href=”http://www.ilmaarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cn-tower-2013-and-wasaga2013-261.jpg”>
March 19
________________________________________
BEWARE OF EVIL RELIGIOUS PEOPLE
10 For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. For this reason, reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. – Titus 1:10-14
________________________________________
In these passages in his letter to Titus, Paul warns the believers of those who are Jewish, who believe that the circumcision is a law that needs to be followed in order to be saved. He wants to correct these legalistic Jews that salvation is a gift of grace by God through faith in Christ alone.
Paul describes these circumcised Jews in verse 10 as rebels, empty talkers and deceivers. Why did Paul call them out as having these vicious traits and cautioned believers to be mindful of these Judaizers? What do rebels (disobedient) empty talkers (or boasters) and deceivers (manipulators) have in common? They are self-seeking and liars. They want to look good and lie to others so they can manipulate them into looking up to their accolades and achievements. In verse 11, Paul instructs Titus to ensure that these legalists are silenced for they have been victimizing whole families and teaching them false things for their own gains. Paul quotes one of these prophets who actually say that Cretans are liars, evil beasts and lazy gluttons.
Barclay comments “That does not imply that they are to be silenced by violence or persecution… it became the normal word for to silence a person by reason.” Matthew Henry says that “Faithful ministers must oppose such in good time, that their folly being made manifest, they may go no further. They had a base end in what they did; serving a worldly interest under pretence of religion: for the love of money is the root of all evil.” He further says that “Christian meekness is as far from cowardly passing over sin and error, as from anger and impatience, but the sharpest reproofs must aim at the good of the reproved; and soundness in the faith is most desirable and necessary.”
Clearly, Paul cares for his flock ensured that believers are not misled and taken advantage of by these corrupt and evil people who are only after selfish gains.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How can we put a stop to religious manipulators who take advantage of others?