In everything set them an example … by doing what is good.
Summary: Today we look at a shift if Paul’s writing; he tells Titus what to be. Telling Titus to be a person who does good leaves us with the question of what does God mean by “good?”
Paul has once again shifted literary gears. This letter is to Titus about God’s will for the churches in Crete. Paul wrote about the people living on Crete. In the letter so far, he distinguishes between the following people: Elders, overseers, those who fail to do good (rebellious people), and those who reject the truth (aka corrupted). He also talks about groups of believers in general terms including, older men, older women, younger women, and young men.
In this passage, he is speaking to Titus about Titus. It is a different focus for this letter. Paul has been telling Titus what to do. In the next sentence, Paul will revert to talking about what to teach. Now, in these few words, he tells Titus what kind of person he needs to be.
He wants Titus to set an example of what to do by doing what is good.
In verse twelve of the first chapter, Paul writes, “Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith…” As I read this, I am left to wonder what kind of example this set for others. After all, rebuking someone for anything is not a “good” look.
Perhaps Paul was mistaken when he wrote that? Maybe he meant “rebuke them sharply in your mind but outwardly appear to be nice all of the time so that no one can criticize you”? What do you think? Is it better to let someone continue to misrepresent the truth of God’s Word? Is “doing good” getting along at all costs?
When Ezekiel was made the “watchman for the people of Israel” (Ezekiel 3:17), he was given the mission of speaking God’s Word to the people of Israel (Ezekiel 3:5). Then God gave him a warning (Ezekiel 3:16-21). In this warning, God gives Ezekiel a choice. He can take the easy path and avoid the discomfort of having to confront people about their sin, or he can stand firm and warn those who have fallen into “evil ways.” If he warns them and they ignore the warning, then the consequence of their sin falls on the sinner. If he does not warn them when he should, then he would become accountable for their blood.
Is rebuking someone doing good? It does not feel that way. I can also tell you that it does not look “good” to others. If you are looking for the approval of people, the choice is easy. Doing “good” is what is going to get “good” reviews. But is that “good” from God’s perspective?
Matthew, chapter seven, contains a warning about judging others (Matthew 7: 1-6). It is an important warning and one that we need to heed. But the Greek word, krino, meaning “to judge,” is a word with many different applications.
The one who serves God as a guide to others walks a knife’s edge between these two passages. If we ignore errors, if we refuse to rebuke appropriately, then we risk being accountable before God. If we exercise the charge God has levied on us, we risk accountability before men.
What does it mean to “do good?” Do you know? I will give you a hint: it does not always feel good.
Application: Understand that God’s view of good is eternal while ours is temporal.
Food for Thought: What other examples of ‘good that doesn’t feel good’ come to mind?
Discipline does not feel good, to either the one who is giving it or the one who receives it. Yet discipline is very good if it helps us to grow. Hebrews 12: 4 – 12.
Thank you, Rich.
That is an interesting passage. “Endure hardship as discipline…” (v 7) can apply to a lot of situations and experiences.
What other examples of ‘good that doesn’t feel good’ come to mind?
God is the creator and definer of good and it is good for us to do everything He says is good. At creation, He declared all He did as GOOD or VERY GOOD. The Bible tells us that God’s law is good and is given for our good. And all believers are called to do good by letting our light shine for all to see, for the glory of God.
Romans 7:12, Deuteronomy 10:13, Matthew 5:16
Jesus wept as he witnessed the pain and suffering over the death of Lazarus. He also wept over the pain of knowing what was coming for the unbelieving people of Jerusalem. Jesus was doing GOOD, but it did not FEEL GOOD.
Luke 19:41, John 11:35
Jesus endured the pain of His arrest, trial, beating and crucifixion on the cross and Joseph, Jeremiah, Job, all the Apostle’s and many more suffered in faithful service to God. All those who suffer for GOOD today are in great company.
Our submission, obedience to God’s call for our lives is GOOD, and requires we live in but not of a world dedicated to evil, 24/7. An insane world where the inmates run the asylum. As we grow in Christ our eyes are opened to the real world of those who are dedicating themselves to sin. We know they have chosen a life of pain and misery which will end with eternal separation from God. Sometimes they are members of our own families. My father and mother, sister and brothers all chose to refuse Christ and my ministry to them has been limited to prayer for 43 years. A few years ago, our Lord in His mercy took my son, a christian and an extremely sensitive young man who was totally beaten down by the increasing depravity of this world. The Lord just took him home at 44 years old.
God has been so faithful as He has supported me during these and more. Times when I was doing my best to ( live in obedience ) do good, but was not feeling good. My refuge is God. When events of this temporary assignment go bad, grab Gods hand and hold on tight. Speak to Him, tell Him exactly how you feel, ask Him why, and quietly listen. Listen until you know for a fact, He is Holy and Sovereign, Loves all mankind more than we can imagine and He always acts in Mercy and Justice. We can alway depend on our God to never change, as He always does what is GOOD for our GOOD.
Thank you, Ron.
Your comment is deeply compassionate. I am thankful for you pointing us to the consequences of doing good that our Lord suffered on our behalf.
In addition to the writer of Hebrews, Paul, James, and Peter all mention trials or discipline which are for our good but may not feel pleasant at the time. Romans 5:1-5 says tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
And our Hope does nor disappoint. It is good to know that the love of God is poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Hebrews 4:11 notes that discipline or chastening does not seem to be joyful, but painful; nevertheless, afterward (especially if the lesson is learned} it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it,
James says, consider it all joy when you fall into various trials – faith testing produces patience. This is a difficult attitude to possess during a trial. James 1: 2-4
I would guess the best attitude is to try to cooperate with the Lord, learning what He wants us to learn and implementing the lesson(s) in our lives as quickly as possible, that the testing, trial or tribulation may hopefully end as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to be eager to be trained and learn as soon as possible so the pain is not repeated again from not having learned and practiced the reason for the trial the first time.
Also a bit of rest, relaxation, and joy is a good idea from time to time. There seems to be a more than ample supply of pain and suffering available. This definitely causes me to look forward to a time when all pain and suffering will end and we will be with the Lord. (Revelation 21: 3-4).
Thanks Jeff!
I, too, am looking forward to that time when we are with the Lord!
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