“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)

It is the actions of our lives which are changed because of our new life in Jesus Christ. This change happens as we grow as disciples. Before we came to faith, our actions came from our sinful nature. Paul would acknowledge this struggle in our lives as believers growing in our new life. “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” (Romans 7:19-21) It from this point God begins to change our lives as God works in our lives to mold the image of Christ in us. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

As we seek to do the good works which God has prepared, Peter would remind us of the challenges which we will face. “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:13-16) Following Jesus, we will face what He faced as He came to do good for all mankind, yet He faced rejection as He went to the cross. This was where He took our sin and gave us forgiveness and a new and eternal life. As we follow Him, we also should expect rejection. Our response should also be showing His love as we do good toward everyone.

This was Paul’s challenge to Titus. “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) This is the work of the gospel in our lives as we are being transformed as we follow Jesus. Our hope is in the eternal life Jesus brings in salvation. This hope found in God’s grace is expressed in how God changes us now. “It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:12-14) The grandeur of our life in Christ is shown to a world in need of Him, through our good works. Work we are willing to do because we are being changed daily as we walk through this life in Him.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block