Titus 3:8-11

The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.  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, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

As believers there are things to which we must dedicate our lives and there are things we must avoid.  Knowing the difference between these two is what determines how wise we are and how effective we will be in ministry.  One of Satan’s most effective tools is distraction.  It is easy for us to get “bent out of shape” over secondary issues to the point that we neglect the primary ones to which we have been called.

BE DEVOTED TO GOOD DEEDS: There is no way anyone could be saved by doing good deeds.  God does not judge us based on the “good” outweighing the bad.  The only way anyone will ever be saved is through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross.  However, all who have experienced the forgiveness and freedom from sin through faith in Christ should be actively producing good works.  We are to lead a life of excellence because of the grace and love that has been lavished on us through Christ.

BE DISCERNING ABOUT DEBATES: Doctrine is an important aspect of the Christian walk.  Knowing and defending the truth of God should be in the job description of every minister.  The difference between primary and secondary issues is vital for us to understand.  Those who insist on arguing over and debating secondary issues will be distracted from the primary ones.  There are theological truths that are difficult to understand because they attempt to describe an infinite God; but are formed by and directed towards finite and fallen people.  Foolish controversies and arguments are dangerous to the well-being of the body of Christ and must be avoided.  

BE DETERMINED AGAINST DIVISION: Divide and conquer has been a strategy of Satan throughout the centuries.  If we are fighting amongst ourselves, we will not be advancing the Gospel to others.  Those who are divisive in the way they teach or relate to others must be warned and alerted to the problem.  It is easy for us to be blinded by our own opinions and it is hard for us to recognize when we are being divisive.  Warnings are necessary and we should patiently, but clearly and firmly alert a divisive person as to the realities of what they are doing.  If those warning go unheeded, we must have the courage to exclude them from the fellowship of believers.  Division left unchecked will cripple the church and undermine its effectiveness.  

APPLICATION: Look for ways to love and serve the people around us in practical ways that will reflect the character of God.  Don’t major in the minors and agree to disagree graciously on secondary issues.  Be faithful to warn those who are being divisive and evaluate our own tendencies to be disagreeable.  

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