Doing What is Good
Titus 3:8-11,14
Pastor Jerry Koller

Verse 8 has three important parts to it. There is a declaration of truth, a command to follow, and a reason why the command should be followed.

At the beginning of verse 8, we find the declaration of truth: This is a trustworthy saying. (It literally reads: Faithful is the word or faithful the word is.)

The command: And concerning these things I want you to speak confidently.
· You can also translate speak confidently as strongly affirm or confidently declare.

Then Paul gives a reason why Titus is to carry out this command: ...so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds.

Paul uses the word deeds/works 7 times in this letter. 6 times, it is connected to the word good. 1 time, it is connected to the word righteous.

As far as the word good is concerned, Paul uses two different words.
· Agathos has to do with what is intrinsically (by its very nature) good.
· He uses this word 4 times, twice in connection with the word deeds. (1:16; 3:1)
· It is the same word that is used in Ephesians 2:10

The other word Paul uses is kalos (2:7; 2:14; 3:8; 3:14). In all four instances, it’s connected to the word deeds.

This is what Titus is to strongly and confidently affirm because: These things are good and profitable for men.

Controversaries are questions and debates that foster conflict and disagreement.
· These are described as being foolish. They lack sense and are void of good judgment.
· The word translated foolish is the same word from which we get our word moron, or moronic.

· A factious man is one who promotes half-truths and false impressions which are intended to win others over to his opinion.
· The word factious comes from a word from which we also get our word heretic.

In verse 11, Paul gives the reason why they are to be avoided

Just before he closes the letter, he one final comment.

The NIV and ESV say: learn to devote themselves.
· Devote has to do with learning through use and practice to the point where one becomes accustomed to doing them to the point where they become a habit.
· Pressing needs are those needs which are indispensable.

There is a pressing need, an indispensable need, that one cannot secure on his own. What is this pressing need? The gift of salvation. The hope of eternal life. Forgiveness of sin. Becoming a child of God.

Those in Christ can share the before and after picture. They can illustrate what a new creation is like by how they live—by the fruit they bear. Why should they do this? So that they will not be unfruitful. (3:14)

· Another translation states so they may not live unproductive lives.
· Fruitful carries with it the idea of yielding what it ought to yield.

In Titus 3:14 unfruitful comes from the word akarpos.
· It comes from the word karpos, which means fruit.
· When you place the letter a (a negative particle) in front of a word, it becomes negative.

(fruits = from karpos)

Good trees are intrinsically good.
Good fruit is an outward sign of an inward good.

The word for bad (in regard to bad trees) has to do with being rotten, putrefied, corrupt, and unfit for use (intrinsically).

The word for bad, in relation to fruit, deals with what comes out as a result of what is within.
· It reflects that which is evil, wicked, and malicious.

The good trees are a reference to those who are in Christ Jesus. They have become intrinsically good because of Jesus.
· The good fruit that they bear is a reflection or result of the good that is in them.

Jesus said a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. The only way it can bear good fruit is by becoming a good tree.
· Likewise, a good tree cannot bear bad fruit because what comes out is a result or reflection of what is within.

Throughout this letter, various aspects of conduct have been addressed. The intent is to make sure what comes out is an accurate reflection of what is within.

Those in Christ are to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

This is just as important for you and I today as it was for the saints in Crete.

Let us devote ourselves to doing good deeds so that we will not be unfruitful.

· Mike & Linda Rooker and their family upon the loss of Linda’s aunt, Diane Martin, on 7/9
· Caroline Bocock has been terribly ill as she is dealing with a Lyme Disease outbreak. She has begun a treatment regimen that looks promising. Please pray that it is effective and that she will be feeling better soon.
· The Marshall Family: Give praise that Dan’s request for a flexible work arrangement was approved by the executive board at his job. Continue to pray for Nolan who is still struggling.
· Chris Tragna (Kristen Schultz' mother) is recovering from a stroke, and they are working through her healing as well as looking at options for 24 hour care. Please keep her and her family in prayer as she recovers and decisions are made.
· Leslie Robinson (friend of Bruce & Vasha Ferguson) is home and using a walker. Thank God for His mercy and faithfulness, and please continue praying for her full recovery.
· Sadie (29 year-old friend of Steve & Lisa Follman) had a liver transplant shortly after birth and is now having a lot of health complications. She is receiving palliative care. Also keep her family in prayer.
· Terry Buckley (father of Keith Buckley) is being evaluated for heart issues.
· Joyce Bocock has completed chemo and radiation; praise God that both tumors have shrunk significantly more than expected; evaluating additional treatment options.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com