Why is remembering our past in Titus 3:3 important for humility? A Fresh Look at Titus 3:3 “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.” What We Were Before Christ • Foolish – lacking spiritual understanding • Disobedient – willfully rejecting God’s commands • Deceived – led astray by lies and false hopes • Enslaved – mastered by passions and pleasures • Malicious and envious – wishing ill, resenting others’ good • Hateful, hating one another – trapped in cycles of hostility Why Looking Back Guards Our Hearts 1. Reminds us salvation is sheer grace, not personal merit (Ephesians 2:4-5). 2. Levels the ground—no believer stands above another (Romans 3:23). 3. Keeps us from the subtle slide into spiritual pride (James 4:6). 4. Fosters compassion toward those still lost (2 Corinthians 5:14). 5. Stirs gratitude that fuels worship (Psalm 103:2-4). Humility That Shapes Relationships • Gentleness in correcting others, knowing we once resisted truth (Galatians 6:1). • Patience with immature believers, recalling our own slow growth. • Readiness to forgive, having been forgiven much (Colossians 3:13). • Refusal to despise unbelievers; instead, pleading for their rescue (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Echoes from the Rest of Scripture • “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed…” (1 Corinthians 6:11). • “Remember that formerly you who are Gentiles… were without hope and without God” (Ephesians 2:11-12). • “Remember how the LORD your God led you” (Deuteronomy 8:2). Scripture consistently links remembrance with humble dependence. Keeping the Memory Alive • Regularly read passages describing your former condition (Titus 3, Ephesians 2). • Share personal testimony, focusing on God’s rescue rather than past exploits. • Celebrate Communion thoughtfully—“Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19). • Cultivate thankfulness lists that trace God’s grace from then to now. The Result Remembered brokenness + recognized mercy = a humble heart that exalts Christ and serves others. |
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