Titus 3:8
“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.“
Titus 3:8 NIV
Why? So that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. When we realize that God has saved us by His mercy, we should respond with changes in our behavior.
Sin caused the death of our Savior, and we do not want to participate in behavior that caused His death.
So we trust in God alone, but we also strive to do good works. We have been saved for that purpose.
Good works cannot save us, but they are still good, and they are characteristic of people who trust God. God’s people are devoted to doing good, they are eager to do what is good. Grace leads us to a better life. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Thankfully, God provided the means by which we could be rescued from ourselves. We did not deserve it, nor could we. God has freely displayed love, kindness, mercy, and grace through Jesus and the redemption and reconciliation obtained through His life and death.
This is an important piece of the story, but by no means the only one. Without a recognition of our sin, we cannot appreciate the redemption we have obtained. Without hope for the future, there would not be as much motivation to move forward.
Nevertheless, atonement and reconciliation through Jesus is the centerpiece of the Gospel and of this message of encouragement. We could not save ourselves, and no deed can save us, but God has provided the means by which we can obtain cleansing through Jesus’ blood in baptism and the renewal of the Holy Spirit.
As humans, we are weak, and constantly in need of exhortation and encouragement. We do well to always keep all aspects of the big picture in mind. Our former state, the means by which we obtained our present state, our future hope, and all of those to motivate us toward obedience now. Let us seek to perpetually honor and glorify Christ through our lives.
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of discipleship is maintaining good works. Yes, in many ways, there is a bit of a learning curve in Christianity. When we come to faith in Jesus, we have much to learn and gain from instruction and exhortation regarding how we should live. At that time we are also motivated by early enthusiasm for our faith.
Doing what is good for God builds up each member in the body of the church. They in turn can have a greater effect on others. As each member strengthens their themselves through prayer and meditation on God’s word, everyone builds on each other’s strengths and helps each other win the game of life.
Christians can hold confidence in God’s promises. We can count on Him to keep His Word because He invited us to do so. The relationship between doctrine and conduct is real, salvation in Christ will change our lives. By claiming God’s Word to be true in our experience, we gain confidence of His working in any situation we may face. We can count on this truth to be true because it is trustworthy.
The life of the Christian has a positive impact on the lives of non-believers. When we live with integrity, displaying our faith in the words that we say, and the things that we do, people notice!!!
Father, thank You for this day and the breath of Life we have in this day. Lord open the windows of heaven and pour out your abundant blessings over my friend and family today. Lord, thank You that Your goodness and loving kindness have appeared to us. Lord, thank You for saving us, not because of our righteous deeds, but in virtue of Your own mercy, totally undeserved, by the washing of regeneration and the renewal o Knowledge hove f the Holy Spirit, that You richly poured it out on us. Lord use us to be someone’s blessing today.
Father, we love You. Amen
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