A Focus On What Is Good
When studying any Bible book, it is important to note the key words in the book. Such words help to identify important themes and teachings in a text. For instance, the phrase "we know" stands out in John's first epistle (1 John 2:3, 4, 5, 11, 18, 20, 21, 29; 3:1, 2, 5, 14, 15, 16, 19, 24; 4:2, 6, 8, 13; 5:2, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20). It is obvious that John wants us to focus on what we may know about a variety of topics.
On another occasion we'll look at John's epistle, but for today I want us to consider Paul's letter to Titus. From start to finish, there is a focus on good things and the need for God's people to be given to doing good things. The apostle Paul informed the young evangelist,
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking... One of them, a prophet of their own, said, 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.' This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in faith... (12-13)
With such an admonition, it is not surprising that the apostle emphasized the need to love what is good, not being disqualified for good, being a teacher of good things, having zeal for good, always being ready for good, etc.
As noted above, Paul left Titus in Crete to establish elders in the church. He proceeds to reveal what qualifies a man to serve as an elder. Among the qualifications, it is said that he must be "...a lover of what is good..." (Titus 1:8) The church will only be as strong as the leadership. It would be futile to attempt to establish goodness in the Christians at Crete if the same was not present al-ready among the elders.
Having said how one of their own characterized them, Paul told Titus that he may need to rebuke some (Titus 1:13-14). If they were abominable and disobedient, they'd be "disqualified for every good work" (Titus 1:16). Those who make a claim of godliness but deny it through conduct have rejected the will of God and make themselves useless before the Lord. All such need to mend their ways, so that God might be glorified in them.
“Those who make a claim of godliness but deny it through conduct have rejected the will of God...”
In chapter 2, the need for us to be focused on good is mentioned five times. In the first several verses, the apostle identifies the necessity and responsibility of example. Both the older men and women are encouraged to teach the younger by their conduct. Among the things mentioned for the older women, they are to be "teachers of good things" (Titus 2:3) Never underestimate the power of a good example or diminish the importance of those who are older in the faith. I've benefited a lot from the encouragement and example of those who have walked the course ahead of me. These elder saints are an invaluable resource to the young.
But Paul goes on, telling Titus to present in himself "a pattern of good works" (Titus 2:7). The evangelist is to be an example to all, old and young. Timothy, who was a young evangelist was told,
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers... (1 Timothy 4:12)
Servants among the saints at Crete were exhorted to "show all good fidelity" as they served their masters (Titus 2:9-10). Those not yet obedient to the gospel will develop their perception of the Lord and His people by what they see. It is our responsibility, in whatever sphere we find ourselves to show our good fidelity or faithfulness. Few cultures today have the master / servant relationship, but it is not different in principle from the employer / employee relationship. Friends, we need to be careful how we carry ourselves before our employers. We will mold their thoughts on the Lord and the church by what we do.
Having mentioned these specific cases of a need for God's people to focus on good in their lives and example, the apostle then emphasizes the need for all Christians to focus on good in our lives. He says it not once, not twice, not three times - but four times as the letter draws to a close. Paul tells us that Jesus redeemed us as "His own special people, zealous for good works" (Titus 2:14). If we didn't get that, again he says we should "be ready for every good work" (Titus 3:1). If that didn't leave an impression, two more times, he says the Christian is to learn and be careful "to maintain good works" (Titus 3:8, 14), so that we are "good and profitable to men" and "not be unfruitful."
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Answering The Atheist
Complaint:
Is it necessary to keep the Sabbath? Some verses say yes (Exodus 16:29; 20:8; 31:13-15; 34:21; 35:2; Leviticus 19:3, 30; 23:3; Numbers 15:32, 36; Deuteronomy 5:12; Isaiah 56:2), but others say no (Isaiah 1:13; Matthew 12:2; John 5:16; Romans 14:5; Colossians 2:16). Is there a contradiction?
Response:
I'm guessing the questioner didn't notice that all the verses provided to say that the Sabbath is necessary are from the Old Testament, and all but one for the negative are from the New Testament. Those who were subject to the Law of Moses were commanded to keep the Sabbath day. The Old Testament law has now been nailed to the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16; Colossians 2:13-17). No command is given in the New Testament for us to keep the Sabbath.
Rather, the New Test-ament commands us to assemble for worship on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).
The context of the only Old Testament text in the negative list shows why God could not endure the Sabbath any longer. The people had rebelled against Him (v 3). Samuel told Saul,
...to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams (1 Samuel 15:22)Faithful service to God is not ceremonial, it is a life commitment.
There is no contradiction.
This article is in response to Skeptics Annotated Bible.