Elder Devotional Titus 3:8

Scripture Text: 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.

Paul has been instructing Titus in the reality if God’s work in initiating regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ (3:5-6). This has brought about spiritual benefits of being justified before God and heirs of eternal life (3:7). This serves as the context to Titus 3:8 and Paul builds upon these theological truths.

The saying is trustworthy denotes the idea that what God has done on our behalf in Christ is worthy of our faith and belief (BAGD). This is similar to Paul’s language in I Timothy 1:15 where he appeals to Christ coming into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

These things are what Titus is to insist on in his pastoral ministry. He is to speak confidently (BAGD) about these things because there is no spiritual ambiguity when it comes to what God has done in and through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul understands that what God has done in Christ not only effectually brings about our justification before God but it also has a sanctifying affect upon our discipleship in Christ. This is a profound and powerful motive for the believer!

Paul gives the rationale for his logic and the practical level, so that introduces the anticipated results of such glorious theological truths. The results are anticipated in the lives of believers in order that they may be devoted to good works. It would appear that the work of God in Christ serves to spur the true disciple onward in their devotion and their service to God.

See Also Ephesians 2:8–10: 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

According to Ephesians 2:10 where do good works originate?

Is Christianity the only religion that prescribes the performance of good works?

What other things can motivate people in religious service?

Does this make the preaching of the gospel perpetually essential?