January 12, 2024 -- Titus 3:4-8 -- Salvation and Good Works

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power; Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
Titus 3:4-8 ESV

Why are Christians to devote themselves to good works? Well, Paul spends the verses four, five, six, and seven explaining why. Look at the riches of the salvation that is ours in Jesus Christ. The lovingkindness of our Savior—think of this, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We were utterly undeserving, but God’s mercy reached us. Consider the washing of regeneration, the work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit of God Who always points believers to Jesus. This is one of the cautions I would speak to our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Pentecostal assemblies—are the works of the Spirit directing the believers to Jesus Christ and the lifting up of His Name? If the demonstrations of the Spirit’s power are focused on the Spirit alone, then they are wrong worship. The Spirit always points to Jesus.

After a plethora of reasons explaining why Christians are tremendously blessed then Paul comes to the imperative, the command. Those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. The good works are a response to the great and glorious blessings the Father has poured out on us in Christ Jesus which are kept sealed in us by the working of the Holy Spirit. Good works are not something extra we are required to do, these are the outworking of the Spirit’s presence in our lives. The flood of joy which wells up in us by Jesus’ salvation prompts us so that we cannot help but do good works.

Notice the promise of God included here. Such good works are excellent and profitable. Good works show the excellencies of our God. All our good works lead us to boasting in Jesus Christ. He is the One Who has blessed us with salvation. He is the One Who demonstrates for us the Father’s love so that God’s glory is reflected from our lives shining to the credit of our God. And good works are profitable. Others come to know Jesus Christ because of our good works. We are confirmed in our precious faith as we serve God and realize, as the Spirit’s power works in us prompting us to good works, we belong to God.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name! In Christ You have gifted believers with the Holy Spirit so that we will grow in knowledge of the truth which accords with godliness. You have confirmed Your goodness through the preaching of the Word. Oh, blessed God, draw Your people to worship. Stir in us a longing for the Truth of God made manifest in Jesus Christ and guarded in our hearts by the Spirit’s presence. Spirit of God so rule in our hearts that we both desire to do and are empowered to carry out good works which are excellent and profitable. Amen.

https://youtu.be/u0a1Pq9avbg?si=xCvKgeEy6ypy8KJT “Oh Worship the King”
 

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