Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

“Remind them … to be ready for every good work.” Titus 3:1

“… I want you to insist on these things so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works.” Titus 3:8

“Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs so that they will not be unfruitful.” Titus 3:14

Be prepared - for battle, a pop quiz, unforeseen challenges, or unexpected opportunities. Depending on the task, preparation can look different, but in most situations, you need to understand your mission to be ready. Most of the time, it requires taking time and intention to train beforehand and being willing to adapt and commit when new challenges and opportunities arise. 

In Titus 3, there is a consistent theme of preparation and devotion to doing good works. Paul reminds Titus of the importance of being ready for EVERY good work. Paul didn't mean to simply show kindness; he was commissioning these believers to teach and demonstrate the importance of living out their faith by doing these good works. The good works don’t save us, but they show the transformative power of Jesus. Our good works are a mark of our salvation, proof to the world that Jesus is who He says He is.

Paul speaks about good works with these purpose-filled words: insist, be careful, and devote. These are not casual words, but intentional actions. Just as we have to be intentional with our relationship with Jesus, we need to be intentional with the opportunities God gives us. Paul told Titus to encourage his fellow believers to be devoted to their good works. We can also encourage others in what God has called them to and support their work for the Kingdom. When we are prepared (financially, spiritually, mentally, etc.) to support others in their work for Christ, God is honored not just by our obedience to doing good, but He is also honored by the unity demonstrated in His body of believers.

So, how can we be ready? Prepare by seeking God in His Word, asking Him to prepare us, and looking to see where God is working. Set aside money for mission projects; let your neighbors know you are available to help meet needs; and set time aside each day to ask God to prepare you. Make doing good works with God a priority. Let your devotion to God and the common good show the beauty of the message about our saving God. Sometimes our actions speak louder than our words ever could.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• In what practical ways can you prepare to do good works?
• How can you partner with other believers to show the transformative beauty of the Gospel? 
• Pray and ask God to use you in your community to make His name known. 

Family Devo: Titus 3

By: Nichole McCardle

When partnering with your family to know, love, and follow Jesus, we strive to create and share content filtered by the Head-Heart-Hands model.  

Head: the knowledge of God and His Word | Heart: the personal connection from scripture | Hands: a missional mindset 

Head

Today, we are back in Titus, and we are reading the final chapter of the book. Throughout the book of Titus, we have learned how to be a good Christian leader who chooses to do the right thing. Yes, we need to be eager to do good, but Chapter 3 reminds us that it is not because of our good behaviors or good choices that we are saved. We are saved because of God’s love and mercy. We may love and follow God, but we still make mistakes and bad choices sometimes. Those mistakes and bad choices deserve punishment. But God made a way for us to be saved from the punishment that we deserve. That way is Jesus! Jesus did not come to save us because of all of the good things we do, or the rules we follow, or because we are always kind and always obey our parents. He came to save us because He loves us!

Heart

Titus 3:4-7 is just one of the passages in the Bible that explains that we are all sinners but are saved by the love are mercy of Jesus. If you have never talked to God about His wonderful gift of salvation through Jesus, I encourage you to do that today. Pray to God and ask Him to forgive you for your sins. Ask Him to be the leader of your life and make a commitment to put your trust in Him.

Hands

Once you know the Good News of Jesus, one of the most important jobs you can have is to share that Good News with others. Who is one person that you can tell about Jesus this week?

Prayer: God, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to save me! Your love and mercy is a precious gift to me. Help me to keep You as the most important thing in my life. In Jesus’s name, Amen.