Good Works in Titus

Good Works: The Fruit of Genuine Faith

Have you ever wondered about the relationship between faith and good works? It’s a topic that often causes confusion and even controversy among Christians. Some worry that emphasizing good works might lead people to think they can earn their salvation. Others fear that focusing too much on faith alone might result in complacency. Let’s unpack this important subject and discover how faith and good works are meant to work together in the life of a believer.

The Peanut Butter Principle

I brought a jar of peanut butter to the pulpit this morning. You might have heard about the recent recall of Jiffy peanut butter. It’s a reminder that if you eat things that are bad for you, it’s not going to go well. In the same way, when we take in and receive doctrine or teaching that is twisted, it’s going to lead to a twisted life.

Throughout the book of Titus, we see a focus on sound doctrine – teaching that is healthy and good for you. This morning, we’re going to look at a phrase that appears eight times in Titus: “good works.” But before we dive into that, we need to establish a crucial foundation.

Good Works Don’t Make You a Christian

Let’s be crystal clear about this: good works do not make you a Christian. We are not saved by our own efforts or good deeds. The Bible is emphatic on this point. Consider these verses:

• Romans 3:20 says, “By works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight.”
• Galatians 2:16 tells us, “A person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.”
• Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

So if we’re not saved by good works, why are we talking about them? That brings us to our next point.

Christians Should Do Good Works

While good works don’t save us, they should be a natural outcome of our salvation. Look at Ephesians 2:10, right after Paul emphasizes that we’re not saved by works: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

James puts it this way in James 2:17-18: “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

In other words, genuine faith produces good works. They’re not the root of our salvation, but they are the fruit.

Good Works in Action

So what do these good works look like in practice? The book of Titus gives us several insights:

1. Be a Positive Example

Titus 2:7-8 instructs us to “show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works.” As Christians, we should be living testimonies of our faith.

2. Be Zealous for Good Works

Titus 2:14 says that Jesus redeemed us to “purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” We should be eager and passionate about doing good.

3. Be Ready for Every Good Work

Titus 3:1 reminds us to “be ready for every good work.” We should be prepared to serve and make a difference whenever the opportunity arises.

4. Be Devoted to Good Works

Titus 3:8 and 3:14 both emphasize the importance of being devoted to good works. It’s not just about occasional acts of kindness, but a lifestyle of service.

Practical Applications

So how can we put this into practice? Here are some ways we can engage in good works:

1. Make a Difference at Work: Go above and beyond in your job, being diligent, respectful, and hardworking.
2. Serve in Your Home: Whether you’re a parent, spouse, or child, look for ways to serve and bless your family members.
3. Get Involved in Your Community: Volunteer with local organizations, support ministries, or find ways to meet needs in your neighborhood.
4. Use Your Gifts: Like Dorcas in Acts 9, use your talents and skills to bless others.
5. Be Generous: If God has blessed you financially, look for opportunities to share and support good causes.

Remember, as Hebrews 6:10 assures us, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

Let’s be Christians who don’t just talk about our faith, but live it out through good works. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”