Good Works And The Epistle To Titus

Feature 4 – October 2010 – Grace & Truth Magazine

GOOD WORKS
And The Epistle To Titus

The introduction to the Epistle to Titus in the English Standard Version Study Bible (Crossway Books), tells us that “the theme of Titus is the inseparable link between faith and practice, belief and behavior.” And in his commentary on Titus in What The Bible Teaches (Ritchie Pub.), David West says: “This epistle has much to tell us about works (ergon) . It was ‘not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us’ (Ti. 3:5). Titus himself was to be a pattern of good works (2:7). We should be a people for Christ’s own possession who are zealous of good works (2:14); we are to be ready to every good work (3:1), careful to maintain good works (3:8) and to learn to maintain good works (3:14).”

Since “good works” is covered in depth by the other Feature writers, this article will focus on good works in the Epistle to Titus, which is directed to practicing “good works” as a general theme (1:16; 2:7,10,14; 3:1, 5, 8,14).

Chapter 1 – Qualified Elders
In chapter 1, Titus is instructed to appoint elders in every town, making sure that their lives are in line with the high standard that Scripture requires of leaders in the Church. The first requirement is that they should be blameless or above reproach (1:6). This means that there should be no possibility of anyone charging them with immoral conduct in their personal lives and leadership in the local church. By the evidence of “good works” in their lives and ministry, they become examples for the rest of the fellowship to follow.

We are living at a time when many leaders in Christian ministries have had serious failures morally, in their financial integrity, and in the areas of pride and self-exaltation. Satan no doubt uses the “celebrity” effect of television, the huge amounts of money to air such programs, and the “rock star” popularity that results in pride, to bring about their downfall. When well-known leaders fail, this discredits the name of Christ, disillusions followers and sometimes even turns them away from following Christ. Contrary to the way of many misled leaders today, Paul sets forth this model for leading: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1 NIV).

He makes it clear that he isn’t interested in a personal following, but in simply presenting the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, and directing his hearers to follow Christ. “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed – God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else” (1 Th. 2:3-6).

Paul warns Titus that the works of the Cretans were contrary to the gospel. They are “insubordinate, empty talkers ... upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain ... liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons” (1:10-12). They are like the people the Lord referred to: “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain” (Mk. 7:6-7). In other words, they are all talk, because their works show that they are far from God. The Cretans Paul refers to are merely professing, not practicing believers: “Both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions (works) they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good” (1:15-16).

In a local church, a spiritual leader should lead an exemplary life before God and man. “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:2-3).

Chapter 2 – Christian Attitudes
In this chapter Paul addresses proper behaviors and principles for Christian living in contrast to the false teachers of the previous chapter. Titus’ work in Crete is principally pastoral, and Paul reminds him to be constantly speaking with a variety of people – older men, older women, young women, young men and slaves (2:1-10). His teaching is to be according to “sound doctrine” and not like that of the Cretans. Titus should himself be a model of good works so that he would not bring dishonor to the gospel. “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned” (2:7- 8).

There is a list of “good works” which the older men in the church should practice: “Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” (2:2) These are works which show maturity and help give balance to a local church – something much needed today.

Likewise, the older women should show spiritual maturity by instructing the younger women how to be helpers to their husbands as well as good mothers who train their children according to the Word. In this way God’s “work” will not be held in contempt. “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God” (2:3-5).

Young men are encouraged to be self-controlled (2:6); no doubt Paul was referring to the many impetuous activities of youth. I think he was speaking to the need for personal holiness especially as it pertains to their treatment of the younger women. In his letters to young Timothy Paul writes: “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace” (2 Tim. 2:22); and he also instructed Timothy to “treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity” (1 Tim. 5:1-2). God-fearing young men should practice the good works of holiness and purity, treating their young female friends with respect in order to please the Lord and set an example to others. “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12).

Slaves, servants, and hired workers, are told that the way they work should “make the teaching about God our Savior attractive” (2:10). We could ask ourselves these questions: What are we like at work? Are we honest? Do we practice Christian ethics? Are we working without grumbling? “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Col. 3:23).

Chapter 3 – Good Works For All
The third chapter deals with general actions of faith which constitute the “good works” which all believers should practice. Submission to authority is an important “good work” (3:1) As the first chapter of Titus shows, God has put elders in the local church as part of the leadership to maintain structure and order. We need to be subject to them so that the local church can function in a positive, fruitful way. The letter to the Hebrews says: “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Heb. 13:17). And to the Thessalonian church Paul writes: “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work” (1 Th. 5:12-13). The elders are to help build up the local church, and as we obey them and work under their direction we become part of that work.

Titus 3 gives us an interesting picture of the gospel message. It begins with the sinful, unregenerate, and worthless state of man (3:3), then presents the great and perfect salvation that the kindness and love of God manifested to us (3:4-5), followed by the Holy Spir it’s work of regeneration and indwelling power through Jesus Christ our Savior (3:5-6), and ends with our justification by grace and the hope which we now have (3:7). This is why we should devote ourselves “to doing what is good” (3:8). This isn’t just for full-time Christian workers, but “these things are excellent and profitable for everyone” (3:8).

Good works should not be confined to a few special activities, but should be an integral part of all that we do. Nothing compares to living for the Lord and enjoying a fruitful life, and this can be our experience as we allow our Lord to fulfill His plans in and through us. “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work” (Col. 1:10).

By Ian Taylor

Developing The Habit Of Good Works

The pathway of the Christian would be simplified if we would cultivate the habit of good works. It is not a question of doing something outstanding, and then settling back into selfishness for the rest of the day. The true Christian marches onward with determination that nothing will change his speed except to gradually quicken his footsteps toward the goal. I think that is what Paul has in mind when he writes: “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works” (Ti. 3:8). Paul set the pace by marvelous example, and I am sure it is difficult for us to keep up with him, but it is a great thing to keep trying.

By Tom Westwood