“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” – Titus 3:1-2

Scripture reading: Proverbs 11:1-15; Titus 3:1-8

This third chapter applies the sound doctrine of God’s Word to relationships outside the church. Evidently, the new believers were struggling with submitting to the ruling magistrates and authorities. But if we want a decent society, decency starts with us.

Only Christians are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Only Christians are saved by grace in Jesus Christ and know what mercy and kindness and love are. Only Christians pray to God through Jesus Christ, praying even for enemies and kings and rulers (Matt. 5:44; 1 Tim. 2:1-2). Society doesn’t know or care, but they need Christians.

As Christians, we are often characterized by what we are against, rather than what we are for. We are for human life, the care of the poor and needy, peace from conflicts, private property and wise leadership. We are for these things because we know the God who made all things and preserves all things; all things are His, and we are entrusted with much from Him.

This does not make the gospel political or social, but the gospel has political and social implications. If the Cretans are liars, then Christians should do good and speak the truth. If Cretans are evil beasts, then Christians should avoid quarreling, and not pick fights in public or on social media. If Cretans are lazy gluttons, then Christians should do good and show courtesy.

Christians should be Christlike. This is not our doing; it is a gift of God.

Suggestions for prayer

Pray for those who persecute Christians—for their conversion and for God’s justice to be done. Pray that you and all Christians would be salt and light in this present world for God’s glory.

Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.