STUDIES IN THE EPISTLE OF TITUS- PART 22

                                5/27/04

 

Chapter 3, verse 9-10- here Paul directs Titus concerning two matters as seen in the use of the two verbs –“avoid” –vs.9

and “reject”- vs.10.

        “avoid”   - distracting and useless teachings

        “reject”- those who refuse correction

   In contrast with the beneficial doctrines of vs. 8 that are to be emphasized, Paul cautions Titus concerning matters that are much less than beneficial.  “foolish” = moras [moronic] “questions and genealogies” – likely a reference to the body of unscriptural material found in Jewish writings before the time of Christ that speculated fanciful and imaginary stories to supplement scripture.  Some of this related to the OT genealogies and used names in allegorical fashions.

Some of it exercised speculations with the use of numbers (especially number 7).  Such material was introduced through Jewish teachers of the OT- note 1:14.

   “contentions and strivings about the law”- involved disputes among Jewish teachers that became trivial and sectarian.  These conflicts distracted NT believers from focus on sound Bible instruction.

Paul’s summary of this bickering was that it was “unprofitable and vain”.  What a difference from the grace of God in 2:11-12.  note similar verses on this subject in I Tim.1:4 and II Tim.2:16.

    Unfortunately, Satan often seizes on the opportunity to engage believers, who have an inordinate curiosity about the unexplained in scripture by offering them some pseudo-intellectual distraction that is without merit or value.  Note I Tim. 4:15-16 as a caution!

   Then in vs. 10, Paul turns to address how Titus is to deal with the sectarian who is incorrigible.  Two admonitions are to be given;

admonition = nouthesian – to put in the mind as in encourage, rebuke or correct.  In practical terms, it indicates the pastoral practice of confronting an erring brother of how he/she has drifted from truth.

The word appears in Col.1:28 and I Thess.5:14 as “warn”.   Such admonitions were possibly private and direct; when disregarded, the result was to be “rejected”.  Other verses that may be part of this  would be Matt. 18:15-17 and  I Tim.6:5.

   The two occasions of admonition are intended to bring about spiritual recovery- Gal. 6:1-2- not as an excuse to exclude someone from fellowship.  We are to be responsive to a pastor’s correction-

See I Thess.5:11-13.  Such a correction may focus on doctrine or personal conduct or personal attitude.

 

 

Page 2

 

Chapter 3, verse 11- “knowing that he that is such is subverted..”-  Paul now reveals the inward condition of a believer who resists the godly admonition of a pastor.  The word is -

Exestraptai= to turn inside out, twist. (NIV and NKJV =warped).

It indicates a basic aversion against Biblical truth.  “sinneth”-

Present active indicative of the common word-hamartanei.

It indicates an ongoing practice of sin.  The sin is not directly disclosed but may be the rebellion against spiritual leadership that attempted to bring correction in vs. 10.  “being condemned of himself”-

This is a negative and dangerous psychological condition that fractures the soul producing numerous mental and spiritual afflictions.

Those 3 conditions are evident:

                   subversion, sin and self-condemnation.