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good works or merit in obtaining salvation, `not of works, lest any man should boast'
(Eph. 2: 9), yet he immediately adds `for we are His workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus unto good works' (10) and truth is not seen in balance until equal prominence is
given to both these statements. There have been those who have so emphasized grace
apart from works, that the need for righteous living has been overlooked. This is
certainly not to the glory of God.
It will be helpful if we set out the occurrences of `works' in the epistle to Titus:
A | 1: 16. In works they deny Him.
1: 16. unto every good work reprobate.
B | 2: 7. Titus, a pattern of good works.
C | 2: 14. A redeemed people zealous of good works.
B | 3: 1. (Cretan believers) ready unto every good work.
C | 3: 5. His mercy saved us, not by works of righteousness.
A | 3: 8. Believers maintain good works.
3: 14. Our (people) maintain good works.
The emphasis on the believer producing and maintaining good works is plain for all
to see, and may the Lord give us all grace and strength so to do (see also II Cor. 9: 8;
II Tim. 2: 21 and 3: 17).
Not only does the Apostle stress this, but he instructs Titus to follow his example:
"These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise
thee" (2: 15 R.V.).
We find similar teaching in I Tim. 4: 11, 12.
The first verse of chapter 3: again mentions good works with the added injunction to
be obedient to rulers. We give the R.V. rendering:
"Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be
ready unto every good work."
What should be the attitude of the believer to civil authorities? How wisely the
Saviour expressed it when He said:
"Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things
that are God's" (Matt. 22: 15-21).
This does not mean that God approves of all that governments do, but a measure of
organized government is essential if we are to avoid chaos and anarchy, and the Christian
does not glorify the Lord by refusing to pay taxes or to comply with regulations which he
finds unpleasant. On the contrary he is exhorted to `pray for kings and all that are in
authority' (I Tim. 2: 2). It is only when human rule takes to itself Divine prerogatives
and seeks to compel believers to deny the Truth, that exceptions must be taken.