- A Study In Titus -

Lesson 9 – Avoid Dissension and Farewell:

We are coming to the close of our study in this letter of Paul. Chapter three has initiated Paul's close and final admonitions to Titus; on behalf of the churches on the Isle of Crete. Paul knows that the only way true change can occur among these churches and any congregation that finds that they are lacking (based on the pattern of work and structure originally established), is that each member of the body must maintain good works. This embodies knowing God's will and then following through with adhering to the obligations that they have previously accepted (growing, maturing, obeying, observing, defending, and loving one another as a sign of their love of God – I John 3:16-23 ).

The Apostle to the Gentiles has often stated this principle to Christians as a foundation and pillar in their lives for collective and individual service.

1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works , which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Ephesians 4:16 “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share , causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

Philippians 2:12 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed , not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;”

These are just a few examples of the perception that if we are so busy doing what is right, there is little or no time for that which undermines righteousness (collectively or individually). This was the final thought from our last lesson, note:

Titus 3:8 “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly , that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works . These things are good and profitable to men.”

The maintenance of good works is good and profitable. The Apostle Peter would describe that all things that pertain to life and godliness is given within the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, and for this reason we are to add to our faith in Him; virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (good works!). Notice what Peter says concerning the precept of being so busy doing what is right, there is no time for what is wrong:

2 Peter 1:10 “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble ;”

The concept of never falling, is based on the understanding that Christians are not sinners (that is not to say that they do not sin, but that they do not serve sin – see Romans 6:17 -18 ). Christians serve righteousness, and thus must be busy about the master's work.

Apostasy comes from servants who compromise the masters agenda with their own or another's. This is done through unnecessary disputes, contentions, and strivings over things that are unprofitable and useless to the Lord.

This brings us to the beginning of this final lesson of Paul before he says goodbye. He commands Titus that he is to reject dissension and those who practice this subversive work.

Text:

Titus 3:9-11 “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.”

In our opening to this study of Titus, we stated that the fact that they did not, as yet, have elders (the Lord's government for the shepherding of these flocks), was not the only thing that was lacking within these bodies of Christ. In addition, they were not practicing the individual qualities of a sound congregation that we studied in Chapter two . The two short comings within these congregations combined to allow many to be insubordinate, and deceivers ( Chap. 1:10 ).

Where do apostasies (denominations) come from to this very day? Christians who refuse to adhere to Christ's plan of salvation, foundation and design of the church, and the pre-described work for the church and its saints in their lives.

Commentary.

Vs. 9: The problems that are mentioned here among these brethren are not specific to them. We find Paul admonishing young Timothy to be on the watch for the same problems in Ephesus ( I Timothy 1:4; 4:7; 6:3-5; 20 ). At this point in the history of the first century church, the prominent undermining force from within the church came from those of the converted Jews, who would not let go of the Law of Moses and the traditions they practiced.

The idea to avoid has its roots in nautical principles. It is the idea of turning away from, turning aside from, plotting a course around anything that is dangerous or treacherous. It isn't that you just head out and hope that you turn from trouble before you fall into it. The idea to avoid is that you must plan to avoid trouble before it comes a calling.

So to avoid dissension is to plot a course within the safe waters of sound doctrine, and not allow anyone or anything to take us off course.

Vs. 10: A divisive man comes from the Greek words that also translate, ‘heretic' or ‘false teacher'. When Titus came into contact with such, in his assigned work, he was to admonish them to cease their divisive practices, not just once but twice if necessary. However, after they choose of the own cognizance to continue to be subversive, they were to be rejected as a recognized associate in the faith.

James would describe much of the motivation behind such divisive behavior, and it is a good tool for us to use in avoiding this warring behavior within our own lives, note:

James 4:1 “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?”

These pleasures would include pride, power, and earthly gain.

Vs. 11: Nothing outside the proper course is right. Paul told Timothy that all scripture is given by God and is profitable for everything we need to be complete ( II Timothy 3:16 -17 ). It follows then, that when a person leaves this proper course that they are warped and self condemned, choosing to leave the given safe waters.

Titus teaches the sound doctrine of the safe course; backed by Apostolic authority in writing. This statement is given in contrast to these who would subvert households away from this safe course. Why would they want to follow these to certain destruction? Especially, once they have been singled out for their subversive behavior!

Summary: This short warning stands today as constant vigil against the bombardment of human wisdom and traditions injected into or in front of the sound doctrine of Christ.

2 John 1:9 “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.”

This is what it means to set things in order! The sound doctrine of Christ must rule within His church and the lives of His saints. Humble diligence in the study thereof; combined with constant application is the only way we will develop qualities of sound members of the body of Christ (with His government and scriptural work being practiced).

If we are so busy learning and applying this, we will naturally avoid the treacherous waters of dissension and apostasy.

Farewell: ( Vs. 12-15 ) After Paul left Titus at Crete , and young Timothy at Ephesus , he went into Macedonia . From here he wrote back to young Timothy first ( I Timothy ), then to Titus. Based on the work that Paul has given to both Titus and Timothy, his call for them to come to him, seems to be for admonishment, rather than a permanent evacuation of their chores in these locales.

Even as early as the call back to Titus (which comes prior to the call back to Timothy – II Timothy 4:9 ), there seems to be a sense of urgency. This seems to play out when he writes the second letter to Timothy, as there seems to be an indication that he is already back in Rome ( II Timothy 1:17-18 ), where he would find his own tragic end.

Notice that even in his close to Titus, the vital call for the brethren here to maintain good works and meet urgent needs. This letter to Titus was not given for a hopeful resolve some time down the road. It was urgent! Change needed to occur immediately. A constant and good lesson for every body of Christ!

I hope that you enjoyed this study as much as I have. As this ends this particular study of the teachings of Christ, we will with our next study continue to open the word of God and learn. Our next study will be aimed at individual Christians. Since persecutions can cause either growth or bitterness, our next study will encourage Christians to conduct themselves courageously towards growth for the King of, and the church of God . Since a Christians response to life is truly a climax of one's submission to the good hand of God in Christ, the title of our study will be:

“ Pilgrims and Sojourners of Hope ”

(A Study in I Peter)