What is the meaning of Titus 3:3? For at one time “For at one time” (Titus 3:3) reminds us that Paul is describing a real, historical condition that every believer once shared. The phrase anchors the verse in the past, underscoring a complete change has taken place. Other passages echo this time marker—“formerly you walked” (Ephesians 2:2) and “such were some of you” (1 Corinthians 6:11). Scripture is clear and literal: before God intervened we all stood on the same ground of need (Colossians 1:21). We too were foolish • “Foolish” describes living without regard for God’s revealed truth. • Psalm 14:1 calls the one who says “There is no God” a fool. • Romans 1:22 portrays people “claiming to be wise” yet becoming fools when they suppress truth. • The verse confronts us with the humbling reality that ignorance of God’s wisdom once marked every believer. Disobedient To be “disobedient” is to resist God’s authority. Ephesians 2:2 speaks of walking “in disobedience,” and 1 Peter 2:10 contrasts those who once “were not a people” with those now under God’s mercy. Paul wants Titus’s readers to remember they did not merely break rules—they rebelled against the Lawgiver Himself (Romans 5:19). Misled Being “misled” highlights the power of deception. Sin blinds (2 Corinthians 4:4) and hardens (Hebrews 3:13). Before Christ, we “were straying like sheep” (1 Peter 2:25). The clarity we enjoy today comes only because the Good Shepherd found us. Enslaved to all kinds of passions and pleasures • “Enslaved” signals total inability to free ourselves. Jesus said, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). • Romans 6:16 explains that whatever we obey becomes our master. • “Passions and pleasures” cover both inward cravings and outward indulgences (Galatians 5:17; 1 Peter 4:3). The verse does not exaggerate; it states a literal bondage broken only by the gospel. Living in malice and envy Daily life was characterized by “malice”—ill will toward others (Ephesians 4:31)—and “envy,” the resentment of another’s good (James 3:14–16). These attitudes poisoned relationships and confirmed our need for the transforming grace later described in Titus 3:4–7. Being hated and hating one another The final phrase sums up the social fallout of sin: a community of hostility. Galatians 5:15 warns that those who “bite and devour” will consume one another. 1 John 3:15 equates hatred with murder in God’s sight. Without Christ, love is replaced by mutual animosity—exactly what Paul records here. summary Titus 3:3 paints an unvarnished, literal portrait of every believer’s past: ignorant of God, defiant toward His commands, duped by sin, shackled to passions, and locked in hostile relationships. The verse magnifies God’s grace by showing the depth of the pit from which He rescues us. Remembering this past keeps us humble, compassionate toward those still trapped, and grateful for the “kindness and love of God our Savior” that follows in verses 4–7. |
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