May 17, 2024 -- Titus 3:4-11 -- Be Careful to devote yourself to good deeds

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. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Titus 3:4-11 ESV

Did you catch it? The Christian who has been saved from the useless and empty way of life (read here the sinful way of life) through the loving kindness God the Father demonstrated in Jesus Christ, he is washed by the Holy Spirit. I love how Trinitarian this passage is—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, their work in our salvation is clearly demonstrated.

What to do now? As people who are saved, not in order to earn salvation, but in a beautiful demonstration of the salvation that is already ours, look for things to do all things which honour God. Christians look for ways to please Him. Look for ways to demonstrate to others the love which you yourself have received in such abundant measure. When one is devoted to good works, then one isn’t offering his eyes and hands to former, sinful service.

Paul wrote to Titus to be careful to do good works. This is to ensure the works are not carried out for one’s own glory. So, you are not seeking the praise of men, but you are working these good deeds so that God is praised. Think of another way in which believers are to be careful to do good works. Sometimes in your haste to do good unto others, you have not considered if you are harming others instead of helping. Here is an example: governments that give healthy men and women hand-outs, instead of requiring them to work. It is possible that efforts to help someone actually cripples them and keeps them in a state of requiring more hand-outs.

Paul is writing his son in the faith. He is giving instructions on the way in which believers are to encourage one another. The result is clear. Those who are self-serving, who are not focused on good as it is explained in the Bible, will bring quarrels and divisions into a body of believers. It is important to realize that sometimes the Word of God acts like a two-edged sword. It will cut at your motives, it will hurt because you were clinging to some sin that needed to be rooted out like a bad tooth. By way of contrast, those who are acting like a bull in a China shop, well, their deeds are clear and the results of their actions speak for themselves.

As Christians empowered by the Holy Spirit carefully devote themselves to good works, the people around them will see the accomplished work of Jesus which has freed them to serve in this way, and they will join you in giving honour and praise to God the Father. Such a result only prompts and spurs the Christian onwards to ever greater good works.

Father in heaven thank You for Your steadfast love. Beautiful Savior, thank You for the new life that You have given us, one that is guarded by the powerful presence of the Spirit in us. Triune God, open our eyes to the good You would have us do and then direct us so that we will be careful to devote ourselves to it so that the habits of our old sins will no longer be the ruts we run in, but joyful obedience will characterize our new, deeper commitment to You. Amen.

https://youtu.be/y3gWwGDGgVA?si=9UKtJNIp42p8dDcj “Take My Life and Let them Be”

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