Pure Motives

Paul instructed Titus to hold “fast the faithful word as he hath been taught” (v. 9). Because “there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers” around them. These “false teachers” (2 Pet 2:1), do it primarily for money (v. 11). They are “men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness” (1 Tim 6:5). They have selfish motives (Prov 16:2), because their “heart is deceitful” (Jer 17:9). Many professing believers can be easily fooled by their own motives when they pretend to choose certain actions for God, such as being involved in some ministries of the church.

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But they just go through the motions (Isa 29:13). In reality, they are only doing it for selfish reasons (Gal 5:13)! God is not fooled by such actions (Jms 3:16); His word “is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb 4:12). Paul gives further warnings that there “is nothing pure” (v. 15b), to these deceivers. They “profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him” (v. 16)! Some people may look good and act like Christians on Sundays. They may even be convicted by the message they heard (Acts 2:37). But there is no genuine change or repentance and conversion (Acts 3:19).

Their bodies are still being used to do exactly as they did before. It has never become “the temple of the Holy Ghost” (1 Cor 6:19). They don’t bother cleansing themselves “from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit” (2 Cor 7:1). They would go on with their lives unconcerned about bad music, curse words, bad companions, alcohol, pornography, and so forth. In fact, it gives them pleasure without any regret or guilty conscience (1 Tim 4:2). However, “unto the pure all things are pure” (v. 15a). There will be pure motives, friends, desires, and thoughts. And because we love our Saviour Jesus Christ (Jn 14:15), we will “not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 Jn 3:18)! God bless you!



- Pastor Melito Barrera