Titus 3:1-11 (NIV)

1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Titus 3:1-11 (NIV)

General Context Questions

• Who wrote this? Who is or which groups of people are involved?
• Was this written before, during, or after Jesus’ lifetime?
• Is this a narrative, a parable, a praise, a suggestion, a command, an instruction, or something else?
• Is there anything that stands out to you?
• Did anything confuse you? Were there words or phrases that didn’t make sense?

Specific Questions

• Are there situations in which we should disobey rulers? Is there a set of criteria that a ruler has to meet in order to receive our obedience?
• Can you choose which rulers to obey or are we being instructed to obey all rulers?
• Verse 3 gives a description of how we once lived. After accepting God’s love, are we no longer foolish or disobedient? Do we not experience passion and pleasure, malice and envy, or hate?
• Which law are we advised to avoid foolish debates about? Is there an intelligent way to debate this law? If so, how can you tell the difference between foolish and intelligent debates?
• We’re told to warn a divisive person twice, then have nothing to do with them. Does that mean that we shun and ignore that person? Is such a person condemned forever or is there a way for that person to restore themselves?