Zealous for Good Works Titus 2:14

Introduction We seek salvation through Christ, but we should also consider what He wants us to do with the life that He gives us. Our culture believes that God should serve us and accomplish our will. Paul reminds us in Titus 2:14 that we were purchased to serve Him through good works. Let us consider how we can fulfill the purpose for which we have been purchased.

His Own Special People God had a purpose for sending His Son: – Eph. 2:10: we are His workmanship, created for good works. – 2 Cor. 9:8: God’s grace makes us sufficient for every good work. – 2 Tim. 2:21: Cleans from sin in order to be prepared for every good work. – Titus 3:8: True faith in God maintains good works

His Own Special People God had a purpose for sending His Son Good works are the result of righteousness: – While sin remained, our works could not be accepted by God. – But Jesus purifies us, making us acceptable. – If we are cleansed by the blood of Christ, then our life’s purpose is to bear fruit for God (Rom. 6:22).

What Are Good Works? Good works are not defined by the world. – We do not decide which works are good. – Eph. 2:10: They were defined by God before creation. – Heb. 13:20-21: Biblical definition for “good work” is “will of God”. – 2 Tim. 3:16-17: Scriptures equip us for every good work. – Col. 1:9-10: Only fruitful when we seek knowledge.

What Are Good Work? Good works are not defined by the world. They are defined in the Bible – Consist of both spiritual and physical works – Heb. 13:15: Fruit of lips, and to share – Gal. 5:22-23: Fruit of the Spirit – Phil. 4:16: Supporting the gospel – 2 Cor. 9:1: Ministering to needs of the saints – Gal. 6:10: Every opportunity to do good – Titus 3:14: Meet every urgent need

Essential Nature of Good Works Not worldly religion: – “Religion” = outward expression of piety. – Religion of some consists of traditions and rituals. – James 1:26-27: True religion consists of helping those in need (such as widows and orphans). – Such religion is individual, to be done in daily life. – Heb. 10:24-25: When we come together we gain knowledge and motivation for good works. – If we do not work in daily lives, collective worship is useless.

Essential Nature of Good Works Not worldly religion Jesus emphasized bearing fruit: – Matt. 5:13: Tasteless salt good for nothing. – Matt. 5:14-16: Light not for hiding. – Matt. 7:19: Trees must bear fruit. – Mark 4:19: Unfruitful seed is choked by cares. – Luke 12:22ff: No fruit to God, no life with Him.

Essential Nature of Good Works Not worldly religion Jesus emphasized bearing fruit The Vine and the Branches (John 15:1-8): – Branches are part of the vine for the purpose of bearing fruit. – If branches do not bear fruit, worthless to the Vine; we will be cut off. – But if we bear fruit our fruit is precious in the sight of God.

Conclusion For many, we need to rethink our purpose as Christians. We were purchased so that we may fill our lives with good works and bear fruit for God in righteousness. Titus 3:14: “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” Are you willing to learn?