“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you” -Titus 2:7-8(KJV).
Today’s charge is on our Christian character that we are to show to the entire world. This is what it is to be an epistle of Christ as stated in 2 Corinthians 3: 2(KJV) “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart”. The impact of the continuous study and assimilation of the scriptures and acting upon the word of God by the help of the Holy Spirit presents you as epistle of Christ to your world. Action speaks louder than voice they say. This is what not being conform to this world means. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” – Romans 12:2(KJV).
In his epistle to Titus, Apostle Paul was exhorting him of the acceptable character a Christian must, of a necessity, possess and portray among the many witnesses we live with. Being example of good works entails extending ones hand to the poor, being a father to the fatherless, husband to the widow, being generous etc. Demonstrating liberality initiated by charity. Being good was exemplified by the Macedonian church. Hear what Paul had to say: “That in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality” – 2 Corinthians 8:2(KJV). This level of sacrificial giving is Holy Spirit driven. Good works in our Christian pursuit is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and it comes about by our yielding to the leading of the Spirit of God. The bible says in Psalm 112:5(NKJV) “A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion”. What makes him good and the result of such goodness is stated in verse 9 of Psalm 112. “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted with honour“.
Showing an example of good works is living an honest and truthful life. It is being consistent in practicing biblical injunctions and instruction. It is having the secret of God abiding in your tabernacle. The secret of the Lord is embedded in the scriptures. They teach and instruct on good deeds. This is well elucidated by Job in Job 29. Job stated that as in the days of his youth when the secret of God rested upon his tabernacle, the ungodly young men saw him and hid themselves, the nobles held their peace, the princes kept their mouth shut, the ear had him and blessed him and the eyes of men saw him and gave witness to his good deeds. The reason for all these were traceable to his good deeds which are enumerated in Job 29: 12-16(KJV): “Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: I caused the widow’s heart to sing with joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgement was as a robe and a diadem. I was eye to the blind, and feet to the lame. I was father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out”. These are concrete examples of showing oneself as a pattern of good works.
We will continue on this tomorrow.
Prayer: Father help me to be an example of good works
Bro. Joel Ezeugo