Titus 2, Good Works

 

Titus 2 Good Works

In Titus the church is to be orderly and sound in doctrine. In order to be all that God wants for the church is to perform good works. The first thing Paul tells Titus is that th church is to be law abiding unless it conflicts or contradicts with our duty and relationship to God.  An example of that might be a young man who is drafted into the military but does not believe in fighting. Today it is possible for a young man to go in as a consciences objector where he can be assigned noncombat duties. He might agree to serve, wear the uniform but speak up against carrying a gun. The Second thing Paul expresses in his letter is to be ready to do every good work. The church is to instruct individuals to be eager, and to learn to perform good works. Next to “not speak evil against any man, Paul told Titus to reject divisive people and to “avoid foolish disputes with them about issues that had nothing to do with the salvation of Christ. Paul warned Titus against getting involved in quarrels over petty issues, and when such debates arose, Titus was to rebuke the false teachers for their divisiveness. Divisive people insist on their own opinions without knowing God’s word. They stir up conflict that can divide the church. Such behavior must be stopped. Differences of opinion and style are inevitable in the church and can be healthy, but severe conflict over petty issues should have no place in the fellowship.

A picture of an unsaved person before he comes to know Christ is foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving lusts and pleasures, living in malice, envy, hateful, and hating one another. Unfortunately, some of these things are still present in the church. There can be a pretense of love, but under it there is envying, hating, and gossiping. You might find little cliques among the members, yet they claim they are sound in the faith. This ought never be a picture of you or me as believers. Paul tells us we are not saved on the basis of righteousness, good deeds. But according to God’s mercy He has saved us. He is not asking us to do something. After we become Children of God, then He wants to talk to us about doing the good work of getting out the Word of God to others. Be compassionate, encourage one another, and speak the gospel to others when the opportunity arises.

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Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.