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The Value of Doing Good: Always Do Good Titus 3:1-15

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The Value of Doing Good: Always Do Good Titus 3:1-15 The Value of Doing Good: Always do Good Titus 3:1-15 Paul now finishes this letter by instructing Titus that one of our most valuable possessions is our transformation and empowerment to do good at all times. But how we treat this ability is often overlooked. I. We must focus on doing good; 3:1-2. 1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. Titus is to keep reminding those in Crete what it means to live as a Christian in a culture that does not value God. The appropriate attitude toward the government is submission, obedience, and a readiness to do whatever is good. Specifically, we are to slander no one, be peaceable, and considerate. By this we show a true humility and care toward everyone. Why do Christians need to be reminded of this? Because the philosophy of the day is “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” We, however, are a new creation, empowering us to be like Christ, especially in times of crisis and frustration. When others are focusing on themselves, we now live to do good for others. We do not use others or see them as obstacles blocking us from getting what we want. II. We have a theological foundation for doing good; 3:3-8. 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 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. Paul reminds Titus and us that we used to be like everyone else. Sin made us foolish, disobedient, and deceived into thinking we’re right. Sin enslaved us by our lusts, desires, and whatever brought us pleasure in the moment. All the while, claiming we’re free and independent. It creates tension and barriers with others, through immorality, envy, hating, and being hated. Paul then focuses on what God has done for us. Jesus saved us from the power of sin because of His grace and mercy, not our worthiness. Therefore, the only hope for humanity is found outside of themselves. People need to be regenerated. We have 2 been and are being renewed by the very Spirit of God in our lives. The God who frees us to do good has generously poured rebirth and renewal through Jesus Christ in our lives. We are heirs with the hope of eternal life. God has done all of this for us so that once we have trusted in Jesus, we will dedicate ourselves to doing what is good, centered in the gospel. Every person and community has its own set of needs, problems, crises, and opportunities that call for us to respond by doing good, which are excellent and profitable for everyone. So, instead of sin causing brokenness, tension, and barriers, we’ve been set free to do good, and share the good news. III. To do good we need to avoid some things; 3:9-11. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. Paul describes these false teachers as people who take part in foolish debates, genealogies, arguments, and disputes about the law. 3 Titus is instructed that a divisive person is to be warned a couple of times, and if they don’t stop, then have nothing to do with them. If they do not repent, it is because they are warped, sinful, and self-condemned. This is a reminder of how destructive sin is and how divisiveness is a major distraction from doing good. We need to fight to remove divisiveness from our lives and avoid those who are continually divisive - praying for God to work in their lives. You and I need to radically remove any attitudes and behaviors that hinder us from doing good and living out biblical truth. IV. Doing good makes our lives productive; 3:12-15. 12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. 15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Paul let Titus know that these false teachers were not going to stop him from doing good and sharing the gospel. Paul still made important decisions that would ensure the gospel would continue to spread. 4 Paul would move Titus from Crete by sending Artemas or Tychicus. This would free Titus to come to Nicopolis, where Paul would be going for the winter to rest, plan, and spend time with Titus. Paul asked the church at Crete to do everything that they could to help and equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their missionary journey. Paul once more reminds Titus that “our people must also learn to devote themselves to doing what is good.” The Christian's joy in any circumstance is to bring the love of Christ to people. Like Titus we must be willing to go and do the biblical, gospel-centered good that God needs us to do, and not just the good that we want to do. Though many decisions are on hold right now, we can decide to live out biblical truth by doing good. The easy thing to do is focus on ourselves in times of challenge, crisis, and frustrations. However, God calls and has equipped us to reach out with the power of the gospel to do good, when others are focusing on themselves. Let’s showcase the great gift of God to do good, to share the gospel, and not hoard it or hide it away. 5 .
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