Pragmatism; “What’s The Point?”

Nov. 3

Read: Titus 2

Pragmatism; “What’s The Point?”

There is a profound pragmatism - a clear practicality - to the genuine teachings of the church. True biblical teaching and preaching should culminate in the “good works” of God’s people. If it doesn’t, we have a problem. Far too often the people of God dwell in the land of the theoretical… or theological… at the expense of any real direction or application for one another. This sort of communication is actually not all that helpful for us as God’s children. Just look at what Paul addresses in this letter to Titus:

“For there are many who are insubordinate, EMPTY TALKERS and deceivers…” (1:10)

“…rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish MYTHS and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.” (1:13,14)

“Remind them to…speak evil of no one, to AVOID QUARRELING, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (3:1)

“…avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” (3:9)

Paul goes as far as to critique this sort of “pointless” conversation and teaching as “unprofitable and worthless”. (cf. 3:9) What is the true goal of the sound teaching that Paul is calling Titus to? It is the movement towards practical application… towards “good works”. We see it emphasized by this theme and phrase that is repeated many times over in this short book… the theme of “good works”. Check it out:

“But as for you (Titus), teach what accords with sound doctrine…Show yourself in all respects to be a model of GOOD WORKS, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned…” (2:1,6 - Titus as a teacher must be an example!)

“…our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for GOOD WORKS.” (2:13,14 - Jesus gave himself for us to be zealous for good works)

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every GOOD WORKS…” (3:1- it is what we stand ready to do)

The theme gets even stronger and more clear towards the end of the book…

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to INSIST on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to DEVOTE THEMSELVES TO GOOD WORKS. These things are excellent and profitable for people…” (3:8 - it is what we are devoted to doing; things that are profitable for people)

“…let our people learn to DEVOTE THEMSELVES TO GOOD WORKS, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” (3:14 - it is how we ensure that we are not unfruitful)

It even seems like Paul’s big issue with those who are defiled is more a matter of their being “unfit for any good work” than it is their defilement itself! -

“…but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” (1:15-16)

This may be why Paul slams the Cretans for their “laziness”… because being lazy goes against doing “good works”:

“…of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and LAZY gluttons.” (1:12)

The picture becomes clear that our teaching and faith must culminate in our “good works”. We must not waste our time sitting around thinking about things that never make their way into a response on our part.. into some sort of action. Christ’s presence in us will work its way out in our “good works”. Our being defiled will hinder our good works… make us unfit for the good works that Christ is calling us to be zealous to do! If we are teachers, leaders, pastors, or parents, we MUST be leading by example in our own good works just like Titus - otherwise our leadership is powerless and empty. It clearly says that Jesus “gave himself” for us to be “zealous for good works”. It is something we should WANT to do if we are in Christ. We should have “zeal” for it. If there is no immediate need in front of us, we are called to “be ready” to do these good works when the need arises. This is what we are devoted to. This is how we live “fruitful” lives as opposed to being “unfruitful”.

Unsound, distorted, unbiblical teaching yields no lasting movement or action. Sound, biblical, correct teaching works its way out in “good works”. Sometimes these things seem “simple”… even may be “small” at times. Eugene Peterson calls this sort of Christian journey a “long obedience in the same direction.” The real nitty-gritty actions of life played out between us and others are the true test of our faith and biblical teaching. When the proverbial “rubber meets the road” - what will our lives be marked by? OUr works will either “deny Christ” or “affirm” him... there is no inbetween! This is not twisted legalism… it is a call to biblical inspiration! As we care for one another - meeting needs and serving one another - the Kingdom of God is put on display, and the world “sees our good deeds and praises our father in heaven.” I want you to memorize Titus 3:8 today / this week. Write it out on a post it note and stick it somewhere you will see it. Begin to ask yourself how what you are studying and spending time thinking about is working its way out in your actions. Ask God to lead you into an opportunity to do a “good deed” today. Love you guys. - JDP