Avoid Foolish Disputes (Titus 3)

Do Christians submit to human governments? Do we avoid slander and quarrels? Did Jesus save us because of the righteous things we had done, or because of His mercy? Do Christians devote themselves to doing good? Should we avoid foolish discussions? How many chances should we give those causing divisions before avoiding them? Let’s find out in Titus 3.

How should Christians act towards their governments? What kind of work ought Christians be ready and willing to do?

Remind believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready to do any honorable kind of work. (Titus 3:1 ISV)

Should Christians insult others and argue? Should we gossip about people?

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (Titus 3:2 KJV)

Were we once like this description of people with worldly attitudes?

For we ourselves also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. (Titus 3:3 LSB)

Were we saved by our good deeds or in accordance with God’s mercy?

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7 NASB)

Though we are not saved by good works, should we devote ourselves to good works?

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (Titus 3:8 NIV)

What should any of us avoid? How many warnings should we give a divisive person before avoiding them altogether?

But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. (Titus 3:9-11 NKJV)

Did Paul have many people he could rely upon? Must people learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others? Did Paul greet many who loved him?

I am planning to send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter. Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos with their trip. See that they are given everything they need. Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive. Everybody here sends greetings. Please give my greetings to the believers—all who love us. May God’s grace be with you all. (Titus 3:12-15 NLT)

Do Christians submit to human governments? Do we avoid slander and quarrels? Did Jesus save us because of the righteous things we had done, or because of His mercy? Do Christians devote themselves to doing good? Should we avoid foolish discussions? How many chances should we give those causing divisions before avoiding them? You decide!