Counsel for Christians

GOLDEN TEXT: “Let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.” —Titus 3:14

TITUS 2:7,8; 3:1-11

IN HIS letter to Timothy, Paul wrote that all Scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness. Because of this Paul adds, the man of God is “thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (II Tim. 3:16,17) In view of this, we should not expect to find in the scriptures assigned for today’s lesson all the “counsel” that a Christian needs, although there is much that is of fundamental importance.

Every Christian should endeavor to be a “pattern of good works,” not merely along some lines, but in “all things,” says Paul. Among these “all things” he mentions purity in “doctrine,” and “gravity and sincerity” in its application. If Paul were with us today he would not agree with the modern viewpoint that purity of doctrine is not important in Christian living. He knew that a Christian life cannot be any better than the teachings upon which it is built. If we vacillate in doctrine, we will be uncertain in our conduct.

Paul also counsels us to “be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates,” adding that we should “be ready to every good work.” This is simply another way of saying that a Christian should be “subject to the powers that be.” (Rom. 13:1) Yet the apostle seems to qualify this somewhat by the explanation that we should be ready to do every “good work.” This indicates that if the civil authorities asked us to do that which was contrary to the Word of God, we would not, as consecrated Christians, be under obligation to obey; for such would not be “good works,” but evil.—Titus 2:14

Paul further counsels to “speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.” He explains that “we ourselves” were at one time like those we might be prone to condemn, and of whom we might be inclined to speak evil. We were just like the rest of the world of mankind until “the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared.”

Yes, God’s kindness and love have been made manifest to us, and for this we should be exceedingly thankful. He commended his love to us while we were yet sinners, and now he wants us to have the same attitude toward those who have not yet had their eyes of understanding opened to behold his kindness and love.

If we are now different than the world—and every Christian must be—it is not because of our own “works of righteousness,” but “according to his mercy,” and because “he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit, which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”

We are “justified by his grace,” writes Paul. It is not of our own works, “lest any man should boast.” (Eph. 2:9) Taking these facts into consideration should make us very sympathetic toward the imperfections of others, especially of those who have not yet experienced the washing of regeneration.

In verse 4 Paul speaks of “God our Savior.” We are not to take from this that God and Jesus Christ are one and the same person. God is our Savior in that he is the Author of the great plan of salvation and because he gave his Son to die as our Redeemer. In verse 6 Paul speaks of “Jesus Christ our Savior,” and explains that it is “through” him that God’s kindness and love are manifested, and it is through him that God’s provision of salvation reaches those who believe.

Continuing his counsel Paul says, “Be careful to maintain good works.” A similar expression is found in our Golden Text, and the marginal translation reads, “profess honest trades.” From this we get the thought that the good works of a Christian includes his necessary labor to provide material needs for himself and for those dependent upon him.

In chapter 2:14 the apostle describes Christians as “a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” The Greek word here translated “peculiar” means outstanding, or extraordinary. In other words, God looks upon his people as being very special. He loves and treasures them, and provides for their every need.

But since the apostle couples with this expression the further thought that they are a people “zealous of good works,” we may assume that it is this zeal for the good works of God, manifesting their enthusiasm for his plans and purposes, that constitutes them so precious in the sight of the Heavenly Father. Abraham became the friend of God because he believed his promises and showed his desire to co-operate in the divine plan. Every faithful Christian has the same attitude, and, because of it, these are special treasures unto God, whom he is pleased to use as “workers together with him.”—II Cor. 6:1; I Cor. 3:9

QUESTIONS

Should we expect to find all the necessary instructions of the Lord in any single part of the Bible?

How can we be a pattern of good works?

Are we to be subject to the powers that be without reservations?

What reason does Paul give for speaking evil of no man?

In what sense is God our “Savior”?

Do the goods works of a Christian include his avocation?

In what sense are we a “peculiar people”?

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