Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Song of Solomon 1-8
     New Testament Reading: Titus 3

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. … Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful (Titus 3: 8, 14).

Christians need to be reminded of God’s great forgiveness. Paul reminds Titus and all Christians that Christ saved them from sin and death. Paul most likely reflected on his conversion as he wrote; 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 (v5).

But more is needed. Just as Paul wrote to the Ephesians that through our salvation, we are created in Christ Jesus for good works (Eph 2:10) he tells Titus, those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works (v8)and Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works (v14).

Titus was to teach the other Christians to show hospitality, to care for the sick and afflicted, and to be generous toward those who were in need. Instead of working merely to meet their own needs and wants, they should have the distinctly Christian vision of having compassion for those in need around us.

Paul sets out the importance of good works for those who have experienced God’s grace. One may have expected that he would then state that these things are to the glory of God or to show our love and thanksgiving to Him. Instead, Paul makes the broad statement that they are good and profitable for everyone (v8).

The only evidence the unsaved world has that we belong to God is our godly lives. Good works do not always religious works or church work. It is fine to work at church, sing in the choir, and hold office; but it is also good to serve our unsaved neighbors, to be helpful in the community, and to have a reputation for assisting those in need. The best way a local church has to witness to the lost, is through the sacrificial service of its members.

The importance of a life well lived before a skeptical world was foremost in Paul’s mind. He encourages us to be good citizens and good neighbors and to keep in mind two reminders as we live before a watching world. First, it takes authenticity and integrity for people to really listen to what we have to say. Second, it is impossible to convince anyone of any truth you are not living yourself.