Titus 1-3

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly” (2:11-12). Paul urged Titus to link “sound doctrine” (2:1) and right behavior. There were some in Crete who “professed to know God,” but their false, disturbing, divisive ideas were upsetting “whole families” (1:10-16). Truly knowing Christ, said Paul, always leads to loving, righteous behavior.

The normal pattern is for “those who have believed in God … to engage in good deeds” (3:8). This reveals the Spirit who dwells in us.