READING

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;                                            

                                              SPEAK EVIL OF NO MAN TITUS 3:2-3

This scripture is a mark, of Christian conduct. It is directed to all who wear the name of

Christ, especially leadership of the church of Christ. It is coupled to Romans 3:23-25

Speak evil (blasphemeo) - To blaspheme, revile. To hurt the reputation or smite with reports or words, speak evil of, slander, rail -

As translated in other versions

to malign no one (NASB)

to slander no one (NIV)

Applied here to all men, elsewhere toward brethren - Ep 4:31-32; Jm 4:11-12

Note the caution of Michael the archangel in reproaching even the devil! - cf. Jude 1:9

We must speak out against error, but gracious in how we speak of those in error

BE PEACEABLE...

Peaceable (amachos) - not disposed to fight, not contentious or quarrelsome -

The quality displayed by Paul toward his brethren - 1Th 2:7

A virtue to be displayed even toward those in error - 2Ti 2:24-25

A grace indicative of heavenly wisdom - Jm 3:17

We can contend without being contentious, disagree without being disagreeable

BE GENTLE...

Gentle (epieikes) - equitable, fair, mild, gentle - Thayer

Towards those who attack us. Yielding, considerate, not urging one's rights to the uttermost, but forbearing and kindly -

A grace to be extended toward all men - cf. Php 4:5

A willingness to turn the other cheek, not just literally but also figuratively

SHOWING ALL HUMILITY...

Humility (praotes) - gentleness, mildness, meekness - Thayer

As translated in other versions:

to show perfect courtesy (ESV)

showing all meekness (KJV)

showing every consideration (NASB)

to show true humility (NIV)

to show every courtesy (NRSV)

A quality present in the fruit of the Spirit - cf. Ga 5:22-23

An example of gracious conduct by an heir of grace!

CONCLUSION

The reason for such conduct is given as Paul continues in his epistle...

Though we were once foolish, disobedient, etc. - Tit 3:3

We have been saved by the kindness, love, and mercy of God - Tit 3:4-6

We have been justified by His grace, and thus "heirs of grace" - Tit 3:7

Are we willing to conduct ourselves in ways appropriate for "heirs of grace"...?

Toward those in authority, even when as wicked and evil as was the emperor Nero?

Toward all men, not just brethren, but even those who may oppose and oppress us?

That is our calling. May we grow in grace to become the kind of people for which Jesus died...

"who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." - Tit 2:14

OBEY THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

HEAR

BELIEVE

REPENT

CONFESS

BE BAPTIZED

LIVE FAITHFULLY