BE DEVOTED TO GOOD WORKS

MONDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2022

Paul wrote an Epistle to Titus and encouraged him and his church members to be devoted to good works, a practice which is in agreement with the will of God, and therefore peculiarly pleasing to Him. It is helpful to all who are good-hearted and it is a vital function which we require to excel spiritually. Simply put, it is good for us, for our honour and spiritual progress. It is pleasant, and it brings constant joy and delight to those who experience and practise it.

Reference: Titus 3:14 English Standard Version (ESV) "And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful."

Paul made reference here to an inspiring thought saying, "And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works." While studying the entire Chapter, what came to mind is that there is a reason we are called to devote ourselves to good works, not evil works. And we will find out shortly. Inherently, if there is such a thing as good works, there are also evil works. Therefore, we must learn to practise good works in order to meet necessary demands [whatever the occasion may require], so that we will not be unproductive.

Why devote ourselves to good works? This is because, with regard to many great realities contained in the Gospel, we are entrusted with it. The good works we do are a divine leaven, ingrained into the mass of our new nature in Christ. No wonder the Bible says, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10 ESV). This Scripture shows us at once, the importance of today's message, which denotes that born again Christians are called and designed to be used as instrumentality of good works, and of truth only. Good works are very impactful and worthy of emulation; and it is a Christian practice that is rare and wonderful in the world we live. And just like the name implies, good works are expressibly good, profitable, and pleasant.

The Bible says in 1 John 5:19 (Douay-Rheims Bible), that we know we are of God, and the whole world is seated in wickedness. This is why its filled with evil and wicked works of the enemy. More so, the nature of sin which controlled our existence and conditioned us to partake of evil works was dealt with by the blood of the Lamb (Christ) and was crucified with Him. Galatians 1:3-4 (NIV) reads, "May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live." Got it? Having been rescued from this evil age, our salvation in Christ imparted to us, a new nature, which makes us fit to receive the good seed of the Word, and to keep us fruitful through good works.

Beloved, we have been created anew in Christ and are exalted above the world to be rich in good works, as heirs of the Kingdom of God. Remarkably, watch this: If we are created in Christ for good works, it means that a creative Spirit was involved, the very truth that will convince you that the process of good works does not lie within our own power. Therefore, as the new creation who are rich in good works, we can rejoice in the knowledge that the creative Spirit of God shaped us anew in Christ and has begun a good work in us. He is the one that inspires us to participate in all manner of good works. To that effect, Philippians 2:13 says, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil His good purpose" (NIV).

Titus 3:8 (NCB) says, "This saying can be trusted. Be devoted to good works. I want you to stress these points, so that those who have come to believe in God will be determined to devote themselves to good works. All this is right and beneficial for people." If you have come to Christ, give careful attention to doing good because good works are excellent and useful for everyone. In other words, Christians should be careful to do good works and deeds all the time, for this is not only right, but also, it yields lasting results. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Titus 2:7; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 3:8; James 3:13.

Guided Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, thank you for teaching me your Word in relation to good works which are desirable and profitable in my Christian faith. For this reason, I live as a possessor of your grace and love because I'm ruled by your Spirit. I live with affection and passion in my heart for good works which can never be extinguished. I function with the purpose of being productive in my Christian faith which can never be shaken, in Jesus' Name, Amen!