Titus, we heard that you just got a letter from Paul.  What did he say?

He said a lot, but at the end, he wanted me to remind you of some things.

What kinds of things?

To be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

Why should we live like that?

Because you were once foolish yourselves.

What do you mean?

You were disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing your days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

So what happened to us?

The goodness and loving kindness of God your Savior appeared.

What happened then?

He saved you.

On what basis?

Well, definitely not because you had done anything righteous.

Then why?

Because of His own mercy.

Could you explain how he treated us mercifully?

He washed you by regeneration and renewed you by the Holy Spirit.

How did we get this Holy Spirit?

God poured Him out on you richly through Jesus Christ your Savior.

And what was the purpose of all this?

God the Father wanted you to become His heirs.

Heirs of what?

The promised hope of eternal life.

But how did we go from being outlaws to being heirs?

You were justified by the grace of God.

How certain are you about all of this?

The saying is trustworthy, and Paul told me to insist on these things.

Why so insistent?

So that you who have believed in God will be careful to devote yourselves to good works.

Oh, so that was your point at the beginning?

Yes — to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

So just one more time — we forget quickly — why should we live lives like this?

Because you were sinful, and God saved you.