Quarantine Epistles Vol 2:14

Dealing with Controversies. Titus 3:9-11.

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, has nothing to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. 

Dear Friends of God, 

The presence of false teachers, dissenters, and people who divide has been a problem for the church from the beginning. Paul’s counsel to Titus is to the situation in Crete at the time but would be applicable to many situations throughout the church’s history, even to the present. 

 Avoid (v. 9). The disputes in Crete seem to have revolved around genealogies, which would imply that some people were claiming special or privileged heritage, and the law – some probably insisting on the law being kept to the letter and shelving grace. Some arguments do not solve anything. If people insist on their way even when the word of God clearly states otherwise, there is no point in trying to make them see sense. The advice is to stay away from such. 

 Admonish (v. 10a).A person who sows division in the fellowship ought to be warned about it. We should always start with the assumption that the person is sincerely mistaken and will see reason when confronted. 

Abandon (v. 10b). But some people refuse to see reason. After the second warning, we should distance ourselves from the person and have nothing further to do with him. This is because any reasonable person will respond after two warnings. More will not help him to change. 

 Admit (v. 11). There are times when we just have to admit that a person is beyond help. Some people are so wrapped up in their sinful ways that it is futile to try and dissuade them from the wrong path. It is best, as painful as it may be, to leave them alone, as their attitudes have already condemned them. 

Your Loving Pastor Chris.