Good Works Flow from the Gospel

Titus 3:1-8

Good evening, Church.

What a great meal that was. Thank you, brother Larry for that good food. What a blessing it is to break bread with one another.

If you have your Bible, make your way to Titus 3 and we are continuing our walk through this small but deep book of the Bible. We have been walking through this 3 chapter book for quite some time now. I thought it would be a short series. This is our 6th week in the book.

And we come to some of the most crucial verses for the Christian in this book tonight.

See the main idea in these verses tonight is that you must be born again to live a life for good works.

According to the Bible- no one does good no not one. If a person is not born again in Christ Jesus- nothing they do is good in the eyes of God. They’re filthy rags.

You can save a million orphans, cure cancer, be the catalyst for world peace but if you are not born again in Christ Jesus in those acts are filthy rags to the Lord.

Are they great on the worldly level? for sure, no doubt about that. But we are not here for the approval of man. We are here for the approval of God.

And the only way to be approved by God is by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.

Think about Nicodemus going to Jesus at Night.

Nicodemus was a big deal in the first century. He wasn’t just a Pharisee—he was also a member of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of Israel.

He had the entire old testament/ Torah memorized, he prayed the prayers, and everybody respected him.

If there was ever a guy you’d think had his ticket punched for heaven, it was Nicodemus. By every human standard, he was a good man.

But one night, when he slipped out in the dark to have a conversation with this young rabbi from Galilee, Jesus wrecked all that confidence. Jesus told him flat out—“you’re not ready for the kingdom of God” (John 3). And why?

Because Nicodemus had never been born again. He had religion, but not regeneration. He had knowledge, but not new life. He had law, but not the Spirit.

The Bible calls this miracle of being born again regeneration.

Millard Erickson puts it like this: regeneration is the other side of conversion—completely God’s work. It’s when God flips the script, breathes new life into a dead heart, and sets a person on a whole new direction. It’s not just self-improvement—it’s a brand new birth.

That word “regeneration” only shows up twice in the New Testament.

Once in Matthew 19:28 talking about the renewal of all things at the end of time, and right here in Titus 3:5.

Paul is hyper-focused on this truth: if you’ve been born again, your life will show it.

New birth leads to new works. Not that we will be sinless but we will sin less.

That’s why in this passage, good works are wrapped around the whole discussion—they start it in verse 1, and they end it in verse 8. And right in the middle, at the apex, sits regeneration (vv. 5–6).

Here’s the point Paul’s making: salvation isn’t just God wiping your slate clean, it’s Him giving you a brand-new heart that produces a brand-new life.

So let’s read these 8 verses and see what God has in store for us this evening.

Titus 3:1–8 “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 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, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 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.”

We Must Be Ready for Good Works Titus 3:1–3

Paul makes it perfectly clear in these verses: God didn’t just save us from something, He saved us for something.

Ephesians 2:10 says we are created in Christ Jesus for good works. Don’t get the order wrong—good works never save you. But if you’re saved, good works will follow. That’s the fruit of new life in Christ.

Now, the church in Crete was surrounded by a corrupt culture, hostile to the gospel. That’s not too different from our world today. So Paul gives them, and us, some principles to live by—principles that set believers apart from the way we used to live.

In the Present We Can Help Others (Titus 3:1–2)

Paul starts with a reminder: “Remind them…” Why? Because we forget. We need the gospel applied to our everyday lives. And he lays out seven commands that fall into four big categories.

1. We submit obediently. We live in a democratic republic, which means we get a say in how the government runs. We vote. We stand on what God stands for. But Paul still says it plain—we submit obediently.

He writes, “be submissive to rulers and authorities, to obey.” Jesus said in Matthew 22, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And here’s the caveat—everything belongs to God. Caesar might get your taxes, but God gets your life.

Paul doubles down in Romans 13, and Peter echoes the same thing in 1 Peter 2.

Now, let’s be clear: Christians are not anarchists. The only time we resist government is when obeying it would force us to disobey God (Acts 5:29). And even then, our resistance isn’t violent—it’s obedient to God and willing to accept whatever consequences come.

Why do we live this way? Because when we submit to authority, we’re really showing that we trust the ultimate authority—God Himself.

and think about this- when Paul was writing these words- when the emperor in Rome was Nero (AD 54–68).

So Paul is telling Titus to remind the believers in Crete to “be submissive to rulers and authorities” (Titus 3:1), Nero—a ruler infamous for cruelty, arrogance, and eventually violent persecution of Christians. He would light up the roads with Christians like they were tiki torches.

That makes Paul’s instruction even more striking: submission to governing authorities wasn’t about whether the emperor was “worthy,” but about trusting that God is sovereign over kings and kingdoms.

2. We serve eagerly. Paul says be “ready for every good work.” Not some works. Not convenient works.

Every good work. Galatians 6:10 says, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially to those in the household of faith.”

Titus 2:14 says Jesus redeemed us to make a people “zealous for good works.” In other words, Christians should be the first ones to step up and help, no matter the need.

3. We speak gently. Paul says don’t slander anyone, don’t be quarrelsome. That means no gossip, no tearing down with our words, no stirring up drama.

Instead, we’re peaceable, friendly, patient. We give others the benefit of the doubt. We let love cover. Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

4. We show humility. Paul says, “show gentleness to all people.” Humility means putting others ahead of ourselves. Philippians 2 tells us to have the same mind as Christ—that though He was God, He humbled Himself, took on flesh, and went to the cross for us.

Now, don’t confuse humility with weakness. Humility is actually strength under control. Think about a horse. One of the most powerful animals God ever made—able to run for miles, pull massive weight, charge into battle. Yet that same horse can be trained to let a child climb on its back. That’s not weakness. That’s power restrained. That’s gentleness.

That’s the picture Paul is painting. As Christians, we don’t throw our weight around. We don’t demand our way. We use our strength to serve, not to crush. True humility looks like Jesus—strength surrendered for the good of others.

In the Past We Harmed Others (Titus 3:3)

Paul doesn’t let us forget where we came from. He starts verse 3 with that emphatic word—“we.” He’s saying, “Don’t just look at the world out there—remember this was you too.” And if you’re in Christ today, you know the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

So what exactly did Jesus save us from besides hell and separation from God? One word—sin. But sin is like a hydra—many heads, attacking from every direction. Paul lists six ways sin used to own us.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Do not let me talk about these things this morning while you listen to me without feeling. I want you to be turning over the pages of your old life and joining with Paul and the rest of us in our sad confession of former pleasure in evil.” In other words, don’t just nod at this—remember who you were. Because the deeper you know your sin, the clearer you see your need for the new birth.

Paul puts it this way:

Sin deceives. We were foolish—no spiritual understanding—and deceived, led astray in the wrong direction. Bottom line? Sin makes you stupid.

Sin disobeys. We were bent toward rebellion- that is our default setting- rebellion—against God, against authority, against parents, against anyone who tried to lead us.

Sin dictates. We were slaves to passions and pleasures. We thought we were free, but sin was the cruelest master of all—always demanding more, never satisfied.

Sin detests. We lived in malice—ill-will toward others, never looking to bless, always quick to injure.

Sin desires. We lived in “envy,” an unquenchable desire to possess what we do not have. John MacArthur with great insight notes, “Envy is a sin that carries its own reward: it guarantees its own frustration and disappointment. By definition, the envious person cannot be satisfied with what he has and will always crave for more” (Titus, 149). Sexual sin illustrates this perfectly, wanting more until it goes “all the way,” only to find even this is not enough

Sin destroys. We were hateful and hating one another. Instead of love marking our lives, hate ran the show. That’s the family resemblance of the Devil, not of Christ (John 13:35).

That’s the picture of who we were. Not who we are. The gospel changed everything. Jesus made us new. And now, instead of being enslaved to sin, we’re set free to be ready for good works.

But how? How does that transformation happen? Paul’s about to answer that in verses 4–7.

We Have Been Regenerated for Good Works Titus 3:4–7

After Paul lays out who we once were—lost, enslaved, and hateful—he turns the corner and shows us what God has done for us. At one time, we were dead, doomed, and depraved. But then comes that glorious word: “But.”

Ephesians 2:4 says, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us…” Titus 3:4 says the same in a different way: “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us…”

Those two words—But God—change everything. They flip the story. Without them, we’re hopeless. With them, we’re alive.

So what does this passage in Titus teach us about that great “but God” moment? Paul points us to four precious truths:

God Cares for Us (Titus 3:4)

Paul starts with one of the most basic—but also most beautiful—truths in all of Scripture: God loves us. He says the goodness and loving kindness of God have appeared.

And notice—this is the third “appearing” in Titus. In chapter 2, verse 11, the grace of God appeared bringing salvation. In verse 13, the glory of God will appear when Christ returns. And now here in chapter 3, verse 4, the goodness of God appears. Grace. Glory. Goodness. All of it tied to Jesus Christ.

This kindness and love come from “God our Savior.” That title—Savior—shows up six times in this little book. It’s like Paul can’t stop reminding us who Jesus is and what He’s done. And here’s the best part: the object of that kindness and love is mankind. Not people who had it all together. Not people who had already earned it. But sinners—people like us—who desperately needed a Savior.

That’s where the gospel starts. God cares for us.

God Cares for Us (Titus 3:4)

Paul starts with a truth so simple a child can grasp it, but so deep we’ll never get to the bottom of it—God loves us. He says, “the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared.”

And don’t miss this: it’s the third “appearing” in Titus. In 2:11, the grace of God appeared bringing salvation. In 2:13, the glory of God will appear when Christ returns. And here in 3:4, the goodness of God appears. Grace. Glory. Goodness. All wrapped up in Jesus.

And Paul won’t let us forget who Jesus is—Savior. He uses that title six times in this short letter, five of them already by this point. Why? Because we need saving. Because without Him, we’re hopeless.

And who is the object of this kindness and love? Paul says it’s mankind. That means sinners. That means people who don’t deserve it. That means you and me before Christ.

The gospel doesn’t start with us climbing up to God. It starts with God coming down to us—His goodness and His love breaking into our darkness.

God Changes Us (Titus 3:5)

This verse is one of the clearest in all of Scripture on the doctrine of regeneration—the new birth that happens when a sinner repents and trusts fully in Jesus.

And notice where Paul starts. He tells us how regeneration doesn’t happen. “He saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done.” That couldn’t be clearer. You can’t earn salvation. You can’t work your way into the kingdom. Why? Because you were spiritually dead—no heartbeat, no pulse, no life. On your best day, Isaiah 64:6 says your good works were nothing but filthy rags before a holy God. If you think you had something to bring to the table, you’ve missed the gospel.

So how did it happen? Paul says, “He saved us … according to his mercy.” That’s it. God looked at sinners who had nothing to offer and saved us anyway—because of His kindness, His love, His mercy.

And how did He do it? Through the “washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” That word “washing” isn’t about baptism—it’s about the Spirit of God cleansing us on the inside. Ezekiel 36 promised this long ago: God would sprinkle clean water, give us a new heart, and put His Spirit within us so we could actually walk in His ways. That’s what Paul is talking about right here.

Regeneration has two sides: the removal of filth and the renewal of life. The Spirit washes us clean, and He makes us brand-new. Paul says the same thing in Ephesians 5:26, where Christ cleanses His church with the washing of water by the Word. The Spirit and the Word always work together to bring new life.

That’s what salvation is—it’s not God making bad people a little better. It’s God making dead people alive.

God Has Come for Us (Titus 3:6)

Paul says in verse 6, “He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.” Don’t miss that word—abundantly. God doesn’t give His Spirit in drops and drips—He pours Him out like a flood.

Paul’s probably pointing back to Pentecost in Acts 2, when the Spirit came with power. But what God did in that upper room, He now does for every believer through regeneration. The moment you’re born again, the Spirit comes to dwell in you. Not barely, not sparingly, but richly and fully. God Himself has come to live in us.

God Comforts Us (Titus 3:7)

Then Paul moves from the present to the future. He says we’ve been “justified by His grace.” To be justified means to be declared righteous before God. It doesn’t mean we suddenly become perfect—it means that because of Jesus’ righteousness, God sees us as if we had never sinned and as if we had always obeyed. That’s the power of the gospel.

And Paul shows us the four motives behind our salvation:

His goodness moved Him to save us (v. 4).

His love moved Him to save us (v. 4).

His mercy moved Him to save us (v. 5).

His grace moved Him to save us (v. 7).

Now, having saved us, regenerated us, renewed us, and justified us, God comforts us with this promise: we are heirs with the hope of eternal life. That means our future is secure. The inheritance is guaranteed. Already ours, not yet in full possession—but sealed, settled, and sure.

And notice—this is the work of the whole Trinity. The Father in verses 4–5, the Son in verse 6, the Spirit in verse 5. Our salvation is signed, sealed, and delivered by God Himself.

We Will Be Rewarded for Good Works (Titus 3:8)

Paul wraps this whole section with a strong reminder. He says, “This saying is trustworthy.” That phrase shows up five times in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Tim 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; 2 Tim 2:11; Titus 3:8). Every time, it’s like Paul is grabbing us by the shoulders and saying, “Don’t miss this. Pay attention.”

Here, the phrase points back to what he just said in verses 4–7—God saved us by His mercy, regenerated us by His Spirit, justified us by His grace, and made us heirs of eternal life. That’s the trustworthy saying.

And because it’s so important, Paul is essentially saying: repeat it, remember it, rehearse it. Sing it if you need to. Build your life on it.

But he doesn’t stop there. He says, “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.” In other words, gospel truth always leads to gospel living. Sound doctrine produces sound discipleship. If you’ve been born again, the evidence will show up in good works.

And Paul closes by saying, “These things are excellent and profitable for people.” Not just profitable for you, but for everyone around you. Your good works put God’s goodness on display in a broken world. And one day, those works will be rewarded—not because they saved you, but because they showed that you were saved.

We Should Affirm Good Works

Paul calls this a “trustworthy saying,” and he tells Titus, “I want you to insist on these things.” In other words—don’t back down, don’t water it down, don’t move on too quickly. Keep affirming it. Keep repeating it. Keep reminding God’s people of it.

Why? Because these words are from God. They’re true, they’re life-giving, and when we teach them again and again, it’s actually a good work in itself (just like Deuteronomy 6 tells us—teach them when you sit, when you walk, when you lie down, when you rise up). And Paul says when we do this, it’s profitable for everyone. That means blessing flows—not just to believers, but to a watching world.

We Should Be Active in Good Works

Then Paul makes it personal. He says those who have believed in God—those who have been regenerated, renewed by the Spirit, born again in Christ—should “be careful to devote themselves to good works.”

Why? Because the new birth always produces a new life. Dead hearts don’t stay dead when Jesus raises them. Flesh doesn’t stay in charge when the Spirit takes over. Evil works are overcome by good works.

And notice—Paul says these good works are good and profitable for everyone. Not just for you. Not just for the church. Even unbelievers benefit when they see Christians living transformed lives. Your good works put the beauty of Jesus on display, and some will be drawn to Him because they see what He’s done in you.

That’s the reward of regeneration. Not just eternal life someday—but a life right now that points people to King Jesus.

Conclusion

In an article called “Scholars, Interfaith Families Grapple over What Passport Needed for Heaven” (Sun Herald, May 8, 2005), Amy Green raised the old question: Who really goes to heaven?

She pointed to John 14:6 as a stumbling block—where Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” She reported on a Presbyterian pastor in Memphis who said that verse has been used “as a club with which we beat others over the head.” His advice? Don’t take Jesus’ words too seriously—just look at the broader themes of Scripture and you’ll find a God who loves everyone and intends to make all creation whole.

That message resonated with one listener, Heather Pearson Chauhan, a doctor who married a Hindu man. She said, “To define religion or Christianity as this narrow path is not a global perspective. Everyone gets to God a different way.”

But here’s the problem—that’s not what the Bible says. That’s not what Jesus says. Scripture is clear: only those who are regenerated by the power of God, renewed by the Spirit, justified by His grace, and who believe in Jesus Christ alone will enter heaven.

We all need a new birth for a new life—today and forever. And when that new life takes root, it overflows in good works that testify to the goodness of God and the love of Christ for all people.

That’s the power of the gospel. That’s the miracle of regeneration. That’s new birth for a new life.