Eager for Good

Titus 2:14–3:2

Chapter 2 ends with a directive to Titus: declare these things "with all authority." Don't apologize for the Gospel. Don't soft-pedal the call to holy living. Then Paul immediately describes what that holy living looks like in the public square.

Christians are to be submissive to governing authorities and ready for every good work. They are to speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show courtesy to all people. This is a remarkable list in context. Titus was ministering on an island Paul described as notorious for dishonesty and moral chaos. The surrounding culture was not gentle or courteous. And yet Paul calls Christians to be different, not because the culture deserves it, but because that's who God's people are.

Titus 2:14 gives the motivation: Jesus gave himself to "purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." The phrase "zealous for good works" is striking. This isn't reluctant obedience or minimum compliance. Paul envisions Christians who are eager, who actively look for opportunities to do good and serve others. You were not saved just to go to heaven someday. You were saved to be part of a people who are eager, right now, to do good in the world around them.

Reflection:
Where in your neighborhood, workplace, or community is there a practical need you could meet this week? What would it look like to be zealous about it?