“Titus 3:10, 11”

Monday, August 14, 2017

Memory Verse:

Titus 3:10, 11, “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.”

IMMEDIATE CONTEXT: TITUS 3:8-11

The subject matter of Titus is similar to the letters to Timothy. Our memory passage calls forth the disciplinary procedures for those who cause divisions or are “factionists” (Living Oracles). Paul commanded Titus to avoid certain disputes which were foolish, unprofitable, and useless (3:9). Recall, “But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife” (2 Tim. 2:23).

This by no means charges “all disputes” as unprofitable. But rather, it restricts the kind of disputes we engage in. Those that are foolish, cause strife and prove themselves useless or harmful. As pointless preaching does not negate gospel preaching, neither does foolish disputing negate debating and contending for the faith (see Jude 1:3; Phil. 1:17; Acts 17:2; 18:27, 28; etc.). The dividing line between a “divisive man” and a “gospel defender” is the source from which they draw for their contention. Is its origin of human opinion and a mishandling of the word of God? Is it firmly based and authorized by revealed Scripture? Paul distanced himself from being a part of a sect because he worshiped believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets (Acts 24:14). The factious man does not believe all things which are written.

Our memory verse requires disciplinary measures against those who cause divisions—the schismatic man in particular. He is to be “rejected” after the first and second admonition. Twice such a one should be warned in love and concern for his soul but when the fruit of repentance is not found, he needs to be rejected as warped (inverted) and sinning (having wandered from the path). Such disciplinary action is deeply valuable to the flock by warning the wayward and preserving the purity of the church. As Jesus outlined in His personal ministry of how to deal with personal private offenses/disputes (see Matt. 18:15-18), so He has also instructed how we are to deal with those who cause divisions in the body (Titus 3:9-11; Rom. 16:17; 1 Thess. 3:6ff; etc.).

--Steven J. Wallace

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