The Pulpit Commentary — Titus — Section 46

Ver. 3.-.An humiliating retrospect. The apostle adds, as a reason for the duties first specified, that "we also," including himself with the Gentile Christians, were once in a similar condition to the heathen, and had received mercy. It is a dark picture of men in their natural state, proceeding from a description of the inward source to the outwarrl racts of this evil Ufe. • I. HUllAN NATURE DEPl<YrED AB TO ITS MORE INWARD CBARAOTER. "For we our- selves" were once foolish. 1. It is foolish. As wisdom is the choice of proper means of attaining our ends, so folly must be the direct contrary. (1) The fool despises instruction and wisdom, ancl hates knowledge (Prov. i. 7, 22). (2) He walks in the darkness of a false education (Eccles. ii. 14). (3) He is self-sufficient and self-confident (Prov. xiv. 8, 16). (4) He is a self-deceiver (Prov. xiv. 8). (5) He makes a mock at sin (Prov. xiv. 9). 2. It ia disobedient. The word implies that the root of all true obedience is faith. Human nature is without faith, and is therefore disobedient. (1) Disobeclience forfeits God's favour (1 Sam. xiii. 14). (2) Provokes his anger (Ps. lxxviii. 10, 40). (3) Forfeits promised blessings (Josh. v. 6). (4) Brings a curse (Deut. xi. 28). (6) There are many warnings against it (Jer. xii. 17). 3. It is deceived. Because it is separated from Christ, who is the Light of the world. It is easily led astray by all sorts of delusion. It has no pole-star or compass to steer by, and is therefore in constant danger of shipwreck. It is deceived by it.self as well as by the devil. II. HUM.ut NATUBB DEPIOTED AB TO 1TB MORE OUTWARD CBABACTEB. 1. Its service was impure. "Serving divers lusts and pleasures." This was the character of heathen life in an island like Crete, where the propensities of human nature would have free scope. The pleasures of this life were of a sinlul and debasing nature. Such a service was bondage (Rom. vi. 6, 16; xvi. l8). 2. It implied a life of malice. (1) The wicked speak with malice (3 John 10). (2) Are filled with it (Rom. i. 29). (3) Visit the saints with it (Ps. lxxxiii. 3). (4) God requites it (Isa. x. 14). 3. it implied a life of envy. (1) Envy is a work "f the flesh (Gal. v. 21). (2) The wicked are full of it (Rom. i. 29). (3) It leads to everv evil work (Jae. iii. 16). (4) It is hurtful to its possessors (Job v. 2). (5) It will be punished (Ps. cvi. 16, 17). 4. It implies hatefulness. "Hateful;" that is, possessing the qualities that excite hatred and dislike. 5. It implies a return of hale for hate. "Hating one another." (1) It is characteristic of those without love to God (1 John ii. 9, 11). (2) It is a work of the flesh (Gal. v. 21). (3) It stirs up strife (Prov. x. 12). (4) It embitters life (Prov. xv. 17). (6) It will be punished (Ps. xxxiv. 21).-T. C. Vers. 4-7.-T/ie origin, nature, means, anrl end of salvation. The iipostle re_flects that he and other believers had no excuse for treating the heathen with baugh t1ness, since it was owin" to no merit of his or theirs that their own lives had become purer. I. THE MANIF;BTATION OF THE DIVINE GOODNESS AND LOVJI TO MA.N. "But when the kindness of God our Saviour and his l0Vt1 to man appearecl." 1. The time of lhie Tl'l'UH. • 50 THE EPISTLE TO TITUS. [OB. ID, 1-16,