 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 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. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Final Instructions and Greetings 12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. 15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Meditation Christians are saved by grace to serve for God’s glory. Born again believers walk into works Jesus has prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:8-10). God’s mercy moves God’s family into a life of sacrificial service to others. The Church is to “be ready for every good work” (1) and learn to “devote themselves to good works” (14). The fuel for this service mindset is God’s faithfulness and the sacrifice of Christ. When God’s goodness and loving kindness appeared, Christ saved us “not by works done by us in righteousness, but by His own mercy” (5). God’s grace gives ground from which good works grow. The fruit of good works flowing from those saved by faith are for both inside and outside the Church: Governing authorities (1), all people (2), humility before a lost world (3), unity within (9-11), and helping those in need throughout (15). Those saved by grace should welcome opportunities to share winsome works of grace with the world. “This saying is trustworthy and true” (8), being saved by grace is not a finish line but a starting point. Christ’s work does not end with your salvation. Rather, God’s mercy molds us into people who see good works as delightful opportunity to show God’s love and live for God’s glory. Richly Dwelling -Many Christians are allergic to the idea of works, dismissing NT teaching as “works righteousness.” How does this passage reveal the reality of God’s grace, that we are saved by the work of Christ to show good works to the world? -Are you “ready” for every good work Christ has for you? Why or why not? -Christ saves us and shapes us for service. Take a moment to ask Him to fill you with His Spirit to share His glory through glorious works of grace. Key Verse 8 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. Comments are closed.
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