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Titus 3 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Have you ever been involved in a foolish conversation? How about an endless quarrel about a technicality? Most likely, all of us have been involved in an unpleasant, unprofitable discussion at one time or another. But for some, this is what they live for.
I know people who are seemingly never happy, and always have a complaint about something. Resembling the Israelites of Moses’ time, they are quick to throw a leader under the bus when plans appear to fail. These unhappy people never step up to actually do much of anything as they would rather sit on the sidelines and criticize those who are actually trying to lead.
I know people who are always right. No matter the topic of conversation, they will not hesitate to weigh in with their expert opinion. Like the Pharisees of Jesus’ time, these people are unteachable and self-righteous. Their identity is firmly rooted in their flawless doctrine and perfect theology. As protectors of all that is good and true, they make it their mission to destroy anyone who threatens their dogmatic beliefs.
Over the years, I’ve been in several heated discussions over church matters that, in the end, didn’t matter. They were fruitless, foolish controversies. How are we to respond to such people?
“But avoid stupid arguments, long lists of ancestors, quarrels, and fights about the Law. They are useless and worthless. 10 Give at least two warnings to those who cause divisions, and then have nothing more to do with them. 11 You know that such people are corrupt, and their sins prove that they are wrong.”
Titus 3:9-11 GNB
Warn them once. Warn them twice. Then, have nothing to do with them. Really? Have nothing to do with them? Doesn’t that seem a little harsh? I believe the type of person Paul is describing is not just your typical, unhappy, argumentative person. He is speaking toward those who are heretical in their behaviors. In other words, these are people who are so convinced they are right, that they will begin to split the church into two sides – us and them.
“Are you with us on this, or are you with them?” This kind of self-willed person is a heretic who is actively pursuing division within the body of Christ. This is why Paul gives such strong instruction to Titus. Have nothing to do with such people. Although our flesh wants to “have nothing to do” with any difficult person (believe me, I know), there is a keyword that triggers the green light for discipline to occur. Division.
“But rather than talk theology with the divisive person, Titus is to warn (or “admonish”) that person “once and twice.” As in 1Ti 5:19-20 and 2Ti 2:25, the purpose of this confrontation is to induce the erring brother or sister to repent, and the admonition is understood to be positive instruction given within the context of a caring relationship.”
IVP New Testament Commentary
The most loving action a leader can take toward a divisive person is not to ignore them or try and debate them. The most loving act is to warn them in hopes of repentance. Of course, this admonition should be exercised alongside fervent prayer. There have been many who have allowed a divisive person to stay much longer than they should have, but there have also been situations when leaders have jumped to conclusions and caused more division due to unhealthy disciplinary tactics.
As always, we must be dialed into the Holy Spirit as He leads and guides in all truth.