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Bible Class Commentaries:

Titus

A

Bible Class Commentary

by

Henry T. Mahan

1

The salutation

Titus 1:1-4

Paul established a church in Crete and left Titus there to finish what he had begun: to put the churches in order, seeing that they had proper pastors, leaders, doctrine and practice; to refute the false teachers and Judaizing preachers who made holiness to consist in certain foods and ceremonies; and to exhort believers to the discharge of their responsibilities by arguments based on the grace of God and the gospel of Christ (v.9; Titus 2:6, 9, 10).

Titus was an uncircumcised Greek of great grace and gifts who was very dear to the apostle. He is mentioned frequently in the apostle's writings (2 Cor. 2:13; 8:6, 16, 23; Gal. 2:1-3).

This was not a private epistle to Titus, but a public epistle to the Cretans, and thus to all believers! (2 Tim. 3:15-17.)

v. 1. 'A servant of God' -- a humble but high title by which Peter, James and Paul wished to be known. Paul was once the servant of sin (Titus 3:3), but being called by grace, he became a willing, loving servant of God and righteousness (Rom. 6:16).

'And an apostle of Jesus Christ' -- called, qualified and sent by Christ to preach his gospel; one who had his doctrine, commission and special girls (to confirm his mission and ministry) directly from the Lord Jesus (Heb. 2:3, 4).

'According to the faith of God's elect.' His message was the message of Moses, Abraham, Isaiah and all the elect of God of every dispensation! The foundation of the prophets and apostles is redemption and resurrection by the grace of God through the merits and blood of Christ (Rom. 1:1-3).

'And the acknowledging of the truth.' This clause explains the nature of the faith of God's elect. It rests on, trusts in and holds to the truth of God as revealed in the Scripture! Faith can find no strength, comfort or assurance in feelings, ceremonies, or tradition -- only in the truth of Scripture! (John 16:13; 17:17; Col. 1:5; John 8:32.)

The gospel is 'a doctrine of godliness.' The truth of it and experience of it have an influence that promotes internal and external godliness, leads to the worship and fear of God and results in a sober, honest and sincere conduct and way of life (2 Cor. 5:17).

v. 2. 'In hope of eternal life' -- resting in the hope of eternal life. Our hope is not in anything now seen or possessed (physically or materially), but something future! Our hope is the life of Christ, begotten in us by the Holy Spirit, secured in the hands of Christ and laid up for us in heaven (Col. 1:5; 1 Peter 1:3, 4).

1. Eternal life is a promise, and so of free grace; not a reward or a wage, but a promise!

2. Eternal life is the promise of God, who is faithful to his word and cannot lie (being the God of truth).

3. Eternal life was promised before the world began. Life and redemption were given in Christ from the beginning (2 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 1:9; Eph. 1:3, 4).

v. 3. Now in his own appointed time God has made known his word -- either Christ, his essential word; or the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation; or the word of promise of eternal life in Christ; or all three -- for are they not all one? Christ is the word; Christ is our life; Christ is the gospel! God has revealed the message of eternal life in Christ through the preaching of the gospel which was committed to Paul and other faithful apostles and preachers (Mark 16:15, 16; Rom. 10:13, 14; 1 John 1:1-3). The word is the seed by which life is given (James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23).

v. 4. Titus was not Paul's natural son, but Paul, being the instrument of his conversion, his teacher and his spiritual leader, calls him his 'son.'

'After the common or general faith.' Paul immediately adds that this faith is common to them both and to all who knew the Redeemer; for though Paul was a great apostle and leader of men, in himself he was nothing and could do nothing. Our sufficiency is Christ (1 Cor. 3:4-9).

Here is Paul's usual salutation: 'May you have a fresh discovery of God's grace, love and free favour in Christ. May you have a fresh application of the pardoning mercy of God through Christ. May you have peace of heart through the blood of Christ.' Let this be our sincere prayer for every believer.

2

Hold fast the faithful word

Titus 1:5-9

v. 5. How long Paul was in Crete is unknown, but he had spent some time there. When he had to depart, he left Titus there to continue what he had begun. The building of a church and the growth of individual believers is not a work that can be brought to maturity or perfection at once (John 16:12, 13; Eph. 4:11.13; 1 Peter 2:2). Titus was left to teach the young converts the doctrines of the gospel; to instruct the church in the proper order of ordinances, discipline, officers, conduct and manners; to answer and deal with false teachers and troublemakers; and to ordain pastors in every city (Acts 14:23).

Paul knew that churches could not long remain without the ministry of pastors. Where there is a body of believers, a pastor should be appointed over them. It is thought by some from 1 Timothy 5:17 that there were two classes of elders; however, it is certain that this text refers to those who taught the word, for immediately afterward he calls them 'bishops.'

vv. 6-9. Paul points out the necessary qualifications of pastors other than being called to that office and gifted for that work by the Spirit of God (Acts 13:2, 3).

'Blameless.' No man is entirely free from sin or blameless in the sight of God, but the meaning is that he should be a man of excellent reputation among men, a man of honesty, integrity and upright conduct!

'The husband of one wife.' It is not required that a man be married (Paul was not) or that he should not have a second wife after the death of the first, but one wife at a time! Polygamy and divorce were prevalent at that time. The elder is to be married to one woman only!

'Having faithful children.' This cannot mean that his children must all be converted, for that is not in the power of any man (2 Sam. 23:5). The phrase can only intend that they shall be brought up in the principles and doctrines of Christ, and as long as they remain at home they shall be restrained, disciplined and obedient to their parents (1 Tim. 3:4, 5).

'Blameless as the steward of God.' This refers to his faithfulness in the discharge of his office, faithfulness to his Lord and the trust committed to him (to preach the gospel and feed the sheep, and to those persons under his care).

'Not self-willed' -- not doing things according to his own will, but seeking only the will and glory of God. He is not to be stubborn, obstinate and inflexible.

'Not soon angry,' but slow to wrath, which shows a man to be one of compassion and understanding. An angry man is not fit to teach others nor to lead the church.

'Not given to wine.' The pastor is not intemperate in the use of wine and is not addicted to the use of it.

'No striker' -- either with his tongue or hands. He is not a bully nor a harsh person, but gentle and considerate.

'Not given to filthy lucre' -- not greedy of money or possessions, Covetousness and greed are distasteful in any believer, but especially in a minister of the gospel (1 Tim. 6:6-10).

'A lover of hospitality.' The elders minister to people; therefore, they must love and be concerned for individuals. Their hearts, hands and homes must be open to all men, especially to those of the faith.

'A lover of good men' -- a lover of goodness, of good things and good people, which shows the sincerity of his character.

'Sober,' or self-controlled and moderate.

'Just,' righteous and fair in his dealings with others.

'Holy,' devout toward God, the word and in his personal and private life.

'Temperate' -- in eating, drinking, hobbies and in all things pertaining to the flesh.

'Holding fast the faithful word.' This is the chief gift and requirement in a pastor. He is chosen principally for the sake of teaching, for the church cannot be governed or taught in any other way than by the word of God! The word is called the 'faithful word' and 'the word which he has been taught.'

1. 'The faithful word.' It is so called because it is the word of God, it is true and it is to be believed! It contains nothing but truth and will not deceive either in its doctrine or promises (1 Tim. 1:15).

2. 'The word he has been taught' -- according to the prophets, Christ and the apostles. We are to teach nothing else for doctrine or in a theoretical way except the word of God (Isa. 8:19, 20). Opinions, speculation and human logic have no place in the pulpit.

Sound doctrine and true scriptural preaching will not only edify, exhort and instruct the true believer, but it will at the same time subdue, convict and answer those who are in error and who deny the truth (2 Cor. 2:15, 16).

It is true that pastors, elders and bishops (by whatever name they may be called) are teachers and overseers in the church and should lead the congregation not only by instruction, but by example; but these qualifications, with the exception of 'apt to teach', ought to be characteristics of every believer. Not just our pastors are to be men of godliness, honesty and witnesses of truth, but every believer has, firstly, a responsibility to glorify God in word and deed, thus adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour, and, secondly, a ministry to fulfill.

3

The two voices of a pastor

Titus 1:10-16

v. 10. Pastors ought to have two voices -- one for gathering the sheep and the other for dealing with and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scriptures supply him with the means of doing both! Holding fast the faithful word, he is able to call men to Christ and at the same time correct false teachers.

There are many 'unruly' persons who are disobedient and incorrigible, who will not be subject to the apostles, to the word, or to those who have the rule over them. They will not be brought into the church unity and teaching.

'Vain talkers,' who speak empty, frivolous and unscriptural things which have no substance, only tend to disturb and divide.

'Deceivers' lead astray both themselves and others; by their good works and clever words they deceive the simple.

'Especially they of the circumcision.' These are Jews who professed Christianity but tried to mix Moses and Christ, the law and the gospel, works and grace!

v. 11. Good pastors, elders and church leaders ought to be on guard against errors in doctrine or spirit, so as not to give silent approval or permission to them, which would allow error to make gradual progress and allow wicked men the opportunity of spreading their poison. Silence them with Scripture and if they persevere banish them from the assembly!

Teaching things contrary to the Scriptures and foreign to the gospel of Christ, they are able to corrupt not only individuals, but whole families. These teachers have no concern for the glory of God or the good of the church, but are interested in gaining popular applause and honor from men and in increasing their worldly substance.

v. 12. One of their own poets and spokesmen, Epimenides, said, 'The Cretians are always liars.' Lying seemed to be a governing vice, a national sin, characteristic of them. It was a sin to which they were especially addicted.

'Evil beasts.' They were savage, cruel and mischievous people.

'Slow bellies' -- intemperate, gluttonous and drunkards. This is the testimony of one of their own leaders and the apostle warns Titus what he is up against in dealing with them.

v. 13. This statement about the Cretians (v. 12) is certainly true! Paul knew it to be a fact from his own experience among them while he was on the island. Therefore they were to be rebuked sharply, firstly, for these bad principles, secondly, for teaching things they ought not and, thirdly, for immoralities. Rebuking and severely reproving those in error is not an enjoyable task, but it must be done that they might be sound in the faith of Christ. (v. 14.) If the truth of God concerning creation, providence, redemption and resurrection ever gains admission to our hearts, if we are ever fully persuaded of ruin by the Fall, redemption by the blood and regeneration by the Spirit, then all of the 'Jewish fables' of ritualism, legalism, ceremonialism and the commandments and traditions of men will be so tasteless and empty that they will not attract our minds. Men are delivered from error and kept from sinful practices by the truth of the word (Ps. 119:9; John 17:17).

v. 15. The Jewish teachers insisted that Christians were still under the law in regard to certain kinds of food, together with certain washings and purifications as ordered by Moses (Col. 2:20-22). Paul states that no kind of food is unlawful in the sight of God. To those who love Christ and are made righteous by his merit and blood, all food and drink is received with thanksgiving, and they are not defiled by what enters the mouth (Matt. 15:11). To those who are 'polluted and unbelieving,' nothing is pure, for they sin in all that they do. They gain nothing by guarding against uncleanness in certain food and drink, because their pollution is inward, of the mind and heart and, therefore, even that which is pure is polluted by them. 'Their mind' denotes the understanding and 'conscience' relates to the heart (Isa. 1:5).

v. 16. These Judaizing church members professed that there is one God, and that this God is Father, Son and Spirit, as believed by the apostles. But this knowledge lay in theory and profession only. They did not have a spiritual, experimental knowledge of God in Christ, which alone brings salvation and eternal life (John 17:2; Matt. 11:27).

They boasted that they knew God, but their lives, words and works showed that they had no knowledge of him. They revealed by their mixing of works and grace that they did not know Christ in his redemptive character. They revealed by their covetousness, lies and disobedience that they did not know Christ in his sanctifying work. They revealed by their interest in ceremony and certain foods, and their efforts to establish a righteousness, that they did not know anything about Christ's righteousness (Rom. 10:1-4). There is no good in them, but they are altogether reprobate.

4

Behavior becoming of believers

Titus 2:1-5

In this chapter Paul exhorts Titus to the full responsibility of his pastoral office toward all members of the assembly in regard to conversation, general behavior, godliness and duties toward one another. The nature of the gospel of Christ (v. 11), the power and efficacy of the gospel (v. 12) and the expectations of the gospel hope (v. 13) will produce a godly life (2 Cor. 5:17; 1 John 3:10, 11).

v. l. 'Speak out with all boldness' (not fearing men nor seeking to please them) 'that there are a life to be lived, an attitude to be shown and duties to be performed which are becoming to the gospel of God's grace and are the fruit of the Spirit of God, who indwells every believer' (Gal. 5:22; 1 John 3:17, 18).

v. 2. The 'aged men' are men of the church who are older in years. 'Exhort them to be sober' (vigilant, especially watchful over themselves -- their conduct, conversation and faithfulness in doctrine and spirit), for they are leaders and examples of younger members. 'They should be grave' (serious about spiritual and eternal matters). Foolishness, frivolity and unstableness are unbecoming to older believers. 'They should be temperate in eating, drinking and all things that pertain to the flesh.' Sometimes age causes people to give in and become addicted to more concern for the body and less for the soul. Exhort them, though they be unhealthy in body and weak in the flesh, that they be sound in faith and mind, strong in their love for Christ and his people and examples of patience, not only in bearing the infirmities of old age, but also the infirmities of others!

v. 3. 'Exhort the older women in the church to behave in clothing, speech, conduct and spirit as is becoming the character they bear and the name of Christ which they profess.'

'Not false accusers.' Older women who know not Christ are prone to gossip (talk too much about others), and in so doing often raise reports and false charges which cause division and misunderstanding.

'Not given to much wine.' Intemperance is scandalous in any believer, but especially in the female.

'Teachers of good things' -- both by example and by instruction, but in their houses privately, for it is not the duty of women to teach and instruct publicly in the church. Let them teach 'good things', not old wives' fables, superstitions and traditions not in keeping with Scripture.

v. 4, 5. The older woman ought to teach the young women to be good wives, good mothers and godly women!

'To be sober.' The word here is 'wise and prudent.'

'To love their husbands.' Many mothers and older women have been the cause of divorce, division and unhappiness in the homes of their daughters and friends by bad example, poor counsel and advice and a rebellious spirit against their husbands and all men in general (1 Cor. 7:1-5; Eph. 5:22-25). 'Teach the young women to respect, obey, assist and submit to their husbands.'

'To love their children' -- not with a foolish, ungoverned affection that makes idols and rebels of them, but with a godly love that brings them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord with firm discipline and instruction (Prov. 13:24).

'To be discreet.' Women are not men, nor are they to try to act like or compete with men. Let them be feminine, ladylike and gentle, neither dressing like men nor assuming the role of leader and spokesperson.

'Chaste' -- in body, words and actions, having their favors and affections to their own husbands.

'Keepers at home.' While the husband is the head of the home, the provider and the spiritual leader, the woman is perhaps the most important single factor and figure in a home. The home's happiness and unity depend largely on her love, her good management, her care and concern for every family member and her presence there at all times. She cannot fulfill this important place and be 'a gadder abroad'!

'Good' -- kind to their husbands, children, friends and guests who pass through their homes.

'Obedient to their own husbands,' as unto the Lord and in the Lord, for the husband is the head of the wife and God's voice of authority in the home.

'That the word of God be not blasphemed.' When those who profess to be believers in Christ and children of God behave in manner contrary to grace and the gospel of Christ, it causes unbelievers not only to doubt their profession and ridicule their religion, but also to question the truth of the gospel. 'Is this what your Christ has made you? Is this what your Bible teaches? Then I want no part of it, for it must be a joke!'

5

Conduct which agrees with our doctrine

Titus 2:6-15

v. 6. As it is fitting and proper for aged women to teach the young women how they should behave and conduct themselves, so the pastor and elders should instruct the young men to behave prudently, temperately and wisely, taking life and faith seriously! In actions and words, let us lead lives which agree with our preaching!

v. 7. Doctrine and instructions in the grace of God will carry little authority and influence if the fruits of grace are not visible in the life of the instructor. It is not enough for us to deliver sound doctrine and truth; our words, works and attitude should be a pattern of what we preach. In 'works', a 'pattern.' 'In doctrine,' having the strictest regard for truth with purity of motive, dignity and seriousness!

v. 8. Our words should be wholesome and free from corruption, both in the pulpit and in private conversation, in public worship and in personal contact. 'Sound speech' in the ministry of the word is imperative, but it also relates to ordinary life and familiar conversation. Everything that unbelievers and wicked persons can seize upon, which to them is improper and unwholesome for a professed believer, they will use maliciously against Christ and the gospel. The result is that through our faults and carelessness the Lord Jesus is insulted.

v. 9, 10. Here are five words of counsel and instructions for those who work for other people and firms:

1. Be submissive and obedient to your employer, whether he is a believer or an unbeliever. You are hired and paid to do a job. Do it with all your heart as unto the Lord.

2. Seek to please your employer and give satisfaction in every way. Pride of workmanship and production is not to be condemned; laziness and indifference are a disgrace to the gospel.

3. Don't talk back or contradict. Do not reply to orders either in a sarcastic, saucy, or grumbling manner. The boss may not always be right, but he is always the boss!

4. Do not steal from your firm either time, money or things which you consider of small value. Do not convert to your own use, without permission, that which belongs to the company.

5. Prove yourselves to be loyal, reliable and faithful. It is not loyalty nor faithfulness to criticize and find fault with your employer behind his back. Keep trusts and confidences which are committed to you.

In fulfilling the part of a good servant and loyal employee you are able to adorn the gospel you believe. You make that gospel attractive to others as they see you walk worthy of it.

v. 11, 12. 'The grace of God' -- his sovereign, free, unchangeable, eternal grace to sinners in Christ, through Christ and by the merits of Christ. His gospel of grace that brings salvation, forgiveness, righteousness and eternal life has not only been delivered to us by Christ, but has been revealed to all of us by the Holy Spirit!

This gospel of grace and salvation teaches us to reject all idolatry, ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live uprightly, temperately and in a godly manner in this present world! The grace of God for us and his mercy to us present the strongest argument and motive for obedience. 'If God so loved us, we ought to love one another. No motive is stronger than love' (John 15:14).

v. 13. 'Awaiting and looking for the fulfillment, the realization of our blessed hope.' What is the believer's blessed hope? Christ is the object and ground of our hope. Christ in us is our hope of glory. His appearing is in one sense our blessed hope, for it is at his appearing that our full redemption, both body and soul, will be revealed (Rom. 8:18, 19, 22, 23). Our blessed hope is also a hope of blessedness! (Ps. 17:15; Col. 1:5; 1 John 3:2, 3.)

v. 14. Here is another argument for and exhortation to godliness of character and conduct, drawn from the design and effect of the sacrifice and death of our Lord. He gave himself for us that he might redeem us from iniquity and sanctify for himself a people who love him, who are eager and enthusiastic to please and glorify him, who desire to live for his glory and who, through the miracle of regeneration, are new creatures in Christ. Those who are still the slaves of sin deny and make void the blessings of his redemption.

v. 15. 'Titus,' (and every teacher), 'tell them all these things! Urge believers; advise, warn and rebuke with the full authority of the gospel. Let no man despise you because you neglected your responsibility or performed it in an unkind way. Let no man despise you because you were faithful to his soul in rebuking his sin. Let not the fact that some will despise you keep you from claiming authority and respect in teaching these things.'

6

Believers -- love and are beloved

Titus 3:1-6

v. 1. From this and other passages it is evident that the apostle thought it most important for believers to be law-abiding, peaceful people, submitting to those in authority. We are all by nature desirous of power and prone to have our own way. It takes much grace to be an obedient servant, a submissive wife or child, a peaceful citizen, especially if those in authority are opposed to Christ (Rom. 13:1-3; 1 Peter 2:13-18).

'Be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work.' Let our lives be characterized by goodness and gentleness to all (Rom. 13:7, 8). The grace of Christ is not limited to religious affiliations, but controls the whole of our lives.

v. 2. The good minister of Christ will remind believers to 'speak evil of no man.' This is the method of maintaining peace and friendship with all men! A man's name, reputation and character are tender topics and ought to be handled carefully! Contempt for others is usually followed by insult. A thought of contempt usually gives birth to words of unkindness. Speak not evil of those in power and authority.

'To be no brawlers.' The word here is 'be not contentious, quarrelsome and always fighting.' There are other ways of fighting than with fists and guns; the believer is to engage in neither! Church members, married people, parents and children, neighbors who are forever quarreling, striving and bickering are very unbecoming to Christ and generally reveal by their attitude their ignorance of his grace. Let us be gentle and forbearing showing real courtesy and kindness to all people (Eph. 4:32).

v. 3. Nothing will subdue a man's pride, moderate his severity toward others and cause him to be gentle and forgiving like remembering what he was by nature before Christ forgave him and made him a new creature! Ignorance of our past sins and our present faults is the only reason why we are unforgiving, unmerciful and critical! In order that we might be more gentle and loving toward others, Paul exhorts us to remember what we were: 'Foolish, disobedient to God, deceived in heart and mind, serving our fleshly lusts, living in hatred and envy.' This knowledge of what we were and what God has been pleased to do for us by his grace alone should bring forth great grace and kindness toward those whom we regard to be wrong. Since our Lord by these marks distinguishes the children of God from unbelievers, we must both love and be beloved (1 John 4:7, 8).

v. 4. 'The goodness and love of God our Saviour' was made known to all of the saints of the Old Testament in promise, prophecy and blessings. The goodness and love of God our Saviour is said to have 'appeared' (was manifested) when our Lord Jesus came to earth in the flesh. He gave actual demonstration that he did not in vain promise salvation to men. This verse refers to the manifestation of his goodness and love to us personally and in a special manner by his Spirit. The grace and love of Christ 'appeared' to us when we were enlightened in the knowledge of the gospel!

v. 5. The Lord saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but wholly and completely because of his mercy and grace (2 Tim. 1:9). The motive and reason for our redemption are found in God, not in us. It is foolishness to think that a man comes to God by his own merit, works, or deeds. We by nature depart further and further from God until he puts forth his hand and brings us to himself by the 'washing of regeneration' (that is, the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit)! We are born of water and the Spirit. The cause of regeneration is the Spirit and the means is the word of God, whereby we are washed and cleansed. Our hearts are purified by faith and our consciences are purged by the blood of Christ. 'The renewing of the Holy Ghost' refers to the new creature, the new man, the new heart and the newness of life and conduct under the influence of the Spirit of God. We have no cause to boast in ourselves or over others (1 Cor. 4:7). Let us show mercy as we have received mercy!

v. 6. The love and kindness of God the Father come through Christ. The mercy of God is through Christ. Salvation itself is by and through Christ. The grace communicated in regeneration and renewing is out of Christ's fullness, the Spirit himself being given forth through Christ. Christ's every supply of grace, by which the work is carried on, is wrought in us by Christ's hands (Eph. 2:8.10).

7

Heirs, hope, holiness and heretics

Titus 3:7-15

v. 7. The design of Paul in verses 5-7 is to ascribe to the grace and mercy of God all that we are, all that we have and all that we shall be. We must not exalt ourselves proudly against others nor treat them unkindly (see vv. 2, 3). Neither regeneration, justification, nor sonship is acquired by labour, works, or law, but by the free gift of God's mercy through Jesus Christ.

'Made heirs.' In eternity past God made us his sons in Christ and heirs of the grace of life by his gracious act of adoption (Eph. 1:3-5, 11; Rom. 8:29-31).

'Justified by his grace.' Justification is the act of God by which he wills not to impute sins to his people, but to Christ their Surety. We are righteous through the righteousness of Christ. We are totally free from all judgment, condemnation and sin by the sacrifice of Christ (Rom. 8:33, 34). When Christ was raised from the dead, we were raised in him, justified, acquitted and freed from guilt (Rom. 4:7, 8, 23-25).

'According to the hope of eternal life.' We are still in the world, though we are heirs of life and certain to possess all of his blessings in Christ. We do not yet enjoy the reality of it, but our hope in Christ and Christ, 'who is our hope', give us the full and complete certainty of eternal life.

v. 8. 'A faithful saying.' Paul uses this expression when he wishes to make a very strong point and solemn declaration (1 Tim. 1:15; 2 Tim. 2:11). Titus is cautioned to teach those things which are certain, to dwell on those things and leave others to talk idly about other things of little importance! One thing is quite certain -- those who believe God (who are justified, regenerated and children of God by his grace) are to live holy and godly lives, being very careful to maintain works of faith and labors of love. One cannot separate faith and conduct (James 2:17.20). Applying ourselves to honorable occupations and doing good to others is profitable to us and to all men.

v. 9. 'Avoid foolish questions' which contribute nothing to godliness. It is necessary to seek in order to find, but there is a limit to seeking. We bow to things God has revealed and leave the secret things to him (2 Tim. 2:23).

'Avoid genealogies.' Foolish men spend time studying the lineage of tribes, races and leaders. This is a total waste of time (1 Tim. 1:4).

'Avoid contentions and strivings about the law.' The law itself does not produce contention, for those who love God love God's law. Legalists and ceremonialists disturb the peace of the church by their absurd controversies over the observance of ceremonies, foods and drinks, holy days and circumcision. In our preaching and teaching we should always be concerned for those things that are true, that bring glory to Christ and that are profitable and useful to believers. Contentions and strivings about the law are not!

vv. 10, 11. A 'heretic' is one who denies a fundamental doctrine of Christianity having to do with the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, the doctrines relating to the person, office and work of Christ and the inspiration of the Scriptures. (A heretic prefers his own opinion to the clear revelation of Scripture.) 'After his error has been solemnly admonished by the church at least twice, have nothing to do with him socially, privately, or in church communion.' Such a person has departed from the faith, is corrupted and will go on sinning against God, proving himself unworthy of fellowship. The church is justified in its rejection and exclusion of him.

vv. 12, 13. These men were evidently ministers of the gospel, friends and co-laborers with Paul. He would send one of them to Crete to aid the church while Titus came to confer with him. Paul wanted Titus to bring Zenas and Apollos with him, seeing that they wanted for nothing. The church should always see that God's true servants are properly cared for.

v. 14. Two popular applications of this verse are:

1. Let our people apply themselves to honest labour and employment so that they can supply their families, help those in need, support the gospel and relieve the poor. We must not live idle and unfruitful lives.

2. All good works in general are intended and done from a principle of love, with a view to the glory of God. Good works are the fruit of the Spirit and of God's grace. They are fruits of righteousness. People who are without them are like trees without fruit -- useless and unprofitable!

v. 15. 'All who are with me wish to be remembered to you.' They send their greetings. 'Greet those who love us in Christ. God's favour and blessings be with you all. Amen; so be it.'