Titus 3:8-15

Some things are helpful; some are not.  That’s how Paul concludes his letter to Titus.  Today let us consider what is helpful.  We find out in the final of five faithful sayings in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Tim. 1:15; 3:1; 4:8-9; 2 Tim. 2:10-13).  The faithful saying is that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.  

The fact that this rises to the level of a faithful saying should come as no surprise.  Jesus taught the importance of this in the Sermon on the Mount telling us this is the way we glorify God and the light by which unbelieving men see God and desire to glorify Him (Matt. 5:13-16).  1 Peter 2:11-12 contains the same idea.  So Paul’s emphasis on good works is fitting (3:8,14).

Keep in mind the context.  We have just been reminded that we are in no way saved by good works.  It is all God’s work, through Christ and in us as well.  But it is that very fact that becomes prime inspiration for a life of good works.  We are Christ’s special people, purified by Him so that we might be zealous for good works (2:14).  

To be careful to maintain good works is to be thoughtful.  We certainly should think about God’s work for us.  But we should also think about what good works are fitting for each situation and person God brings into our lives.  We should be creative.  I can say this doesn’t come easy for me.  I need to think about and pray about situations where I believe God wants me to be involved in someone’s life.

Furthermore, we are to maintain good works.  The idea hers has to do with ruling or managing something.  We are not to just be haphazard in our good works.  Without this we tend towards selfishness, letting others do the work rather than sacrificing our time and effort for others.  Likely this includes ruling our own spirits.  Opportunities often do not come with warning (v12).  We must be spiritually ready and discerning or we will miss them.

What is a good work?  In essence we are talking about meeting basic needs in the lives of others.  For example, blessing your enemy is done by giving him a drink when he is thirsty (Rom. 12:20-21).  It’s the kind of thing a good father does for his child (Matt. 7:8-12).  It is helping someone, which is a very God-like quality.  God is our help; the Holy Spirit is also called our Helper.  The word is nonspecific; it just means coming alongside someone in whatever way is needed.

And we should note as well that giving the gospel is a good work.  After all, salvation is the most basic need there is.  Very often good works lead to the opportunity to share Christ with others.  As Peter put it, we want to be always ready to give an answer to those who ask about the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15).

These things are good and profitable for men!