Good Words on Works from Titus
A guest post by Bill Irby.
Paul sent Titus on a challenging mission: He was to set things in order as regards the church in Crete, a place known for tough characters and bad behavior (1:4-13). This was according to one of their own prophets, Epimenides of Gnossos from the 7th century BC. We know that Titus was tasked by Paul to help the church establish an eldership and hold fast the truth of the gospel. Â Â Â Â Â
Thus the qualifications of elders are rehearsed in the letter. There are also a number of mentions of the word "works" in the book of Titus. The subject of works in connection with Christianity is controversial in some circles even though the inspired James is quite clear on the relationship between works and faith (1:21-27). It is never a so-called "work of merit" to obey the will of God.
Our goal here is to think about Paul's good words on good works from his letter to Titus. In keeping with the challenging environment of Crete the first reference we have is negative and to people who are not the least interested in good works. In Titus 1:15-16 people are described as being "unto every good work reprobate." To be reprobate is to be morally corrupt and ethically undisciplined. Note also that such people may "talk a good game" but their actions deny God.
In Titus 2:7 we see that Paul expects people to live a "pattern of good works." So our lives are not to be just one thing or another, but a whole thing. The young men are to have the pattern described in 2:6-8. Many of the positive qualities mentioned in this letter ascribed to them and others can and should apply to all Christians.
The King James translation had "peculiar" in 2:14. Though a few smiles have arisen from that reading we know that this word really indicates that Christians are God's own people, belonging to Him. As such we are to be zealous of good works. Note the pointed reminder here of the Lord's sacrifice for us.
In chapter 3 Paul turns to the civic responsibilities of the Christians on Crete. Some of those Christians may well have been rough characters themselves before they obeyed the gospel (3:3). They have undergone a huge change. As Christians they were to be ready to every good work. So also should we.
Titus 3:1-8 reminds us that Jesus Christ is the only effective power that can change the then typical Cretan to a child of God doing good works. This matter of doing these good works is not a momentary thing. It is to be maintained (3:8). We have to keep it going. These are not singular specific deeds. This is the way we live. It is, in the apostle John's words, "walking in the light."
This thought is continued with the penultimate verse of the letter (3:14). If God can make residents of ancient Crete his own people, being fruitful in good works he can surely do the same for us. And thank the Lord He will do the same for anyone who will obey the gospel of Christ.
I appreciate Bill sharing his thoughts from Scripture with us!
Bill Irby was the full-time preacher for the West Hobbs Street Church of Christ, where I am now blessed to preach. He’s also a great friend, mentor, and neighbor. I’m thankful for his godly influence in the lives of so many people in this world!
Thanks Bill, as usual that is a good post.