In Titus 3, Paul gave instructions to the evangelist Titus. He wrote, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”
The frequency
Paul told Titus to affirm the truth constantly. The phrase is not translated consistently by English versions. While the KJV and NKJV say to “affirm constantly”, the ESV says “to insist”, and the ASV to “affirm confidently.” Young’s Literal translation says, to “affirm fully.” Regardless of the different words used, the translations are not far apart in expressing the intent of Paul’s admonition.
For a teaching to be confidently and fully affirmed, it requires sufficient strength of argument as well as repetition. This is why preaching is so important. Each truth from God should be validated as extensively as possible from His word. Such validation should be shared over and over again so that it gains a proper place in the heart of the believer.
The Importance of Good Works
The saying, “those who believe in God should be careful to maintain good works” is stated as a faithful one. It is a central premise of scripture, whether it is described as bringing forth “fruit”, working in a “vineyard”, increasing “talents” or practicing “pure religion.” Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
Be Careful
The Greek word translated “be careful” is defined as: exercising thought. It is used in some contexts to portray anxiety. Consider the state of mind of an anxious person. He is hyper aware of a potential problem. He thinks about it all the time. He constantly seeks to take precautions, and to order his actions to avoid the danger that he perceives to be present.
While children of God are not to be anxious, (cf. Philippians 4:6), exercising such thoughts in the pursuit of spiritually productive actions is appropriate. Doing good takes organization, thought and will. It is to be at the forefront of our minds. A Christian should be constantly seeking opportunities, and ordering his life to take advantage of them when they present themselves.
Good and Profitable
Such good works are profitable to men. Works of benevolence, hospitality and encouragement are certainly helpful to those receiving them. Barnabas shows us this, as Luke records, “And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:36-37). Because of his generosity, as well as others, no one among the early Christians “lacked”, as such gifts were “distributed to each as anyone had need” (vss. 34-35).
It is notable that such efforts have personal value as well. Paul wrote, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). God is sure to reward those who are “faithful in a few things” with an eternal reward.
So, take it to heart next time you hear a preacher say yet again that you need to be sure and work for the Lord. Yes, you have heard it said many times and in many ways, but the lesson needs to be embedded in the heart of every Christian.
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