Read Titus 3
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus+3&version=NIV
3:1–2 Paul considered the practical implications of sound doctrine and commanded Titus to keep on reminding the believers of the importance of good deeds. Paul’s remarks were especially appropriate for the Cretans. The Greek historian Polybius remarks that they tended to be a seditious and rebellious people (cf. also Rom. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:13). Paul, knowing the Cretans to be this way, made the godly qualifications in 3:1–2 a call to civil obedience. The purpose of this inward focus of godliness was also evangelistic. Through their godliness, the believers would exhibit God’s grace to the people around them.
3:3–8 Paul reminded the believers on Crete of their sinful past (3:3) to inspire them to show kindness and consideration toward others. Paul cautioned them not to become spiritual snobs who were insensitive to their continuing need for God’s grace. This was foundational for Paul’s discussion of God’s act of kindness toward the world (3:5–7). Paul set forth a capsule summary of the doctrine of salvation and expounded on several of the provisions of the new covenant (Ezek. 36:25–28). Salvation is not merited by any righteous works, but wholly determined by God’s mercy. “Washing” (3:5) speaks of the spiritual cleansing experienced in the new birth (cf. Ezek. 36:25; Acts 22:16). “renewal” (3:5; “regeneration,” NASB and KJV) is the supernatural imparting of spiritual life to believers in Christ (John 3:7). The “renewal by the Holy Spirit” (3:5) refers to the Spirit’s regenerating and indwelling ministry (cf. Ezek. 36:27). God’s rich outpouring is to be mirrored in the believers’ rich outpouring of kindness to others.
3:9–11 A person who causes divisions (3:10; “factious man,” nasb; “heretic,” kjv) is one who argues foolishly without accurate Scriptural support. See Acts 24:14 where Paul explained that Christianity was not a sect (a factious group) because it was in complete harmony with the Old Testament Scriptures. Paul’s instructions for dealing with divisive people (3:10) reflect the teachings of Jesus concerning discipline in the church (Matt. 18:15–17).
3:12–15 In this section Paul brought up his need for companionship (3:12) and emphasized the importance of helping Christian travelers (3:13–14). Tychicus was a close friend and fellow worker of Paul (cf. Acts 20:4; Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:12). Nicopolis was located in the province of Achaia on the Adriatic coast. Zenas the lawyer and Apollos the well-known preacher (3:13; cf. Acts 18:24) were on their way to Crete. They may have been carrying this letter to Titus. Even in his final words, Paul once again emphasized the important theme of good works (3:14). The Cretans were to take the lead in good deeds; they were to be fruitful, not fruitless.
Discussion and reflection question
In verses 10-11 Paul discusses what that Titus should do to divisive persons. What are your thoughts on these two verses? Do you agree with Paul?
These versus sound tough but when I really stop and think about it, don't we all do this by setting boundaries in relationships. If someone is causing dissention or division we would want to distance ourselves from that person. Personally I want to be around other healthy Christians who share my belief in walking with Jesus Christ. If someone is trying to convince me otherwise I certainly would not want to be in relationship with that person.
ReplyDeleteExcellent comment about setting boundaries.
ReplyDeletePaul said Titus should warn the divisive person once, and if he didn't stop being divisive warn him again, then have nothing to do with him. Sounds like good avice to me.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. I think twice is good. I think we should do our best to work with others & see the best side. But sometimes it just ain't gonna work. I agree with Jan, I try to be around christians, they tend to bring out the healthy & cheery side of me. :--)
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree with Paul even though it might sound harsh. I think sometimes, though, we might need to come back to a person who has previously been divisive because they might have seen the folly in their ways. I think Paul is really talking about priorities and using our time and efforts on people who will become more Christlike and help us to spread the word.
ReplyDelete