14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
14 And let our people
Cretan believers were to learn how to give to the cause of Christ. They were to meet the needs of Zenas and Apollos.
also learn to maintain good works,
“Good works” here have nothing to do with salvation but with how to give to others. In particular, the Cretan believers were to offer financial aid to Zenas and Apollos. “Works” is an emphasis of the epistle where Titus makes the point that doctrine and deeds are an important tandem one final time. Christianity is not only doctrinal but also practical. Believers have to “learn” how to do this. They need to learn how to be productive.
to meet urgent needs,
The “needs” here probably refer to Zenas and Apollos’s travel needs.
that they may not be unfruitful [unproductive].
Cretan believers needed to learn how to be productive Christians by giving to others.
PRINCIPLE:
A healthy tree produces fruit.
APPLICATION:
Genuine Christianity shows itself in reaching out to others. This is especially true for support of ministry (Php 2:25; 4:16). By extending financial support to traveling missionaries, we participate in advancing the kingdom of God. Grace always produces something (1 Co 15:10).
