Election Analysis

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people” (v13-15).


One hundred percent of the precincts are in. States have been called. A winner has been called. There are just as many cheers as there are tears. For the next few days, political pundits try to make sense of what just happened.

But when it comes to real election analysis, forget the major networks. Don’t grab the remote and go to CNN or Fox. The best breakdown of what went down at the ballot box actually comes from a former commercial fisherman from the boondocks of Galilee 2,000 years ago.

Peter tells us to simply take a deep breath, remember Who is really in charge, and be good citizens. “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it ice to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people” (v13-15).

I can just hear Pete’s 21st Century critics now. Whoa, big fella! Back up the truck!! You clearly don’t have a handle on what’s at stake here. National security! Immigration! The economy! The Supreme Court! I appreciate the schmaltzy religious sentiment, but this will NEVER work in the real world!! EVER!!!

We all need just cool our jets and check out the historical context of just when, where, and to whom our man Pete is writing. Set the Flux Capacitor for AD 64. The location is northern half of what we know today as Turkey. The followers of Jesus were the objects of tremendous political and social prejudice and persecution. One of the reasons they are living in the areas of Pontus, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia is because they are religious refugees. 

You see this is about this same time that Nero would point his fiddling finger at innocent Christ followers for starting the huge fire that destroyed much of Rome. Yet both Pete and his buddy Paul tell their readers to be good citizens despite the ruthlessness of the Roman Empire.

A LOT of fellow believers are freaking out about various elected officials, both local and national. I can’t quite squint hard enough to see that our current political leaders are worse than dudes like Nero, Herod, and Pilate. Does our nation have its issues? You betcha. But how much better off would we be if Jesus’ followers spent more time being good citizens, loving our neighbors, and less time whining about the government. That includes me.

First and foremost, Pete tells us, “Be subject for the Lord’s sake” (v13). He gives us a command using the Greek word ‘υποτασσω (hupotasso). The term literally means to put one thing under another or arrange below. In this case, it means to willingly obey, be under authority, or put yourself into an attitude of submission.

The dude Jesus called Rocky is commanding us to submit. Uh oh. It’s the “S” word. And no, Sean Connery, I don’t mean “sword.” Pete drops this word six more times in this little letter. Workers must “be subject (Gr.‘υποτασσω/hupotasso) to your masters with all respect” (1Pet 2:18). That’s how he describes how wives are to respect their husbands (1Pet 3:1, 5). The apostle reminds us that even every single being is “in submission to (Gr.‘υποτασσω/hupotasso)” the resurrected Jesus (1Pet 3:22 NIV). The Rock makes sure the young bucks know their role and are “subject to (Gr.‘υποτασσω/hupotasso) the elders” (1Pet 5:5).

So I’m to “be subject” and willingly submit. Really? There’s gotta be a caveat. There must be a loophole. Surely Pete’s ONLY talking about leaders worthy of following. Right? RIGHT?!? Nope. We don’t submit because of the goodness of our leader but the Goodness of our Savior. We’re to be good citizens “for the Lord’s sake” (v13). In other words, my submission is actually an act of worship to Jesus.

As long as what I’m ordered to do does not cause me to sin, I’m to do what I’m told. This is all about submission to authority. When I obey anyone in authority over me with a willing heart, I’m expressing my love and gratitude to the One who saved me. This is the same principle Paul writes to the folks in Ephesus (Eph 5:22-6:9). It’s the same thing Paul teaches the Colossians (Col 3:17-4:1).

In many ways, the big idea is summed up in one simple phrase: “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col 3:17). Everything is to be done as an expression of worship and thanks to my Savior.  While I may be a citizen of heaven (Phil 3:20), God has placed me here in this time and place to shine His light and spread His salt.  One VERY important way of doing that is through my willing submission to authority the Lord has over me.

This speaks to the tension and relationship between Jesus as my Lord and my Savior.  Because He has rescued me, I obey Him as an act of gratitude. You may think you’ve simply bought the eternal fire insurance policy. But I’ve got news for you. It doesn’t really work like that. He’s our Savior AND Lord. When I place my trust in Who He is and what He has done, I also place my trust in the incredible goodness of His leadership. There’s no one more trustworthy and qualified than Christ. After all, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (1Tim 6:15; Rev 17:14; 19:16). If I trust Him to save me, I can trust Him to lead me.

Just to make sure we’re paying attention, Peter points out that believers are to be good followers “to every human institution whether it be to the emperor as supreme or the to the governors as sent by him” (v13-14). Not most. Not some. Not just the Fed. Not just the state. Not just your local officials. Every. Human. Institution. Remember, Pete’s writing in the historical context of that wing nut Nero and his brutal Roman Empire.

Republican. Democrat. Libertarian. Conservative. Liberal. It just doesn’t matter. Whether your candidate won or lost, it would appear “every human institution” (v13) covers whoever takes the oath of office. What in the wide world of sports would Pete say all this? He gets to the bottom line when he writes “for this is the will of God” (v15). Take a deep breath. We’re good here. God’s got this. Jesus approves this message.

How many of us are always searching for God’s will for our lives? What does He want me to do? Well, His will here seems crystal clear. God calls me to be a good citizen no matter who’s in office. Politics don’t matter. They don’t even have to be good governors.  What does matter is that I’m to be a good citizen.

Ultimately, He calls me to be a good follower of whoever is in authority. Boss. Department head. Vice president. President and CEO. Campus pastor. Senior pastor.  That’s because we’re all under authority. We’re under THE Authority. Jesus. King of Kings. Lord of Lords. 

This doesn’t mean that I’m to sin if my ruling authority commands it.  That’s where we step off. Pete knows all about that. He and the apostles made it clear to the religious police that’s where they draw the line. “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). In the meantime, one important way for me to express my worship to Jesus is by being a good citizen.  

What to do now? Step one: Turn off the TV. Step two: Pray for your leaders (2Tim 2:1-3). Yup. All of them. Step three: Read Psalm 146. (Hint: Focus on verses 3 and 4. “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.”) Step four: Love God by loving your neighbor (Mt 22:37).

Religion and Politics

“for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1Tim 2:2).

If you want to stir up a boring conversation, toss these two handy dandy grenades that are guaranteed to get folks fired up. Politics and religion. If you’re like me (and that’s not necessarily a good thing!), your Facebook and Twitter feeds are chockfull of one or the other, if not BOTH. And it’s coming from both sides. (Insert elected official’s name here) is the antichrist and has a secret plan to steal all your money and give it to (insert a demographic group you’re not a part of here) and turn our country over to the (insert your worst nightmare nation here). If that’s not bad enough, everybody you know is more than happy to tell you who’s headed straight for heaven or hell. Sometimes I feel like Stealers Wheel got it right. “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right.” 

Well, our old buddy Paul wasn’t afraid to toss BOTH at the SAME TIME! In his first letter to Timothy, the apostle fires both barrels. He tells Tim that we should pray “for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (v2). He’s encouraged his spiritual son that we should use every kind of prayer to pray for every person we can think of (1Tim 2:1). Now he gets more specific. Pray for those who are in charge. The purpose? So that we can give God glory by being good citizens. Let that sink in for a minute.

Our prayer list of political leaders starts at the top. We’re to pray “for kings and all who are in high positions” (v2). Chances are if you’re reading this, you don’t live under the reign of a king or queen (if you do, I’m pretty stoked that someone from another country actually took the time to read this!). Here in the good ol’ U.S. of A., the President is our highest elected official. It’s no tough stretch to understand that Paul call us to pray for the POTUS. But wait just a New York minute. Am I saying we should pray for our President even if you didn’t vote for him? If that’s the case…ESPECIALLY if you didn’t vote for him! 

This is where you try to argue with the apostle that he really doesn’t have a clue what kind of Commander-in-Chief we have right now. Pray for him? You’ve GOT to be kidding me! If I’m praying anything, it’s that God will supernaturally impeach the Prez. Here’s the dealio. We’ve got a little problem. It’s called the Bible. According to Scripture, it doesn’t matter. Conservative. Liberal. Republican. Democrat. Red state. Blue state. Pray for your President. No exceptions. No loopholes. 

Here’s the little fact-a-rooni that shuts up any argument you throw Paul’s way. The apostle calls his Ephesian brothers and sisters to pray for Nero. Yes, THAT Nero. One of the most corrupt and bloodthirsty dictators in human history. The ruler of the Roman Empire didn’t exactly have a soft spot in his heart for the followers of Jesus either. At more than one instance, Nero slaughtered countless Christians. Yet, the man from Tarsus tells his readers to pray for their king. 

Nero may have been ruthless and wicked but he rules over Rome because God has placed him there. As a result, we’re to do what our government leaders tell us to do. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Rom 13:1). Again, Paul writes these words to the followers of Jesus who are living in the capital of the empire. If anyone knew how awful Nero is, it’s the church in Rome. So here’s the deal. If first century believers can pray for this vicious emperor, I’m pretty sure can ask God to bless whoever is in the Oval Office. Besides, we place our trust in the King of ALL kings!

So how do we pray for our President and other governmental leaders? Pray that God would bless them. Pray that He would provide them with the wisdom needed to make difficult decisions. Pray that He would keep them healthy. Pray that He would provide them with level heads. And of course, pray that He would save them. We see in the very next couple of verses how our Savior “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1Tim 2:3-4). It’s happened before. Ever heard of Constantine? If not, take a moment to Google the guy. We’ll wait for you.

The point in praying for kings and other leaders in authority is so we can lead a “peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (v2). Peaceful. Quiet. Godly. Dignified. THIS is what good citizenship looks like for believers. It’s another way of describing the life Paul states back in chapter one. “The aim of our charge is love, that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1Tim 1:5). The bottom line is that God’s people should be a pleasure to govern. They shouldn’t be loud, annoying, obstinate, and a pain in the neck.

Check out the adjectives the apostle uses to describe Jesus’ followers as citizens. Peaceful. Quiet. Godly. Dignified. Who wouldn’t love neighbors who are like that? “Peaceful” (Gr. eremos) describes a lack of external disturbances. All is calm on the outside. He’s talking about someone who isn’t loud and obnoxious. Nobody’s calling the cops because the party’s still cranking at 3am. Are you living in a constant state of drama and continually dragging others into your hot mess? This doesn’t mean believers don’t need others to come alongside when life gets tough. And be sure that God’s people know how to party. Oh, we can celebrate with the best of them. But God calls us to be peaceful people.

Upstanding citizens of Christ’s kingdom should also be “quiet” (v2). No, this isn’t somebody who always talks in a whisper or thinks life should be like a library. While the previous word described what’s going on outside, hesuchios pulls the curtain back on an inward tranquility and rest. We’re “peaceful” on the outside because we’re “quiet” on the inside. Once we place our trust in who Jesus is and what He has done for us, a supernatural calm. We’re not continually anxious and constantly freaking out…especially when it comes to politics! 

An important characteristic for every Jesus follower everywhere is to be “godly” (v2). Paul uses a compound word here (Gr. eusebeia) that literally means “good worship.” It’s reverence toward God in all that we do. Everything we do is an act of worship to Jesus. It’s living life with our eyes on heaven. You’ve probably heard about someone who was so heavenly minded that they were no earthly good. Nothing could be farther from the truth. We become effective spreaders of His salt and shiners of His light when we remember all that He’s done for us that we could never do for ourselves. We need to pray for those in authority so that we can continue to be a blessing to our neighbors and coworkers.

The idea of godliness is one of the really big ideas in this letter. Women who love Jesus should “profess godliness” (1Tim 2:9-10). Even Paul can’t wrap his brain around the “mystery of godliness” (1Tim 3:16). As followers of Christ, you should “train yourself for godliness” because “godliness is of value in every way” (1Tim 4:7-8). The adult children and grandchildren of widows are “to show godliness” to these ladies (1Tim 5:4). What we learn about Jesus must always encourage us with a lifestyle “that accords with godliness” (1Tim 6:3). Spiritual hucksters have cook up a scheme to make a fast buck because they think that “godliness is a means of gain” (1Tim 6:5). What they’ve missed is “godliness with contentment” is the key to true success and satisfaction in life” (1Tim 6:6). Instead chasing the almighty dollars, we should be sprinting after “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (1Tim 6:11).

Paul also tells Tim that we’re to be “dignified (Gr. semnotes)” (v2). It’s the idea of being honest, honorable, and respectable. Before you think you need to wear a monocle and start acting all snooty, think again. The Pharisees nailed the whole holier-than-thou deal and it went very badly for them. The apostle is describing someone who doesn’t take themselves seriously but takes Jesus VERY seriously. A little later, Paul applies this idea as a key trait for an elder. “He must manage his own household well, with all dignity (Gr. semnotes)” (1Tim 3:4). He tells Titus to be a teacher who demonstrates “integrity, dignity (Gr. semnotes), and sound speech that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:7-8). Do you treat those around you with dignity and respect? Remember, EVERYONE you meet is made in the image of our Creator. As hard as it is to believe at times, that includes politicians and our elected officials.

God calls us to be good citizens. Jesus’ church isn’t to be a team of agitators who make life miserable for our fellow citizens. We’re to be God’s firehose of blessing to our neighborhood, our community, our state, and our nation. That’s independent of what kind of government ruling over us. Do you follow the laws and ordinances? Are speed limits simply a suggestion? Do you fudge on your taxes? Remember, how we live is a direct reflection of the One we worship. 

Maybe living under what you consider to be a godless government gives you a free pass. Folks like Joseph, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego all thrived under governments who didn’t exactly fit the label of Christian nations (whatever THAT means!). Were there times they had to take a stand to follow God when a law was leading them into sin? You betcha. But you didn’t see them going off the grid and living in some remote compound to keep themselves far from the filth of the fallen world.

As a matter of fact, God specifically tells His people to be good citizens while they’re prisoners in Babylon. “Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jer 29:4-7). Did you catch that last part? Seek your city’s welfare. Pray for your city. When things go well for your city, they will go well for you.

While Paul mixes religion and politics, he never tells Tim to force anyone to follow God’s rules. There’s no ramming of godliness down the throat of a nation. That’s just not how the kingdom of Christ works. In the same way that God changes us from the inside out, He does the same with society. When He changes our hearts, our lifestyle will follow. But that’s another discussion for another day.

In the meantime, let’s make a point of praying for our governmental leaders. Yes, that means the President, whether you voted for him or not. Pray that God blesses them. Pray that God saves them. Pray that He uses them to bring glory to His name. At the same time, let’s be a blessing to our friends and neighbors. Being citizens of God’s kingdom means being good and godly citizens of your city, state, and nation. See, you CAN mix politics and religion.

Heavenly Citizens

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

In the United States, we blow it out for our nation’s birthday on the Fourth of July. Fireworks. Hot dogs. Fireworks. Cookouts. Fireworks. Picnics. Did I mention fireworks? We celebrate the day our founding fathers put their John Hancock on the Declaration of Independence back in 1776. But sixteen centuries before the American colonies revolted against King George of England, Paul gives us a heavenly civics lesson. He reminds us that patriotism is great but there’s one allegiance that takes priority for every follower of Jesus. “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (v20). As heavenly citizens, we anticipate Jesus’ jaw-dropping encore. While we wait, we devote ourselves to shining His light and spreading His salt until He swings back by. 

It’s a mistake to think Paul takes his Roman citizenship lightly. As a matter of fact, it came in VERY handy when a lynch mob tossed him and Silas into the joint during their trip to Philippi (Acts 16:37). The fact that he’s behind bars in the capital of Rome is evidence of his citizenship. The apostle leveraged his rights as a Roman citizen to appeal his case to Caesar (Acts 25:11). And citizenship is a really big deal to the Philippians. The city may be in first century Macedonia (what we know as modern day Greece), but it’s an important Roman colony. Historians describe this seaport as Rome’s Macedonian Mini-Me. You see, Roman citizenship was something very special. Unlike America, Roman citizenship is a privileged political and legal status to free individuals. Just because you are born and raised in the empire doesn’t mean you’re a citizen. 

Paul tells us that as followers of Jesus “our citizenship is in heaven” (v20). He contrasts the I-want-it-and-I-want-it-now of the “enemies of the cross” (Phil 1:18-19) with the eager waiting of heavenly citizens. If God’s opponents are known for their demand for instant gratification of the god of their gut, heavenly citizens wait patiently and expectantly. The apostle talks about our greater “citizenship” (v20), which is the Greek word politeuma. It actually describes a civic entity, a location in which one has the rights of a citizen, a commonwealth, state, government, and even a homeland. We’ve all known somebody who grew up somewhere else and all they ever talk about is “back home”? For all I know that might be you! That’s kind of the idea. Right here and right now may be nice, but it’s not home. It’s not where you’re supposed to be.

The Bible is all about strangers in a strange land. God calls his boy Abraham to pack his bags and head to the “land I will show you” (Gen 12:1). Joseph gets sold out by his big brothers and sold into slavery in Egypt (Gen 37:26-28). Moses is on the lamb for murder and hides out (Ex 2:15). He even named his boy Gershom, which literally means “stranger in a strange land” (Ex 2:22). God rescues His people from 400-plus years of slavery in Egypt to take them home to the Promised Land (Ex 12:40-42). The list goes on and on. Daniel. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Ezra. Nehemiah. Ruth. Noah. And is there any greater story of an alien living in a foreign land than the Son of God’s rescue mission to save you and me? He left the luxury of the heavenly palace and dive into this sinful dumpster we call earth. It’s hard to wrap our heads around what He gave up to save our bacon. As followers of Jesus, we’re His body. That means until Christ comes back, we’re His eyes, heart, hands and feet to our friends and neighbors. Do you ever get the feeling there’s something more? Do you ever have a restless sense you’ve got somewhere else to be? That’s actually a good thing. Just like Jesus, you’re a stranger in a strange land. Just like Jesus, “our citizenship is in heaven” (v20).

So what does than mean? How do we live if we’re just passing through? MacArthur says we’re actually a colony of foreigners. Picture ourselves as pioneers and settlers sent to bring an amazing message of a better land to come. We’re setting up outposts of God’s kingdom. Until that happens, we should be a blessing to those around us. A great example are God’s orders to His people living in exile in Babylon. Build houses. Plant gardens. Get married. Have kids. Build great families. “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jer 29:7). Are your neighbors glad you live next door? Is your boss excited when you come to work? Are you a firehose of God’s grace to everyone around you? Earlier in Philippians, Paul encourages them to “let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ” (Phil 1:27). This could easily be translated as “be good citizens worthy of Christ’s Gospel by being good citizens.” Is your home a safe place for hurting people or a bomb shelter for you to hide out until Jesus comes back? Heaven may be our home but we need to be a blessing to those around us right here and right now. 

As heavenly citizens, Paul says “we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (v20). He uses an extra special, super duper word here. It’s the Greek verb apekdechomai. The apostle isn’t painting a picture of of us passively tapping our toes and twiddling our thumbs as we wait for Christ to come to our rescue. Instead of killing time, we’re to be anxiously expecting Him. Eagerly waiting for Him. Looking patiently forward to His return. Remaining in a state of readiness until that awesome day. According to Robertson, this vividly pictures Paul’s eagerness for the second coming of Christ as the normal attitude of the Christian colonist whose is heaven. Just in case you weren’t aware, Jesus IS coming back! One look around should tell you this isn’t how things ought to be. Our Savior has one final encore that’s going to seriously rock the joint. He’s coming back once and for all to set everything straight. Yeah, He’s going to rescue His followers but there’s so much more on His divine to-do list. Redeem His creation that we jacked up. Defeat Satan and his demonic toadies. Punish evil. Reward righteousness. I don’t know about you, but that’s certainly worth waiting for. 

So in the meantime, we wait. Expectantly. Eagerly. Patiently. Faithfully. As heavenly citizens, we should be a blessing to those around us. Are folks excited about seeing you walk through the door? Or do they roll their eyes and dread your arrival? I’m not saying there aren’t times to stand up for God’s holy standard. But we need to remember we don’t have the market cornered on righteousness. We’re simply humble beggars who’ve been told where to find the Bread. We wait for His return by shining His light. We wait by spreading His salt. We wait by being good neighbors, good workers, good friends, and good citizens. 

In the Blocks

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1).

The runners gather at the near the starting line. They shake and stretch their muscles. The tension builds in the crowd and on the track. We’re just moments away from the race. All of the training and all of the preparations, come down to this. The starter stands by the track as the athletes position themselves in the blocks. The buzz in the bleachers builds. The starter gives his first command, “Runners, on your mark.” The anticipation is so thick you could cut it with a chainsaw. “Set.” The stadium is about to explode as the starter raises his pistol. 

This is the scene as we start chapter three of Paul’s letter to Titus. Once new believers know what it means to follow Jesus (Titus 2:1-10), it’s time to get going. At some point, we have to start running. At some point, we have to put into practice the truth of what we know about Him. At some point, we have to leave the starting block and run the race. We know that “the grace of God has appeared” in the person of Jesus to rescue every one of us (Titus 2:11). We know that His amazing goodness gives us the ability to live for Him right here and right now (Titus 2:12). We know that He’s certain to make His incredible comeback someday soon (Titus 2:13). Once we know our situation, it’s time for the application. Now that we know the “Who” and the “why,” it’s time for the “what.” We’re in the blocks and ready to run the race.

Runners, on your mark. Set.

In those final moments before the start of the race, Paul wants Titus to give us some important final instructions. “Remind them” (v1). In other words, they’ve been told before. This isn’t the first time they’ve heard this. This reminder to be reminded reminds us of our need to remember the basics. As followers of Jesus, we constantly need to hear the Gospel. We need to hear it every single day. We need to be reminded. And we constantly need to remind those around us that everything we need we already have in Christ. Before we can do anything, we absolutely must remember what He’s done for us. Jesus lived the perfect life that I completely failed to live. He died the death for my sin that certainly should have died. He rose to a spectacular new life that in no way deserve. I constantly need to be reminded.

Once we leave the starting line, the first Paul wants us to do is be good citizens. “Be submissive to rulers and authorities” (v1). Notice that he doesn’t say to do this when the leaders are good and godly. We don’t just obey folks in charge when they are the people we support and voted for. As a matter of fact, remember the historical setting of this little letter. Rome rules the Mediterranean rim with an iron fist. The infamous Nero sits on the throne. You remember Nero, don’t you? Yeah, it’s that same Nero whose favorite hobby was to torture and execute Jesus’ followers. The apostle says that the quality of the leader isn’t important. Be good citizens. Be light shiners and salt spreaders no matter who’s in charge. Just in case you think this idea was limited to folks living on the island of Crete, Paul told his friends living in the capital city the very same thing (Rom 13:1-7). So did his buddy Peter (1Pet 2:13-17). And this is a guy that Nero eventually crucified upside down. 

Are you looking for loopholes? Are you cheating on your taxes? Are you blowing off the speed limit and blowing the doors off the cars on the interstate? God calls us to obey the law. One of the best ways for us to spread the message of Jesus is by being good citizens. The runner in the race can’t cheat and still win. You don’t leave the blocks early. You don’t cut across the infield. You don’t knock down the other competitors. You race and follow the rules. Be obedient. Do what you’re told. Run the race with integrity. Be a good citizen.

Runners, on your mark. Set.

Paul tells Titus to remind folks “to be ready for every good work” (v1). He uses the Greek word hetoimos, which means healthy, fit, and prepared. The term has a sense of certainty and anticipation. We’re to be stoked and excited for what’s about to happen. A runner is ripped and ready for the race. Training has prepped the athlete for this very moment. The moment the starter pulls the trigger, we explode from the blocks for “every good work” (v1). This is one of six times in this letter that the apostle tells the Big T about the importance of Christ’s followers doing good works. False teachers disqualify themselves from doing them (Titus 1:16). Jesus saved us as His personally prized possession to be on fire for doing good stuff and God stuff (Titus 2:14). A huge part of Titus’ assignment is to teach believers “to devote themselves to good works” (Titus 3:8, 14). 

This is actually one of Paul’s favorite phrases. He uses it in several different notes to various churches and friends. God drenches us in His grace in every moment of everyday so that we “may abound in every good work” (2Cor 9:8). The apostle prayed that the Christ followers in Colosse would be so overflowing in their relationship with our Savior that they would be “bearing fruit in every good work” (Col 1:10). When we pursue the holy purpose of God in are lives, we’re like the good china used only for special occasions like Thanksgiving, “ready for every good work” (2Tim 2:21). God gives us His Word to prep us and train us “for every good work” (2Tim 3:17).

But remember that we only do good works and God works because of the ultimate work of Jesus. It’s why He screamed from the cross, “It is finished!” (Jn 20:30). The work of our rescue was over. Done. Complete. There’s nothing more we need to do. We can’t add to what He’s done. There’s not one stinkin’ thing we can do to stay saved. But what we can do are good works and God works that bring Him glory and shine His light to a lost and dying world. Once we know who Jesus is, what He’s done, and who we are in Him, we can run the race of life knowing what to do.

Runners, on your mark. Set. BANG!

Illegal Aliens

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God (Eph 2:19).

There's an immigration problem.  People everywhere who have no apparent legal right to be here.  Illegal aliens.  And there are plenty of folks who are upset that they're around.  No, I'm not talking about the United States in the 21st century.  Paul's talking about the church in the first century.  What began as a strictly Jewish sect is being overrun by Gentiles.  The church in Ephesus is a perfect case study.  But the apostle says something has happened.  Legals statuses have been changed.  "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (v19).  Outsiders are now insiders.  Illegal aliens are now legal citizens.  How in the world did this happen?

Call it naturalization through Jesus.

This is a HUGE first century deal that we have trouble wrapping our brains around 2,000 years later.  Jews and Gentiles did not get along.  There was hatred, prejudice and discrimination.  And it went both ways.  But something crazy happened.  Or should I say, Someone crazy happened.  Jesus hit the scene.  He came as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah.  But He also came as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (Jn 1:29).  Christ came to knock down all the walls that separated not just Jews and non-Jews but every barrier between races, religions, cultures, nations and socio-economic status (Eph 2:13-16; Gal 3:28; Col 3:11).  He's not there just to bless the Jewish insiders.  He's come to transform outsiders into insiders.  To grant the blessings of kingdom citizenship

to illegal aliens.  

Naturalization through Jesus.

A massive controversy raged throughout the early church about the whole "Gentile issue."  That's a big part of the story throughout Acts and most of Paul's letters to the churches.  This firestorm led to a critical meeting of leaders at the home office in Jerusalem (Acts 15).  They eventually decided that if God was bringing non-Jews to the party, who were they to get in His way.  But there were plenty of folks who couldn't get this through their skulls.  It happened in Ephesus.  Paul saw it firsthand (Acts 19:9).  Just down the road in the churches of Galatia, Colossae, Hierapolis and Laodicea, Jews did everything to convince Jesus' followers that the only way to insure a place in God's kingdom was by becoming Jewish first.  Follow all the religious rules.  These false teachers spread a counterfeit gospel that told Gentiles they were illegal aliens unless they followed a VERY specific naturalization process.  

From a cold, dark cellblock in a Roman slammer, Paul furiously writes to his friends in Ephesus to let them know who Jesus is, what He's done for them and who they are in Him.  He knows that once they understand that, they won't fall for any spiritual snake oil salesman peddling the not-so-good news.  They're citizens.  Christ has seen to it personally.

Naturalization through Jesus.

Paul reminds his non-Jewish buddies of their illegal status before the resurrected Rabbi got involved on their behalf.  They were "strangers" (v19).  This is the Greek word xenos, which means foreigner, stranger, alien, citizen of a foreign land, refugee or someone excluded.  It's where we get our term xenophobia, the fear of foreigners.  It describes someone who does not belong to a particular socio-political group.  Something or someone on the outside looking in.  That's the core meaning of the word throughout the Bible.  Jesus told His crew that there are times when they loved on Him when they didn't recognize Him.  "I was a stranger (Gr. xenos) and you welcomed Me" (Mt 25:35).  Jewish leaders used the bribe Judas rejected to buy "a burial place for strangers (Gr. xenos)" or foreigners (Mt 27:7).

Before Jesus threw open the doors of His kingdom, that's exactly where Gentiles were.  On the outside looking in.  Paul used the same word earlier just a few verses ago when he first talked about this same idea.  "Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers (Gr. xenos) to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world" (Eph 2:12).  Even insiders, folks who knew they part of God's chosen people, saw themselves as outsiders.  The people listed in Hebrews Faith Hall of Fame "acknowledged that they were strangers (Gr. xenos) and exiles on the earth" (Heb 11:13).  One day, we'll all be home.  At home with Jesus.

Naturalization through Jesus.

The apostle goes on to remind Gentiles of where we were before Christ jumped in.  We were "aliens" (v19) or  paroikos.  This describes a stranger, exile, foreigner or sojourner.  It literally means "near the house."  These outsiders are pretty close to being on the inside but not quite.  Close but no cigar.  On the outside looking in.  The word paints a picture of someone who lives for a period of time in a foreign place.  Someone on the move who can't settle down.  Someone always on the move.  A man without a country.  A high plains drifter.  It's how God described how His chosen people would wander around as strangers before He brought them into the promised homeland (Acts 7:6).  But because of what Jesus has done for us, we have a home.  

Naturalization through Jesus.

If folks think the citizenship process in the United States is difficult, it doesn't hold a candle to getting into God's kingdom.  That takes perfection.  Complete obedience.  Let's face it.  With those rules, NOBODY gets in!  But that's where Jesus comes in.  He lived the perfect life that we failed to live.  He died the brutal death for sin that we should have died.  He rose to the glorious new life that we don't deserve.  He did for us what we could never do for ourselves in a million years.  We would never make it through His citizenship process without Him.  We're on the other side of the river.  We're on the far side of the fence.  

But in Christ, we're "fellow citizens" (v19).  Paul uses the compound word sumpolites, which describes one who possesses the same citizenship of others.  In Jesus, we have full citizenship.  In Jesus, we have the rights of every other citizen.  In Jesus, we're no longer outsiders.  In Jesus, we're now insiders.  In Jesus, we can never be deported.

Jesus solves our immigration problem.  Naturalization through Jesus.