“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 3:3-7. 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 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 God’s grace and mercy.
The apostle’s purpose in writing this was so 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 an individual is truly converted and has a knowledge of the truth (Titus 1:1). Believers in Christ are not saved by their good works, but display saving faith by their good works (James 2:14-26).
Doing things which are not only praiseworthy to God, but also for 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.
“This, then (that is, verses 4–7), was the last of the five great “sayings.” See on 1 Tim. 1:15 for the meaning of the introductory formula, “Reliable is the saying.” It is about these matters—namely, a. the kindness of the Father and his love toward man; b. the work of the Holy Spirit in regenerating and renewing man; c. the grace of Jesus Christ considered as the effective cause of our justification; and d. the purpose of all this: that we might become what we are today, heirs-in-hope of life everlasting—that Paul wants Titus to speak with confidence. Others, to be sure, speak with confidence about frivolous matters; matters, moreover, about which they know nothing.” [1]
“Let Titus then stress those matters of which he has become firmly and rightfully convinced, the purpose being that those who have their faith fixed on God (note perfect participle, indicating both the past action and the present abiding result) may be careful to apply themselves to noble deeds. They should concentrate their thought on such deeds of gratitude, applying themselves with diligence to their performance, and making this their chief business. These matters—that is, the things just mentioned: the kindness of the Father, the work of the Holy Spirit, etc.—are excellent and beneficial for (all) people. Not only are these things excellent in themselves, but they are also beneficial (useful, profitable; see on 1 Tim. 4:8; 2 Tim. 3:16; also, in classical Greek and in the papyri). Moreover, when appropriated by faith, they benefit men in general, not this or that particular class. They bring life, light, joy, and peace where before there was death, darkness, sadness, and fear.[2]
On the basis of the Gospel, what excellent and profitable work is before you today? Whatever it may be, do is with your whole heart (Col. 3:23-24). Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 393–394.
[2] Ibid., 394.
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