Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ Titus

[Mel B]

I feel like I’ve asked this before, but what does this verse mean in Titus 3?

10 "Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them."

Warn them about what? Is this just about imposters or also people who dont believe? How can there be hope for them if we don’t keep trying to be a light in their life?

And in the same chapter, - In what instances should I avoid such controversies, and at what point are those arguments about the law valuable? What if we are simply trying to express the truth? What if those arguments are necessarily to helping people understand the gospel? I understand it may be talking more about yelling back and forth, but does it make it any better for it to be talked about in a civilized matter? Wouldn't it still be a disagreement?

And what is the significance of the people in verses 12-13? Sorry for all the questions!

[jimwalton]

Hey. Always nice to hear from you.

I don’t think we’ve talked about Titus 3 before, so I’m glad to answer. (Even if we have, I’d be glad to talk about it again, anyway.)

Here’s the deal: Some people are just contentious. They love to think they’re so smart that they can always raise objections and think of these obscure or argumentative things that no one else is thinking of. They have a certain pride in their pseudo-intellectualism or their skeptical acuity. In actuality, though, they’re just proud and contentious people.

God has told us to go into the world and make disciples, and people like this will suck up all your time and energy, they devote themselves to making honest and godly people look stupid, or just to confuse everyone. We can’t make disciples effectively if you let proud, contentious pseudointellectuals who thrive on stirring the pot siderail us at every turn. Instead, reject them. Stop engaging, because it will never accomplish anything and never actually resolve. They will always come back at you with another trap, another objection, another snarky comment, and you will NEVER be able to get around to the job of making disciples.

Warn them about what? That they have forgotten their first love (Rev. 2.4); that they are ignoring the Great Commission; that they are lovers of contention rather than lovers of unity and peace; that they find more satisfaction in their own prideful vacuousness rather than in humility and edification.

You know the saying, “Remember what you came here for.” Jesus has called us for a purpose, and it’s to be agents of reconciliation to the world, to disciple and edify each other, and to be His presence on Earth. People who enjoy creating intellectual conundrums and endless debates are a distraction to the purpose of our calling. Walk away. Don’t get caught up in it all. It’s an endless trap.

When do you engage and when not? Only wisdom and discernment can teach you such things. There aren’t many lists to help you hear. But I would say that you would have a sense that you’re not getting anywhere with the conversation, when you are saying or hearing the same things you said or heard a few comments before in the conversation, and when the person just keeps bringing up more—you get the sense that they’re not really listening and not really learning anything, they just love to hear themselves talk and to bask in the pride of their own “intellect.” You get a feel for when the conversation is just an eternity wheel that never goes anywhere.

So in v. 11, he makes his conclusion: these people are twisted, committing sin, and bringing judgment on themselves. Some may eventually see the light, but most don’t. They will always continue to live in their world of self-delusion and pride.

V. 12 is a personal message for Titus. Paul is willing to send other pastors/teachers to Titus on the island of Crete (I believe) to help him in the ministry there. And he’s inviting Titus to come visit him in Nicopolis when Paul is there so they can talk more and spend time together. It’s a way of encouraging Titus to handgun, keep ministering well, and to fight the good fight of faith. There will always be idiots and opposition, but you stand firm.

Always glad to talk to you.