Text: Titus 3:14
Several times in the book of Titus, Paul mentioned “good deeds” and what Titus was to teach regarding them. In this lesson, we will look at what Paul told Titus he was to teach about engaging in good deeds. This is something that is just as necessary today as it was then.
Learn to Engage in Good Deeds (Titus 3:14)
- The first step is to learn what constitutes a good deed – God has not left it to us to determine this; good deeds are defined in God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- We are expected to practice what is good and meet pressing needs – when a work needs to be done, we must learn to meet that need (cf. Galatians 6:10); must not be unfruitful, but instead bear fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:10)
Careful to Engage in Good Deeds (Titus 3:8)
- It is possible to want to do good, know that God’s word shows us what is good, and still do wrong – by not being careful to make sure we are doing what is right
- This word means “to exercise thought” (Strong’s) – we are to do all things in the name of the Lord (Colossians 3:17) and must be careful that we are doing so; many are not careful (Matthew 7:21-23)
Ready for Every Good Deed (Titus 3:1)
- This carries with it the idea of preparations being made for something to happen (cf. Matthew 22:4) – more than just knowing what is good; preparations often need to be made to do it
- We need to prepare ourselves so that we can take advantage of opportunities to do good – prepare to help others by working (Ephesians 4:28); prepare to teach others by studying (1 Timothy 1:7; 2 Timothy 2:15); prepare to assemble by planning and prioritizing (Hebrews 10:25; cf. Exodus 34:21)
Zealous for Good Deeds (Titus 2:14)
- The Lord has “all authority” (Matthew 28:18), so we have an obligation to obey Him – but He does not force us to obey (Matthew 23:37); also does not want us to serve grudgingly (2 Corinthians 9:7)
- Jesus proved zealous to do the Father’s will and save us by dying on the cross (Hebrews 10:5-7; John 10:17-18) – we should respond with an earnest desire to do His will (John 15:13-14)
An Example of Good Deeds (Titus 2:7)
- Paul connected this with Titus’ work in preaching (Titus 2:1) – so others would listen to him, he was to be an example of good deeds (cf. 1 Timothy 4:12); do this “in all things“
- We are going to have an influence on others, either for good or bad – we need to consistently show an example of good deeds (1 Peter 2:12); if we fail to do this, others will see us as hypocrites which can turn them away from the gospel (1 Timothy 4:2)
