Titus 3:8-11
Useful, and What Is Not
Read the passage
8This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.
9But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.
10Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,
11knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Titus should emphasize the trustworthy message of God's mercy, renewal and grace just described. Those who have believed God must devote themselves to good deeds. Saving grace gives them a reason to act for the good of others.
Paul contrasts that fruitful attention with foolish controversies, genealogies and quarrels about the law. Such disputes are pointless and harmful to the church's work. This is not a choice between truth and usefulness: the letter has repeatedly required sound teaching. Titus should teach that truth instead of being consumed by speculative disputes.
A divisive person must receive a first and second admonition. If he persists, Titus is to reject him. Paul does not call an ordinary question divisiveness or tell Titus to dismiss someone without warning. He describes stubborn conduct that has continued despite correction.
Such a person is corrupt, sinful and self-condemned: his persistence exposes the wrong he refuses to abandon. The church must take that damage seriously while giving clear opportunities to repent. Good teaching, good works and appropriate correction all serve the health of God's people.
Questions
1 What result should the message of grace produce?
AnswerPeople who have believed God should carefully devote themselves to good deeds, doing what is excellent and beneficial for others.
2 What kinds of disputes should Titus avoid?
AnswerHe should avoid foolish controversies, genealogies and quarrels about the law, which consume attention without serving faithful teaching and obedience.
3 What must happen before a divisive person is rejected?
AnswerHe must receive a first and second admonition. The instruction gives room for correction before the church refuses his continuing divisiveness.
4 Why does Paul call the person self-condemned?
AnswerHis persistent, sinful divisiveness reveals the wrong he refuses to leave. His conduct confirms the seriousness of the warnings he has received.
What This Means for Us
Notice a dispute that keeps consuming time while a real need goes unattended. Set aside the fruitless exchange and use that time for a helpful task.
If someone corrects your own divisive behavior, listen before defending yourself. Ask what needs to change and follow through. Receiving correction can protect relationships that another argument would damage.
Prayer
Father, let the mercy we have received bear fruit in useful service. Keep us from empty disputes, make us willing to receive correction and give our churches wisdom to address persistent division. Amen.