BE CAREFUL TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS

“THIS IS A FAITHFUL SAYING, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should BE CAREFUL TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS. THESE THINGS ARE GOOD AND PROFITABLE TO MEN.”
Titus 3:8 (NKJV)

Apostle Paul told Titus to affirm and emphasize that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.
It is true that we are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works, that is, to live right and do the right things (Titus 3:5,7).
The right things that Paul was telling Titus to affirm constantly for the believers in Crete are mentioned in verses 1 and 2 of that same chapter 3:
1 REMIND THEM TO BE SUBJECT TO RULERS AND AUTHORITIES, TO OBEY, TO BE READY FOR EVERY GOOD WORK,
2 TO SPEAK EVIL OF NO ONE, TO BE PEACEABLE, GENTLE, SHOWING ALL HUMILITY TO ALL MEN” (Titus 3:1,2 NKJV).
Some believe that once they are saved by grace, how they live do not matter, they can be carefree in their attitudes.
Today, in the church of Christ, a lot believe that sanctification, consecration and commitment are not necessary again.

What is sanctification?
The word sanctification in paraphrased means:
• God is separate, thus things and people dedicated to Him and His use are separate.
• Believers who pledged their allegiance to Christ Jesus were set apart to God in conversion, and they are to live out that dedication to God in holiness (1 Peter 1:15,16).
• Sanctification or holiness is to be pursued as an essential aspect of the believers life; the blood of sanctification must not be defiled by sinfully conduct (Hebrews 10:26-31; 12:14).
• Apostle Paul stressed both the individual’s commitment to holy living and the enabling power of God that is made available for it (Romans 6:19-22; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:3-8).

Take notice of these:
• We are saved by grace to live right. In other words, grace is given to believers to live right not to continue in sin (Romans 6:1,2; Titus 3:7).
• Works of the law are not sufficient to earn you salvation: “NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, BUT ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY HE SAVED US, THROUGH THE WASHING OF REGENERATION AND RENEWING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" (Titus 3:5 NKJV).
• And good works are a natural consequence of saving faith: “FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD PREPARED BEFOREHAND THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM" (Ephesians 2:10 NKJV).
In other words, whoever is born-again would naturally be inclined to do good works.

You will not fail in Jesus’ name. Peace!