⁸ The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

Titus 3:8

As we have noted, the primary focus of Paul in his letter to Titus is for believers to know the truth in order that they might live godly lives. He has therefore instructed the churches regarding what kinds of men should be their leaders and what sorts of things should characterize their members in their various seasons and stations of life. These instructions are not, however, ends unto themselves. In having an experiential knowledge of the truth of the Gospel, we are changed in order that we might join in Christ’s mission to seek and save the lost. Paul is concerned therefore in Titus 3 that believers relate properly to the governing authorities as well as to those unbelievers that they live among. The goal being that these people might be reached with the message of the Gospel. Paul’s final exhortations before he concludes his letter are therefore focused on reemphasizing the things that enable mission as well as warning about those things which hinder it.

Paul begins 3:8 by referring to the prior theological statement (3:4-7) as a trustworthy saying. The use of this phrase emphasizes the doctrinal importance of the matters that he has previously addressed (salvation by grace, regeneration, etc.). He then encourages Titus to insist on what he refers to as “these things.” This phrase refers in all likelihood back to the initial instructions given in 3:1-2 concerning how believers are to relate to those around them. Through the continued emphasis on sound doctrine (right belief and godly living), believers will be encouraged to think about the choices that they make in life. They are to “be careful” to give attention to good works. These good works certainly include how they relate to other believers (2:1-10), but the primary focus here seems to be in terms of how they relate to unbelievers. This is demonstrated through his use of the phrase “those who have believed in God” and the term “people” (unbelievers). When believers are characterized by “good works,” this is “profitable” for the unbelievers that they interact with because they are served by these actions, but also because they come to see that following Jesus leads to an “excellent” way of life. The godliness of believers has, therefore, a two-fold purpose: (1) to honor our Savior & (2) to adorn the message of the Gospel.

Paul has already assured us that the Lord graciously disciplines and trains His people in order that they might properly reflect Him. We can therefore know that as we live as His worshipers we will be progressively conformed to the image of our Savior. As His people, we are to be concerned about the things that He himself is concerned with and we are to participate with Him in His mission!

Join us this Sunday as we gather together as His worshipers, inviting Him to teach and instruct us in order that we might live lives that are pleasing to Him!

Soli Deo Gloria!

-Thomas