By: Wayne Wise
Titus 3:1-8
1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. n 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.n 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. n 8 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. These things are good and profitable unto men.
1. Good Works are to be seen
Matt 5:14-16 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
2. Seen … Not heard to glorify God
Matthew 6:1-4 Not “before men” (public display)
Motive … “to be seen of men”
“they have their reward”
Secret works = open reward
To bring glory to God
“Bring me a man who all his life long has been spending his health and strength for his fellow-creatures; fetch me some public officer, who has fully discharged his trust, who has laboured night and day, even to the wearing down of his constitution, because he believed that England expected every man to do his duty, and he wished to do it; bring me that man; let me see all his charitable works; let me witness the most lavish benevolence, the most profuse bounty; tell me that he has always, with a consistent motive, laboured for his country; and then, if he cannot answer this question. "Dost thou believe in the Son of God?" I shall be bound in all honesty to tell him that he has not done a solitary good work in all his life, so far as God is concerned.” Charles Spurgeonn
What is the motive???
3. The Good works of Jesus
John 10:32 “Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?”
Miracles of mercy, kindness, help compared to general miracle of nature 31 to 4
Jesus brought a BLESSING to others
Good Works are RESPONSES to needs of others
Jesus’ works were PERSONAL
Jesus’ works were DIREC I
N THE COMPANY OF AFFLICTED
Matthew 4:23-25
Jesus TAUGHT good works in the simplest of terms
The Good Samaritan … Luke 10:25-37
Jesus elevated the good works of ALL
Mark 12:42 The widow woman’s gift
When “going to church” becomes a good work
Church attendance is a good work but may not be a specific blessing to others
N.T. church attendance was to promote good works
Hebrews 10:24-25
Some place a big “premium” on church attendance, but fail to do good works
Some equate good works with public service in the assembly … teaching, singing, announcing etc.
Are our women naked?? 1 Tim. 2:9-10
How does James define pure religion?
4. Anyone Can do Good Works
Acts 9:36 “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.”
39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
A common task that was used as a blessing
Perhaps unknown until her death
5. The church was created for GOOD WORKS
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Some go “overboard” in separating church & individual so that few good works can be done collectively or group (saints & non saints)
6. The Christian’s clothing is to be Good Works
1 Tim 2:9-10 “9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”
7. We are to be “well reported” of good works
Paul’s admonition to the widows
1 Timothy 5:10 “Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work”
8.The rich have a special duty
1 Tim 6:17-18 “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;”
9. The Christian should show himself a “Pattern of Good Works”
Titus 2:7-8 “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”
10. We should Maintain Good Works
Titus 3:14 “And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. Conclusion … The Christian is to keep a focus on Good Works Titus 3:9-14n 9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. n 10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. n 14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful