Do Not Glory in Your Works

Introduction

It is natural for people to take pride in what they have achieved. We celebrate our education, success, good character, sacrifices and acts of kindness. Even in our walk with God, we can sometimes begin to measure our standing before Him by the things we have done. We may pray regularly, give generously, serve faithfully or avoid certain sins, and then quietly begin to think that these things make us deserving of God's favour.

Titus 3:5 brings us back to the heart of the gospel. Paul reminds us that salvation is not the reward for our good works. We were saved because of God's mercy. Our righteous actions have value, but they are not the foundation of our salvation. The foundation is God's grace and mercy, expressed through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

This truth is important because pride can enter the heart very quietly. When we forget where our salvation came from, we can begin to boast in ourselves instead of giving glory to God.

1. Salvation Is Not a Reward for Good Works

Paul says clearly, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done." This does not mean that righteous living is unimportant. Scripture repeatedly calls believers to live holy and obedient lives. However, our good works cannot purchase salvation.

Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, "not of works, lest any man should boast." If salvation could be earned by human effort, we would have something to boast about. But God designed salvation in such a way that all glory belongs to Him.

Good works should be the fruit of salvation, not the price of salvation. We do not obey God so that He will save us; we obey because He has saved us.

2. God's Mercy Is the Reason We Are Saved

Titus 3:5 says that God saved us "according to his mercy". Mercy means that God does not treat us according to what our sins deserve. We had no basis for demanding salvation from Him. We needed compassion, forgiveness and grace.

This should produce humility in us. When you remember your own failures and realise that God still reached out to you, there is no room for boasting. Whatever spiritual progress you have made, never forget the mercy that brought you this far.

The ground at the foot of the cross is level. We all come to God as people who need His mercy.

3. God Does Not Only Forgive Us, He Changes Us

The verse speaks of "the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost". Salvation is not simply receiving a clean record while continuing unchanged. God begins a work of transformation within us through the Holy Spirit.

Regeneration speaks of new life. The person who comes to Christ is not merely given a new set of rules but is made new by God's transforming power. The Holy Spirit renews our hearts, changes our desires and teaches us to live in a way that honours God.

Therefore, Christian living is not an attempt to impress God with our strength. It is a response to His work within us. We should depend on the Holy Spirit daily rather than trusting in our own ability.

4. Never Let Your Good Works Become a Reason to Look Down on Others

One danger of taking pride in our works is that we may begin comparing ourselves with other people. We see someone's weakness and think, "At least I am not like that." But the moment our obedience becomes a reason for despising others, we have missed the spirit of grace.

Jesus warned against this attitude in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14. The Pharisee listed his religious achievements, while the tax collector simply cried for mercy. Jesus showed that the humble man who recognised his need for God went home justified.

Your obedience should make you more grateful, not more proud. The more deeply you understand grace, the more compassion you should have for people who are still struggling.

5. Let Your Works Glorify God

Although our works cannot save us, they should still matter. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Notice the purpose: that God may be glorified. Our service, generosity, kindness, faithfulness and obedience should point people towards Him rather than towards ourselves.

When God uses you to bless someone, give Him the glory. When you overcome a temptation, thank Him for His strength. When you accomplish something worthwhile, remember who gave you the ability and opportunity to do it.

The right attitude is not, "Look at what I have done," but, "Look at what God has done through me."

Conclusion

Titus 3:5 reminds us to keep the gospel at the centre of our lives. We are not saved because we have performed enough righteous deeds. We are saved because God is merciful. He washes, regenerates and renews us through the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, never glory in your works as though they made you worthy of God's salvation. Instead, let your good works become evidence of His transforming grace and reasons for others to glorify Him.

You are not standing today because you were good enough. You are standing because God was merciful enough.