Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.
Titus 3:1-8 NLT
God saved us out of mercy not because of what we had done. Of course, we can be proud (not arrogant) about the good things we do. But we humbly recognize that everything good we have has come from God and His help. It is only His grace that makes us right in God’s sight, giving confidence (v.7). We remember that without Him we were foolish, disobedient, and misled by our desires (v.3). As followers of Jesus, we live with integrity and humility.
Paul told Titus to submit to the government. This is the teaching of God’s Word, yet we remember that Paul was arrested by the government, and Jesus was condemned to die by the authorities. They did not compromise their religious convictions because of the government – human rulers and laws can be flawed. In the ancient world, Christians were killed because they would not say “Caesar is Lord.” Dr. Martin Luther King broke unjust laws to live out biblical justice. In persecuted countries, it is illegal to be a Christian, yet the faithful still call upon the name of Jesus. Recently in America, Christians were forbidden by authorities to worship Jesus, yet the faithful still praised the Lord (the mandate was later ruled unconstitutional). Christians follow the law of the land except when it violates God’s Law.
How can you have integrity and humility? Why are both important? What does it mean to submit to the government? Are you willing to break a law if it is unjust or violates God’s higher law?
