In today’s section of Titus, Paul says of salvation: “And I want you to stress these things [salvation, hope in eternal life], so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.”

It became apparent to me reading this passage, that though God has already given us much good in our lives, he also wants us to continue to do good, and to better learn what the good is. For us, Creation is a constant unfolding in time and space (every second we see something new), and God wants us to fully participate in this coming into being. If we focus only on our past good deeds, we limit our understanding of the good God has in store for us, and if we forget that it is God who saved us, we might deceive ourselves into thinking that something is good when it is not, in the same way, a student who has figured out a trick for math problems discovers that the trick only works sometimes. But God does not want us to use shortcuts; he wants us to fully enjoy Creation. He wants us to take part in “the growing good of the world,” to borrow a phrase from George Eliot.

[Titus 3.4-8]

3.4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What moved God to save us?

+ How did God save us?

+ What is the connection between “hope in eternal life” and the good things we may do which are “excellent and profitable” for everyone? [v. 7-8]

+ Thinking about verses 7 and 8, how does the knowledge that we will have eternal life help us understand what is right, and do it?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Looking at verses 4 and 5, where in my life am I not doing what is good, because I think I am undeserving?

+ What are the good things God is calling me to do today?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Paul says in verse 8: “I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” Who can you encourage to do good today?

+ For whom has God called you to be “excellent and profitable?”