In this article we continue our study of the Apostle Paul’s emphasis on “good deeds” as seen in his epistle to Titus. The title of our study comes from the pen of James as seen in chapter one, verses 19-27. It is my opinion that Paul’s use of “good deeds” and James’ exhortation to be a “doer of the word” complement each other and indicate that both these servants of the Lord had an agreeable mindset.
We started our study with the one negative seen in Titus 1:16: “…worthless for any good deed.” We followed that up with 2:7: “…to be an example of good deeds.” That is the first of five positives. The second positive is to be “…zealous of good deeds.” It is found in 2:14. The third one is seen in 3:1: “…to be ready for every good deed.”
Now we are ready for the last two. The fourth positive is found in 3:8: “This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.” Look at this verse again. Believers are exhorted to be careful to engage in good deeds. Then Paul says good deeds are good and profitable for men. Believers in Jesus are in the people business. And people come in all sizes and shapes and many with all kinds of baggage. People’s lives are often messy and broken. They do not need our judgments. That is God’s business. They need to be on the receiving end of good deeds. It benefits them. It also benefits the doer of that good deed. Notice again, Paul said doing a good deed is good and profitable for men. That includes the giver or doer of the word.
The fifth positive is seen in Paul’s closing words to Titus. It reemphasizes what he said in verse 8. “And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful” (3:14). Maybe a good question to ask of ourselves at this point is, “Am I fruitful or unfruitful?” Let’s take it a little further. What would God say about us at this point in our lives? I believe all of us know the kind of life we are living. Is there room for improvement? Could we do better? Am I a doer of good deeds, or as James says, “a doer of the word?”
As this article comes to a close, I would like you to consider what Jesus said about bearing fruit. It is found in John 15:8: “By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” A disciple of Jesus proves his/her discipleship by bearing fruit. And so doing our God is glorified. Our world and, yes, our community needs the word of God. It needs to read it and heed it. And it certainly needs to see it in how we live and respond to what the word teaches. May you be encouraged to be a “doer of good deeds.”
It would really benefit you study in-depth all of Titus. Such a study would help you to see these six statements about good deeds in the context which would lead to an even better understanding. Next week’s article will give more attention to James 1:19-27. If you have comments to share, send me a note, PO Box 1399.
— Les Ferguson Sr.,
South Huntington Church of Christ
