I insist on these things (Titus 3:8)

“This saying

Is sure.

I desire

That you insist

On these things.

Thus,

Those who have come

To believe

In God

May be careful

To devote themselves

To good works.

These things

Are excellent

And profitable

To everyone.”

Πιστὸς ὁ λόγος, καὶ περὶ τούτων βούλομαί σε διαβεβαιοῦσθαι, ἵνα φροντίζωσιν καλῶν ἔργων προΐστασθαι οἱ πεπιστευκότες Θεῷ. ταῦτά ἐστιν καλὰ καὶ ὠφέλιμα τοῖς ἀνθρώποις·

Paul said, “This saying is sure (Πιστὸς ὁ λόγος).  I desire (βούλομαί) that you insist (σε διαβεβαιοῦσθαι) on these things (καὶ περὶ τούτων).  Thus, those who have come to believe in God (οἱ πεπιστευκότες Θεῷ) may be careful (φροντίζωσιν) to devote themselves (προΐστασθαι) to good works (καλῶν ἔργων).  These things are excellent (ταῦτά ἐστιν καλὰ) and profitable (καὶ ὠφέλιμα) to everyone (τοῖς ἀνθρώποις).”  Only the Pauline letters used this word διαβεβαιοῦσθαι, that means to affirm confidently or assert emphatically, and the word προΐστασθαι, that means preside, rule over, give attention to, direct, maintain, or practice diligently, as well as the word ὠφέλιμα, that means useful, profitable, or beneficial.  Only this letter to Titus used this word φροντίζωσιν, that means to give heed, take thought, or be careful.  Paul made it clear that what he was talking about was very important.  Paul used the phrase that this is a sure or trustworthy phrase.  He insisted emphatically on these things.  Anyone who believed in God should carefully devote themselves to good works.  Although correct belief was certainly important, the result should be good works towards others.  Everyone should see the importance and benefit of doing good deeds.  There should be no question about that.  Do you ever question the benefit of good works or deeds?