Sermons on Titus 3:2
The various sermons below converge on the central call of Titus 3:2 to embody a transformed character marked by humility, gentleness, and a refusal to engage in slander or quarrelsome behavior. They collectively emphasize that Christian speech is not merely about avoiding falsehood but about actively reflecting God’s kindness and mercy through restorative and respectful communication. A recurring nuance is the distinction between gentleness and weakness, with gentleness portrayed as strength under control and an attitude of humility rather than timidity. Another shared insight is the internal dimension of transformation—true godliness manifests not only in outward behavior but in the ongoing renewal of the mind and heart, which shapes how believers relate to others, including enemies. Several sermons highlight the importance of remembering one’s own past sinfulness as a safeguard against self-righteousness and judgmentalism, underscoring that humility is rooted in grace received. Additionally, the sermons collectively warn against divisive or “foolish” controversies, framing such disputes as distractions from the gospel and a threat to church unity, while affirming that not all debate is unhelpful.
Despite these common threads, the sermons diverge in their primary emphases and applications. One sermon uniquely explores the Greek term for “slander,” expanding the concept to include any speech that diminishes another’s dignity, and stresses the ethical contrast between worldly reciprocity and Christian unconditional respect. Another sermon focuses heavily on the ongoing process of sanctification, portraying meekness as strength under control and urging believers to maintain a posture of humility by recalling their former state apart from Christ. A third sermon uses vivid metaphors of changing clothes and spiritual renewal to stress the necessity of daily transformation and the role of the Holy Spirit in sustaining a Christlike attitude, especially in the context of social and governmental tensions. In contrast, one sermon zeroes in on the nature of controversy itself, distinguishing between profitable theological debate and harmful, speculative disputes that distract from the gospel, drawing on historical theological reflections to caution against prideful misuse of Scripture. These differences shape how each preacher frames the practical outworking of Titus 3:2, whether as a call to personal speech reform, ongoing internal transformation, spiritual renewal in community, or discernment in doctrinal engagement.
Titus 3:2 Interpretation:
Reflecting God's Character in Our Daily Lives (Reach City Church Cleveland) offers a notably deep and nuanced interpretation of Titus 3:2, especially through its exploration of the Greek term "blasphemo" for "slander." The sermon explains that this word goes far beyond simply not lying about someone; it encompasses not demeaning another's dignity or being hypercritical or spiteful in speech. The preacher uses vivid analogies, such as the difference between telling your side of a story and unintentionally bearing false witness, and the reclaiming of derogatory words (like the "B word" or "N word") as examples of how language can rob dignity. The sermon also distinguishes between gentleness and timidity, emphasizing that gentleness is an attitude of humility, not weakness, and that even correction or rebuke must be done with humility and restorative intent. The preacher draws a sharp contrast between the world's ethic of "give respect to get respect" and the biblical call to show respect and refrain from slander toward all people, regardless of how they treat us. This interpretation is further enriched by the preacher's personal anecdotes and the insistence that the call to godliness is a call to reform not just our actions but our speech and attitudes toward everyone, including enemies.
Living Authentically: Embracing God's Transformative Grace (Fellowship Baptist Church - Linton) interprets Titus 3:2 as a call for Christians, who are now "sanctified children of God," to live distinctly from the world by refusing to speak evil of anyone, to avoid being quarrelsome, and to approach all relationships with gentleness and meekness. The sermon highlights that meekness is not weakness but strength under control, and that Christians are to approach every interaction with the humility that acknowledges, "I might be wrong." The preacher repeatedly emphasizes that the temptation for Christians is to become judgmental or self-righteous, forgetting their own past, and that the antidote is to remember who they were before Christ. This memory should shape a posture of humility and gentleness toward others, especially those still living in sin. The sermon’s unique angle is its focus on the internal transformation that should be visible externally, and the repeated insistence that the Christian’s role is to be a testimony of God’s kindness and mercy, not a judge of others’ failings.
Living in Grace: Obedience, Transformation, and Eternal Focus (Growing Together Ministry Worldwide) interprets Titus 3:2 as a call to radical transformation in speech and attitude, especially in the context of civil government and social discord. The sermon uniquely emphasizes the need to "crucify our mind" and hold thoughts captive to Christ, suggesting that the true test of spirituality is what comes out of one's mouth, especially under pressure. The preacher uses the analogy of changing clothes daily to illustrate the necessity of changing one's mindset and being willing to grow in meekness and gentleness, just as one would not wear dirty clothes repeatedly. This analogy is extended to spiritual renewal, arguing that just as we seek freshness in our appearance, we should seek renewal in the Holy Spirit to avoid the "odor" of old, sinful habits like slander and brawling. The sermon also frames the refusal to speak evil or be combative as a mark of Christian maturity and contrasts it with the divisiveness and judgmentalism prevalent in society and even among Christians.
Living Out Grace: Focus on Good Works (Alistair Begg) offers a detailed interpretation of Titus 3:2 by focusing on the distinction between necessary and "foolish controversies," using the adjective "foolish" as the interpretive key. The sermon draws a sharp line between legitimate theological debate (which has historically led to creeds and reformations) and speculative, mythological, or empty talk that distracts from the gospel. Begg uses the metaphor of "speculative hot air" and likens such controversies to "quack remedies"—useless, sometimes harmful distractions that create chaos rather than clarity. He also references Calvin's comment that the genealogies in Scripture are not for "heedless speculations," but to point to Christ, and warns against treating the Bible as a "gigantic jigsaw puzzle" for personal amusement or prideful debate. This approach is distinct in its focus on the linguistic nuance of "foolish" and its historical-theological analogies.
Titus 3:2 Theological Themes:
Reflecting God's Character in Our Daily Lives (Reach City Church Cleveland) introduces the theological theme that true godliness is measured by the reformation of our speech and the humility of our interactions, not just by private piety or doctrinal correctness. The sermon uniquely frames "elevation" in the Christian life not as worldly success or spiritual gifts, but as the transformation of our speech—moving from tearing down to building up, from contention to peacemaking, and from arrogance to humility. It also presents the idea that the Christian’s refusal to slander or demean is a direct participation in the kindness and mercy of God that led to our own salvation, making our speech a living witness to the gospel. The preacher’s insistence that even rebuke and correction must be restorative and gentle, never condemning, adds a fresh facet to the theme of church discipline and community life.
Living Authentically: Embracing God's Transformative Grace (Fellowship Baptist Church - Linton) adds the theme that remembering one’s own past as a sinner is essential for cultivating humility and gentleness in present relationships. The sermon’s distinctive contribution is its focus on the ongoing process of regeneration—not just a one-time event, but a continual transformation that should be evident in how we speak and relate to others. The preacher also highlights the danger of spiritual amnesia, warning that forgetting our own need for mercy leads to self-righteousness and a lack of compassion for others.
Living in Grace: Obedience, Transformation, and Eternal Focus (Growing Together Ministry Worldwide) introduces the theme that true humility and gentleness toward all, as commanded in Titus 3:2, are not merely social virtues but are evidence of spiritual regeneration and the indwelling of Christ. The sermon adds the facet that the refusal to slander or brawl is a sign of being set free by the cross, and that ongoing renewal by the Holy Spirit is necessary to maintain this Christlike posture. The preacher also connects the command to not speak evil with the mission of evangelism, arguing that one cannot win people to Christ while spreading hate or judgment, thus linking personal holiness with the church's witness.
Living Out Grace: Focus on Good Works (Alistair Begg) presents the unique theological theme that controversy itself is not inherently wrong, but "foolish" controversy is spiritually destructive. The sermon adds the angle that the inventiveness of false teachers, when matched with the curiosity of naive listeners, creates a harmful environment that undermines the church's health. Begg's nuanced distinction between profitable and unprofitable debate, and his warning against treating Scripture as a playground for speculative pride, provide a fresh application of Titus 3:2 to contemporary church life.
Titus 3:2 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Reflecting God's Character in Our Daily Lives (Reach City Church Cleveland) provides detailed historical context by noting that Paul’s instructions in Titus 3:2 were given during a time of severe governmental tyranny and persecution (e.g., under Emperor Nero). The preacher emphasizes that Paul was not writing from a place of peace or governmental benevolence, but from within a context where Christians were being burned and publicly humiliated. This context makes the call to respect and submit to governing authorities, and to refrain from slander and contention, all the more radical and challenging. The sermon also draws a parallel between the perversion of government and the perversion of other God-given institutions like marriage, arguing that the existence of corruption does not nullify the divine origin or the Christian’s responsibility to honor what is good within those institutions.
Living Authentically: Embracing God's Transformative Grace (Fellowship Baptist Church - Linton) situates Titus 3:2 within the context of early Christian communities in Crete, who were facing persecution and social marginalization. The preacher notes that Paul’s command to submit to authorities and to refrain from slander was not a call to isolation or withdrawal from society, but to active engagement as exemplary citizens and witnesses. The sermon also highlights the cultural norm of slander and dishonesty in the ancient world, contrasting it with the Christian ethic of honesty and respect.
Living Out Grace: Focus on Good Works (Alistair Begg) provides significant historical context by referencing the controversies that led to the formation of the creeds, the Reformation, and the martyrdoms of Ridley, Latimer, and Cranmer in 16th-century England. The sermon details how these controversies were centered on essential doctrines like justification and the atonement, and how figures like Cranmer struggled to balance submission to authority (as in Titus 3:1-2) with faithfulness to the gospel. The preacher recounts Cranmer's repeated attempts to submit to Queen Mary while refusing to violate his conscience, culminating in his martyrdom and his symbolic act of burning the hand that signed a false confession. This context is used to clarify that Paul is not condemning all controversy, but only that which is "foolish" and distracts from the gospel.
Titus 3:2 Cross-References in the Bible:
Reflecting God's Character in Our Daily Lives (Reach City Church Cleveland) references several biblical passages to expand on Titus 3:2. Romans 13:1-4 is used to explain the divine origin of government and the Christian’s duty to submit to civil authorities as an act of submission to God, unless such submission would require disobedience to God’s commands. The sermon also references the stories of the Hebrew midwives (Exodus 1), Daniel’s refusal to bow to the Babylonian idol (Daniel 3), and Peter and John’s defiance of the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:19), all as examples of righteous civil disobedience when government commands contradict God’s law. Matthew 5:9 ("Blessed are the peacemakers"), Matthew 10 ("I did not come to bring peace, but a sword"), Romans 12:18 ("If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people"), Galatians 6:1 (restoring in a spirit of gentleness), 2 Timothy 2:24-26 (gentleness in correcting opponents), 1 Peter 2:21-23 (Christ’s example of not retaliating), and 1 Peter 3:8-9 (not returning evil for evil) are all cited to reinforce the call to humility, gentleness, and peacemaking in speech and conduct.
Living Authentically: Embracing God's Transformative Grace (Fellowship Baptist Church - Linton) references Romans (especially the concept of being freed from the "body of death") to illustrate the transformation from being controlled by sinful desires to living in the Spirit. The sermon also alludes to the broader biblical narrative of God’s mercy and the call to be a light in the world, though it does not cite as many specific passages as the Reach City Church sermon.
Living Out Grace: Focus on Good Works (Alistair Begg) references several passages to expand on Titus 3:2: 1 Timothy 1:3-11, where Paul warns against false teachers and unprofitable controversies; 2 Timothy 2:23-26, which instructs pastors to avoid foolish and ignorant disputes because they breed quarrels, and to correct opponents with gentleness; Galatians (opening chapters), where Paul engages in necessary controversy for the sake of the gospel; and Titus 1:10, which describes empty talkers and deceivers, especially among the circumcision party, who use the law as a playground for speculation. Each reference is used to show that Paul consistently distinguishes between essential, gospel-centered controversy and divisive, speculative argumentation, reinforcing the call in Titus 3:2 to avoid the latter.
Serving with Grace: The Pastor's Call to Truth (Alistair Begg) cross-references Ephesians 4 (speaking the truth in love), 1 Timothy 6:3 (warning against those who crave controversy and quarrels about words), and Matthew 12 (Jesus as the gentle servant fulfilling Isaiah's servant songs). These passages are used to support the idea that the Christian leader must be both clear and kind, persuasive but not combative, and that the ultimate goal is to reflect Christ's character so that God may grant repentance and knowledge of the truth.
Titus 3:2 Christian References outside the Bible:
Serving with Grace: The Pastor's Call to Truth (Alistair Begg) explicitly references John Calvin, noting Calvin's suggestion that the controversies Paul warns against are not about revelation but about speculation, and that such discussions are ultimately unhelpful because they cannot be definitively addressed from Scripture. Begg also mentions Dick Lucas, a respected preacher, as a model for avoiding quarrelsome post-service debates, and John Stott, from whom he borrows the insight that behind every gospel encounter is a spiritual battle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness. Each reference is used to reinforce the sermon's call for pastors to avoid combative argumentation and to focus on Christlike gentleness and clarity.
Titus 3:2 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Reflecting God's Character in Our Daily Lives (Reach City Church Cleveland) uses several detailed secular illustrations to bring Titus 3:2 to life. The preacher discusses the cultural trend of "reclaiming" derogatory words (like the "B word" and the "N word") as a way of supposedly empowering oneself, but argues that such language still robs people of dignity and is incompatible with Christian speech. The sermon also references the behavior of Christian YouTubers who, in their zeal to call out false teachers, resort to name-calling and insults, likening them to TMZ and critiquing the "algorithm" of negativity that drives online engagement. The preacher uses personal anecdotes about card games and marital disputes to illustrate how hypercriticism and contention can poison relationships, and even jokes about the temptation to retaliate when insulted, only to be reminded by the example of Christ. These illustrations serve to make the biblical principles of Titus 3:2 concrete and relatable, showing how easily we can fall into patterns of speech that demean or divide, even in everyday situations.
Living in Grace: Obedience, Transformation, and Eternal Focus (Growing Together Ministry Worldwide) uses the everyday analogy of changing clothes and brushing teeth to illustrate the need for spiritual renewal and willingness to change one's mindset. The preacher humorously notes that just as no one would want to sit in a room with people who haven't changed clothes, Christians should not persist in the "odor" of old, sinful habits like slander and brawling. This analogy is extended to the idea that spiritual renewal should be as regular and desirable as physical cleanliness and freshness.
Living Out Grace: Focus on Good Works (Alistair Begg) employs the metaphor of "quack remedies" sold on late-night radio as an analogy for the uselessness and potential harm of engaging in foolish controversies and speculative theology. He likens the allure of such debates to the empty promises of miracle cures, which may not be physically harmful but are ultimately worthless and distracting. Begg also uses the image of people with "itchy ears" like rabbits, always twitching at the sound of new speculative ideas, to illustrate the danger of a church culture addicted to novelty and controversy.