Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works--Titus 2:14

Thought for the Week

 

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works--Titus 2:14

 

In his letter to Titus, Paul tells us that the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men and that we are to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts as we live our lives soberly, righteously and godly, all the while looking for that great day when the Lord will appear again (vs 11-13). Then in verse 14 Paul says that Christ has redeemed us and purified us, making us a peculiar people zealous of good works. It should thrill our souls just to know that we have been redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Now, being redeemed by him, we do become a peculiar people, namely one who belongs to him and as such there are certain duties incumbent upon us if we are to be pleasing to the Lord (vs 10, 12). One of our foremost duties is to be zealous of good works (vs. 14). What in the world does this mean to you?

 

Zealous means being intensely earnest; actively enthusiastic; intense ardor in the pursuit of some end. Does this describe your spiritual life? Being zealous involves being a pursuer of good works, being eager to do right and being enthusiastic about doing those things that will be pleasing to our Lord (Matt. 5:16; Matt. 6:33; Matt. 25; 1 Cor. 15:58; Acts 5:29; Rom. 12:1-21; Eph. 4:21-32; Eph. 6:10-18; Phil. 4:8)

 

If we are truly zealous of good works, then ours will be a commitment to the Lord in which our love, hope and loyalty to the him will become greater each day we live on planet earth. This will require of us daily prayer ((1 Thess.5:17; Phil. 4:6; Heb. 4:160. It will require Bible study (John 5:39; 2  Tim. 2:15; 1 Peter 2:2-5). It will also involve daily cross bearing (Matt. 16:24; 2 Corinthians 4:4). Bottom line is that it will require that we be an example of the believer as we fight the good fight of faith in order to lay hold on eternal life (1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Tim. 6:12).

 

If we are zealous of good works as commanded, it will make the church attractive to others and it will do wonders for ourselves.

 

Charles Hicks