Titus is a short book Paul wrote to one of his protégés, Titus. The letter provides guidance for church leadership as well as various aspects of Christian living. Paul emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine (fundamental biblical beliefs) and good works and encourages Christians to live godly lives while awaiting the blessed hope of Christ’s return. Throughout the book of Titus, we have seen the importance of being established in God’s Word, doing good works, and unity. Unity in the church is essential for fostering a strong sense of community, promoting shared values, and working together to do good, fulfilling the church’s mission and purpose.
In Titus 3:8-11 we discover that the responsibility of believers is to avoid foolishness as well as how to deal with a divisive person. In the Bible, foolishness is often associated with a lack of wisdom, understanding, or reverence for God. Paul, in Titus 3:8, begins by writing about the responsibility of believers.
Paul has written in Titus 3:4-7 about God’s kindness and salvation. He emphasizes that God’s love and mercy, not our own deeds, lead to our salvation through Jesus Christ. This passage underscores the importance of faith and grace in Christian theology and practice. In Titus 3:8, Paul instructs to “insist on these things” and to do “so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.” After all, “these things are excellent and profitable for people.” Those who have experienced God’s saving grace should make every effort to show it by doing good works.
It’s important to keep in mind that good works are not the cause but the necessary fruit of our salvation. We are to keep the gospel in focus at all times and not allow other things to become primary. The point is that believers, recipients of God’s saving grace, are expected to do good and live in alignment with their faith, not focused on useless things.
In Titus 3:9, Paul writes that we believers must avoid “foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law.” We are to avoid such things because “they are unprofitable and worthless.” Paul is more than likely speaking of speculative theology about nonessentials, which brought arguments rather than edification. People who turn nonessential issues into the center of our faith are merely being divisive and must be dealt with rightly. It has no kingdom value if it’s not advancing God’s kingdom. The simple truth is that believers must avoid engaging in pointless and divisive disputes.
Lastly, in Titus 3:10-11 Paul speaks on confrontation. Talking about a divisive person, Paul tells Titus, “After warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him.” Why? Because “such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” In context, Paul is encouraging Titus to confront a person causing dissension within the Christian community. He’s to take the initiative but be gracious. We can assume a private loving reproof is intended.
Paul is instructing Titus and us to not conduct a witch hunt but to follow biblical guidelines for confrontation and discipline to promote understanding, reconciliation, and a Christ-honoring community founded on our Lord’s example of truth, love, and forgiveness. Isolation is the last resort. If the person continues to sow discord and division after two warnings, the instruction is to have nothing further to do with them. This doesn’t mean total abandonment but rather a separation within the church community to prevent further harm. A mentor, Keith Drury, once told me, “The job of the under-shepherd is to keep the wolves in sheep’s clothing away from the sheep.” The point is that believers must do the difficult work to protect unity and peace within the Christian community.
The church’s call is to maintain good works, fostering unity through truth and love among its believers, exemplifying the teachings of Christ. As we reflect on Titus 3:8-11, remember that just as a ship’s anchor keeps it steady amidst turbulent waters, our faith in Christ anchors us in the midst of life’s storms. Let’s strive to be vessels of God’s grace, showing Christlike kindness and patience, always avoiding divisive controversies, and dealing rightly with divisive people. In doing so, we keep our focus on the eternal, unified gospel faith and are ready to share the hope of salvation with a world in need. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!