Tag Archives: profitable

Careful to Maintain Good Works #1082

This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. (Titus 3:8, NKJV)

Paul, the apostle of Christ, exhorted Titus to constantly assert that Christians should concentrate on practicing good works. We must fight the temptation to rely on the accomplishments of the past to define our faith in the present, as well as in the future. When Paul said to “maintain” good works, he used a word that means “to take the lead in” devoting oneself to the moral duty we have to God. We are obliged before God to practice the good works of God (Eph. 2:10). Paul had just told Titus to remind the brethren to these good works (Titus 2:11-12; 3:1-3). Use today to reinvigorate your decision to carefully practice the good works of moral purity and doctrinal fidelity. Those around you will profit from your faithful life.

“I kept back nothing that was helpful” #1033

18  And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19  serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20  how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house,” (Acts 20:18–20, NKJV)

These words were spoken by the apostle Paul to the elders of the church of Ephesus (Acts 20:17). He had lived among them for three years (verse 31). His service to the Lord was marked by  humility and zealous endurance, even while the Jews of that city plotted against him (Acts 19:8-9). In spite of this, Paul continued to courageously proclaimed the gospel of Christ. He understood what we must also perceive, namely, that the gospel saves sinners and protects Christians from the enemies of the faith. This is why we seek to declare the gospel publicly and privately. The gospel is God’s power to save the lost and equip the saved to do God’s work (Rom. 1:16; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Nothing should be held back; It must all be preached. Avail yourself of every opportunity to teach and to be taught God’s word. It helps you serve God “with all humility” and with the zealous courage of faith.