Titus
General
Tradition tells us that the Apostle Paul was liberated at the end of the
two years of imprisonment in Rome, that he again visited the churches of Asia
Minor and, subsequently, made a visit to Spain, preaching the Gospel, and that
later on he came to Rome again a prisoner without favor, and that he suffered
martyrdom after spending a considerable time imprisoned in the Mamertine
prison, a dread dungeon in Rome. It was probably during this latter
imprisonment that the Apostle wrote his epistle to Titus. R3209:6
The term "elder" seems to be applicable to any or all of those
servants whom the Lord sets in his Church for its edification, some of them having
a principal service while others are assistants. Thus the apostles classed
themselves as elders. The term "elder" would signify an elder
brother, not necessarily in years, but matured in Christian character. Titus
was probably young. R1894:3 The Apostle Paul penned the words of our lesson
instructing Titus, an overseer (bishop) of the Church--ministering to the
believers in the island of Crete. The instructions are not intended for, nor
applicable to others than consecrated believers, and refer specifically to six
classes in the church at Crete. (1) The elderly men--not merely the aged, but
rather the advanced, the matured, who doubtless oftenest would be also advanced
in years. (2) The aged women--advanced, matured. (3) The younger women. (4) The
younger men. (5) Those who, though freemen in Christ, were bondmen according to
the flesh--servants. (6) To Titus himself. (7) The lesson ends with an
exhortation applicable to all classes in the Church. It has been claimed by
some that the people of Crete were specially degraded and lacking of good
character, and that this thought is necessary to the Apostle in giving such an
exhortation to those who had left the world and joined themselves to the Lord
as his Church. We shall see, however, that every word of the exhortation is
quite applicable to the Lord's people today, even though they live under the
most enlightened conditions. R2723:1,2
This epistle was to instruct Titus relative to false teachers. R868:5
Titus 1
Titus 1:1
To the faith of God's elect
-- A special, peculiar faith, not
shared by others, neither can others know it, for "it is spiritually
discerned." (1 Cor. 2:14) R3586:5
Titus 1:2
God, that cannot lie -- It would be advisable to accept the Lord's Word. Q765:3
Titus 1:3
In due times -- Israel did not have an accurate chain of chronology. There
were certain broken links supplied for us in the New Testament, to be connected
up "in due time." R5769:2
God our Saviour -- Jehovah is the Saviour, the author of the divine plan of
salvation, and the executor of it. E33
Titus 1:4
Mine own son -- Titus was probably young but matured in Christian
character. R1894:3
Titus 1:5
Left I thee -- As a general overseer. F249
Ordain -- Greek: kathestemi, to place or set down. F277; Q811:1
It is on this text the Episcopal
theory of church order rests. It provides weak support. F277
Appoint. R1890:3
Elders -- Not necessarily an elder in years, but advanced, matured in
Christian character. R1894:3; 2723:1
Not Lords, nor Masters, nor
Reverends. Q844:2
In every city -- To organize and lay the foundation for an age of work just
beginning. R536:3
To take the oversight of the
Lord's flock in their vicinity, to feed them with the truth, to guard them
against the wolves in sheep's clothing, and in a general way to act as their
representatives. R1890:3
Otherwise the Lord's people would
not make the proper progress in knowledge and in the graces of the Spirit.
R3745:6
As I had appointed thee -- The Apostle would surely not give Titus "charge"
or instruction to do differently from what he (the Apostle) did in this matter.
(Acts 14:23) F278; Q811:1
Titus 1:6
If any be -- The Apostle judged fitness of an elder in the same manner
that we now should judge. (vs. 6-11) R1822:1; 1890:4
Husband of one wife -- An injunction more pertinent in those days. R1892:1
Not necessarily a married man; for
the celibate state is preferable. (Matt. 19:12; 1 Cor. 7:32,33) R1892:1
Titus 1:7
Filthy lucre -- The spoils taken by the clergy from the laity--(filthy
lucre), honors, reverence, titles, etc. R1895:6
Titus 1:9
Holding fast the faithful
word -- Searching the Scriptures daily
and critically, and abandoning everything which conflicts therewith. R5097:1
To exhort and to convince --
To teach, "to feed the
flock." (I Pet. 5:2-4) E284
Titus 1:11
Whose mouths -- "Be not many teachers." (James 3:1, Revised
Version) R2156:2
If contaminated with error, the
tongue can do almost untellable harm--injury to faith, to morals, to good
works. R2156:2
Which they ought not -- Faithful elders will be quick to discern and prompt to warn
and defend the flock against all such influences. (Acts 20:28-30; 2 Pet. 2:1-3)
R1890:5
Titus 1:12
Even a prophet -- A public expounder, a public teacher. A55
Titus 1:13
Rebuke them sharply -- Leave no doubt with any as to just where you stand on the
ransom. R1453:4
As soon as we see that any teacher
or paper is wrong on the one, central and vital point--"a corresponding
price" for all--we should have nothing further to do with such until it
fully and openly acknowledges the error and retracts it heartily. R1453:4
Titus 1:15
Unto the pure -- Those who are pure can see the true, pure hearts of God's
sincere "little ones," in spite of the weaknesses of the fallen
flesh. R5746:3
All things are pure -- They can see righteousness in the divine law and
arrangement. R5746:3
Them that are defiled -- Some who identified with the cause of God, but whose
doctrines and manner of life were in conflict with the Gospel--fault-finders.
R5746:2
And unbelieving -- "And unfaithful." (Diaglott) R5746:5
The unfaithfuls' consciences
become perverted, so that they are unable to see anything or anybody in a
proper light. R5746:3
Having lost the spirit of love
which thinketh no evil. R2516:3
Is nothing pure -- Unable to think of love and benevolence as motives for conduct.
R2516:3
Being impure themselves, they
attribute impurity to others. R2516:3
The minds of such become
corrupted, seeing nothing pure, good or right in others. R5746:3
Even to the extreme of impugning
the motives of Jehovah, our Lord Jesus, and the angels. R2516:3,6
Mind and conscience is
defiled -- They become blinded,
self-deceived. R2516:6
They have permitted ill-natured
thoughts to enter the mind and lodge there--suspicions, evil surmisings.
R5746:3
Their consciences become corrupt
and hardened. They are prevaricating, misjudging; do not see how unjust, impure
and blind they have become. R5746:3
To avoid such a terrible
condition, the Lord's people should maintain pure hearts and minds, keeping
consciences very tender. R2516:6
Titus 1:16
They profess that they know
God -- Knowing something in an
intellectual way about his plan and Word. R5746:3
Those who have enjoyed the truth,
enjoyed at least the first step in heart-purification. R2516:3
Satan has driven far away from God
nearly all, even of those who profess church membership. SM131:1
In works they deny him -- "By their works they renounce him." (Diaglott)
R5746:5
If we deny him, he will also
(then) deny us. (2 Tim. 2:12) E490
Their works are contrary to God's
Word, which instructs that all should seek to do all the good they can, to see
all the good they can, and to give generous judgment to others. R5746:3
Not that such have necessarily
become immoral and vile. R5746:5
Every good work reprobate --
"To every good work
worthless." (Diaglott) R5746:2
Spoiled by the spirit of pride,
selfishness, malice, and envy--worthless as bad salt: "If the salt have
lost its savor...it is thenceforth good for nothing." (Matt. 5:13; Luke
14:34,35) R2517:3
So far as any good work is
concerned they will defile it, injure it. R5746:5
Instead of fault-finding, tearing
down, we should give our time, hands, feet, tongues, to blessing and
upbuilding. R5746:6
Titus 2
Titus 2:1
But speak thou the things
which become sound doctrine -- The
charges of Paul to Timothy (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 4:1-5) and to Titus
(2:1,7,8,11-15), and of Peter (1 Pet. 5:1-11), might be read to the chosen
elders in presence of company, followed by prayer that God would add his
blessing upon them, and upon all the company as they shall co-operate together
in the service of the Lord. R1892:4
Titus 2:2
The aged men -- The elderly men, the advanced. Not only their years of
natural life, but also their years of experience in Christian life should bring
them to conditions of maturity and sobriety. R2723:2
Temperate -- Moderate--not light, frivolous and excitable. R2723:2
Sound in faith -- A sound faith is all-important, not only in shaping
conduct, but also in inspiring it. R2723:3
In charity -- The patience which will last and become an integral part of
character must result from a change of heart: the mainspring of love must first
replace the mainspring of selfishness. R2723:4
In patience -- Greek: hupomonee, constancy --the thought being an
endurance of evil in a cheerful, willing, patient manner. It represents therefore,
an element of character, and not merely a temporary condition of restraint of
feeling or action. R2791:1,5
Paul places patience above and
beyond love. This final test of patient, cheerful endurance must be passed
before we can be of the elect. R4910:1, 5651:3, 2791:5, 2723:3
Titus 2:3
The aged women -- Matured, developed. R2723:5
As becometh holiness -- "Reverent in demeanor." (Revised Version) They
are supposed to have professed holiness, full consecration to the Lord, full
desire to know and to do his will, and such consecration is to show out in
their lives. R2723:5
Not false accusers -- "Not slanderers." (Revised Version) On the
contrary, they will be examples in the matter of minding their own business.
R2723:5
Teachers of good things -- By precept as well as by example, to all with whom they
have an influence. R2723:5
Titus 2:4
That they may teach -- Naturally their influence will be greatest over the younger
women, and it should be exercised as becometh women professing godliness,
professing to be guided by the Word of the Lord, and the spirit of the Truth.
R2723:5
Titus 2:5
To be discreet -- Soberminded--not too emotional;--to do some sober thinking
along sober lines, and thus to cultivate both heart and head. R2723:6
Chaste -- Modest, pure--an instruction deep and powerful in its
influence for good. R2723:6
Keepers at home -- "Workers at home." (Revised Version) R2723:6
That the home is her workshop and
her pulpit, where her influence should be greatest and most valuable. R2724:1
Obedient to -- "Submissive" (Diaglott)--not attempting to usurp
the place of. R2724:1
Not blind obedience or dumb
submission. R2724:1
She shall use proper liberties and
privileges with propriety, so as to make life a blessing and not a burden to
her husband. R2724:1
The word of God -- The Scriptures, divine revelation. R1584:3
Titus 2:6
To be sober minded -- Not rash, thoughtless, conceited--that they exercise
self-control. R2724:2
Titus 2:7
Uncorruptness -- Not permitting his teachings (doctrine) to be corrupted
either with vain imaginations of his own or those of other people. R2724:2
Gravity -- The opposite of frivolity, levity. R2724:3
Sincerity -- Greek: aptharsia, incorruption. E397; R204:1
Titus 2:8
Sound speech -- Conversation that will exert a truly helpful, strengthening
influence--to mind and heart and character. R2724:3
Cannot be condemned -- By anybody, friend or foe, heathen or Christian, saint ot
sinner; and such a course will be a constant reproof to those enemies who must
always be expected; in the face of such noble living they of the contrary part
must surely be put to shame eventually. (Jas. 3:13) R2724:3
Titus 2:9
Servants -- Though freemen in Christ, bondmen according to the flesh.
R2723:2
To please them well -- To take as much interest in their master's goods as though
they were their own; they were to do their work as though they were doing it to
the Lord himself, faithfully, well. (1Cor. 10:31) R2724:5
In all things -- In the little things as well as the great affairs. R2724:5
Not answering again -- Not gainsaying nor quarreling with their master over his
methods and ways and work. R2724:6
Titus 2:10
Not purloining -- Secretly appropriating to themselves the master's goods.
R2724:6
All good fidelity -- By his own strict integrity even in the smallest things he
shall do his preaching and exercise his influence upon his master--faithfulness
to his master's interests. R2724:6
That they may adorn -- By the exercise of a living faith in life's affairs, they
show that it is not a doctrine of strife, but of peace and good-will toward
men, not a doctrine merely of personal rights and of selfish strife for their
attainment, but a doctrine of love, joy and peace in the holy Spirit. R2725:3
God our Saviour -- Jehovah is the Savior, the Author of the great plan of Salvation.
E33
Titus 2:11
For -- "For (because) the grace of God hath appeared,
bringing salvation to (for) all men." (Revised Version) R2725:3
The grace of God -- Divine grace signifies God's unmerited mercy and favor--it
is not a reward. R2284:2, 4576:1, 2283:6
Relates primarily to the mercy
which he purposed to extend to Adam and all of his posterity through our Lord
Jesus Christ. R4576:1, 2725:5, 2284:3
God's grace in the present time is
manifested in connection with the "high calling" to the divine nature
and the life immortal connected therewith. (Phil. 3:14) R2725:4, 2284:4
To abide in God's grace we must
turn from sin to serve the Lord. R4576:2, 2725:5
While justification is of grace,
our presentation of our bodies living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1) is not grace, but
of our own volition. R4576:5
The "new creature" (2
Cor. 5:17) has need of grace and mercy because it has for its expression only
the frail "earthen vessel" (2 Cor. 4:17). R4576:2
Which God's people have through
Christ for the justification from their sins on the basis of obedient faith
(Rom. 4:25, 5:1). R4576:2, 2286:1
His favor, based upon Jesus'
payment of a "ransom for all" (1 Tim. 2:6). R2284:3, 2725:4
God's grace in the Millennial age
will be manifested in the "restitution" blessings which will be
offered to all mankind (Acts 3:21). R2725:5, 4576:1, 2284:5
No one can intelligently believe
in divine grace who holds the theory of evolution or any other theory of
salvation than the Scriptural one. R2284:5
That bringeth -- That leads to. R2283:3
Salvation -- The opportunities afforded by grace make possible our
salvation from sin and death conditions. R4576:1
Hath appeared -- It has been manifested to some and the information has been
given that ultimately it will be extended to all, so that all may have a share
in it. R4576:1, 2285:5
To all men -- For all men--the dead as well as the living. R2285:5
Since it has been provided freely
for all, so ultimately it shall be extended to all, that all may avail
themselves of it. R2285:5
The earthly life-everlasting which
will be granted to all those who then come into harmony with the terms of that
grace. R2725:5
The grace of God can never
disappear until it has accomplished its mission. R691:1*, 1436:6*
Titus 2:12
Teaching us that -- It has many teachings or lessons, but one of these is
paramount, namely, that in God's sight sin is exceedingly sinful and must
become so also in our sight. (Rom. 7:13) R4576:1
That the way of reconciliation
back to God's favor is a way of self-denial. R2725:5
Denying ungodliness -- "Renouncing ungodly desires." R2283:6
Forego the weakness, the
tendencies of the flesh and resist them and show our preference for
righteousness by our zeal in fighting against sin. R4576:1
Denying everything that is
contrary to our highest conception of the divine character and will. R2725:5
Righteously -- All who will get God's blessing on the earthly or the
heavenly plane must come to the standard of loving righteousness and hating
iniquity. R4576:1
In this present world -- "In this present age." R2283:6, 2725:5
The world that now is is already
being violently shaken, and is beginning to crumble away financially,
politically, socially, and ecclesiastically. Q853:1
Titus 2:13
Looking for that blessed
hope -- He holds up before us the
grand consideration toward which all of our ambitions are to turn, in which all
of our hopes are to center, and in which our hearts are to find their treasure,
outweighing and outvaluing every earthly consideration. R2725:6
The second advent of Christ and
the resurrection, the hope of the Church, and the hope of the world. F664, 665
Of the Gospel. R2146:4
The object of the hope is the
appearing of Christ to receive his Bride, and transform them into his likeness.
R471:4, 1893:4, 1105:6
Neither prohibition, female
suffrage, free silver, protective tariff, communism, anarchism. socialism,
nationalism, general mechanical education, single tax, nor other human scheme.
D470-515
The only hope for the world is in
the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ--the Millennial Kingdom. D517
We shall be satisfied only when we
get those eternal verities of which now we have only the promise, or hope. But
what a hope is ours; what a glorious hope! SM739:2
The second advent is the motive
for divine hope. R298:2*
Our salvation continues as day by day
we abide in the Lord and grow in grace, knowledge, and the holy Spirit.
Eventually our salvation will be complete. (1 Pet. 1:13) R5920:4
Watching implies hoping, and it
also implies waiting. R2973:2
And the glorious -- "Even the glorious manifestation of our great God and
Saviour Jesus Christ." R2283:3
Appearing -- Greek: epiphaneia, bright shining or manifestation. R2979:1
Of the great God -- Our Lord Jesus is a mighty one, a great one amongst the
mighty ones. R2726:1
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ F673
Who shall transform his Church to
his own spiritual image and likeness, in order that we may be associated with
him in his great work of bringing in the Millennial blessings. R2973:2
Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us -- Christ, who, through the eternal spirit, offered himself
without spot to God, and for this cause he is the mediator of the New Covenant.
(Heb. 9:14,16) E450
He might redeem -- Greek: lutroo, "to loose by a price," to set free
by the payment of a price. E431
Not only from the tomb in the
Millennium, but also those who now hear the message and obtain relief from the
thraldom of iniquity. E432
From all iniquity -- Sin and iniquity are two names for the same thing. R710:4
Not merely a redemption from the
power of the grave. R2517:6
A peculiar people -- The Lord is seeking specially a people peculiarly cleansed,
purified. R2517:6
Not striving after the things of
this world. R2146:4
Different from others, possessed
of a special love for that which is just, pure, noble, good; and are striving
to cultivate these graces more and more in their hearts. R2726:4
Separate from nominal Christians
as well as the world, having higher hopes, aims and ambitions and with a
clearer insight into the deep things of God. R5970:1
A people bought back from sin and death,
different from others. They are new creatures in Christ. (2 Cor. 5:17) They
have new hopes and new aims; namely, to be made associates in the government of
Messiah. R5461:5
Not on outward looks, not by
wearing peculiar clothing, nor by talking in some peculiar way. CR333:2, 408:6
A faith-full people, peculiar in
this respect from the majority; not many great, not many wise, not many learned
according to the course of this world have and exercise this faith--chiefly the
poor, rich in faith, may be heirs of the kingdom. R3944:6
The Gospel Church, "a holy
nation, a peculiar people" (1 Pet. 2:7,9). R2604:3
Zealous of good works -- "Devoted to good works." R2283:6
Willing to lay down their lives in
God's service. E30
One particular work given them of
the Father; hence they cannot give their attention to political or social
reform, etc. The Lord's people are eager to do good, but in the way that will
be most effective. (John 9:4) R5462:1
The same kind of good works the
Lord himself was engaged in. CR333:3
God's work now is to bring to a
knowledge of the truth those who have an ear to hear. CR334:1
Earnestly desirous and striving to
do good unto all men as they have opportunity, physically, mentally, morally,
and, especially, to do good to the household of faith (Gal. 6:10). R2726:4,
CR333:4
For that which is right, loving
the right, the truth, and loving God's way so that we will be glad at any cost
to serve His cause. CR408:6
Zealous for the Kingdom, zealous
for the Lord's Word. R2510:5
Titus 2:15
Let our sentiments and our course
of action always be noble and pure, and on the right side of every subject that
comes forward for ventilation and investigation. R3068:4
These things speak -- Let those who seek to serve the Lord know that his truth is
his representative, and let them cast their influence, all of it, on the right
side of this momentous question of the ransom. Leave no doubt with any as to
just where you stand. R1453:3
Exhort, and rebuke -- Not the pleasantest part of our duty, but some need words
of warning in order that they be not deceived. R1480:4*
In love and gentleness. R2726:4
All authority -- Full authority, not doubting as to the meaning of the
divine instruction. R2726:4: The authority of God's Word, not Titus' own.
R1892:6
Despise thee -- Titus was probably young. R1894:3
Declare these principles of
righteousness governing the Lord's people in a plain, positive and
authoritative manner. Speak with authority not as with uncertainty and
questioning. R2726:4
Titus 3
Titus 3:1
Be subject to -- The spirit of submission, rather than of contention, is
enjoined upon the whole Church in its relationship to civil ordinances of men.
R1553:2
"Submit yourselves to every
ordinance of man, for the Lord's sake." (1
Pet. 2:13) R1553:2
Implies not merely a willingness
to serve under compulsion, but implies also that we will not oppose earthly
governments in any public manner. (Rom. 13:1) The public reproof and overthrow
will come from the Lord. R5716:4
While our citizenship is in
heaven, nevertheless, like all other foreigners, we are to be subject to the
laws of the country in which we may be living. But obedience to the laws on the
part of Bible Students does not imply military duty. R5928:3
Our allegiance to earthly lords
and powers and their commands is merely to the extent that they do not conflict
with the commands of our Over-Lord. R5929:2
Titus 3:2
Speak evil of no man -- To speak that which is injurious; therefore one should say
nothing that would injure any man. R5529:1
Evil speaking is to say anything
derogatory respecting another, to tell things uncomplimentary, to speak
anything that is prejudicial to the character of another, whether it be truth
or falsehood. R4281:2, 5471:5
Strictly forbidden to God's people
as wholly contrary to his spirit of love, even if the evil thing be true.
R4803:1
We should say nothing contrary to
the Golden Rule. R5529:1, 4283:5
How much more evil in the Lord's
sight must it be if any of the Lord's brethren should speak evil of one
another--speak evil of a member of the Lord's Body! How terrible is the
thought. (Psa. 50:19-22) R3275:6
This is an absolute command--not
only of no man in the Church, but of no man outside the Church. R4616:4
How much more will love insist
that a brother's weaknesses or blunders or sins be carefully covered. F290
Some of the most conscientious
Christians have difficulty along this line. Any who ignore it prove their own
lack of development. R5529:1, 5530:4, 4803:1, 4281:5
The disposition that thus exposes
the imperfections of the brethren is surely not the love that covers. (1 Pet.
4:8) R5530:4
The sooner every follower of
Christ comes to see that defamation is the theft of another's reputation, the
sooner they will see this subject as it really is, in all its hideousness--as
it must appear in the sight of the Lord. R5530:4, 4283:4, 3275:5
A slander is equally a slander,
whether it is true or whether it is false, and is so regarded not only in the
law of God, but also in the laws of civilized men. R2444:4, 5573:1*, 4281:2,
3030:2
Slander and evil speaking are
assassinations of the character of another. R3275:5
Those who listen to slanderers are
partakers of their evil deeds. R4803:2, 4281:6
An exception would be if you were
a witness to a murder, theft, or any other heinous crime, it would be a duty to
society to speak of the evil, to report it to the proper authorities. R4281:3,
2445:1
It is not evil speaking to report
violations of rules of house or office. R5529:2 We may properly set forth that
there is but the one true Church, organized by our Lord, and that all other
churches, therefore are merely human systems. But it is not our privilege to
tirade against these churches. R4433:1
Matt. 18:15-17 should be used with
our brethren. R4281:5, 1575:3; F289
It is not our duty to speak evil
in the interests of the Church. R5530:1
Do not render slander for slander.
R5639:3
"Let no corrupt communication
proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good, to the use of
edifying." (Eph. 4:29) R2588:2; SM183:1
Do we always follow this
Scriptural rule? Or do we find ourselves possessed of a mean disposition, which
takes pleasure in gossiping to others respecting what we know, or what we have
heard derogatory to others? NS590:4
He does not say, Speak evil of no
creed. Some of the creeds should be very evilly spoken of! He does not say that
we are not to speak evil of an evil principle, but brings the matter down to
personality. R5471:1
Titus 3:3
For we ourselves -- Paul sums up the disciple's transformation from selfishness
to the love of God in a few words of verses 3 to 6. R2648:5
Malice and envy, hateful -- Beware of all thoughts, feelings and conditions of heart
directly or remotely connected with these, for they will surely do great
injury. R4803:6
Titus 3:4
Kindness -- Goodness. (Diaglott) R2648:5
God our Savior -- The great Jehovah himself is the author of the salvation
brought unto us by our Lord Jesus. E35
Titus 3:5
He saved us -- Delivered us from this evil condition of heart. R2648:5
By the washing -- The bath of a new birth. R2422:6, 1768:3*
The purifying of regeneration.
OV379:T
The cleansing power is "the
Blood of Christ." (1 John 1:7) E445, R5854:3
Our regeneration or begetting
again of the holy Spirit and our renewing by it comes to us in conjunction with
the washing or cleansing which is effected in us by the operation of the
truth--the divine message. R4125:1
Symbolized by the priests first
washing at the laver before entering the Holy and thus typically becoming new
creatures. R4125:1
Of regeneration -- Begetting again of the holy Spirit. R4125:1
The reforming and justifying
influences of faith in the Redeemer. Q822:3
The regenerating processes of the
present time are with a view to bringing the Church class to a new nature.
Their regeneration began when God imparted the holy Spirit, following
consecration, and continues during lifetime, a transforming and renewing work.
OV378:4
And renewing -- Renovation of the holy Spirit. R1768:3*
The making new by the holy Spirit.
R2422:6
Titus 3:6
Shed on us abundantly -- Poured out on us richly as typified by the anointing of the
head of the High Priest (Psa. 133:2), representing Jesus the Head and the
Church, his members. R1768:3*; T29, 37
Titus 3:7
Justified by his grace -- Down under all is the ransom--Jesus' death--the basis of
all justifying faith--the channel of God's grace. (Rom. 3:24, 25) R441:2, 660:3
There was no obligation upon our
Creator to do anything whatsoever for our recovery from the just penalty which
he had placed upon us. F105
Be made heirs -- Our Lord Jesus is the only heir under the Sarah Covenant.
It is our coming into betrothal and union with him that gives us a share in
that name and the honors and glorious future which it implies. (Gal. 3:28, 29)
R1386:6
The hope of eternal life -- The one hope--the resurrection of the dead. R1435:1,6*
By a resurrection. The ground of
this hope is found in Jehovah's promises, confirmed unto us by the death of our
Lord Jesus as the ransom price for our sins, and by his resurrection from the
dead for our justification. (1
Pet. 1:3; Acts 17:31) R1278:2
Titus 3:9
Avoid foolish questions -- Let the world speculate as it may about its own themes of
interest, but let us devote ourselves to the one thing at hand. R3200:6
And contentions -- The contentious spirit is generally to by found among those
who are not living up to the spirit of the truth which they have already
recognized. They have been attempting to grow in knowledge without growing in
grace--in love, in kindness, gentleness, meekness, patience, etc. R4009:1
Titus 3:10
An heretick -- Those who wrest (twist) the Scriptures, and thus turn the
truth of God into a lie. R1575:3
Doctrinal disorders are among the
chief. R1575:3
Reject -- If any come and bring not this doctrine (the ransom),
receive him not. (2 John 10) R1453:4
Titus 3:15
Salute thee -- The churches in one place were prompt to send Christian
greetings and benedictions to those in other places. R1895:4
Them that love us -- We are to recognize as "brethren" those who have only the phileo degree of duty-love; but we are to see to it that we "love the brotherhood" (1 Pet. 2:17) with agape or higher love. R2807:5