In Titus 2, the apostle Paul provides clear instructions on how to apply sound doctrine. In the first part of the chapter, he addresses the attitude and actions of different stages of life in which believers in Christ are to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. In the final part of the chapter, he offers instructions for proclaiming sound doctrine. The root and fruit of this are maintained through good works. God’s grace is the root, and good works are the fruit. A remarkable paragraph in chapter two describes the grace of God in an entirely profound manner, all within one sentence – verses 11-14. In the first eleven verses of Chapter Three, we see teachings about demonstrating sound doctrine. In chapter three, verses 4-7, Paul summarizes the goodness of God in a single sentence that includes all the ways believers can show this through their good works. He starts with our responsibilities to governments and civic duties, then briefly comments on church governance. This, along with the teaching of 1:5-16, emphasizes the importance of the public testimony of God’s people. The people of Crete were generally not considered good citizens. Dishonesty and disobedience to authority were common parts of their society and religious life. Titus faced the challenge of teaching people how to live peacefully with neighbors and to get along with those in authority, which would positively reflect their faith in God and bring glory to Him. God’s grace in us should be visible through our respect and submission to “the powers that be that are ordained of God.” The New Testament teaches us about both practical living in society and spiritual life. Earthly governments have been “ordained” by God, even if their leaders are not children of God. These positions serve a purpose. Any government is better than no government at all. Without it, society would fall into chaos, and anarchy would take over. When a government exceeds what God permits, we are to “obey God rather than men.” This does not give us the right to rebel against the government, but it might mean that believers will face consequences that must be endured for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.
