Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy… 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 outward facts of this evil life. I. HUMAN NATURE DEPICTED AS TO ITS MORE INWARD CHARACTER. "For we ourselves" 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, and hates knowledge (Proverbs 1:7, 22). (2) He walks in the darkness of a false education (Ecclesiastes 2:14). (3) He is self-sufficient and self-confident (Proverbs 14:8, 16). (4) He is a self-deceiver (Proverbs 14:8). (5) He makes a mock at sin (Proverbs 14:9). 2. It is disobedient. The word implies that the root of all true obedience is faith. Human nature is without faith, and is therefore disobedient. (1) Disobedience forfeits God's favor (1 Samuel 13:14). (2) Provokes his anger (Psalm 78:10, 40). (3) Forfeits promised blessings (Joshua 5:6). (4) Brings curse (Deuteronomy 11:28). (5) There are many warnings against it (Jeremiah 12:17). 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 itself as well as by the devil. II. HUMAN NATURE DEPICTED AS TO ITS MORE OUTWARD CHARACTER. 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 sinful and debasing nature. Such a service was bondage (Romans 6:6, 16; Romans 16:18). 2. It implied a life of malice. (1) The wicked speak with malice (3 John 1:10). (2) Are filled with it (Romans 1:29). (3) Visit the saints with it (Psalm 83:3). (4) God requites it (Isaiah 10:14). 3. It implied a life of envy. (1) Envy is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:21). (2) The wicked are full of it (Romans 1:29). (3) It leads to every evil work (James 3:16). (4) It is hurtful to its possessors (Job 5:2). (5) It will be punished (Psalm 106:16, 17). 4. It implies hatefulness. "Hateful;" that is, possessing the qualities that excite hatred and dislike. 5. It implies a return of hate for hate. "Hating one another." (1) It is characteristic of those without love to God (1 John 2:9, 11). (2) It is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:21). (3) It stirs up strife (Proverbs 10:12). (4) It embitters life (Proverbs 15:17). (5) It will be punished (Psalm 34:21). - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. |
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