First Mennonite Church
June 14, 2026
God Regenerates, Not Only Improves Us!
Text: Titus 3: 1-8
The Letter to Titus is one among the so called, “Pastoral Letters.” This title is given to 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus because in them are found guidance on doctrinal purity, leadership requirements, church structure, beside household rules.
Now, putting aside the debate of authorship, dating of these letters, and straightforward transposition of some of the advice given there, still yet we find sound theological truths and important instructions on Christian conduct.
The Apostle Paul commissioned Titus to finish organizing some local congregations in Crete and to exercise pastoral ministry in these small Christian communities. Therefore, here in chapter three, Paul’s instruction to Titus is very clear: to remind Christian’s about their civic duty based on the principles of their faith in Jesus Christ.
Let us remember that these small Christian communities did not have political power. These communities found themselves to be a minority in their society. And it was important for them to do their best not to stir up any more antagonism against themselves if possible. So, the advice was for them to live at peace with the authorities and to obey them. But they should not do so begrudgingly, but by taking advantage of every opportunity to do good. They were to avoid badmouthing anyone, and instead to be peace-loving and considerate, and always gentle toward everyone, not only to those of their group. In other words, regardless that these communities were a minority and the object of slander and suspicion, their actions and behavior among their pagan neighbors would testify that they were undeniably a different kind of society. Through their actions and behavior these communities would testify to something more profound than mere human improvement. Their changed lives were the direct result of God’s power and mercy given to them. This reminds us that our behavior and the way we treat others speak louder than our words. A Christ-infused behavior shines like a bright light in a dark room.
Then Paul reminds these Christians that before they experienced the mercy of God in Christ, they too acted the way the pagans did, which he describes as “foolish.” For we also once were foolish ourselves. And even Paul admits to have been one of those foolish people: For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. Paul did not have problem to admit that he was a chief sinner. Paul did not deny his own enslavement by sin. But he is also mindful what and when humanity’s sorry state was changed forever. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
The initiative to change and rescue mankind from the grips of sin and death was born in the heart of God. God’s kindness and love for mankind appeared, says Paul. The source of our redemption, salvation, healing and restoration is God. And Jesus is God’s agent who came to the world to show us how much God loves us, even to the point of dying on the cross.
God saved us, not on the basis of any good deeds we may have done. In fact, when God found us, we were not only empty-handed but were enemies of God, as Paul says in Ephesians. Paul was deeply aware that it is impossible to attain salvation by living a moral upright life or by doing good deeds. Paul reminds us that it is futile to believe that we can earn God’s favor through good works. Good works are the fruit of a relationship with God, not the root for having a relationship with God.
Salvation is by God’s gracious mercy alone. And He saved us by carrying out three things: First, by the washing of regeneration, says Paul. This word is translated in some Bibles as -rebirth, which is closest to the Greek root word: palingenesis= palin-again and genesis-birth/origin. The idea is captured more plainly where Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” God’s saving work in us not only to make us a better or an improved, or more refined person. God’s saving work in us makes us completely new, where traces or stains of the past are completely removed through his healing, forgiveness, and transforming love. It does not matter what we’ve done in the past, it does not matter what have been done to us in the past, God’s renewing power liberates, heals and regenerates our hearts, minds, and souls.
God saves us by making us completely new by washing us, which means through our baptism in Christ. But God also saves us by the renewing through the Holy Spirit, which He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ. The indwelling, that is, having the Holy Spirit living in us, changes our motives, outlook, priorities, desires and behaviors. Instead of wanting to do things our way, our desire, priorities, and worldview, becomes God’s. Our heart, mind and soul come under the glorious light of God’s love. Hope, joy, and a new perspective arise in our heart like a new day.
And look at how Paul bets on this truth: He says, “This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
Salvation comes when God makes you and me anew. That is what regeneration means. When God regenerates us, He not only fixes us in the inside; He makes us new! We are “born of the Spirit” (John 3:6, 8). We are “born of God” (John 3:13). Salvation comes when we find ourselves in the righteousness of Christ and his work on the cross.
Let us open our hearts to the Lord. Let us allow him to wash us, to make our heart new, to take away any and everything that continues to remind us our past. Let us receive his healing and love. Let us pray.
Pastor Romero