COMMENTARY ON TITUS


LESSON NUMBER 17


Tit 3:3 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)


OUR FORMER CONDITION


INTRODUCTION

               Paul had left Titus in Crete to “set inj order the things that are wanting,” or the things that were “lacking,” and “appoint elders in every city” (Tit 1:5). The believers in Crete were not yet established in the faith, and that is something that must be accomplished. Spiritual life that does not mature will not be able to continue. This is because it is not lived out in a moral or spiritual vacuum. Not only are there lingering remnants of the flesh within the believer, called “the old man,” but the very world in which life is being lived out, together with the lusts that tie men to it, is in a deteriorating state – passing away (1 John 2:17). Add to that the fact that they have an adversary that is walking about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, and it is apparent why we cannot remain immature children in Christ. On top of all this, those in Christ Jesus are intended to “grow up into Christ” (Eph 4:15). The objective is to bear “much fruit” to God, not merely exist or survive (John 15:1-8). In increasing stages, believers are being changed from glory to glory by the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 3:18). That work is in perfect concert with the predetermination of God Himself, that those who are “justified” be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom 8:29). In all of this, no room has been made for living in a faulty or juvenile manner. In life, the one who is in Christ must progress toward heaven, distancing himself from the world from which he has been delivered. A time has been appointed when all will stand before the One who died for them, and they must not do so in an unprepared state. While that may be perfectly clear to you at this time, Satan and all of his hosts are working to move us to live without thinking about these realities, That is the logic behind the teaching of the book of Titus. The treasure of salvation – “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” – is held in an “earthen vessel” (2 Cor 4:6). The condition requires continued vigilance, and pressing toward the mark, on the part of the one in Christ Jesus. In this particular text, we will be reminded of what we once were – a condition that can reoccur if we do not work our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12).


WE OURSELVES WERE . . .

               Titus 3:3a “ For we ourselves also were sometimes . . .”


               The admonition has been one that involved sobriety, diligence, and a public demeanor that matches the profession of faith. Every advantage has been given to the believer. This has included the teaching of the grace of God, which tutors us in saying “No!” to ungodliness and worldly lusts, while living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (2:11-12). However, lest we be wise in our own conceits, we are reminded of what we once were. Salvation is not merely the administration of various moral and social improvements. There was a very real condition in which the Lord found us, and we do well to remember it.


               FOR. The word “for” introduces a reason for the preceding statement. Here it is a form of spiritual logic or pattern of reasoning. Both older and younger men and women, together with servants, have been addressed concerning their attitudes and manner of life (2:1-10). The grace of God is also said to be teaching us to effectively reject the temptation to sin, and to live godly lives in anticipation of the coming of the Lord (2:11-12). The reason for Christ giving Himself has also been clearly stated: to “redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (2:14).


               This makes all sin totally unreasonable. It decimates any excuse given for sin, for salvation not only remits sins committed, but empowers the individual to live in a godly manner. Now, the text will begin to show us how effectively this has been accomplished. However, this will be done in such a manner as to destroy the pride that comes from thinking this was all the result of human mastery and wisdom. Our new lives are not the result of our achievement, even though they required our commitment and hearty effort.


               WE OURSELVES. The expression “we ourselves” comes from a single Greek word. It is intended to include both the speaker and the readers, with an added emphasis: i.e. “WE” as compared to everyone else. It is the kind of reasoning that is reflected in a rebuke to a very talented body of students who had committed something wrong: i.e. “YOU did that?”


               This is an expression that affirms a distinction between the people who are in Christ and those who are not – and it is more than merely being forgiven. The saved are more than a people who have managed to straighten up their lives. Although that has been done, it has not accomplished in their strength. Paul will now remind Titus that “we ourselves” – the saved – were, in fact, in an absolutely hopeless state. There was no mere program that could retrieve us for God.


               ALSO. Other versions read, “we too.” NIV The particular sentence that is the point of reference is the admonition to “speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men” (3:2). While the condition of the lost is repulsive to us, we must not be arrogant toward them, or conduct ourselves as though, independently of Jesus Christ, we were superior to them. We are familiar with their condition, because we were once in that state ourselves. This is the same kind of logic that was expressed to Israel: “Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Ex 22:21). Take Jesus out of the picture, and remove the work that He has done in us, and we are no different than they!


               WERE SOMETIMES. This is a unique and powerful expression. Other versions read, “were once,” NKJV “aforetime,” ERV and “formerly.” MRD This refers to a former condition, not a present one! Those who say believers are really no different than anyone else, have muddied the waters of thought. In fact, a significant amount of our thanksgiving can be traced back to the fact that we are not what we once were. The error is in forgetting what we once were. We are reminded, as Israel was, “look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged” (Isa 51:1). Ponder how often the Spirit reminds us of what we were.


               “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” (Eph 2:11-12). Have you forgotten what you once were – without God in the world? Remember – “For ye were sometimes darkness . . .” (Eph 5:8). ”Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you . . .” (1 Cor 6:11). Oh, the expressions are so numerous, that we can only give a sampling of them. “Ye were the servants of sin” (Rom 6:17). “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Eph 2:2), “Which in time past were not a people . . . which had not obtained mercy” (1 Pet 2:10). “Ye were as sheep going astray” (1 Pet 2:20). “For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles . . .” (1 Pet 4:3).


               The lives of those in Christ consist of two parts: the past and the present, then and now, the former and the latter. The line of demarcation is the time when we were “joined to the Lord” (1 Cor 6:17), “illuminated” (Heb 10:32), and “delivered” (Col 1:13). Our text will now elaborate on the past – our former lives. It will emphasize what we were, not merely what we did.


OUR FORMER CHARACTER

                3:3b . . . foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures . . .”


               Speaking through the Spirit, Paul will not gloss our former nature. He will not allow for believers to think of their former state as inherently better than that of others. Our nature may have erupted in less offensive ways than others, but it was our nature that was the problem. It is what we were within, not what we were without. Even the scribes and Pharisees knew how to clean up their outward lives. Jesus referred to it as making “clean the outside,” appearing “beautiful outwardly,” and “outwardly appearing righteous.” However, the problem was within, not without. Jesus referred to their condition as, being “withing full of extortion and excess,” being “full of dead men’s bones and of all uncleanness,” and being “full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (Matt 23:25,27,28). That condition was held within a religious appearance. Our former condition was not necessarily within such a context, although it may well have been.


               FOOLISH. Other versions read, “without intelligence,” DARBY “unwise,” DOUAY”stupid,” GWN “reckless,” MRD “ignorant,” NJB “thoughtless,” YLT deficient in understanding,” WEYMOUTH and “without understanding.” WILLIAMS As used here, the word “foolish” means “senseless, devoid of understanding.” LEH This is the state that is ascribed to all men by nature: “There is none that understandeth” (Rom 3:11). This is not referring to a state men would call uneducated. This is speaking of the human capacity. We were foolish because, within the boundaries of nature, there was no other alternative. Further, this is not speaking of intellectual or scholastic acumen. In particular, this has to do with the knowledge of God, and things pertaining to life and godliness. This inaptitude of thought was made known in living as though there was no God, no end of the world, and no day of judgment. We lived as though we did not need to be saved, were not in a hopeless state, and as if this world was going to last forever. We lived as though our will was the primary will, and our satisfaction was fundamental.


               DISOBEDIENT. Other versions read, “hard in heart,” BBE “incredulous,” DOUAY and “obstinate.” WEYMOUTH As used here, the word “disobedience” means “impersuasible, uncompliant.” THAYER Here, language breaks down, for in the English “disobedience” means “refusing or neglecting to obey.” This may lead to the assumption that a specific word was delivered to the person, and they refused to take it seriously. While that may very well be involved, there is more in being “disobedient” than that. This involves a refusal to recognize God in creation (Rom 1:21,26). It includes the violation of the conscience and the intuitive sense of right and wrong (Rom 2:15). Apart from Christ, there is a certain hostility against even the Law of God, “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Rom 8:7). This is a breakdown of the components of being “disobedient.” In this case, our prior lives were marked by the inability to obey God. This inability is further explained in the next word.


               DECEIVED. Other versions read, “led astray,” NRSV “turned from the true way,” BBE “wandering in error,” DARBY “erring,” DOUAY “misled,” GWN “deluded,” NAB and “fooled.” IE Apostolic doctrine further defines this condition. It is not that we were simply deceived by our peers, or teachers among men. It is Satan that is charged with deceiving “the whole world” (Rev 12:9). He is “the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Eph 2:1). Satan does use “deceivers” who perpetrate his ways, leading men to be “deceived and being deceived” (2 Tim 3:13). However, it is Satan who is “the father” of all lies, which are the vehicle of deception (John 8:44). The point here is that sin put us into the devil’s domain, where he is invincible. We were “deceived” just as surely as Eve(2 Cor 11:3). We were deluded into thinking we could direct our own lives, confining the realm of our thoughts to this present world.


               SERVING DIVERS LUSTS. Other versions read, “serving various lusts,” NKJV “enslaved by all kinds of passions,” NIV and “captives of various passions.” CSB The word “serving” refers to the activity of a slave, whether willing or not. We were shackled to various kinds of inordinate desires and passions, and those shackles could not be broken by any human power, individual or collective. “Lusts” refers to unlawful desires – desires that bind us to a perishing world. They all center in self, and life in the body, which is our most vulnerable part. This enslavement was the result of being deceived by the master deceiver. That deception lead to the exaltation of self above everything else – even the God who created us.

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               SERVING PLEASURES. Other versions read “dissipations,” NJB “voluptuousness,” PNT and “pleasant feelings.” PHILLIPS Most translations read “pleasures,” which are etymologically defined as “enjoyment, or that which is pleasurable in an unfavorable sense.” GINGRICH These are baser desires that are associated with our human nature. They are so strong that they can supercede a desire for the Lord. Thus it is written of those who apostatize, they are “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” (2 Tim 3:5). Our text speaks of “divers,” or different kinds of illicit desires. They range from finding enjoyment in being esteemed, having many goods, having satisfying fleshly sensations, and a host of other things relating to life in this world. In a nutshell, they have to do with being satisfied with something other than God and His great salvation. As is true of all sin, self, or “I” is at the center of such indulgences. However, in salvation, self is supplanted by Christ, and worldly desires for those of God.


OUR FORMER MANNER OF LIFE

               3:3c . . . living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.”


               Our former lives were characterized by captivity and bondage to sin and the devil. Our perception was corrupted – we were “foolish.” Our response to God Himself was depraved – we were “disobedient.” We were the helpless vassals of the devil – we were “deceived.” Our purpose for living was perverted by purely self-interests – we were “serving lusts and pleasures.” But this was not the end of the matter. Our lives were conducted in a wayward manner, and with flawed expressions. They are briefly summarized in this text.


               LIVING. Other version s read, “spending our life,” NASB “we lived,” NIV “passing our days,” NRSV”spending our days,” ISV and “wasting our days.” AMPLIFIED This speaks of the focus of life, or how we conducted our lives. The pillars of our expressive conduct were malice, envy, and hate – all of which presume the priority of self, and life in this world. This speaks of the direction of life, or the way in which we were pointed. This is not speaking of the peaks and valleys of life, but of the default manner of living. It is something from which we had to be delivered. Peter referred to such a life as “vain conversation,” “aimless conduct,” NKJV “futile way of life,” NASB “empty way of life,” NIV or“the useless (fruitless) way of living.” AMPLIFIED It was a manner of life that did not lead to ultimate life, but was rather the “broad” way that led to destruction (Matt 7:13).


               IN MALICE. Other versions read, “bad feelings,” BBE “evil,” CSB “maliciousness,” GENEVA “resentment,” LIVING and “being mean.” IE The word “malice” means, “ill-will, desire to injure,” THAYER “the quality of wickedness, with the implication of that which is harmful and damaging.” LOUW-NIDA In English, the word means “desire to cause pain, injury, and distress to another.” As used in Scripture, it particularly refers to a response to being offended by another. McKnight and Strong’s Cyclopedia states that it “is a settled or deliberate determination to revenge or do hurt to another.” Bible examples of malice are Cain (Gen 4:8), Ishmael (Gen 21:9), Esau (Gen 27:41), Joseph’s brothers (Gen 37), Potiphar’s wife (Gen 39:14-20), King Saul (1 Sam 18:8-9), Haman (Esth 3:5-6), and the Jews toward Paul (Acts 23:12).


               Malice has to do with avenging ourselves, or carrying out revenge – getting back at those who have offended us. Solemnly we are admonished, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom 12:19). Paul referred to its consuming properties as “the leaven of malice,” forbidding its presence among the saints (1 Cor 5:8). We are also to be childlike in matters that appear to justify retaliation: “in malice, be ye children” (1 Cor 14:20). “All malice” is to put away from us, whether it takes the form of thought, word, or deed (Eph 4:31). We once lived “in malice.”


               Yet, before we were delivered from the power of darkness (Col 1:13), we placed out own interests above those of the Lord, seeking to vindicate ourselves, even if it meant invoking some kind of harm or distress upon others.


               IN ENVY. Other versions read, “we were . . . jealous,” GWN and “jealousy.” ISV This word means “jealousy over the good of another,” FRIBERG with the idea of having “ill-will toward them because” of it. LOUW-NIDA In English, “envy” means “painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage.” WEBSTER This attitude is produced by an overestimation of one’s personal worth, and by a dominating spirit of discontentment. When Isaac flourished in the time of famine, “the Philistines envied him” (Gen 26:1,14). When Joseph told his brothers of his dreams, which involved their obeisance to him, they envied him” (Gen 37:11). Israel, though they chose to stand aloof from the God of Moses, are said to haveenvied Moses” (Psa 106:16). Such an attitude places an inordinate value on life in this world.


               HATEFUL. Other versions read “being hated,” NIV “despicable,” NRSV “hated by men,” RSV “people hated us,” CJB “full of hate,” PNT “odious,” YLT and “hateful (hated, detestable).” AMPLIFIED As used here, the word “hateful” does not speak of a capacity for hatred, but of actually being “hated,” THAYER“detestable.” FRIBERG or “pertaining to being hated or regarded as worthy of being hated.” LOUW-NIDA The word is used in this way in Psalm 36:2: “For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful,” and Revelation 18:2: “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation . . . every unclean and hateful bird.”


               While this includes the idea of being hated by men, it seems to me that the stress is placed on being odious, or detestable, to God Himself. Thus God speaks of people who themselves are an abomination to Him (Deut 18:12; 25:16; Prov 6:16-19). This is what causes the Lord to “abhor” certain people (Lev 20:23; Deut 32:19; Psa 78:59; Prov 22:14). There is such a thing as provoking the Lord (1 Cor 10:22) – and we all were once guilty of such “provocation,” even as Israel, who provoked the Lord by their unbelief and disobedience (Heb 3:8,15).


               HATING ONE ANOTHER. Other versions read, “detesting one another.” CSB This is the antithesis of loving our neighbor as ourselves (Rom 13:9). It is exhibited in doing harm to another, coveting their wife or their possessions, and living with no regard for whether or not we cause them to stumble. It is a failure to seek their good, or neglecting them during the time of need when it is in our power to help them. This was the state from which we were saved.