397. TIT 3:1. CHRISTIAN USEFULNESS

Tit_3:1. Christian Usefulness

"Be ready to every good work."’97Tit_3:1

One part of religion consists in obtaining a true knowledge of God, of the Saviour, and the way of salvation. Another part of religion consists in the reposing of the soul on the merits of Christ, and by which we receive justification, and adoption, through his name. Then, there is the passive part of religion, that which consists in bearing and suffering the divine will. But there is also another part, and it may be properly denominated the active part of religion, the practical part of godliness. It is doing God’s will, obeying the truth, following the example of the blessed Jesus. Now, to this, the text directs our attention. "Be ready to every good work." Observe,

I. The Course specified.

"Is that of every good work." Every department of religion may be so denominated, repentance, faith, restitution, obedience, prayer, praise. But I conceive the text relates to those works believers have to do for others.

1. There is the work of mercy to the bodies of our fellow-men.

Body is exposed to suffering, to poverty, to sickness, &c. "It is enjoined upon us to do good," &c. If any man seeth his brother or sister in need, &c. Whoso remembereth the poor glorifieth his Maker, &c. Our fires will burn brighter, our clothes be warmer, our food sweeter, our slumbers more refreshing; if we tread in the steps of the blessed Jesus, who went about doing good.

2. There is the good work of compassion to the souls of our fellow-men.

How many are ignorant and out of the way. How many poor and wretched, &c. &c. How many perishing for lack of Knowledge. Now, what can we do to lessen the numbers of the perishing? What can we do to win souls to Christ?

3. There is the good work of affection and kindness to the household of faith.

By abounding in affection and acts of kindness towards each other.

"Then will the church below,

Resemble that above,

Where streams of pleasure ever flow,

And every heart is love."

II. The Direction given.

"Be ready," &c. Now, here we should notice three things:

1. The qualification.

"Be ready." Now, this implies,

(1) That we have the disposition. Naturally, we have not the disposition. But the grace of God always imparts it. If the heart be good, then we shall have dispositions of goodness. Have a willing mind. "To be ready."

(2) That we do good cheerfully. That it is not our burden. Not a sacrifice. Not a painful, but easy yoke.

(3) It is to do good promptly. "To be ready." To be at the call. Every thing nearly depends upon being in season. Angels fly to execute God’s will. Jesus said, "Lo I come," &c. "It is my meat and drink," &c. Not to need pressing, or exciting. But promptly to be ready to every good work.

(4) It includes perseverance. Not to be weary. Not to tire. Not to cease. Always to abound, &c. Never to wish to cease, till the Saviour says, it is enough.

2. The extent of the direction.

"Be ready to every good work." As you have ability, and opportunity.

3. The motives which should influence us.

(1) Our religion is emphatically one of goodness. It is all goodness, no admixture of evil. It allows of nothing malignant, or malevolent, even to enemies. It enjoins it upon those who hate, who curse us, and despitefully use us.

(2) Our spiritual improvement is connected with it. It is by acting that we are conformed to Christ. Knowledge, profession, gifts, are only portions of Christianity. Love, and good works, are the very life, the essence, &c. This will make us rich in Christian experience, and meetness for glory.

(3) Our happiness is inseparably connected with it. It is heaven on earth Heaven in the soul. The joy of angels felt and realized by man.

(4) Our future amount of glory is connected with it. We are, to be judged by our work, not by our faith, gifts, &c. No! I was hungry," &c. "Ye fed me," &c. Blessed are the merciful," &c.

Application

1. Urge on the unregenerate the work of repentance.

2. Urge believers to be really, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS