Christian Citizenship

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Titus 3 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. (Titus 3:1-2, NASB)


REFLECTIONS:
A bit of context regarding this letter from the apostle Paul to Titus:  Titus was a Greek (Gentile) who was probably converted to Christianity directly as a result of hearing Paul’s preaching.  Biblical scholars have surmised that Titus became an effective ‘troubleshooter’ for Paul, based on the difficult assignments Paul gave Titus.  The island of Crete, where Titus was ministering when Paul sent this letter, was widely known for violence and immorality.  Therefore, Paul’s words from 64 or 65 A.D. still have applicability today.  

This final portion (Chapter 3) of Paul’s letter to Titus begins with instructions to the Cretan Christians to be good (Roman) citizens. “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men” (verses 1-2). “Remind” implies Paul knows Titus and the Cretan Christians have already heard this instruction.  Very likely Paul, himself, taught them using the more detailed instructions he wrote 7-8 years earlier to the Christians living in Rome (see Romans 13).  In the instructions to the Roman Christians, Paul begins as follows: “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Romans 13:1). The Greek word Paul used for “established” was tatagmenai.  This word is from the Greek verb tassό, meaning assign, arrange, or appoint.  Paul was clearly telling the Roman Christians (and reminding, the Cretan Christians living under Roman rule) that God established the Roman Empire and it was their duty to be subject to the Roman rulers and authorities.  Keep in mind, Paul knew most of those rulers and authorities were pagans.  Prior to Paul’s teachings (and possibly the source of Paul’s instruction), Jesus’ own words on this topic are recorded in John 19:11.  In response to Pilate, Jesus answered, "You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above…”

What great timing for this “reminder” as we are now less than 2 weeks from our presidential elections.  After voting is completed and the winner is announced, do we always remember these teachings that our president has been “established” by God?  Do we consider ourselves “subject” to our elected “rulers” and “authorities”?  Are we always “ready for every good deed, to malign no one”…?  Hmmm, “malign no one”—does that include forwarding politically-charged emails?  (Note: I believe I have just received a word of conviction.)

In the closing of this brief letter to Titus, Paul provides other great reminders and clear instructions for dealing with the challenges facing Titus.  Paul’s words are as relevant and useful today as they were then and I hope you will read and meditate on the remainder of this chapter.  However, I would like to close this devotional with a “reminder” of the first instruction Paul wrote to his other young protégé, Timothy.  “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).


PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, humble us daily and help us to be constantly thankful for Your mercy and undeserved grace showered on us, in spite of our sinfulness.  Help us to live as Christian citizens, displaying and proclaiming Your love in our violent and immoral society.  Finally Lord, guide our President and elected officials to seek and follow your will to heal our nation.


WHO AM I?
I am Linda Stewart, a relatively new member of the PRF body of Christ.  My husband Dan and I are enjoying becoming acquainted with the various personalities who define PRF as such an engaging group of folks!  In the current Women’s Bible Study group, I learned to research the meaning of Greek words (used in the original manuscripts).  You will notice I had to try out my new skill on this assignment.  I was fascinated by what I learned about Paul’s letter to Titus and hope you learned something as well.