LEARN to MAINTAIN ‘GOOD WORKS’!
December
11 Bible Reading: Titus Chapters 1-3
LEARN to MAINTAIN ‘GOOD WORKS’!
"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. These things are good and
profitable to men. And let our people
also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not
be unfruitful."
(Titus 3:8, 14)
A major
theme in this letter of Apostle Paul to Titus is good works (1:16; 2:7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14). Paul is emphasizing that
what he has written (vv. 4–8) is a trustworthy statement, one that is central
to the Christian faith. These things are good and profitable, and emphasize the
practical benefit of good works. People who are busy for the Lord do not have
time for useless arguments!
Titus was to
teach the other Christians to show hospitality, to care for the sick and
afflicted, and to be generous toward those who were in need. Instead of working
merely to meet their own needs and wants, they should have the distinctly
Christian vision of earning money in order to share with the less privileged
(Eph. 4:28b). This would save them from the misery of selfishness and the
tragedy of a wasted, unfruitful life.
A recurring
theme throughout the New Testament is that believers
should live up to their holy calling. They should continue being sanctified
(Heb. 10:14, 23–26). Justification is solely a gift from God, but we will be
rewarded according to what we do on this earth (Rev. 22:12). What a tragedy it
will be for some to stand ashamed at Christ’s return (1 John 2:28). How much better it will be to abound in good
works which the Holy Spirit empowered us to do!
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." (Romans 13:12-14)
