So, how can anyone truly live the way Paul describes in verse 1? How can any of us be so submissive and obedient, always pure in speech, unfailingly gentle and courteous? Well, it’s not possible – at least not for anyone in our own strength.

Instead, Paul insists that it is the Holy Spirit Who regenerates us, giving us new Christ-like life. It is the Holy Spirit Who thus washes us and renews us (v. 5). And it is Jesus Christ our Savior Who pours out this Spirit on us and saves us not only from the consequences of our sin, but from our tendency to focus on ourselves and what we want, an inclination that naturally results in all the bad behavior Paul describes in verse 3.

But once God has shown us His “goodness and loving kindness” (v. 4) in saving us by His mercy (v. 5), once the Spirit of Christ has come to live within us, it’s still up to us to live into that new reality. Those of us who have believed in God still have to make the effort every day to devote ourselves to the sorts of good works that will demonstrate our self-sacrificial, unconditional love for others (v. 8).

So today, let’s give God all the credit and all the glory, not only for our salvation but for our sanctification, our progress in becoming more like Christ. But at the same time we let’s do everything that we can to be as much like Jesus as we can, holding on to the hope not of worldly pleasure but of eternal life (v. 7).

Titus 3:1-15 (ESV)

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,
11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.
14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.