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?