new life in Christ.

Living in Grace: Obedience, Transformation, and Eternal Focus (Growing Together Ministry Worldwide) repeatedly references Titus 3:1-7 itself, moving through the verses sequentially to show the progression from submission to authorities, to the transformation of character, to the hope of eternal life. The preacher also alludes to the “light of the world” motif from the Gospels, using it to reinforce the idea that Christians are called to be examples in society. These references serve to anchor the sermon’s application in the immediate and broader biblical context.

Navigating Authority: Submission, Conscience, and Redemption (David Guzik) cross-references Romans 13:1-2 to reinforce the principle that all authority is established by God and that resisting authority is resisting God’s ordinance, but also clarifies that this is not an absolute command—believers must not obey when government commands disobedience to God. He also references Ephesians 5:21 (mutual submission in the church), Hebrews 13:17 (submission to church leaders), Ephesians 6:5 (submission in the workplace), Ephesians 6:1-3 (children to parents), and Ephesians 5:22 (wives to husbands), showing the broad biblical pattern of submission in various spheres, all subordinate to God’s authority.

Living Righteously: Submission, Transformation, and Grace (Pastor Chuck Smith) references Romans 13:1-7 extensively, paralleling its teaching on submission to government with Titus 3:1, and also cites 1 Peter 2 (submission to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake) to reinforce the biblical consistency of this command. Smith further references Ephesians 2 (the past life of disobedience), Colossians 1 (alienation before Christ), and John’s teaching on the Holy Spirit’s work, as well as Jesus’ teaching on fruitfulness in John 15, to expand on the transformation and fruitfulness expected of believers.

Living Out Grace: Focus on Good Works (Alistair Begg) cross-references 1 Timothy 1:3-11 and 2 Timothy 2:23-26 to show Paul’s consistent concern about avoiding foolish controversies and quarrels about the law, connecting these warnings to the practical outworking of Titus 3:1’s call to readiness for good works and avoidance of divisive, unprofitable debates. He also references Galatians (Paul’s confrontation with Peter) and Titus 1 (rebuking false teachers), illustrating that not all controversy is forbidden—only “foolish” controversy.

Titus 3:1 Christian References outside the Bible:

Living Out Grace: Focus on Good Works (Alistair Begg) explicitly references John Calvin, quoting him on the misuse of genealogies: “the Holy Spirit does not provide the genealogies so that we might wander into heedless speculations,” using Calvin’s insight to warn against speculative and unprofitable uses of Scripture. Begg also references the English Reformers Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer, recounting their historical struggle with submission to authority and the cost of faithfulness to the gospel, particularly Cranmer’s repentance for signing a letter of submission he did not believe, which he later repudiated at his execution.

Titus 3:1 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Living Out God's Grace Through Good Works (VVCC Kent) uses the practical example of a mission trip to Spain as a living analogy for submission to authority and readiness for good works. The preacher describes how the team had to adjust to facility rules, such as not being allowed into the building before a certain time, and how this required flexibility, patience, and a good attitude. The act of taking out garbage, setting up and cleaning up, and responding to crying children are all presented as “good works” that embody the spirit of Titus 3:1. The preacher also references the experience of hearing a neighbor yelling at their children as a contrast to the gentleness and courtesy Christians are called to show, using this everyday observation as a secular illustration of the passage’s ethical demands.

Living in Grace: Obedience, Transformation, and Eternal Focus (Growing Together Ministry Worldwide) employs the metaphor of “changing clothes” to illustrate the necessity of changing one’s mind and attitude as a Christian. The preacher humorously notes that everyone changes clothes daily to avoid odor and to present themselves well, and argues that if people are willing to change their clothes, they should be willing to change their minds and absorb more of God’s word. This analogy is used to make the concept of spiritual renewal and transformation accessible and relatable to a broad audience. The preacher also references the act of taking out the trash and the fleeting nature of societal controversies, comparing them to rubbish that is picked up and forgotten, while the blood of Christ remains eternally significant.

Living Out Grace: Focus on Good Works (Alistair Begg) uses the analogy of “quack remedies for physical ailments” sold on late-night radio as a metaphor for the unprofitable and worthless nature of foolish controversies and speculative teachings, likening them to useless products that promise much but deliver nothing, and sometimes even cause harm. He also humorously references playing golf with someone who tries to distract him with speculative biblical theories, illustrating how such distractions can derail focus and productivity, much like foolish controversies in the church.