Titus 2

When a person’s inward condition is right in God’s sight, then God will usually change that person’s outward condition. Slaves should concentrate on their own duties and on doing what is right. The duties of a slave were to obey and respect his master, to be trustworthy, and to work diligently. However, if a slave, in order to improve his outward circumstances, were to rebel against his master, he would bring dishonor to Christ and His Gospel (see 1 Corinthians 7:17,20-22; 1 Timothy 6:1 and comments). But, says Paul, if the Christian slave does his work well, his unbelieving master will see that his faith has made him different from other slaves. Because of this, Christ’s Gospel and doctrine will be made attractive in men’s eyes, and Christ will be honored (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12).

The slave must submit in everything to his master. However, if a master orders the slave to disobey a command of God, the slave must not obey his master in that matter; rather, he must obey God (see Romans 13:1-2 and comment).

Paul says here that a slave must not talk back to his master. For example, if a slave (or other worker) makes some mistake, he shouldn’t try to deny it or make excuses for it; if he does, it makes his mistake twice as bad. And this rule applies not only to slaves but also to any worker or employee.

11 In verses 1-10, Paul has taught about the correct behavior of various groups in the church. Now in verses 11-14, Paul gives the reason for that correct behavior: For the GRACE of God that brings SALVATION has appeared to all men—to men and women, to slave and free, to Jew and Gentile (see 2 Timothy 1: 9-10). The grace of God saves us, and produces within us godliness and new spiritual life. Our transformation doesn’t take place only after we get to heaven, but by grace it begins here in this life. If there has been no change in our lives, then we have not yet received God’s grace.

In everything we are completely dependent on God’s grace (1 Corinthians 15:10). There is no salvation, no good work, apart from God’s grace (see Ephesians 2:8-10 and comment; General Article: Way of Salvation).

12 Since God has given us His grace, we must live according to it. We must love God and obey Him (John 14:15). We must say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions. We must flee from these things and pursue righteousness (see 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22 and comments).

13 God’s grace has been revealed in Jesus Christ. When Christ came to earth, grace came to men and women. Now we are waiting until our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ comes again to earth a second time. Christ is our blessed hope (1 Timothy 1:1). Through faith in Him we receive salvation. Through Him we have eternal life.

14 Why did Christ give Himself for us? That is, why did Christ die as a sacrifice for us? First, He died in order to redeem us from all wickedness (see Mark 10:45; 1 Timothy 2:6 and comments). Second, He died that we might be inwardly purified through His word, that we might become His pure and spotless people or church (see Deuteronomy 14:2; Ezekiel 37:23; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Peter 2:9 and comments).

15 Encourage and rebuke with all authority (see 1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 4:2 and comments).

Paul writes to Titus: Do not let anyone despise you. Let Titus’ life be pure and his teaching true, and in that way men will find no legitimate reason to despise him (verses 7-8).