Titus 3:14
Verse
Context
Sermons
Chuck Smith
Bill McLeod
John GillSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And let others also learn to maintain good works - There is something very remarkable in this expression. The words καλων εργων προΐστασθαι, which we translate to maintain good works, occur also in Tit 3:8; and some think they mean, to provide for our own, and the necessities of others, by working at some honest occupation; and that this was necessary to be taught to the Cretans, let Ours also learn, etc., who were naturally and practically idle gluttons. Kypke observed that the words mean, 1. To be employed in good works. 2. To defend good works, and to recommend the performance of them. 3. To promote and forward good works; to be always first in them. For necessary uses - That they may be able at all times to help the Church of God, and those that are in want. That they be not unfruitful - As they must be if they indulge themselves in their idle, slothful disposition.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And . . . also--Greek, "But . . . also." Not only thou, but let others also of "our" fellow believers (or "whom we have gained over at Crete") with thee. for necessary uses--to supply the necessary wants of Christian missionaries and brethren, according as they stand in need in their journeys for the Lord's cause. Compare Tit 1:8, "a lover of hospitality."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And let ours also learn to maintain good works,.... By which are not only meant honest trades, as some choose to render the words: it is true, that a trade is a work; and an honest lawful employment of life is a good work; and which ought to be maintained, attended to, and followed, and to be learnt, in order to be followed. The Jews say, that he that does not teach his son a trade, it is all one as if he taught him to rob or steal; hence their doctors were brought up to trades; See Gill on Mar 6:3; as was the Apostle Paul, though he had an education under Gamaliel: and such an one is to be learned and maintained for necessary uses, for the good of a man's self, and for the supply of his family; for the assistance of others that are in need; for the support of the Gospel, and the interest of Christ; and for the relief of poor saints; that such may not be unfruitful and useless, in commonwealths, neighbourhoods, churches, and families. The Jews say (c). "there are four things which a man should constantly attend to with all his might, and they are these; the law, "good works", prayer, , and "the way of the earth", or "business"; if a tradesman, to his trade; if a merchant, to his merchandise; if a man of war to war.'' But though this may be part of the sense of these words, it is not the whole of it; nor are acts of beneficence to the poor of Christ, to the household of faith, to strangers and ministers, to whom good is especially to be done, only intended; though they, may be taken into the account, in agreement with the context; but all good works in general, which are done in conformity to the revealed will of God, in faith, from a principle of love, and with a view to the glory of God, are meant: to maintain them, is to endeavour to outdo others in them, not only the men of the world, but one another; and to set examples of them to others, and to provoke one another, by an holy emulation, to them; and to be constant in the performance of them: and which believers may "learn" partly from the Scriptures, which contain what is the good and perfect will of God; these show what are good works, and direct unto them, and furnish the man of God for them; and also the grace part of the Scripture, the doctrines of the grace of God, teach to deny sin, and to live sober, righteous, and godly lives; and from the examples of the apostles and followers of Christ; and above all from Christ himself, the great pattern and exemplar of good works: and this lesson of good works is to be learnt by ours; meaning not only those of the same function, who were in the same office, ministers of the Gospel, as were the apostle and Titus; but all that believed in God, who were of the same Christian community and society, professors of the same religion, and partakers of the same grace; and were not only nominally, but really of the same number, even of the number of God's elect, the redeemed from among men, the family of Christ, sharers in the common faith, and heirs of the grace of life; who lie under the greatest obligations to learn to do good works: "for necessary uses"; not to make their peace with God, or to atone for their sins, or to procure the pardon of them, or to cleanse them from them, or for their justification before God, or to obtain salvation and eternal life; but to glorify God, testify their subjection to him, and gratitude for mercies received; to show forth their faith to men; to adorn the doctrine of Christ, and a profession of it; to recommend religion to others; to stop the mouths of gainsayers, and put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: and "that they be not unfruitful"; in them, and in the knowledge of Christ; good works are the fruits of the Spirit, and of his grace; they are fruits of righteousness; and such as are without them are like trees without fruit, useless and unprofitable. (c) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 32. 2. & Gloss. in. ib.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:14 This final exhortation is connected to the responsibility to take care of Zenas and Apollos (see Rom 12:13; Eph 4:28; 1 Thes 4:11; 1 Tim 5:8, 16; 6:18). • Our people must involve themselves in the life-giving ministry of the Good News rather than in the unproductive speculations of the false teachers.
Titus 3:14
Final Remarks and Greetings
13Do your best to equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they will have everything they need.14And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Titus - Part 12): Sound Doctrine in Life
By A.W. Tozer4.3K24:54TitusMAT 7:21MAT 7:24TIT 1:16TIT 2:11TIT 3:1TIT 3:8TIT 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sound teaching, which consists of both a foundation and a superstructure. He compares this concept to a tree with its roots and fruit, stating that one cannot exist without the other. The speaker references the book of Titus and the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 7 to support his point. He highlights the need for right belief (theology) and right living (morality) to go hand in hand, just as a building needs to be constructed with the knowledge that it will face different weather conditions.
(Through the Bible) Titus
By Chuck Smith2.4K1:25:29Through The BibleACT 20:31EPH 2:8TIT 2:6TIT 3:8TIT 3:14PHM 1:1HEB 11:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ. He highlights that this hope is based on the promise of God, who cannot lie, and has been manifested through the preaching of the word. The preacher acknowledges that the plan of redemption existed before the world, even though the reasons behind God creating man knowing they would fall are unknown. The sermon also addresses the lack of solid doctrine teaching in many churches today, with a focus on entertainment rather than sound teaching. The preacher concludes by reminding the audience of God's love and mercy, which conquered our fallen state and offers hope for a transformed life.
Social Aspects of Revival
By Bill McLeod1.2K42:25Spiritual AwakeningISA 60:22MAT 6:331TI 1:4TIT 2:7TIT 3:8TIT 3:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of revival and its impact on society. He mentions the example of the 1904-05 revival and highlights the lasting blessings it brought, such as family bliss, peace of conscience, and holy conduct. The preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians being involved in supporting every good work, even if it is sponsored by the government. He also references Isaiah 60, which speaks of feeble churches becoming strong and small ones becoming a strong nation. The sermon concludes with a reference to chapter 61, where the Spirit of the Lord God is upon the speaker, indicating the potential for growth and strength in the church.
Early Men Believed in Final Judgment!
By Ian Brown73629:00JOB 14:14MAT 12:36ACT 3:19ROM 14:12EPH 2:8TIT 3:14HEB 9:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the individual accountability we all have before God. He uses the example of the precision and advanced technology in the Gulf War to illustrate how God's judgment is intensely individual. While many may seek to make a name for themselves and stand out, when faced with standing before God, everyone will realize the importance of blending in and being part of a faceless mass. However, the preacher emphasizes that God will give each person individual attention and there will be no escaping His judgment. The purpose of the judgment is to silence every mouth and make all people guilty before God.
Of Good Works in General.
By John Gill0Good WorksFaith and SalvationMAT 7:12ROM 3:201CO 10:31EPH 2:8PHP 1:112TI 1:9TIT 3:14HEB 13:16JAS 2:18John Gill emphasizes the multifaceted nature of good works, categorizing them into natural, civil, relative, and charitable actions. He explains that true good works must align with God's will, stem from love, be done in faith, and aim for God's glory. Gill also highlights that while good works are essential, they do not merit salvation, which is solely through grace. He stresses that only those transformed by Christ can perform good works, and these actions serve to glorify God and benefit others. Ultimately, good works are the fruit of faith and a reflection of one's relationship with God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And let others also learn to maintain good works - There is something very remarkable in this expression. The words καλων εργων προΐστασθαι, which we translate to maintain good works, occur also in Tit 3:8; and some think they mean, to provide for our own, and the necessities of others, by working at some honest occupation; and that this was necessary to be taught to the Cretans, let Ours also learn, etc., who were naturally and practically idle gluttons. Kypke observed that the words mean, 1. To be employed in good works. 2. To defend good works, and to recommend the performance of them. 3. To promote and forward good works; to be always first in them. For necessary uses - That they may be able at all times to help the Church of God, and those that are in want. That they be not unfruitful - As they must be if they indulge themselves in their idle, slothful disposition.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And . . . also--Greek, "But . . . also." Not only thou, but let others also of "our" fellow believers (or "whom we have gained over at Crete") with thee. for necessary uses--to supply the necessary wants of Christian missionaries and brethren, according as they stand in need in their journeys for the Lord's cause. Compare Tit 1:8, "a lover of hospitality."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And let ours also learn to maintain good works,.... By which are not only meant honest trades, as some choose to render the words: it is true, that a trade is a work; and an honest lawful employment of life is a good work; and which ought to be maintained, attended to, and followed, and to be learnt, in order to be followed. The Jews say, that he that does not teach his son a trade, it is all one as if he taught him to rob or steal; hence their doctors were brought up to trades; See Gill on Mar 6:3; as was the Apostle Paul, though he had an education under Gamaliel: and such an one is to be learned and maintained for necessary uses, for the good of a man's self, and for the supply of his family; for the assistance of others that are in need; for the support of the Gospel, and the interest of Christ; and for the relief of poor saints; that such may not be unfruitful and useless, in commonwealths, neighbourhoods, churches, and families. The Jews say (c). "there are four things which a man should constantly attend to with all his might, and they are these; the law, "good works", prayer, , and "the way of the earth", or "business"; if a tradesman, to his trade; if a merchant, to his merchandise; if a man of war to war.'' But though this may be part of the sense of these words, it is not the whole of it; nor are acts of beneficence to the poor of Christ, to the household of faith, to strangers and ministers, to whom good is especially to be done, only intended; though they, may be taken into the account, in agreement with the context; but all good works in general, which are done in conformity to the revealed will of God, in faith, from a principle of love, and with a view to the glory of God, are meant: to maintain them, is to endeavour to outdo others in them, not only the men of the world, but one another; and to set examples of them to others, and to provoke one another, by an holy emulation, to them; and to be constant in the performance of them: and which believers may "learn" partly from the Scriptures, which contain what is the good and perfect will of God; these show what are good works, and direct unto them, and furnish the man of God for them; and also the grace part of the Scripture, the doctrines of the grace of God, teach to deny sin, and to live sober, righteous, and godly lives; and from the examples of the apostles and followers of Christ; and above all from Christ himself, the great pattern and exemplar of good works: and this lesson of good works is to be learnt by ours; meaning not only those of the same function, who were in the same office, ministers of the Gospel, as were the apostle and Titus; but all that believed in God, who were of the same Christian community and society, professors of the same religion, and partakers of the same grace; and were not only nominally, but really of the same number, even of the number of God's elect, the redeemed from among men, the family of Christ, sharers in the common faith, and heirs of the grace of life; who lie under the greatest obligations to learn to do good works: "for necessary uses"; not to make their peace with God, or to atone for their sins, or to procure the pardon of them, or to cleanse them from them, or for their justification before God, or to obtain salvation and eternal life; but to glorify God, testify their subjection to him, and gratitude for mercies received; to show forth their faith to men; to adorn the doctrine of Christ, and a profession of it; to recommend religion to others; to stop the mouths of gainsayers, and put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: and "that they be not unfruitful"; in them, and in the knowledge of Christ; good works are the fruits of the Spirit, and of his grace; they are fruits of righteousness; and such as are without them are like trees without fruit, useless and unprofitable. (c) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 32. 2. & Gloss. in. ib.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:14 This final exhortation is connected to the responsibility to take care of Zenas and Apollos (see Rom 12:13; Eph 4:28; 1 Thes 4:11; 1 Tim 5:8, 16; 6:18). • Our people must involve themselves in the life-giving ministry of the Good News rather than in the unproductive speculations of the false teachers.