There are times in Scripture when special emphasis is placed on certain aspects of Holy living. The Apostle Paul’s epistle to Titus is representative of one of these, leaving us in no doubt as to what we are to do. Paul says,
“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.”
Titus 3:8
Why? Because…
“These things are good and profitable to men.”
Titus 3:8
The phrase, “those who have believed in God”, refers to all who have believed in God, not just some. The word ‘maintain’ implies, that it should be a natural occurrence, that when a believer in Christ begins to follow after Christ, that good works towards all men should naturally follow.
- Just as Christ and His apostles did, so should we.
In order to place particular emphasis on the importance of this, Paul charges Titus, to constantly affirm to the believers he is caring for, that they are to maintain good works.
When the Apostle Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia he said,
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:10
Paul is telling them to do good to all, not just some. And to do this as they have opportunity; especially to those who are of the household of faith, or those who are followers of Christ Jesus. Jesus instructs us concerning the righteousness of this call,
“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:1 See also Matthew 22:39 & 40
The book of James also warns us,
“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
James 4:17
Let Your Light so Shine Before Men
When Jesus began to teach His disciples, they saw Him heal those who were sick and afflicted with many diseases and torments; as well as those who were demon-possessed, epileptics and paralytics.
“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.”
Matthew 4:23 & 24
Jesus taught them,
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
- Our good works are to be seen by others, that they may glorify our Father in heaven.
Again, the Apostle Paul tells the Galatians (an example we are to follow),
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Galatians 6:9
“…especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:10
- The Apostle Paul leaves a grace of conduct for the leader of every church.
In Humility Speak the Truth in Love
Do you know, it is equally possible to deny God by the wrong works that we do? When speaking of people like these, the Apostle Paul says to Titus,
“They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.”
Titus 1:16
Let us rather, be of the household of faith who do things well, so that,
“…having your conduct honourable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
1 Peter 2:12
In his letter to the saints at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul tells us that God created us to do good works; so that we should constantly be walking in them.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10
The Apostle Paul, likewise, exhorts Timothy concerning those who are rich,
“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share”
1 Timothy 6:18
A Special Place for Women in the Body of Christ
Being active in good works was one of the requirements for widows to be taken into the care of the church.
- If we meet the needs of others, God will care for our own needs.
“Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.”
1 Timothy 5:9 & 10
Regarding family matters, Titus is admonished by the Apostle Paul, giving right conduct for behaviour in all things. First to the older men, then to the older women, and likewise to the young men, exhorting him,
“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.”
Titus 2:1
“In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.”
Titus 2:7 & 8
- Titus is to be an example to the people first.
It is also worth noting, that Paul specifically addresses the need for older women to be,
“…teachers of good things”
Titus 2:3
“That they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”
Titus 2:4 & 5
Paul instructs Titus, that it is the role of the older women to do this, not the role of a man. This was wisdom being given to Titus from the Apostle Paul, to keep him from error and from entering into significant harm. He gives a place for older women in the body of Christ that should never be ignored.
The Apostle Paul tells him to remind the people,
“…to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
Titus 3:1-2
- He warns us we are not to be unfruitful!
“And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.”
Titus 3:14
