We conclude the study of Paul’s epistle to Titus with his admonition in Titus 3:8-15 that we maintain good works. In Titus 3:8 Paul wrote, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.” In Titus 3:14 Paul wrote, “And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.”
Maintain good works – Titus 3:8. Paul told Titus to affirm constantly, that is, steadily and continually, that we who are saved should be careful to maintain good works. Good works are works that “are good and profitable unto men.” You ought to be carefully and regularly looking for ways to be a blessing to others and to help them out. Here are some things that you can do besides just praying for others.
- Do a chore – mow the lawn, trim the hedge, or take out the trash to help them out
- Pick up groceries – particularly when they can’t get to the store
- Make a repair – fix things around the house or with an automobile
- Visit with them – as a comfort to them and as a friend to cheer them up
- Pay a bill – when the money gets tight and they need unexpected help
- Cook a meal – after the birth of a child, during a sickness, or after returning from the hospital
Avoid foolish conversations – Titus 3:9. Conversations with people who ask foolish questions, or who compare genealogies, or who are contentious, or who strive about the law are a total waste of time. They are unprofitable and vain. For example, the questions the Pharisees and Sadducees asked in Matt 21 were foolish questions. They asked them only to trip Jesus up in his words. They weren’t interested in the true answers. In Jn 8:1-11, Jesus refused to answer the scribes and Pharisees who asked him a question about Moses’ law and the woman taken in adultery. Paul knew his genealogy but refused to have any confidence in the flesh, Phil 3:3-7. What good is a genealogy when you are in Christ, where there is neither Jew nor Gentile, Gal 3:28? Why strive about the law when “the law is not made for a righteous man,” 1 Tim 1:9.
Admonish heretics – Titus 3:10-11. It is right to admonish a heretic. However, after two attempts to turn him, he is to be rejected. A heretic is a person who has been subverted. He has been turned from the truth; his doctrine is perverted. Because he doesn’t believe the truth he is sinning. And he has condemned himself. He’s plainly wrong. The temptation when dealing with the men in verses 9 and 10 is to stay with your attempt to turn them longer than you should. Paul told Titus to not even get started with the first group and to reject the heretic after two admonitions.
Help the preacher – Titus 3:12. Paul instructed Titus to meet him in Nicopolis. That’s where Paul planned to winter and he wanted Titus there to help him. Preachers can use help from time to time and it is a blessing to have someone who is faithful available to help out. Paul was able to send Artemas or Tychicus to Titus, to relieve him.
Assist other helpers in the ministry – Titus 3:13. Zenas was an attorney; Apollos was an eloquent preacher and defender of the faith. Paul told Titus to bring Zenas and Apollos on their journey. He wanted to be sure that nothing was wanting to them. In other words, Titus was to see to all their needs for trip. He took care of the logistics. Paul wrote the Romans to assist Phebe “whatsoever business she hath need of you,” Rom 16:1-2. It’s good work to help those who help others in the ministry.
Conclusion: Paul concluded his epistle with greetings and salutations in verse 15. So, to conclude this lesson today, let’s do what Paul said. Let’s “be careful to maintain good works” and “learn to maintain good works for necessary uses.”