This is a clear picture of what our lives here on this earth should consist of while we wait on the glorious appearing of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Titus 2:12-14 show that I should be working for God's glory to abstain from the world. In verse 14 I should be zealous for good works. Our works do not count towards our salvation, but are expected after our salvation as part of our sanctification. Paul tells Titus to speak these things in exhortation and in rebuke, to encourage people to do them and to correct them if they are not. The chapter as a whole consist of what the character of men and women in Christ should be like, the old and the young. Young men are to show a pattern of good works in your life.
In Titus 3 right after Paul exhorted Titus to be zealous for good works he tells him to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates ... in order to be ready to every good work. (Our government today is not worse then what Paul was facing) in verses 4 & 5 it is made very clear that the works that we are to be zealous in are not of any use towards salvation, but salvation is by His mercy and Holy Spirit. I understand also in Ephesians 2:8-9 that it is by grace through faith we are saved... . Our justification is by His grace, not our works vs. 7, keeping in mind why we are zealous for good works and how marvelous a salvation we have, because we will be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life! Paul goes as far to say that we need to affirm constantly these things "that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works" we must form a lifestyle of good works, not just on occasion but constantly.
Well, having looked at this exhortation to a new pastor Paul makes clear the side of Christianity that is so misunderstood today, WORK! We must all be working till Christ return (Titus 2:13).
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