Good for You (Nov. 22 Lesson Application)

This “Application” column goes with the Bible Lesson for Nov. 22, 2020: Be Devoted to Doing Good (Titus 3:1-11)

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By David Faust

Three times in Titus 3, Paul emphasizes that believers ought to “do whatever is good” (vv. 1, 8, 14). What does goodness look like on a practical level?

Goodness often has a hard edge. Something can be good even when it doesn’t feel good. A mother tells her children, “Eat your vegetables. They’re good for you.” A football coach makes his players run laps around the field when they’re already tired from a long practice session. “The extra conditioning will be good for you,” he says. Joseph was badly mistreated by his brothers, but in retrospect he told them, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). The psalmist said to God, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees” (Psalm 119:71). Even in suffering, “God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28). “God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness” (Hebrews 12:10).

Goodness doesn’t seek recognition. To illustrate the kingdom of God, Jesus mentioned things that make a difference quietly without grabbing attention. “You are the light of the world,” and light shines without making a sound. “You are the salt of the earth,” and salt flavors food without a lot of fuss. God’s kingdom is like a mustard seed—tiny but full of growth potential. It’s like yeast that quietly permeates a lump of dough and causes it to expand. The goal of our good deeds is to glorify the Father in heaven, not to call attention to ourselves (Matthew 5:16). The point isn’t, “What’s in it for me?” Love for God moves us to ask, “What’s good for you?”

Good deeds aren’t limited to a religious context. Jesus didn’t cower in the corner of a cathedral reading the Bible and singing praise songs. He “went around doing good” (Acts 10:38), bringing grace and truth into all kinds of situations. Goodness isn’t confined to the church building; it’s comfortable in the public square. It seeks justice for the oppressed and comfort for the hurting. It shows kindness to neighbors and generosity to the poor. Goodness doesn’t just scream at the darkness; it shines the light of Christ, bringing grace and truth to the classroom, the boardroom, the courtroom, the locker room, and the hospital room. We demonstrate goodness by respecting and obeying those in authority, by refraining from slander, and by treating others with peace, consideration, and gentleness (Titus 3:1-2).

God’s goodness, not our own, opens heaven’s door to us. Good deeds are the result, not the means, of our salvation. We aren’t good enough to deserve God’s blessings, but the sinless Messiah serves as our advocate. “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior” (vv. 5-6).

Good deeds are a surprisingly powerful force. Maybe you have heard this quote from Mother Teresa: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Even better is this exhortation from the apostle Paul: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

PERSONAL CHALLENGE: Do something this week that demonstrates God’s power to overcome evil with good. On your laptop or on a piece of paper, write down three specific problems or evils you see in your community or in the world. Ask the Lord to show you specific steps you can take to counteract them.