Good Deeds

The book of Titus is one of three pastoral letters written by Paul. Titus, a Gentile convert of Paul and "true child in a common faith" (1:4), was left in Crete to organize the church. Paul specifically wrote to Titus imparting guidance on how to choose church leadership and teach sound, biblical doctrine in a place known for its sin. In fact, in Titus 1:12, Paul cites one of Crete's most famous poets (Epimenides from 6th century B.C.), "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons". This letter is as relevant today, here in America, as it was in Crete almost 2,000 years ago.

Throughout this letter, there is a repeated emphasis on good deeds. In fact, Paul draws Titus's attention to this six different times:

They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. (1:16)

Young men . . . in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech . . . (2:6-8)

Christ Jesus who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. (2:14)

Remind them to be obedient to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed. (3:1)

This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. (3:8)

Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds, to meet pressings needs, so that they will not be unfruitful. (3:14)

Why does Paul have such an particular interest in good deeds?

Can you imagine the stark contrast of God's people performing good deeds in sound doctrine to the the lying, evil, lazy people of Crete? 1 Peter 2:11 comes to mind,

Beloved, I urge you as ALIENS and STRANGERS to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles . . . they may because of your good deeds glorify God in the day of visitation.

How often does my own life appear alien and strange as I strive to glorify God with my good deeds? The people of God cannot profess to know Him and yet deny Him by their deeds of unrighteousness. Even Jesus says that you will know God's people by their fruit.

Every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. (Matthew 7:15-20) 

A follower of Christ will necessarily bear good fruit/good deeds. Therefore, we must honestly ask ourselves, "Am I bearing fruits of repentance and faith, or am I denying God by my deeds?"

I love what James (the once skeptical brother of Jesus) has to say about faith and good deeds,

Faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works, show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? (James 2:17-20)

Did you hear that, beloved Christian? Faith without works is useless and dead. Perhaps Titus was reminded of this in Paul's letter. It was vital for Titus to uphold not only sound doctrine in Crete, but he had to show himself as an example of good deeds.

Charles Spurgeon on good deeds:

The children of God are a holy people; —for this very purpose were they born and brought into the world, that they should be holy; for this they were redeemed with blood and made a peculiar people. God's end in election, the end of all his purposes, is not answered until they become a people "zealous of good works."  . . . For good works are useful evidences of God's grace . . . Good works are the best evidence of spiritual life in the soul.

He then goes on to say,

If you have not good works, it will be a long time before we will receive you; and if you were to steal into our church, you would be turned out in a week, if you lived in sin and unrighteousness; for it would soon be reported to the pastor and deacons, and you would see whether we did not hold the necessity of good works. If you did not exhibit them every day we would cast you out from amongst us, and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Sermon #70, Titus 2:14, 1856) 

I believe Spurgeon was a bit keen on church members being zealous for good works! 

Beloved Christian, what matters most is faith working through love (Galatians 5:6) through the context of relationships/community (the local church is ESSENTIAL for every believer) as we grow in the knowledge of Christ and bear fruit (good works) of righteousness and faith. Are you bearing good fruits of salvation? Is your life marked by faith and good deeds? 

I believe the Westminster Confession of Faith (16.2) says it best,

Good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith: and by them believers manifest their thankfulness, strengthen their assurance, edify their brethren, adorn the profession of the gospel, stop the mouths of the adversaries, and glorify God, whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto, that, having their fruit unto holiness, they may have the end, eternal life.

Help us, gracious Lord, to be a people zealous for good deeds.