March 25
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ON FOOLISH DISPUTES, STRIFE AND DIVISIVE PEOPLE
8 This statement is trustworthy; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and beneficial for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless. 10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a person has deviated from what is right and is sinning, being self-condemned.
– Titus 3:8-11
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Paul, once again gives additional instructions to Titus to ensure that those who have believed in God will follow godly living. In these passages, he warns the believers to always engage in doing good for it is beneficial for people. As believers, we can gain more insight from this letter of Paul to Titus as to how to live holy lives that edifies the body of Christ and glorify God.
What does a Christian life look like? It is a life that is not self-centered but God-centered. It is a life that isn’t trying to only think of one’s needs, but it is a selfless life, focused on serving God and others. What are good deeds? They are deeds that doesn’t bring a good image to oneself, but they are acts of genuine care and love for others. They are not transactions where one gives for the sake of gaining something back.
Paul further warns the believer to stay away from foolish controversies, disputes and arguments about the Law, because they are futile and a waste of time. Human reasoning and debates and arguments on anything are only an exercise of boasting. When people want to exchange about their opinions and assumptions, it doesn’t lead to anything. They are just perceptions and not true. Instead of these foolish and useless talk, why not meditate on the word of God and His laws?
In verses 10-11, Paul expounds on watching out for people who create division, animosity and conflict. They are people who want to tear down unity in the church and challenge the peace in the body. He tells the believers to confront a divisive person a first and a second warning because each believer is responsible to rebuke and correct someone who is sinning. He further explains that when someone wants to divide the body of Christ, they are purposefully doing evil. It is sad to watch so many churches now that do not confront or rebuke other believers who outrightly create division.
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REFLECTION
• How can we safeguard the body of Christ from divisive and quarrelsome people?