“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” (Titus 3:8 (ESV)
Today’s text refers us back to Titus 3:4-7. God has provided salvation to sinners by grace alone, through faith alone, and in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. The Apostle Paul insists that this gospel of deliverance from sin’s penalty, power and eventual presence is a trustworthy message.
Trustworthy (πιστός; pistos) is a saying which is reliable, faithful and believable. It is the truth; worthy of a commitment to, a dependence upon and a worship of God. Paul wanted (βούλομαι; boulomai) and desired Titus to insist (διαβεβαιόομαι; diabebaioomai) and state with confidence this truth of the Gospel of grace.
The apostle’s purpose was so that believers in Christ would be presently and actively careful (φροντίζω; phrontizo) to think about devoting themselves to good works. Paul spoke of this in 3:1. This insistence on godliness is evidence that an individual is truly converted and has a knowledge of the truth (Titus 1:1).
Doing things which are not only praiseworthy to God, but also to people, is excellent and profitable. Excellent (καλός; kalos) means good while profitable (ὠφέλιμος; ophelimos) refers to being advantageous, beneficial and useful.
“Chapter 3 of Titus began with a call for believers to “be ready for every good work” and “to show perfect courtesy for all people,” (vv. 1–2), and Paul returns to this admonition in today’s passage after providing the theological basis for his charge. Lest any of us think that it is proper to serve only those who are “worthy,” God’s willingness to redeem us when we were foolish and hateful means that we must likewise seek the best even for our enemies if we are to be imitators of Him (vv. 3–7). Sound theology, then, is not merely a collection of abstract truths about our Creator but also a ground and motivation for fulfilling the call of Jesus that we serve one another (John 13:1–17),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
On the basis of the Gospel, what excellent and profitable work is before you today? Whatever it may be, do it with your whole heart (Col. 3:23-24). Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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