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Years ago, I remember a conversation I was having with a group of teenagers when suddenly the topic veered into spiritual territory. A few of them were asking questions about the Bible and before I could answer, one of the other kids chimed in. “Brad is someone who really believes everything in the Bible. He actually tries to live exactly what it says.”
I’m still not sure if he meant that as a compliment or an insult (I lean toward the latter), but I definitely took it as a compliment! A life of following Jesus will be set apart by the deeds which are lived daily among others. These are the verses that stuck out to me in Titus 2…
“In all things you yourself must be an example of good behavior. Be sincere and serious in your teaching. 8 Use sound words that cannot be criticized, so that your enemies may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us.”
Titus 2:7-8 GNB
If the worst you can say about me is that I wholeheartedly believe and teach what is written in Scripture, I’m OK with that. In fact, it becomes a compliment and that’s exactly what these verses speak to. This is essentially what happened to Jesus. He was free from sin, accused unjustly, and anyone who actually reads Scripture can see that those who opposed him shamed themselves with their own self-righteousness.
“Paul concludes his instructions to various age groups by reminding Titus that his personal life is an essential aspect of his teaching. More people will learn from our daily actions than from what we say. Therefore, we must pay careful attention that our lives are in line with our beliefs.”
Nelson’s Commentary
Ultimately, a person’s life will either have good or bad fruit which follows. Either that person is divisive, inflammatory, and contentious with everyone around them (and that reputation will precede them) or, they are filled with integrity, producing good works of every kind through the Holy Spirit. Paul is illustrating that although we cannot judge whether or not a person is saved, we can look at their fruit for an accurate picture of their spiritual condition.
“He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good.”
Titus 2:14 GNB
I know many “believers” who are more eager to live good than do good.