Titus 3:9-15

Titus 3:9-15

On the one hand, Paul tells Titus he is to confidently assert the gracious and good behavior of God's people. (v 1-8) But he also warned him not to get pulled into dumb controversies. The word controversies carried the implication of spectacular arguments. These arguments can arise from many subjects, all of which are equally useless. Self-trained and arrogant experts driven by pride carved out their own unique position and then attempted to gather a following. The word in Greek for “faction” is the root word for “heretic.” Such men are “corrupt,” a very interesting word for pervert (not in a sexual sense). By dividing the church, they are sinning, and their own behavior is condemning them. Paul commands that such men be dealt with early and decisively. After the second warning or admonition, they are to be rejected. Admonition means “to place God's word of warning in their heart”. This is the time for discussion and teaching. If they repent, this is wonderful. But if they refuse, they must be rejected; the word literally means “shunned.” This is not unlike what Paul commanded concerning the gross immorality in Corinth, except this is about teaching rather than behavior.

This correction needs to be done early rather than late. Too often the false teacher is allowed to gather a following from within the church before being confronted. As a result, the church is more apt to be split than healed. Paul commands that the cancer be removed as soon as remedial treatment is shown to be ineffective. Self-appointed armchair lawyers who were wanting to argue with Zenas may have amplified the situation at Crete. We do not know if Zenas was trained in Greek/Roman law or Jewish law. In view of his name, the former is more likely. Perhaps there was someone he wanted to see if he could take down the expert. There is no indication that Zenas took the bait. 

So we can understand the type of foolishness and controversy that was debated at this time, consider this example. One of the debates among Jewish scholars was, “Is it permissible to eat an egg that a hen laid on the Sabbath?” A person seriously asking such a question is already driven by a non-Christ-like agenda. In contrast to arguing over speculations, Paul tells the believers to be engaged in good deeds or perhaps occupations. To be winsome and excellent at work is going to be a much better witness than constantly arguing over trivia.

“Lord, help me keep the main thing the main thing. AMEN”