How does Titus 3:3 describe our past before knowing Christ? Reading Titus 3:3 “For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.” The Portrait of Life Before Christ • Foolish – minds closed to God’s wisdom • Disobedient – hearts set against His commands • Misled – wandering from truth, easily duped • Enslaved to passions and pleasures – chained to desires, unable to break free • Living in malice – choosing ill-will over goodwill • Living in envy – resenting the blessings of others • Hated and hating one another – relationships poisoned by hostility Scripture Echoes • Foolish: Psalm 14:1; Romans 1:21 • Disobedient: Ephesians 2:2; 1 Peter 2:8 • Misled: 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 4:17-18 • Enslaved to passions: John 8:34; Romans 6:16 • Malice and envy: James 3:14-16; 1 Peter 2:1 • Hating one another: Galatians 5:19-21; 1 John 3:15 Why Paul Reminds Us • Humility—“we too” were there (Titus 3:2) • Gratitude—prepares the heart for verses 4-7, where kindness and mercy shine • Compassion—motivates gentleness toward the lost (Titus 3:8; 2 Timothy 2:24-25) • Assurance—God’s grace reaches the ugliest places (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Grace Transforms the Story • The same people once described by seven dark words are now heirs of eternal life (Titus 3:7) • Slaves become servants of righteousness (Romans 6:17-18) • Haters become lovers of one another (1 John 4:7) • Envy gives way to rejoicing with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15) Remembering the past underscores the miracle of salvation and fuels a life of grateful obedience today. |
    |