Bible Reading: Numbers 1; Psalm 35; Ecclesiastes 11; Titus 3
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (Titus 3:8)
Faithful sayings that you affirm constantly are sound doctrine that needs to be taught in the church. The apostle here is instructing Titus to preach that those who have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. Notice he places faith first and apart from good works. These people were already saved. Now as children of God they were to maintain good works. Good works are profitable to men. Paul is here saying that a person who has trusted in Christ should allow the genuine faith they have to show through in good works.
The trap is to think you gain salvation by your good works. Another trap is to say that you are saved by grace but sanctified by works. Both of these are wrong Biblically. When you trust in Christ for salvation you are saved. You then understand that you are now free to serve God and he has good works for you to do.
Notice the importance of good works in the book of Titus:
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. (Titus 1:16)
We learn that there are people who profess to know God but in their works they deny him. They are reprobate unto every good work. In other words, they are not genuine Christians and you can tell because their lives show something very different than what they say.
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, (Titus 2:7)
The elders in the church are to show themselves a pattern of good works. They are to teach doctrine and live according to that doctrine so others can see an example of someone who is a genuine believer.
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14)
Jesus gave himself as a sacrifice to redeem us from sin and purify us to be a people who are literally 'on fire' for good works.
And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. (Titus 3:14)
Believers in Jesus need to learn to maintain good works. By living a life of good works your life will be fruitful. If you do not have good works in your life, it will be unfruitful. A fruitful believer brings glory o the Father (John 15:8).
Five times the book of Titus mentions 'good works'. They are a supernatural result of the life of Jesus in your life!
In Christ,
Rody
