Monday, March 10, 2025
Scripture Readings
- Primary Reading: Titus 3
- Secondary Reading: Psalms 29
Key Verse
Titus 3:8 — “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”
Devotional Thought
Paul writes to Titus, his trusted coworker left on the island of Crete to set the young churches there in order. In this closing chapter, the apostle turns from doctrine to daily conduct. He tells Titus to remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey magistrates, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid quarreling, and to show true gentleness toward all people. Then comes the reason: “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures.” Before grace found us, we were no better than anyone else. That memory is meant to make us humble, not proud.
And what changed us? Not our own righteousness. Paul is emphatic: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” God’s kindness and love appeared in Jesus Christ. He washed us in regeneration and renewed us by the Holy Ghost, shed on us abundantly. Being justified by His grace, we are made heirs of eternal life. This is why Paul calls it “a faithful saying” worth affirming constantly. The gospel is not a theory to debate but a mercy to proclaim. And because mercy has reached us, we should be “careful to maintain good works” — not to earn salvation, but to adorn it.
Paul also warns Titus about foolish questions, genealogies, and strivings about the law. These things are unprofitable and vain. A divisive person, after a first and second warning, is to be rejected. The church’s energy belongs to the gospel, not to endless quarrels. Then come ordinary, practical instructions: Artemas or Tychicus will come; Titus should meet Paul at Nicopolis for the winter. Zenas the lawyer and Apollos should be helped on their journey, with nothing lacking. “Let our’s also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.” Grace produces generosity, hospitality, diligence — the everyday kindness of a fruitful life.
Psalm 29 sets this in glorious perspective. Seven times the psalmist thunders, “The voice of the LORD.” That voice is upon the waters, powerful and full of majesty. It breaks the cedars of Lebanon; it divides flames of fire; it shakes the wilderness of Kadesh; it makes the hinds to calve. Yet the psalm ends tenderly: “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” In March, as winter loosens its grip and the earth begins to stir, we remember the God whose voice shakes the world and whose mercy saves sinners like us.
Reflection
- Paul says we were once foolish, disobedient, and deceived, and that we were saved not by works of righteousness but by God’s mercy. How does remembering your own former condition change the way you speak to and treat those who do not yet know Christ?
- Titus is told to help Zenas and Apollos on their journey so that “nothing be wanting unto them,” and to maintain good works for necessary uses. What practical, unglamorous good work is God asking you to do this week for someone in need?
Prayer
Our Father, we give unto You glory and strength, for Your voice is powerful and full of majesty. You break the cedars and shake the wilderness, yet You have shown us kindness and love in Jesus Christ our Saviour. We confess that we were once foolish and disobedient, and we thank You that You saved us not by our own righteousness but according to Your mercy, through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. Make us gentle, humble, and ready for every good work. Guard us from foolish contentions, and let our lives be fruitful in the ordinary places You have set us. Bless Your people with peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Psalm Verse
Psalms 29:1 — “Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.”