SAVED FOR GOOD WORKS

"This is a faithful saying, and these things I [Paul] want you [Titus] 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)

• Apostle Paul told Titus to affirm and emphasize that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.

• It is true that we are not saved by good works:

1. "not by WORKS of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
2. that having been justified by His GRACE we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
   Titus 3:5,7 (NKJV)

• However, we are saved for good works—we are saved to do good works, that is, to live right and do the right things.
• The right things that Paul was telling Titus to affirm constantly for the Christians in Crete are mentioned in verses 1 and 2 of that same chapter 3.

1. "Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,
2. to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men."
   Titus 3:1,2 (NKJV)

• Some believe that once we are saved by grace, how we live does not matter—we can be carefree in our attitudes.

• Today, in the church of Christ, a lot believe that sanctification, that is, consecration and commitment are not necessary again.

• The word sanctification is paraphrased:

• God is separate, thus things and people dedicated to Him, and His use are separate.
• We were set apart to God in conversion, and we are to live out that dedication to God in holiness.
• Sanctification/holiness is to be pursued as an essential aspect of the believer's life; the blood of sanctification must not be defiled by sinfully conduct (Hebrews 10:26-31;12:14).
• Paul stressed both the individual's commitment to holy living and the enabling power of God for it (Romans 6:19-22; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:3-8).

• Apostle Paul said: "These things are good and profitable to men" (Titus 3:8).

• We are saved by grace to live right—grace is given to us to live right not to continue in sin (Romans 6:1,2).

"For we are His WORKMANSHIP, created in Christ Jesus for GOOD WORKS, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them "
Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

• Note: Works of the law are insufficient to earn you salvation, while good works are a natural consequence of saving faith.

• If you are genuinely saved, the transformation that takes place in your heart will be reflected outwardly.
• A believer who is genuinely saved will have a distaste for sin.
• If you claim to be born again and you committed Sin willfully without any remorse, it means something is wrong with your salvation, or your claim is not genuine.

1. "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
2. Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
3. knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with [rendered inoperative], that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
4. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts."
   Romans 6:1,2,6,12 (NKJV)

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.
Peace!