Morning Thoughts - by Elder Philip Conley

Morning Thoughts

Titus 3:8, "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."

This morning, there are many that do not like the principles contained herein. Paul says that what he is talking about is a faithful saying. We know that if it is in the word of God, then it is faithful. However, Paul thought enough of this subject matter to declare it faithful for added emphasis. The Lord did such as well while on earth when He declared "verily verily" before some of His statements. This passage (before verse 8) talks of the redemptive work of Christ, and Paul declares this a faithful saying. The reason that most folks dislike verses like this one is that these statements are absolute. People today despise absolutes, and think that everything is relative. However, Paul makes sure that no one thinks that what he is writing is relative.

Paul continues speaking in this verse by saying that we need to affirm these things constantly. That means that once or twice through them is not sufficient. Studying, meditating, and preaching needs to be constant on what Christ has done for His people. You cannot preach too much grace if it needs to be affirmed constantly.

Also, if it is to be affirmed, then I must conclude that more preaching needs to be done on how things are and not how they are not. One of the biggest mistakes Primitive Baptists can make about answering questions about what we believe is by saying, "Well, we do not believe in musical instruments, or choirs, or works salvation or redemption." We have not said anything about what we believe, but rather what we do not believe. Paul says to AFFIRM them constantly. We must speak about what we believe before we start defending what we do not. The foundation has always been grace, and that should be where we start.

After affirming these things, Paul says that it does something for God's people. It makes them careful to maintain good works. Notice that he does not address these things to everyone. These are things that are specifically for those that believe in God. These things will have no positive effect on the unregenerate. They will only prick those who have a heart of flesh to be pricked. Also, they want to do good works after someone has told them about their Lord. I have seen congregations whipped so hard by the preacher that their backsides were bloody (figuratively speaking). Paul did not use this practice. He began by telling the Lord's people about what their Lord had done for them. This makes them want to more diligently suffer for Him, when they hear about the things that He suffered for us.

I have always tried to liken it this way: are you likely to get more work out of those that are being paid to do something or those that are volunteers? More often than not, volunteers will work longer and harder than paid employees. It is true that we need exhortation and correction from time to time, but we need to hear about the Lord more than anything for it is nourishment to our souls. This makes our service sweeter and our walk more profitable. These things are good and profitable to us, and any gift from God is called good and perfect. May we ever serve Him more diligently, as He has borne our load for us.

In Hope,

Bro Philip