A Lessons For Cretans

Remind them (outsiders) to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us — not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy — through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that, having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, knowing that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned. Titus 3:1‭-‬11 HCSB

Crete was the seat of the worship of Zeus. Zeus was a 'man made god' deity. Christianity is about a 'God made man' saviour.

Cretans were reputed to be liars, sexually perverse and indulgent. Into this mix came the gospel of Christ and lessons on how to live for Him.

We can see the conflict. However, today, there remains a conflict. Modern man deified self and is sexually immoral and indulgent.

Into our world, then, comes the gospel of Christ and an instruction on how to live godly lives.

Who are outsiders for us? The world around us that does not, yet, follow Christ. Here is the rub! First, we must show by example what it is to live for Christ. Then we can speak about 'how to live'! Amen!