"Good Works"

INTRODUCTION

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Can you imagine what be said at your own funeral? Picture for a few seconds that you’re attending your own Memorial service. You see so many of your family and friends gathered together mourning your death. After the singing of your favorite hymn, it’s time for the “Euglogy.” The eulogy is when the pastor and your family and friends come up to say “good things” about you and all the “good things” you did in life. Can you imagine what people will say during your eulogy. What “good things” will be said about you when you’re gone? Eulogies are generally heartfelt, can be humorous, and can leave an impact.

· Ted eulogy

· Rick eulogy

What will be said at your funeral? I trust that many “good words” will be spoken about the many “good things” you’ve done that had an impact on so many people. How we live our lives matters! As a result of God’s saving work in each of our lives, our lives have been changed and are being changed, and the good news of salvation not only changes our eternal destiny but it also changes how we live our lives today. Our new life in Jesus changes our affections, desires, and motivations which impacts who we live. Today as we return to our series in Titus we discover one of the “priorities” of the Christian life, a calling from God that if lived out will not only impact what people will say about us at our funeral, it will have a profound impact on the lives of others for God’s glory. What is this “priority” of the Christian life? Take your Bible and turn to the book of Titus.

Preview

Today we return to the book of Titus as we continue our series entitled “The Essential Building Blocks of an Effective Church.” Titus had been commissioned by the apostle Paul for a special ministry assignment on the island of Crete (south of Greece and west of Israel). Titus was given the task of “setting things in order” in churches located in the various cities on the island. The churches in Crete were being influenced by destructive Jewish false teachers. Each week we’ve uncovered an “essential” priority for us as a church that’s highlighted in Titus’ ministry in Crete. Let’s review each of them once again. (Gospel-centered ministry, godly leadership, sound doctrine, sound living, the grace of God, and godly citizenship). Today we uncover the #7 essential building block in . . . (Read )

THE PRIORITY OF GOOD WORKS

In we discover “the seventh essential building block of an effective church.” – Good Works! Good Works! Good works are an essential part of the Christian life! Today we are confronted with “The Priority of Good Works in the Christian Life.” Good works is highlighted repeatedly in this letter (major theme)–it appears 6x times in this brief letter (1:16, 2:7, 2:14, 3:1, 3:8, & 3:14) – and the expression is used 14x in the Pastoral Letters (1 & 2 Timothy – Titus). Therefore good works are an essential part of the foundation of our lives as followers of Jesus Christ.

· Gordon Fee – “(Good works) is the recurring theme of the entire letter”

If we’re going to be a church that lives out the gospel in our lives, if we’re going to be a church that effectively fulfills our disciple-making mission all for the glory of God, we must be a people engaged in doing what is good. In Paul’s mind being a believer in Jesus Christ and doing good works goes hand in hand, a life of good works is one of the essential characteristics of the Christian life, and therefore worthy of our time and attention this morning. Let’s take a closer look at this passage as we walk through it together, discovering what it teaches us about “Good Works” in our lives as followers of Jesus Christ. Today in Titus we are confronted with “The Devotion to Good Works” and “The Obstacles to Good Works.” Let’s dig in!

I) The Devotion to Good Works (3:8)

We begin with “A Word of Encouragement” from Paul to Titus. In Paul encouraged Titus to teach the truth of God’s salvation and sound living so that the Christians in Crete will give their attention to being devoted to doing good works. Teach the truths about salvation and sound living so that believers will give their attention to being devoted to good works that are helpful for all people. This is a timeless “Word of Encouragement” which reveals the vital importance of good works in our lives as Christians. Let’s take a closer look at this word of encouragement and it’s application to our lives as followers of Jesus. In this word of encouragement we see the call to teach God’s truth and it’s intended result in the lives of the believers in Crete.

A) Titus’ Call to Teach (3:8a)

In we see “The encouragement to teach the truths of salvation and sound living. Paul encouraged Titus to teach the truths of salvation and sound living to the believers in Crete. Look at this encouragement from Paul to Titus—“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to keep on stressing these things.” The mention of a “trustworthy saying” takes us back to the glorious declaration about salvation that we looked at last week as motivation to live as godly citizens (3:4-7). God’s treatment of us should impact how we treat others! All that Paul had said about God saving us through the power of the Holy Spirit so that we become heirs of the promise of eternal life is a “trustworthy saying”—in fact in the Nestle-Aland Greek NT it’s indented (PICTURE) like we see in poetic sections of the Scripture that were often memorized or recited in worship—therefore it’s very likely that this declaration about God saving us was memorized and recited as a first century hymn or creed by the early church. We find other “sayings” like this in the Pastoral Letters (, , & ). This first century salvation saying is “trustworthy,” these truths are dependable, reliable, and worthy to be believed by all Christians. Titus was challenged to “stress” the truths of salvation to the believers in Crete—it’s a call to “insist on impressing these truths” into the lives of the believers in Crete—to teach the truths of salvation with confidence and certainty as part of his ministry in Crete. And while the encouragement to “stress these things” (3:8) includes the previous truths of God’s salvation in also includes the previous truths about godly citizenship (3:1-2). Paul encouraged Titus to “stress” the truths of salvation as well as the truths of sound living!

I love this specific word of encouragement in Titus’ life because it highlights what must be “stressed” in the Christian life. All of us have our own preferences on what we want to learn & know – we have our favorite books of the Bible and personal interests, and there are no shortage of voices telling us what should be stressed in in the Christian life. For some it’s the end times (all about the rapture), missions (or being missional), evangelism, discipleship, the right Bible translation (KJV only), the Holy Spirit, the Word, social justice (action), or theological positions (Calvinism, sublapsariansim, supralapsariansim or infralapsarianism – Arminianism). All of these are important but some things are more important than others – we need to major on the majors and minor on the minors – and we come to Titus and discover that the truths of salvation and sound living must be stressed in the Christian life. We need to be taught the truths of salvation and sound living, we need to learn the truths of salvation and sound living, and we need to be sustained by the truths of salvation by memorizing and reciting them like a creed and remembering the call to sound living. The truths of God’s salvation and sound living must be stressed in the lives of believers for these truths are trustworthy.

2) The Intended Result of Titus’ teaching: So that believer’s will give their attention to being devoted to doing good works (3:8b)

Secondly, we see “why” teaching the truths of God’s salvation and sound living is so important, teaching the truths of God’s salvation and sound living is connected to “The Believers devotion to doing good works.” In the second half of we see connection between teaching the truths of God’s salvation and sound living to a believer’s devotion to good works. We can’t miss the intended “result” of stressing the truths of salvation. Titus was encouraged to “stress” the truths of salvation and sound living “so that those who trust in God will be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.” Titus was called to teach the truths of salvation with confidence and certainty so that the believers in Crete (those who trust in God) will be devoted to doing good works. The teaching of salvation truths has and end goal (result)—not simply a mind puffed up with knowledge, not simply a degree in in Theology—the truths of salvation and sound living are stressed in order to impact how believers live their lives!

Notice this devotion to good works should mark the lives of “those who trust in God.” The devotion to doing good works isn’t limited to a small group of Varsity Christians or Professional Believers—being devoted to doing good works is for every believer! The truths of salvation and sound living are stressed so that all believers will “be careful to be devoted to doing good works”—the call to “be careful” is the call for every Christian to “give their attention to or have their minds fixed upon” being devoted to doing good works. “those who trust in God will be careful to be devoted to doing what is good.” Every believer must give their attention to being engaged in helping others by doing good works. Our devotion to good works is important because “these things” we do are “excellent and profitable for everyone”—the good works we do are praiseworthy and of high beneficial value for everyone!

APPLICATION

The intended result of Titus’ teaching highlights the vital importance of being devoted to good works in our lives. The truth of God’s salvation and sound living motivates us to give our full attention to being devoted to doing good works. One of the major themes of the book of Titus is “good works.” Being devoted to good works is a vital part (essential priority) of the Christian life. Titus, and the rest of the NT teach us that we are certainly not saved by our good works. God saves us out of the depths of His love, grace, and mercy. We are not saved by our good works but saved to live a life of good works! The NT repeatedly calls us as Christians to a life of good works.

- Lights shine to see your good works & glorify the Father”

~ Tabitha was “continually doing good works & acts of charity”

~ “We are saved by grace to do good works He has prepared”

- Walking worthy; bearing fruit in every good work

~ Tell them to do good…to be rich in good works.”

” 1 Timothy 6:18 ~ Tell them to do good…to be rich in good works.” ~ “Spur one another one toward love and good deeds” ~ What good is it if a man claims to have faith but not works” ~ non-Christians see our good works & praise the Father

Hebtews 10:24 ~ “Spur one another one toward love and good deeds”

~ What good is it if a man claims to have faith but not works”

~ non-Christians see our good works & praise the Father

reveals that our lives as believers should be marked by being devoted to doing good works. We should be giving “careful” thought to how we can be engaged in helping others by doing good works. One of the struggles for you today is refusing the temptation to tune out what God is saying to you right now, it’s easy to say “Alright, I get it. As a Christian I’m supposed to be devoted to doing good deeds. I’m supposed to be a good person who is engaged in good works that help others this week. God wants you to learn this truth but He also wants you to live it out. So let’s get to the heart of applying this to our lives.

A Clear Definition: First and foremost, “doing good,” “good works,” and “good deeds,” are general terms, if we’re going to give our attention to being devoted good works we must have a clear idea of what they are, so let’s come up with a clear definition or picture of what this means for our lives. The biblical definition of “good works” is using energy to do something that is beneficial to others.

Careful Attention: Secondly, if we’re going to become believers who are “devoted to doing good works” it’s going to require mental effort. One of the most challenging parts of this passage is that we’re supposed to be people who are “careful to devote ourselves to doing good.” The word “careful” means that we give serious consideration, thoughtfulness, and a studious concern to being devoted to doing good deeds. It means that we’ll give our attention to being devoted to good works, we’ll give it careful consideration in our lives, which means we have to make time for some serious contemplation! How often do you give time to thinking through how you’re going to devote your life to doing good? Our minds are all too often consumed with others things…coordinating our kids sports schedules, grocery lists & what you’re cooking for dinner, the latest assignment at work, or how you’re going to pay for the car repair. Those things and much more dominate our thought-life, and yet if we’re going to become God’s people who are devoted to doing good works we’re going to have to give careful attention to it in our lives, we’ll have to actually talk about it as a couple, with our kids, and in our lives as a church. We can begin this “thought process” together this morning! Let’s give our attention to it – I trust the Holy Spirit will lead us as we think of specific ways to “engage in” and “give our effort” to doing things that help others. Let’s brainstorm together – giving our careful thought and attention to it - Can you think of some good works we can do individually and together!

· Serving your neighbors – bring them cookies

· Sending a note of encouragement to someone

· Paying for a meal of people behind you at the drive thru

· Visiting someone in the hospital

· Praying with someone

· Love in Action – PICS caring conversations, expression of love, and prayer

· Sponsoring a Compassion Child

· Serving – getting plugged into ministry inside and outside the church (Greeters or children’s church, or cleaning)

Awesome! These are the things we must be devoted to as believers in Jesus Christ! And there are so many other ways we can live this out in our families, church, and community. Obviously there are specific things that God might be calling you to do personally in the coming week, month, and year! In fact here’s an assignment for us this week, I’d like us to spend at least an hour thinking about and talking over with your family/friends the specific good works you could do this summer. Turn off the television…shut off the internet…don’t answer the phone and give your careful attention to good works you could do in your family, in your neighborhood, in your church family. Who knows? Perhaps God will call you to begin reading the Bible to your kids as night (that’s a good work), care for a neighbor (that’s a good work), care for babies in our nursery (that’s a good work), or even go on a mission trip. We’ve talked about a long list of “good works” and now you must go home and give careful attention to the work that God has prepared for you to do!

II) The Obstacles to Good Works (3:9-11)

The challenge to teach the truths of God’s salvation and sound living so believers will be devoted to doing good works is followed by a second challenge – The call to deal with obstacles that keep us from doing good works. In we return to a previous topic already addressed in his letter—the response to false teaching and false teachers—we’ve already addressed the need for godly leaders (elders) who will “refute” false teachers who oppose sound doctrine. Now we find additional instruction on how to deal with false teaching and false teachers which become obstacles that can hinder us from being devoted to doing good works. It seems odd for Paul to change subjects so quickly, these instructions are unexpected here, and yet he was determined to teach Titus and the Christians in Crete how to deal with two dangerous obstacles that could hinder them from being devoted to doing good works.

A) Meaningless Matters (3:9)

The first obstacle is “Meaningless Disputes” Meaningless Disputes” In we find the call to “avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law” (3:9). The instruction is clear, we have a clear call to “avoid” meaningless debates—Titus was challenged to “keep oneself away from being involved in these nonsensical disputes(3:9)—to literally “to go around” these “Meaningful Disputes”

· A mean dog/Haiti

In the same way this is a call to “go around” (avoid) these disputes because of their dangerous impact and influence on our lives, they can distort the gospel and detour us from our Christian duty of doing good works. We find a vivid description of the “Meaningless Disputes” to avoid that were impacting the churches in Crete. The description highlights once again the Jewish nature of the false teaching that was prevalent on the island of Crete.

1) “Foolish controversies”

Avoid foolish controversies – it’s a call to avoid the forceful expression of different opinions without having the goal of seeking a solution. This is the epitome of a foolish debate– debating just for the sake of debating – a forceful exchange of ideas without no regard of find a solution or discovering truth. Not all debate is bad, it’s the “foolish” debate with no goal in sight that is to be avoided – literally avoid the “moros controversies” – debates that are nonsensical and devoid of understanding with no goal to come to an understanding of truth. This poses a warning to all of us against those kinds of theological discussions that are not truly aimed at knowing the truth and its ramifications on faith and practice or on the impact that our theology should have on our daily walk with the Savior.

2) “Genealogies”

Secondly, “avoid genealogies” –This is a call to avoid (shun) lengthy discussions about Jewish descendants and ancestors – tall tales and names of people who were added to the OT stories – it’s the call to avoid wasting their time on discussing the vain speculations about the origins of and names of specific OT descendants and so-called religious lineage so they don’t drift from the truth of the gospel and being devoted to good works.

3) “Arguments”

Third, avoid arguments or “dissensions” – specifically “conflict that resulted from rivalry and discord.” Avoid the strife caused from these endless debates and controversial issues. Churches are known to have their share of “arguments” that can keep us from being devoted to doing good works inside and outside these walls.

4) “Quarrels” about the Law

Finally, “avoid quarrels about the law” The Jewish false teachers in Crete were stirring up serious conflicts in the church in regards to the OT Law (Mosaic Law). The “quarrels” about the Law of Moses were heated exchanges that could turn into an actual physical fight. Often these quarrels were started by the false teachers who were distorting the truth of the gospel by emphasizing the need for Gentile believers to obey law in order to be saved (circumcision) or to please God (dietary laws).

Paul reminded Titus and the Christians in Crete to avoid all forms of these “Meaningless Disputes” because they were “unprofitable” and “useless”—there is no benefit or advantages to discussing them—for they are truly are futile and empty pursuits. Look at the difference between the “Meaningless Disputes” and “Good Works.” The “Meaningless Disputes” are “unprofitable and useless (3:9) but good works are “excellent and profitable for everyone” (3:8). What a contrast! No wonder we must avoid them because they keep us from doing what is truly praiseworthy and beneficial to others.

· Poster of ancient believers arguing while people fall into a hellish eternity

We must heed the call to avoid “Meaningless Disputes/Issues” as a church family. There are so many “meaningless” issues that can hinder us from being devoted to good works. There are some things we should not waste our time on. WE have lots of meaningless disputes/matters, end times speculations, numerology, the only true and accurate bible translation (KJV only), name it and claim it prosperity gospel teachings, all of these can distort the gospel but also detour us from our Christian duty of doing good. Obviously, there is an appropriate time and place good mannered and good-natured debates about theology and spiritual things but this is not what was happening in Crete. Good debate is centered on the search for God’s truth and results Christ-like living and action! We should not invest in such fruitless conversations since they keep us from fulfilling our Christian duty. The same is true for us today as a church. We must avoid “Meaningless Debates” because of their destructive influence and ability to detour us from doing good.

2) Divisive Individuals (3:10-11)

We find a second obstacle to being devoted to good works—“Divisive Individuals” Divisive Individuals” In we see the call to address “Divisive Individuals” that can hinder us from doing good—“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, having nothing to do with them. You can be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned” (3:10-11)—there are some Divisive People who cannot be ignored because of their influence on the church.

We find the call address ‘Divisive People” with two warnings. Once again this connects back to Titus’ task of appointing “godly leaders” in the churches in Crete. The newly appointed elders would have the responsibility of addressing “Divisive Individuals” in the church. Who are these “Divisive Individuals?” The Greek word for the “divisive person” in view is a “hairetakos”—does that word sound familiar to you?—“hairetakos” is where we get our English word “heretic.” Heretic is a strong word, in our day it has taken on the meaning of one who is “apostate” or a “backslider.” The term in used in the NT in a broader sense (sects or believers). In this context it’s being used to describe individuals who spread erroneous opinions and ideas in order to gain a following for himself. A heretic is a divisive person spews false teaching in order to divide up the church into different groups (factions - factious). The response to such a person is clear—they must be “warned” twice—provide them with the proper instruction to correct their beliefs and behavior—correct them on two separate occasions and if there is no response to the correction, if there is no repentance, if no change in their divisive teaching that divides the church then “after than have nothing to do with them.” If after two warnings there is no repentance, reject them—it’s a call to purposely avoid association with them and keep away from their divisive teaching. This instruction is a follow-up to his previous exhortation to “silence” and “rebuke” them (2:10-13). There are times when we have to “rebuke” false teachers, there are times we must “warn” false teachers, and as a last resort there is a time we must reject false teachers.

1) Warped (3:11) I don’t know how this sits with you, how it resonates in your heart? Perhaps it seems too harsh. We find an explanation for why this final step is necessary. Not only does their influence distort the gospel, divide the church, and keep believers from doing good works – their response (lack thereof) reveals their true nature. The person’s refusal to listen and lack of repentance reveals their character—these individuals are “warped, sinful, and self-condemned” (3:11). People who are bent on dividing the church are “warped”—they have been “turned aside” or “perverted”—they have departed the corrected behavior leaving them corrupt. Such a person is “twisted,”—literally “turned inside out” and then metaphorically “perverted.” Warped record – Some of you know what this is, some of you might be clueless! This is a record (vinyl) and they are making a comeback. You put this on a turntable, put the needle down and it plays music! If you expose a record to too much sunlight it will become “warped” and as it spins on the turntable it wobbles, thus the needle cannot stay in the groove, it gets off track and the music can’t play. In the same way a divisive person is “warped” – they off track in their teaching and create division in the church.

2) Sinful (3:11) The second description highlights the reason for their “warped” nature—they have been “twisted by sin” (NET)—they have been living a life of sin and continue to “sin” even after repeated pastoral warnings. The divisive person is marked by a “warped” character and “sinful” conduct. He is warped by sin and continues to sin by refusing to listen to admonition and desire to stir up division in the church.

3) Self-condemned (3:11) Finally the “divisive person” is also “self-condemned.” The divisive person is “warped, sinful, and “self-condemned.” The state of “self-condemnation” (autokatakritos) highlights that the warped and sinful false teachers are condemned by their own behavior (see 1:16). The divisive individual are guilty, condemning themselves, as a result of his own behavior and lack of repentance.” The NET Bible provides an additional nuance – it reveals that this person “is conscious of it himself,” he knows that his persistent refusal to abandon his heretical views is wrong and stands condemned by his own better judgment.

APPLICATION

God’s called us to be devoted to doing good works – this must be a priority in our lives believers – and yet we can get side-tracked by various “issues” and “individuals” which detour us from full devotion to doing good works. God’s Word gives us helpful instruction, calling us to overcome the obstacles that keep us from a life devoted to doing good works, challenging us to “avoid” the “Meaningless Disputes” and “address” the “Divisive Individual” so we’re not detoured from fulfilling Christian duty. The enemy would like nothing more than to get us “busy” with meaningless disputes and divisive individuals – robbing us of time we could be investing in good works in this family and in the community.

We must “avoid” the disputes and “address” the individuals in the appropriate ways so that we can be devoted to doing good works! We can’t let meaningless disputes and divisive individuals detour us from our Christian duty of being devoted to good works. Regardless of what’s happened in the past, regardless of what is to come – may the Holy Spirit lead us to be a church that is devoted to good works. May the Holy Spirit convict us when we get sidetracked by “meaningless disputes” – remember to avoid them. May the Holy Spirit give us he wisdom and courage to address “divisive individuals” they won’t detour us from doing good. As we consider this call upon our lives, are you sidetracked by any “disputes” or “individuals” that are keeping you from doing good works? Perhaps it’s not these two specific obstacles – there are others – so what is hindering you from being devoted to good works?

· What obstacles are in your way?

· Are there things in your life taking up too much of your time, are you consumed with things that are keeping you from doing the good works that God has prepared for you to do?

· Do your priorities need to be adjusted in some way?

If you’re consumed with so many things that you ignore “doing good works” you’re missing out on God’s calling in your life. We’re called to be devoted to good works! I think the word “devoted” gets us bent out of shape. We think being “devoted” to good works means that you must cut out every activity from your life and you spend 24/7 out on the streets doing good. Instead of quitting everything and spending each minute of the day on the streets doing good deeds, how about living an incarnational life, looking for opportunities to do “good works” in the places you already go and the people you already see on a regular basis. May the Holy Spirit get a hold of our hearts. God wants to work through us in this fallen world – He has good works prepared in advance for each of us to do – so when you’re on the job, in school, on a sports team, in your family, fishing, going to dinner, or playing golf God has you positioned in those places and is calling you to be devoted to good works in those arenas. May our hearts be so devoted to doing good works that nothing gets in the way of this calling in our lives as Christians.

CONCLUSION

Refresh

Can you imagine what will be said at your funeral? When the time comes for the “eulogy” – What “good things” about you will be said? Will it be said that you were “devoted to doing good works?” Knowing all along that the “good things” that might be said about the “good works” you did are not about you at all – it will be about the reality of God’s work in and through – for all the “good things” said about your “good works” is simply the result of being transformed by the gospel message and in the end being devoted to doing good works will bring praise and glory to Him!

Restate

Good works is the seventh “Essential Building Block of an Effective Church.” God wants to use us to impact (benefit) this world—we can be an effective witness through our good works—opening up the doors for us to share the good news and giving us the opportunity to be a blessing to others as we fulfill our calling from God to be devoted to good works. !

· Take time this week to give careful attention to what God’s calling you to do!

· Deal with the obstacles that will hinder you from being devoted to doing the good works he has called you to do!

Pray