Getting Good at Good Works

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. - Titus 2:11-14 (NKJV)

Good works are to be part of the Christian church's DNA.  Paul stressed that to Titus, his "true son" in the ministry of sharing the Good News, as he instructed him about establishing elders and setting things in order in Crete. Paul instructs Titus, as the appointed pastor over the Cretan believers, to show himself as a pattern of good works.  The people are to learn to become zealous for good works as the Lord's "special people" by following after the Lord's example and the example set by their spiritual leaders in the name of the Lord.  The people have to hear about it by sound doctrine and they have to see it by demonstration.  The church becomes more engaged with good works due to what the Lord showed and shared with the world over 2,000 years ago and what the pastor shows and shares with the congregation as the spiritual leader day by day.

We are not to simply sign up and show up for opportunities to do good works.  That's not the essence of the message from Paul to Titus.  We are to become "zealous for good works," according to Titus 2:14, demonstrating a fervent spirit for our calling to do good works in accordance with Ephesians 2:10.  Paul stresses that godly people should not only "be ready for every good work," as in Titus 3;1, but also learn to "maintain good works" in Titus 3:8, 14.  According to Titus 3:14, our good works lead to our fruitfulness as we meet urgent needs.

• Is your ministry demonstrating a "pattern of good works?"
• What sort of trail are you leaving behind? Good works and good fruit?
• Are others learning to minister to others based upon the example that you are providing?

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works - Hebrews 10:24 (ESV)