Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Titus 3:14, “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.”

Background

It’s all about the fruit, isn’t it? The fertilizer and water, the insecticides and pesticides, the weeding, the nurturing, and the pruning. All that work and time is intended for just one thing – to have a fruitful harvest. Every plant, bush, root, or tree grown on a farm is done so with the hopes and expectations that it will produce much fruit. And no less of an image is being used by Paul to encourage Titus in how to instruct his group of believers in the ways of bearing fruit for the Lord. On the big island of Crete, Paul left Titus behind and charged him with building up and developing the ministry work that Paul had begun there. He was to establish leaders in the churches and preach the sound doctrine that leads to godly living. And this was no small task. Imagine being one man on an island, with believers scattered about amongst the pagan worshippers and Greek temples, trying to be fruitful. It sounds overwhelming, doesn’t it? It must have been.

Application

And so will the follow-up work be for any church outreach. Figuring out ways to initiate and cultivate multicultural ministries and outreach, finding resources and manpower to reach out to those seeking discipleship, while continuing to help meet the physical and daily needs, is too much to accomplish. And it always is where God is working. At the smallest level within your heart, there is nothing you can do without the power of God. To try and fix yourself is a task too great for anyone who ever lived. And on the grandest scale, even with a wealth of resources and involvement, there is too much to accomplish without the help of the Holy Spirit. He wants it that way, and we need it that way so that we will have to rely on Him and trust Him to accomplish His plan. It’s the only way that He’ll get the glory. When we commit to doing the good works and meeting the urgent needs, all the while desiring the fruit of His kingdom, then we will see His mighty hand move in ways we cannot imagine. It is overwhelming, and He will overwhelm us as He displays His majesty through us.

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God to make you available to help meet a need through your church. Pray for the Lord to raise laborers, and offer yourself as an answer to your prayer.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words