“This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone.” Titus 3:8 HCSB
"This", "these" and "these" refer to verses 4-7. So what is so trustworthy, insist-able, good and profitable about verses 4-7? They are truths from God! They are the blueprints of Paul's life. They could have been the very words that Paul spoke to his soul to keep himself encouraged through life's imprisonments. They are what Paul wants this younger pastor to impress upon his elders of his church so that they can devote themselves to good works. Good works don't save us but they do earn us crowns, mansions and wealth in heaven.
"the 24 elders fall down before the One seated on the throne, worship the One who lives forever and ever, cast their crowns before the throne, and say: Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created."
Revelation 4:10-11 HCSB
https://www.bible.com/72/rev.4.10-11.hcsb
"In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also."
John 14:2-3 HCSB
https://www.bible.com/72/jhn.14.2-3.hcsb
"I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see."
Revelation 3:18 HCSB
https://www.bible.com/72/rev.3.18.hcsb
Titus was to insist that the elders of the church was to do verses 4-7. They are not just good words but excellent words to put your trust into. And by doing so the elders would devote themselves to good works. Insist and devote. Two words that require more out of us then we may want to give. To insist is to command with repetition. To devote is to do with repetition. The elders would have heard Titus commanding them to live in the washing of Regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit (vs 5) over and over again. And they would have been constantly reminded to do good works. He would be expecting Holiness, righteousness, and purity from His elders. God expects the same from us. He wants a bride that is washed in the Blood of Jesus through repentance. He wants a bride washed in His word through obedience. He wants a bride who is washed in the renewal of the Holy Spirit. He wants a bride who has been faithful to do good works.
"for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy."
1 Peter 1:16 HCSB
https://www.bible.com/72/1pe.1.16.hcsb
"For I am Yahweh, who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God, so you must be holy because I am holy."
Leviticus 11:45 HCSB
https://www.bible.com/72/lev.11.45.hcsb
"Consecrate yourselves and be holy, for I am Yahweh your God."
Leviticus 20:7 HCSB
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