8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
8 This is a faithful saying,
Because what Paul just said was a “faithful” statement by God, Titus should affirm the dynamics of salvation in Christ.
and these things I want you to affirm constantly,
Titus was to affirm clearly the veracity of what God said. Certain things need affirming if the congregation is to live out God’s standards.
that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.
Titus needed to stress to believers that they should be careful to maintain good works. Although good works do not save the soul, they are necessary for Christian living.
The words “good works” occur 14 times in the Pastorals. For every cause, there is an effect. Salvation has its effects. Genuine conversion will produce “good works.” The Holy Spirit enables us to do this.
These things are good and profitable to men.
Intrinsic good works will profit everyone in the local church.
PRINCIPLE:
We can count on God’s trustworthy promises.
APPLICATION:
Christians can hold confidence in God’s promises. We can count on Him to keep His Word because He invited us to do so.
Relationship between doctrine and conduct is real; salvation in Christ will change our lives. By claiming God’s Word to be true in our experience, we gain confidence of His working in any situation we may face. We can count on this truth to be true because it is trustworthy.
