Titus 3:8-15 (2)

Some things are helpful; some are not.  Today let us consider some things that are not profitable.

·        Foolish questions are not profitable.  This and other similar subjects are a common theme in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Tim. 1:4; 4:7; 6:4; 2 Tim. 2:23).  In this passage Paul refers to several types of foolish questions.  Keep in mind that not all disagreements in a church fall into this category.  In Paul’s day the Judaizer and Gnostic questions were very important and necessary. But not all are profitable, such as …

o   Foolish disputes.  This refers to things that were trivial, not issues of basic doctrine.  This might include things that don’t edify (1 Tim. 1:4), that produce envy (1 Tim. 6:4), or that produce strife (2 Tim. 2:23).

o   Genealogies.  This may refer to the Gnostic issue and is foolish in the sense that there were people who wanted to discuss these things.  But these were not Biblical doctrines; they came from worldly religion.  Thus they were foolish.

o   Contentions.  These were arguments, for the purpose of improving one’s position.  This word is tied to envy in the NT (e.g. Rom. 13:13).

o   Strivings about the law.  Given the context of Titus 1:10,14 this probably refers to the Mosaic Law.  Perhaps it was the issue addressed in 1 Tim. 1:5-11 where it is clear that the whole issue is not important.

With respect to these things, they were to be avoided because they were useless discussions, unprofitable exercises.  The need in the Church is for edification, the building up of God’s people (1 Tim. 1:4; 1 Cor. 14:26).  But of course no one likes to hear that their favorite Biblical hobby horse isn’t worth riding.  So it leads to a second unprofitable matter.

·        Divisive people are not profitable.  First Titus was to seek to bring peace to the churches by avoiding the unprofitable arguments.  But if someone wanted to continue the fight then that person needed to be removed.  Someone who causes division in the body has a sin issue.  He is twisted in his view of what is important.  Though he proclaims he is righteous in the matter in fact he is self-condemned (only use of this work in all Greek literature).  Titus is to handle in in a Biblical fashion (cf. Matt. 18:15-18) warning him twice before removing him.  In this way the damage will be contained.  It may be that some will side with the individual and leave with him.  But believe me, the fellowship will be better off, better able to build itself in love, and thus better able to serve Christ.

Some folks may not care for this; it can be difficult.  But it is for this reason that Christ has under-shepherds to lead the flock.  Oh for men of God to be willing to do what builds up the Body of Christ.  Christ is building His Church, His special people, and we must be with Him.