Titus 3:8-15

Avoid foolish controversies

J. Sidlow Baxter: Somehow as we ponder this short but weighty note to Titus, we have an uneasy feeling that all too many of us modern Christians live far below its simply worded but searching standards. Although there is a transparent courtesy about it, there is a plainspoken directness which goes straight to inner motives, and a simple forthrightness concerning Christian conduct which shames our polite modern evasions. Oh, we have much need to linger often among the purifying paragraphs of this little letter. Remember again, our Savior “gave Himself for us” on awful Calvary, “that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a people for His own possession, zealous of good works.”

he saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 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.

When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all.

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