Titus 3 Trustworthy and True Part 37

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.” 

Throughout the letter to Titus, Paul has stressed the importance of doing good works and living a Christian lifestyle. He wants Titus to teach “what accords with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1), and He reminds us that we can trust what he has been saying because Christianity is not characterized by hopes, wants, and dreams, but rather, it is based on historical facts. What Paul has just told us in verses 4-7 is trustworthy because it is true, rational, and verifiable. Christianity is unique; religions of the world tell us to do this or do that, but Christianity tells us to look at what WAS done. The good news is what God has already accomplished for sinners. This verifiable truth is why Paul reminds us that what he has told us is trustworthy: Jesus came, He died, and He rose. It is a fact. But Paul goes a step further and reminds us of the transformative nature of the gospel. God’s mercy saved us, and when we meditate on the truth of the gospel, we can see that it inspires us to do good. Studying God’s word compels us more and more to obedience to God. The more we meditate on and dive into the gospel, the more it drives us to love God. If we love Him, then, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we will keep His commandments and do good works. It is a good work to be self-controlled and reverent (Titus 2:2-3). It is a good work to respect your husband (Titus 2:4-5). It is a good work to live so that the gospel is attractive to others (Titus 2:10). It is a good work to submit to the authorities God has put in place over us (Titus 3:1), indeed, it is a good work to do all our daily tasks to God’s glory. Why is this important? Knowing the gospel is true gives us confidence in God and His word, and when we live the way we ought to, then we will do as Christ commands and be a light in this dark world, and this is “profitable for everyone”. 

1. What makes Christianity so different from other religions? Think about why we must do good works.

2. Paul has said his writing is trustworthy or faithful at least 5 times in his pastoral letters. Find these verses and see what he specifically refers to in each.

3. The word of God is powerful, and our words, too, can have a great effect on others. Proverbs is full of references to words or what the tongue can affect. Find these verses and summarize what they teach us.

4. How can we live our lives in a way that is “excellent and profitable for everyone”? See Paul’s teachings in his letters.

Gracious God of mercy and wisdom, thank You for Your good gifts and for giving us the gospel truth. Please fill me with Your word and Spirit and help me to live my whole life to Your glory. Make me a light in this dark world and help me to show my love for You in all I say and do. Forgive me where I fall short, in Jesus’ name alone, Amen.