Apostle Paul writes this epistle to Titus, who he assigned to set things in order and ordain elders in every city in Crete (Titus 1:5). Throughout the book the Holy Spirit is giving guidance to all group/category of believers clearly specifying a disciple’s character development.

In today’s reading we see the past, present and future of a believer who received Jesus Christ (Titus 3:3-8); in other words, our life as seen in the yesterday, today and tomorrow. The verses before the key verse explains it and concludes that it’s a trustworthy statement.

​

​

1. Our past:  In our past, we lived as if we had only the flesh. "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another." (Titus 3:3). When we look into our own lives the above verse describes our condition before we came to know Jesus. But as the Psalmist says, “He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” (Psalm 40:2). We are now secure in the hands of our Creator not because of any works of our own but by His grace (Titus 3:4-5 & Eph.2:8).
   
   Numerous people are in a similar situation that we were once in. Around us, several people are perishing without knowing the Saviour. How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things! (Rom.10:14-15) and it is our responsibility to testify Him.
    

2. Our present: However, at present, we are set free from our past and enjoy a deep relationship with God, “…through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior” justified by His grace (Titus 3:5-7). We now enjoy peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom.5:1), so that we are no longer slaves but sons and also heirs through God. (Gal.4:7).
   
   Therefore, it is our responsibility as a child of God to stand fast in the liberty with which Christ has made us free. (Gal.5:1) and by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in the command, “You shall love thy neighbour as yourself.” (Gal.5:13-14).  To Love each other is the biggest responsibility given to us: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John.13:35)
    

3. Our Future: We receive a hope which helps us to be focused. We should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:7). The hope of a believer's life lies in the promise of eternity with God. (John 14:2-3). As apostle Paul says, “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ”(Phil.3:20)

​

Therefore it is our responsibility to fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life (1 Tim.6:12). "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."(Col.3:1-2). Give priority and invest your life for eternity (Luke 18:22).

Let us give thanks to our Lord for His mighty grace through which we now live and the hope which we received through our Saviour Jesus Christ. All glory to God Almighty!

​

Think on what Jesus said:

“Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me,

to give every man according as his work shall be”

-Rev.22:12