Preface - Be Sure to Check Out the Podcast Audio Linked Above.

A Verse

Titus 3:1-2

1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

A Comment

Last week, we considered the Christian’s responsibility to “be submissive” and “obedient” to ruling authorities. Today, we note one of the limits to such submissiveness and obedience as Paul commands Titus to remind his audience to “be ready for every good work.”

Commenting on this verse, John Stott wrote, “The emphasis on ‘whatever is good’ not only clarifies our responsibility but limits it. We cannot cooperate with the state if it reverses its God-given duty, promoting evil instead of punishing it, and opposing good instead of rewarding and furthering it.” I find this to be a helpful point. As Christians, we are constrained to do “every good work.” And, as Denny Burk has mentioned regarding this verse, “This presumes both a knowledge of what God’s revelation requires and a willingness to do it.”

Because God has revealed His will to His people, we do not have to wonder what it means to “be ready for every good work.” As we will see in the days ahead, these good works are the result of transformed hearts. They are not the grounds of our justification before God, but they are the fruit of God’s grace working in us.

A Prayer

Will you pray with me?

A Blessing

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)

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