Titus 3, Philemon

“And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful” (3:14).  Paul was certain that salvation was totally God’s free gift, and he was equally certain that redeemed people should “devote themselves to good works” (3:1,8), allowing the gospel to make real changes in their lives.  As an example, he told Philemon that he should no longer regard Onesimus as a slave, but as beloved brother (Phil 1:16).

When Jesus changes our hearts, we learn a new way of life: “to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (3:2).