What is Paul speaking about in Titus 3:9-11?
This is a good and timely question. Titus 3:9-11 tells us, “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”
Sometimes, when believers are dealing with unbelievers, they might begin to ask questions that have no profit to them. They may ask about genealogies, or the history of people or peoples. They may ask about subjects that just bring out contentions or arguments. They may bring up the Old Testament law and try to argue the points of the law and if they are still in effect today. As you can see, these types of conversations do not help when we are trying to minister Christ to them. I would venture to guess that many times, these questions are simply diversions to get away from the important questions dealing with who God is, His sovereignty, and our need of salvation. We read similar instructions in 1 Timothy 1:4 where the Apostle Paul writes, “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.”
Let’s read the words of the Lord given to us through Solomon in Proverbs 6:16-19, “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and HE THAT SOWETH DISCORD AMONG BRETHREN.” Often, these questions cause brothers and sisters in Christ to be set at odds against each other. Disagreements are not always bad. We sometimes learn from listening to someone who can show us the truth more perfectly than what we understand. However, to bring up questions with the sole purpose of being contentious without any merit to the questions is condemned by God. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 13:10, “Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.” Paul’s words were given to build up the saints, not to tear them down.
Asking questions is a good way to learn. Even at my age, I still have many questions. One who asks in sincerity with a true desire to learn will surely be blessed by the Lord with precious truth. We learn about the power of asking the Lord in James 1:5-6, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”
What is a heretic? This word describes one who is schismatic, or one who loves to divide others…often with unprofitable and harmful questions. This does not refer to one who has an unsound opinion about a matter, but one who has an unsound life and is not genuinely interested in learning and following the Word of God. After seeking to help this person several times, we are instructed to reject him, knowing he is subverted and lives in sin. In other words, our efforts are not able to minister to this person, so after a while, we realize he has no true interest in the Lord. Romans 16:17 tells us, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”
May the Lord use these thoughts to help us minister to those who desire ministry and not get involved with the useless arguments of those who simply want to stir up strife. (CC) (634.2)