Titus 2:7-8: How to be a Pattern of Good Works?

Have you ever stopped and marveled at the beauty we see around us? Nature is full of beauty and even the most talented and creative artist can’t replicate the natural beauty we see. While there are just so many things that add beauty to our environment, I want to give you a quick look at some of them: 

Now, do you know what makes these pictures look beautiful? You might have your own answer, but the answer I’m looking for is “Pattern.” Patterns in nature make some of the most breathtaking images ever captured by our human eyes. 

So, one of the main reasons these photos are so impressive and breathtaking is because of the patterns that we see. Generally speaking, we don’t see beauty in chaotic and messed-up images, right? It is the patterns that make something beautiful.

We are called to make beautiful patterns of good works

Did you know, brethren, that we are all called to create a pattern in our lives so that we also become beautiful and pleasant examples to others? So, let’s look at what the Scripture says when it comes to becoming patterns. Let’s open to Titus 2:7-8:

⁶ Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded…

Oh, it says young men, I’m a woman. So, I’m not included. No, everyone is included. I checked the Greek word here and the Greek doesn’t actually specify the gender, but it simply says to the young.

To be sober-minded…

This means you should be in your right mind and should have self-control. Now, this is where I want you to focus. In verse 7, it says:

 ⁷ in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works;

Did you notice that, brethren? In ALL things — not just in some — but in ALL things you should be a pattern of good works. A pattern involves repetition and it is something that we intentionally design. It doesn’t happen by accident. We need to intentionally create a pattern in our lives.

The question now is, “What type of pattern should it be?” The apostle Paul tells us, we must be a pattern of good works! 

Paul specifically tells us what our pattern of good works should include. Continuing here. We read:

In doctrine showing integrity

Do you practice what you preach? Integrity involves doing what you said you would do. When you say you are a Sabbath-keeper, then you go out on Friday night or go to the mall on the Sabbath, are you showing integrity? Are you telling the truth? Can people trust you? Can people leave their valuable belongings without them ever worrying that you will steal them?

Reverence

Are respectable in your words and actions? How about the way you dress? Can people respect you for what you wear? Do you respect Yahweh? Do you revere Him?

Incorruptibility

This also means sincerity. It means that you are sincere in what you do. You don’t perform good work because you can get something in return. You perform good works out of a genuine heart.

Sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you

When people listen to you, can they find fault? I remember the story of Daniel. The enemies of Daniel did their best to find fault in him. Yet, there was none they could find. Thus, instead of finding one, they created Daniel’s fault.

Could the same thing be said about us? Sometimes, it is better for us to be silent rather than speak things that can be condemned.

What kind of pattern of life do you create?

You see, brethren, becoming a pattern of good works takes a lot of work. That’s why it is called good works, not good rest.

Whether you like it or not, you will create a pattern in your life. It could be a pattern of good works or a pattern of bad works. So, you need to make the decision today. Will you strive to create a pattern of good works or a pattern of bad works?

When people see you, do they see a pattern of good works? Now, when you say pattern, it means that you do it consistently. You can’t simply perform good works on the Sabbath or on the Feast. You can’t simply perform good work on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Let no one despise your youth

Another passage here should help us learn more about being a pattern of good works. Let’s read 1 Timothy 4:12:

12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 

Let no one despise your youth?

Many people think of the younger generation as inferior simply because they are still young and inexperienced. That’s the natural tendency of the older generation. However, Paul was telling the young people that yes, you’re young and you still have so many things to learn, but you shouldn’t let your age be an excuse not to be a better follower of Yahshua (Jesus Christ). 

So, how can you prevent other people from despising your youth? Be a good example.

The Greek word here is the same Greek word used in Titus 2:7-8, which is a pattern. What’s quite interesting here brethren, is it says, be a good example to the believers! We often think that we become a good example to non-believers, which is correct, but we must not forget to be an example to the believers.

Sometimes, we are kinder and nicer to other people than our brethren. For example, in our family, we are more hospitable to our neighbors than our children or parents. We are more respectable to our teachers rather than our father or mother.

So, we must not forget to also focus on becoming a good example not just to the non-believers, but also believers.

Now, how should we be a good example? It is repeated here that we should be a good example in our words. This tells us how important it is to be conscious with the words you say.

We should be a good example to others in our word, in conduct, in love, spirit, faith, and purity. Strive to be a good pattern. Be a consistent Christian.

Always remember that you are a representative of God’s Kingdom. You are an ambassador. When people see you, they should praise Yahweh for the light you are bringing. Instead of despising your youth because you’re not living up to the godly principles that we all should strive for.

Strive to be a pattern of good works

To end this message, brethren, I want to show you again the beautiful patterns found in nature. These photos are beautiful because of the patterns we see in them. As we look at the beautiful patterns in nature, may we also remember the beautiful patterns we should make in our lives. The more consistent we are in performing good works, the more beautiful our patterns become.

Don’t let anyone look down on you simply because you are young. Don’t use your age as well as an excuse not to do your best in following Yahweh. Yes, you still have a lot of things to learn and you can start by striving to be a pattern of good works!

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