But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. Titus 3:9-11
I maintain pause my study of 1 Corinthians and focus on a study of 2 Thessalonians and Titus as part of a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church. This morning I read Titus 3, assisted by the Christ Centered Exposition Series commentary for 1-2 Timothy and Titus, and focus on vv9-15. Per the commentary:
- Main idea: We must practice church discipline in submission to the Word of God.
- Excerpts from the introduction: The New Testament has a great deal to say about church discipline....[N]o aspect of church life in our day is more neglected than this one. Indeed, the contemporary church’s disregard for this clear teaching of Holy Scripture is perhaps its greatest visible act of disobedience to our Lord....[W]e have been seduced in a far more insidious fashion. Th[e] subtle slide away from biblical faithfulness can be seen in both practical and spiritual aspects. The effects spread throughout the whole church, but the problem finds its origin at the top, with the leadership, with the pastors....Surely the answer must be found in returning to God’s Word, which gives us the model that provides a way out and the way forward. While Titus 3: 9-15 is not a text deemed as one of the major Scriptures on church discipline, it does provide a foundation for a general treatment of this issue as well as specific counsel for particular situations that demand the practice of this necessary and lost treasure of the church. Here Paul provides five principles by which the body of Christ is to conduct the practice of church discipline.
Per the commentary, divisions for this text, including excerpts:
- Avoid the Foolish (3:9): "Paul describes these troublemakers first as those who engage in “foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law.” He says these things are “worthless.” They are unwise and not worth your time. In his context the troublemakers were Judiazers who added both to the words of Scripture and to the work of our Savior. They debated theological minutiae, created fanciful allegories and mythologies based on biblical genealogies, and added works to the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Thinking of themselves as the theological elite, spiritual know-it-alls, they tore up and would continue to tear up “whole households” (1:11) if left unchecked. These kinds of persons are not to be debated but denounced and dismissed....Going beyond Scripture, adding to the work of Christ, advocating a “Jesus plus” and a “faith plus” and a “Word plus” theological agenda, these false teachers are “unprofitable.” Nothing good comes from their attitude or their teachings. Avoiding them has as its goal bringing to light their error and their sin. It is redemptive and restorative. It is essential and not optional. The risks are too great. We must avoid the foolish."
- Reject the Divisive (3:10-11): See also Matthew 18:15-20. The ministry of church discipline is mandatory if we are to be faithful to our head, who is Christ. Divisive individuals in the church can be dangerous and destructive and must be confronted and disciplined. With grief, humility, self-examination, and a broken heart, we must confront him and, if necessary, shun and reject him. Following Paul’s directive in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, we must turn him over to Satan with a hope and prayer that the discipline of the heavenly Father (Heb 12:5-13) will bring him to brokenness and repentance and that he will give evidence he is indeed God’s child after all. We have our duty. God has His.
- Follow the Leader (3:12-13): Because Paul would be sending godly, spiritual reinforcements who could handle any troublemakers if more should arise, Titus could set aside this work and move ahead to a new ministry, a ministry that would soon take him to Dalmatia (2 Tim 4:9).
- Maintain Good Works (3:14): Good works must not be neglected - they are a habit of believer's lives. Good works must also meet needs.
- Enlist the Faithful (3:15): Paul prays that the grace God gives supply us with balance, self-control, wisdom, and endurance. By God’s grace and for God’s glory, we will be equipped and enabled to stand and serve, even when the odds are against us and the battle seems all for nothing.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me Godly brothers and sisters in Christ that serve as models for my own faith. Thank You Jesus! Thank You for giving me the encouragement and support I need to live for You. Yet I am undeserving...I continue to sin....daily. Please forgive me Jesus...please help illuminate my sin, help me turn from it, and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
