His Word Today

“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” (Titus 2:1 (ESV)

In commenting on today’s passage, one pastor writes, “I cannot remember when I was born again. I was aware that I was a Christian when I was ten or eleven years of age. However, I can remember when historical, classical Christian doctrine exploded into my life. This teaching may be called the Reformed faith or simply orthodox Christianity: man is made in the image of God; the sovereignty of God; the sin nature as a devastating birth defect; grace; regeneration; justification; Christ, the sacrifice, satisfying the wrath of God — these doctrines tore into my existence like a storm and changed the entire landscape of my life. The way I approached academic studies, marriage, vocation, eating, sports, and friends was permanently altered. I possessed an assurance of salvation I had never known and a new love for God-centered worship and evangelism. I had already been a Christian, but His doctrine radically changed the way I lived.”

“Paul counseled Titus to teach the members of the church of Crete a way of life that “fits” or “goes with” sound doctrine. He was saying that there is a manner of life that is inextricably entwined with biblical teaching. The characteristics of that life do not produce the doctrine; rather, the doctrine is the source of that lifestyle. In the next eight verses, Paul describes how sound doctrine will be evident in the lives of older and younger men, women, and even servants. He chooses this group of ordinary people and their everyday interactions to demonstrate how God’s doctrine infiltrates all parts of life. Read some of the characteristics: dignified; self-controlled; sound in love; steadfast; reverent; not slanderers. Paul concludes by saying that lives lived in such a way are ornaments to the doctrine of God.”

Today’s featured biblical text contains ten words in the English language; seven in the Greek. These words succinctly contain a biblical philosophy of life and living in direct contrast to the false teaching attacking the church; then and now (Titus 1:10-16).

“But as for you” (Σὺ δὲ; sy de’) invokes a contrast to what the Apostle Paul previously wrote. Titus was to be distinctly different from false teachers. He belonged to a select company; a few good men of God.

“Note the word of contrast, “But, as for you.” Cf. a similar contrast in 1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 3:10, 14; 4:5. The life and teaching of Titus must contrast sharply with that of “the contaminated and unbelieving” enemies of the faith who were doing such damage in Crete (as shown in chapter 1). Not only must these errorists be reproved sharply (Titus 1:13), but evil must be overcome with good. Not only must the elders do their duty over against teachers of false religion (chapter 1), but Titus himself must give the example! Even in his informal daily conversation he must “speak” what is consistent with sound doctrine.”^[1]

“Teach” (λάλει; lellei) is a present active imperative singular verb. Paul commanded Titus to continuously, actively, obediently and individually have a consistent patten of speech. The speech was to be “what accords” (ἃ πρέπει; ha prepei) with what is fitting, right and proper to a particular object.

The object the Holy Spirit had in mind was “sound doctrine” (πρέπει διδασκαλίᾳ; hygiainouse didaskalia). To be sound is to be healthy and accurate. The English word hygiene comes from this adjective. The noun doctrine means teaching and instruction.

“Returning to his instructions to Titus, Paul established a strong contrast with the false teachers he had just discussed. You translates sy de, which should probably be rendered more strongly: “But as for you.…” Titus was to teach in the congregation what is in accord with sound doctrine, or more literally, “healthy teaching.” The notion of healthy teaching is common in the Pastorals (cf. 1 Tim. 1:10; 6:3; 2 Tim. 1:13; 4:3; Titus 1:9, 13; 2:2). So also, is the idea that certain behavior befits sound doctrine, and other behavior does not (cf. 1 Tim. 1:10; 6:3). The victims of false teachers (cf. Titus 1:16) were out of harmony with sound doctrine; but now Paul would describe the right sorts of behavior.”^[2]

“Paul was setting forth a principle that should be a subject of meditation for all of us. Biblical doctrine rightly believed will become integrated into every facet of the Christian’s life. In Ideas Have Consequences, Richard Weaver demonstrated that a philosophy ingested into the soul of a society will bring about the logical results of that philosophy’s presuppositions. Just so, as the Holy Spirit instills God’s teaching into a culture, the paradigm of that culture will be changed,” continues the pastor who I quoted from earlier to begin this article.

“Some vehemently argue on behalf of the great doctrines taught by Augustine, Luther, and Calvin, but they do not demonstrate the living reality of these tenets in their relationships with the world around them. One may be able to teach in depth on predestination and the perseverance of the saints, yet reveal a heart full of pride and arrogance.  One may say he believes that he is a sinner, yet have the attitude of the self-righteous. Such a life does not fit with Scripture and is incongruous with its doctrines. Trust in the sovereignty of God should form a strong humility in the life of the believer. Assurance of the grace of God should produce a constant gratitude and an incredible desire to forgive those who have sinned against us. Belief in the doctrine that all men are made in the image of God should yield a habit of showing respect to others no matter their station in life.”

What impact should the teaching of sound doctrine have in the church? This is what the Apostle Paul will address in the verses to follow. I encourage you to read Titus 2:1-8.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 362.

^[2] A. Duane Litfin, “Titus,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 763–764.

¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. ¹⁶ They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” (Titus 1:15–16 (ESV)

The following message is by 16^th century Protestant Reformer and theologian John Calvin. Calvin entitled it The Word Our Only Rule.

It has been the case in all ages that men have despised God’s law for the sake of their own traditions. Our Lord Jesus Christ upbraided the Pharisees, when He saith, “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition” (Mat. 15:3). Thus it was in former times, in the days of the prophets. Isaiah cried out, “Wherefore the Lord said, forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work and wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid” (chap. 25:13). While men occupy themselves about traditions, they pass over the things that God hath commanded in His Word.

This it is that caused Isaiah to cry out against such as set forth men’s traditions; telling them plainly that God threatened to blind the wisest of them, because they turned away from the pure rule of His Word to follow their own foolish inventions. St. Paul likewise alludes to the same thing, when he saith they have no fear of God before their eyes. Let us not deceive ourselves; for we know that God requires men to live uprightly, and to abstain from all violence, cruelty, malice, and deceit; that none of these things should appear in our life. But those that have no fear of God before their eyes, it is apparent that they are out of order, and that there is nothing but uncleanness in their whole life.

If we wish to know how our life should be regulated, let us examine the contents of the Word of God; for we cannot be sanctified by outward show and pomp, although they are so highly esteemed among men. We must call upon God in sincerity, and put our whole trust in Him; we must give up pride and presumption, and resort to Him with true lowliness of mind that we be not given to fleshly affections. We must endeavor to hold ourselves in awe, under subjection to God, and flee from gluttony, whoredom, excess, robbery, blasphemy, and other evils. Thus we see what God would have us do, in order to have our life well regulated.

When men would justify themselves by outward works, it is like covering a heap of filth with a clean linen cloth. Therefore, let us put away the filthiness that is hidden in our hearts; I say, let us drive the evil from us, and then the Lord will accept of our life: thus we may see wherein consists the true knowledge of God! When we understand this aright, it will lead us to live in obedience to His will. Men have not become so beastly, as to have no understanding that there is a God who created them. But this knowledge, if they do not submit to His requirements, serves as a condemnation to them: because their eyes are blindfolded by Satan; insomuch, that although the gospel may be preached to them, they do not understand it; in this situation we see many at the present day. How many there are in the world that have been taught by the doctrine of the gospel, and yet continue in brutish ignorance!

This happened because Satan hath so prepossessed the minds of men with wicked affections that although the light may shine ever so bright, they still remain blind, and see nothing at all. Let us learn, then, that the true knowledge of God is of such a nature that it shows itself, and yields fruit through our whole life. Therefore, to know God, as St. Paul said to the Corinthians, we must be transformed into His image. For if we pretend to know Him, and in the meantime our life be loose and wicked, it needs no witness to prove us liars; our own life bears sufficient record that we are mockers and falsifiers, and that we abuse the name of God.

St. Paul saith in another place, if ye know Jesus Christ, ye must put off the old man: as if he should say, we cannot declare that we know Jesus Christ, only by acknowledging Him for our head, and by His receiving us as His members; which cannot be done until we have cast off the old man, and become new creatures. The world hath at all times abused God’s name wickedly, as it doth still at this day; therefore, let us have an eye to the true knowledge of the Word of God, whereof St. Paul speaks.

Finally, let us not put our own works into the balance, and say they are good, and that we think well of them; but let us understand that the good works are those which God hath commanded in His law and that all we can do beside these, are nothing. Therefore, let us learn to shape our lives according to what God hath commanded: to put our trust in Him, to call upon Him, to give Him thanks, to bear patiently whatsoever it pleases Him to send us; to deal uprightly with our neighbors, and to live honestly before all men. These are the works which God requires at our hands.

If we were not so perverse in our nature, there would be none of us but what might discern these things: even children would have skill enough to discern them. The works which God hath not commanded are but foolishness and an abomination: whereby God’s pure service is marred. If we wish to know what constitutes the good works spoken of by St. Paul, we must lay aside all the inventions of men, and simply follow the instructions contained in the Word of God; for we have no other rule than that which is given by Him; which is such as He will accept, when we yield up our accounts at the last day, when He alone shall be the judge of all mankind.

Now let us fall down before the face of our good God, acknowledging our faults, praying Him to make us perceive them more clearly: and to give us such trust in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that we may come to Him and be assured of the forgiveness of our sins; and that He will make us partakers of sound faith, whereby all our filthiness may be washed away.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. ¹⁶ They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” (Titus 1:15–16 (ESV)

The following message is by 16^th century Protestant Reformer and theologian John Calvin. Calvin entitled it The Word Our Only Rule.

Therefore, all the rules and laws they can make shall be nothing but vanity: for God dislikes whatsoever, they do; yea, He utterly abhors it. Although men may torment themselves with ceremonies and outward performances, yet all these things are vain until they become upright in heart: for in this the true service of God commences. So long then as we are faithless, we are filthy before God. These things ought to be evident to us; but hypocrisy is so rooted within us that we are apt to neglect them. It will readily be confessed that we cannot please God by serving Him until our hearts be rid of wickedness.

God strove with the people of old time about the same doctrine; as we see especially in the second chapter of the prophet Haggai: where he asks the priests, if a man touch a holy thing, whether he shall be made holy or not, the priests answered, no. On the contrary, if an unclean man touch a thing, whether it shall become unclean or no, the priests answered and said, it shall be unclean: so is this nation, saith the Lord, and so are the works of their hands. Now let us notice what is contained in the figures and shadows of the law.

If an unclean man had handled anything, it became unclean, and therefore must be cleansed. Our Lord saith, consider what ye be: for ye have nothing but uncleanness and filth; yet notwithstanding, ye would content Me with your sacrifices, offerings, and such like things. But He saith, as long as your minds are entangled with wicked lusts, as long as some of ye are whoremongers, adulterers, blasphemers, and perjurers, as long as ye are full of guile, cruelty, and spitefulness, your lives are utterly lawless, and full of all uncleanness; I cannot abide it, how fair soever it may seem before men.

We see then that all the services we can perform, until we are truly reformed in our hearts, are but mockeries; and God condemns and rejects every whit of them. But who believeth these things to be so? When the wicked, who are taken in their wickedness, feel any remorse of conscience, they will endeavor by some means or other to compound with Cod by performing some ceremonies: they think it sufficient to satisfy the minds of men, believing that God ought likewise to be satisfied therewith. This is a custom which has prevailed in all ages.

It is not only in this text of the prophet Haggai that God rebukes men for their hypocrisy, and for thinking that they may obtain His favor with trifles, but it was a continual strife which all the prophets had with the Jews. It is said in Isa. 1:13, 14, 15: “Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new-moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with: it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting, your new-moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.”

And again it is said, “Though ye offer me burnt offerings, and your meat-offerings, I will not accept them; neither will I regard the peace-offerings of your fat beasts” (Amos 5 :22). God here shows us that the things which He Himself had commanded were filthy and unclean when they were observed and abused by hypocrites. Therefore, let us learn that when men serve God after their own fashion, they beguile and deceive themselves. It is said in another text of Isaiah, “Who hath required these things at your hands?” Wherein it is made manifest that if we will have God approve our works, they must be according to His divine Word.

Thus, we see what St. Paul’s meaning is when he saith there is nothing clean to them that are unclean. And why? For even their mind and conscience are defiled. By this he shows (as I before observed) that until such times as we have learned to serve God aright, in a proper manner, we shall do no good at all by our own works; although we may flatter ourselves that they are of great importance, and by this means rock ourselves to sleep.

Let us now see what the traditions of popery are. The chief end of them are to make an agreement with God, by their works of supererogation, as they term them; that is, their surplus works; which are, when they do more than God commands them. According to their own notions, they discharge their duty towards Him and content Him with such payment as they render by their works, and thereof make their account. When they have fasted their saints’ evenings, when they have refrained from eating flesh upon Fridays, when they have attended mass devoutly, when they have taken holy water, they think that God ought not to demand anything more of them and that there is nothing amiss in them.

But in the meantime, they cease not to indulge themselves in lewdness, whoredom, perjury, blasphemy, etc: every one of them giving himself to those vices; yet notwithstanding, they think God ought to hold Himself well paid with the works they offer Him; as for example, when they have taken holy water, worshipped images, rambled from altar to altar, and other like things, they imagine that they have made sufficient payment and recompense for their sins. But we hear the doctrine of the Holy Ghost concerning such as are defiled; which is, there is nothing pure nor clean in all their doings.

But we will put ‘the case, by supposing that all the abominations of the papists were not evil in their own nature; yet notwithstanding, according to this doctrine of St. Paul, there can be nothing but uncleanness in them, for they themselves are sinful and unclean. The holiness of these men consists in gewgaws and trifles. They endeavor to serve God in the things that He doth not require, and at the same time leave undone things that He hath commanded in His law.

More to come.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. ¹⁶ They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” (Titus 1:15–16 (ESV)

The following message is by 16^th century Protestant Reformer and theologian John Calvin. Calvin entitled it The Word Our Only Rule.

Therefore, it is faith that must cleanse us. Then will all meats be clean to us: that is, we may use them freely without wavering. If men enjoin spiritual laws upon us, we need not observe them, being assured that such obedience cannot please God, for in so doing, we set up rulers to govern us, making them equal with God, who reserves all power to Himself. Thus, the government of the soul must be kept safe and sound in the hands of God. Therefore, if we allow so much superiority to men that we suffer them to enwrap our souls with their own bands, we so much lessen and diminish the power and empire that God hath over us.

And thus, the humbleness that we might have in obeying the traditions of men would be worse than all the rebellion in the world; because it is robbing God of His honor, and giving it, as a spoil, to mortal men. St. Paul speaks of the superstition of some of the Jews, who would have men still observe the shadows and figures of the law; but the Holy Ghost hath pronounced a sentence which must be observed to the end of the world: that God hath not bound us at this day to such a burden as was borne by the old fathers; but hath cut off that part which He had commanded, relative to the abstaining from meats; for it was a law but for a season.

Seeing God hath thus set us at liberty, what rashness it is for worms of the earth to make new laws; as though God had not been wise enough. When we allege this to the papists, they answer that St. Paul spoke of the Jews, and of meats that were forbidden by the law. This is true, but let us see whether this answer be to any purpose, or worth receiving. St. Paul not only saith that it is lawful for us to use that which was forbidden, but he speaks in general terms, saying, all things are clean. Thus, we see that God hath here given us liberty, concerning the use of meats; so that He will not hold us in subjection, as were the old fathers.

Therefore, seeing God hath abrogated that law which was made by Him, and will not have it in force any longer, what shall we think when we see men inventing traditions of their own; and not content themselves with what God hath shown them? In the first place, they still endeavor to hold the church of Christ under the restrictions of the Old Testament. But God will have us governed as men of years and discretion, which have no need of instruction suitable for children. They set up man’s devices, and say we must keep them under pain of deadly sin; whereas God will not have His own law to be observed among us at this day, relative to types and shadows, because it was all ended at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Shall it then be lawful to observe what men have framed in their own wisdom? Do we not see that it is a matter which goes directly against God? St. Paul set himself against such deceivers: against such as would bind Christians to abstain from meats as God had commanded in His law. If a man says, it is but a small matter to abstain from flesh on Friday, or in Lent, let us consider whether it be a small matter to corrupt and bastardize the service of God! For surely those that go about to set forth and establish the tradition of men, set themselves against that which God hath appointed in His Word, and thus commit sacrilege.

Seeing God will be served with obedience, let us beware and keep ourselves within those bounds which God hath set; and not suffer men to add anything to it of their own. There is something worse in it than all this: for they think it a service that deserves something from God to abstain from eating flesh. They think it a great holiness: and thus, the service of God, which should be spiritual, is banished, as it were, while men busy themselves about foolish trifles. As the common saying is, they leave the apple for the paring.

We must be faithful, and stand fast in our liberty; we must follow the rule which is given us in the Word of God, and not suffer our souls to be brought into slavery by new laws, forged by men. For it is a hellish tyranny, which lessens God’s authority and mixes the truth of the gospel with figures of the law; and perverts and corrupts the true service of God, which ought to be spiritual. Therefore, let us consider how precious a privilege it is to give thanks to God with quietness of conscience, being assured it is His will and pleasure that we should enjoy His blessings: and that we may do so, let us not entangle ourselves with the superstitions of men, but be content with what is contained in the pure simplicity of the gospel. Then, as we have shown concerning the first part of our text, unto them that are pure, all things will be pure.

When we have received the Lord Jesus Christ, we know that we shall be cleansed from our filthiness and blemishes; for by His grace we are made partakers of God’s benefits, and are taken for His children, although there be nothing but vanity in us. “But unto them that are defiled and unbelieving, is nothing pure.” By this St. Paul meant that whatsoever proceeds from those that are defiled and unbelieving is not acceptable to God but is full of infection. While they are unbelieving, they are foul and unclean; and while they have such filthiness in them, whatsoever they touch becomes polluted with their infamy.

More to come.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. ¹⁶ They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” (Titus 1:15–16 (ESV)

The following message is by 16^th century Protestant Reformer and theologian John Calvin. Calvin entitled it The Word Our Only Rule.

St. Paul hath shown us that we must be ruled by the Word of God, and hold the commandments of men as vain and foolish; for holiness and perfection of life belonged not to them. He condemned some of their commandments, as when they forbid certain meats, and will not suffer us to use that liberty which God giveth the faithful. Those who troubled the church in St. Paul’s time, by setting forth such traditions, used the commandments of the law as a shield. These were but men’s inventions: because the temple was to be abolished at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those in the church of Christ, who hold this superstition, to have certain meats forbidden, have not the authority of God, for it was against His mind and purpose that the Christian should be subject to such ceremonies.

To be short, St. Paul informs us in this place that in these days we have liberty to eat of all kinds of meat without exception. As for the health of the body, that is not here spoken of; but the matter here set forth is that men shall not set themselves up as masters, to make laws for us contrary to the Word of God. Seeing it is so, that God putted no difference between meats, let us so use them; and never inquire what men like, or what they think good. Notwithstanding, we must use the benefits that God hath granted us, soberly and moderately. We must remember that God hath made meats for us, not that we should fill ourselves like swine, but that we should use them for the sustenance of life: therefore, let us content ourselves with this measure, which God hath shown us by His Word.

If we have not such a store of nourishment as we would wish, let us bear our poverty patiently, and practice the doctrine of St. Paul; and know as well how to bear poverty as riches. If our Lord give us more than we could have wished for, yet must we bridle our appetites. On the other side, if it please Him to cut off our morsel, and feed us but poorly, we must be content with it, and pray Him to give us patience when we have not what our appetites crave. To be short, we must have recourse to what is said in Romans 13: “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” Let us content ourselves to have what we need, and that which God knows to be proper for us; thus, shall all things be clean to us, if we be thus cleansed.

Yet it is true that although we were ever so unclean, the meats which God hath made are good; but the matter we have to consider is the use of them. When St. Paul saith all things are clean., he meant not that they are so of themselves, but as related to those that receive them; as we have noticed before, where he saith to Timothy, all things are sanctified to us by faith and giving of thanks. God hath filled the world with such abundance that we may marvel to see what a fatherly care He hath over us: for to what end or purpose are all the riches here on earth, only to show how liberal He is toward man!

If we know not that He is our Father, and acted the part of a nurse toward us, if we receive not at His hand that which He giveth us, insomuch that when we eat, we are convinced that it is God that nourishes us, He cannot be glorified as He deserves; neither can we eat one morsel of bread without committing sacrilege; for which we must give an account. That we may lawfully enjoy these benefits, which have been bestowed upon us, we must be resolved upon this point (as I said before), that it is God that nourishes and feeds us.

This is the cleanness spoken of here by the apostle; when he saith, all things are clean, especially when we have such an uprightness in us that we despise not the benefits bestowed upon another, but crave our daily bread at the hand of God, being persuaded that we have no right to it, only to receive it as the mercy of God. Now let us see from whence this cleanness cometh. We shall not find it in ourselves, for it is given us by faith. St. Peter saith, the hearts of the old fathers were cleansed by this means; to wit, when God gave them faith (Acts 15).

It is true that he here hath regard to the everlasting salvation; because we were utterly unclean until God made Himself known to us in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; who, being made our Redeemer, brought the price and ransom of our souls. But this doctrine may, and ought to be applied to what concerns this present life; for until we know that, being adopted in Jesus Christ, we are God’s children, and consequently that the inheritance of this world is ours, if we touch one morsel of meat, we are thieves; for we are deprived of, and banished from all the blessings that God made, by reason of Adam’s sin until we get possession of them in our Lord Jesus Christ.

More to come.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. ¹⁶ They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” (Titus 1:15–16 (ESV)

Biblical scholars are unsure regarding what Jewish myths and the commands of peoples who turn away from the truth occurred among the Cretan churches. Whatever, or whoever, these false teachings and false teachers were, the Apostle Paul commanded Titus to rebuke them sharply so they would become sound in the true faith in Christ (Titus 1:13-14).

What scholars are in agreement is the controversy facing Titus were legalistic, man-made laws regarding holiness and righteous living. Apparently, the false teachers sought to prohibit the use of certain things God permitted believers in Christ to freely use.

This is what legalists always seek to do in the church. They endeavor to either impose their will in place of God’s will or be the only discerners of the Lord’s will. Either way, it is about exerting total control over God’s people. The issues may involve clothing, abstaining from certain foods or beverages, entertainment, education, or any assortment of other issues. The believer in Christ must immediately comply with the false teacher’s demands, or be condemned and ostracized by the believing community.

Paul addressed this same issue in his first epistle to Timothy. The apostle wrote, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, ² through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, ³ who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” (1 Timothy 4:1–5 (ESV)

In writing to Titus, Paul stated, “To the pure, all things are pure.” To be pure (καθαρὰ; kathara) means to be ritually clean and innocent before God. This primarily pertained to Old Testament dietary laws. Paul applied it to moral and spiritual purity.

“Whether or not the false teachers tried to justify their legalism through an appeal to the old covenant law or to Jewish legends, they did not understand that with the coming of Christ, the distinction between clean and unclean foods had been abolished. By His work, Jesus made all foods clean (Mark 7:1–23), and every person who has had his conscience purified through faith in Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit comes to learn that all things are pure (Titus 1:15) and that nothing God has created “is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer” (1 Tim. 4:4–5),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“Ritual purity is no longer a concern for those in Christ Jesus, for the kingdom of God has been inaugurated, and this kingdom “is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17).”

However, “to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure.” The word defiled (μεμιαμμένοις; memiammenois) refers to those individuals who are morally contaminated. This moral defilement began in their past and continues in their present. Such defilement revealed these individuals as unbelievers who had not trusted Christ alone as their Savior and Lord.

Paul stated false teachers profess to know God but deny Him by their behavior. To profess (ὁμολογοῦσιν; homologousin) means to presently, actively and collectively declare to be a believer in Christ. However, such talk is cheap because it is contradicted by the individual’s behavior and actions. Such inconsistency between one’s speech and lifestyle actually denies (ἀρνοῦνται; arnountai) or disowns Christ.

Such contradiction reveals false teachers to be “detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” Detestable (βδελυκτοὶ; bdelyktoi) means to be abominable and abhorrent. To be disobedient (ἀπειθεῖς; apeitheis) is to reject authority. To be unfit (ἀδόκιμοι; adokimoi) means to be valueless and worth nothing.

“The “commands” of verse 14, especially in light of the Jewish and possibly Gnostic influences, undoubtedly included ascetic rules about eating, drinking, and purification (cf. Col. 2:20–23; 1 Tim. 4:1–5). Paul set the matter straight by reminding his readers of the Lord’s teaching that purification is largely a matter of the internal rather than the external (cf. Mark 7:15; Luke 11:39–41). Nothing outside can corrupt one who is internally pure; but someone who is internally impure corrupts all he touches. The problem with the false teachers was that on the inside, in their minds and consciences, they were impure. As a result, even though they claimed to know and follow God, their corrupt actions belied their true natures (cf. 1 John 2:4). Their impure interiors thus rendered them externally detestable (lit., “abominable”) to God, disobedient (cf. Titus 1:10), and unfit (adokimoi, “disapproved”; cf. 1 Cor. 9:27) for doing anything good (cf. 2 Tim. 3:17). Once again Paul connected theological error with moral deficiency”.^[1]

One commentator writes, “Unrepentant legalists focus on matters indifferent because their hearts have not been changed to heed the Spirit’s warnings. Yet we must beware the tendency toward legalism that exists in us all and daily remind ourselves of the freedom Christ has purchased with His own blood.”   

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

^[1] A. Duane Litfin, “Titus,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 763.

¹² “One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” ¹³ This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, ¹⁴ not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.” (Titus 1:12–14 (ESV)

“All truth is God’s truth.”  This phrase commonly means every piece of genuine knowledge, whether discovered through Scripture, nature, science, history, or any other realm of inquiry, ultimately comes from the same divine Author; God. The concept finds its roots in the understanding the Lord is the creator of all things. Therefore, the origin of all truth is God because He is the embodiment of truth (cf. John 14:6). Nothing legitimately true stands outside His sovereignty and providence.

The Apostle Paul likely quoted from Epimenides, a Cretan philosopher and poet. He stated, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”  When Paul wrote “this testimony is true” he was referring to accurately evaluating the character of the false teachers (Titus 1:10-11).

“The saying Paul quotes here has been attributed to several sources, the earliest being the sixth-century b.c. teacher Epimenides of Knossos in Crete. (The real source may more likely be Hesiod by way of the third-century b.c. Callimachus’s Hymn to Zeus; Crete claimed to possess both the birthplace and grave of Zeus. But that the words were often attributed to a Cretan in Paul’s day is sufficient for him to make the point for Titus. Paul is clearly not citing his own view, because he would not consider a liar to be a true prophet. Greek logicians played with the claim by a Cretan that all Cretans were liars: if he had told the truth, he was lying; but if he was lying, then they reasoned that all Cretans told the truth—reasonable, except that this Cretan had not!).”^[1]

“By Paul’s time Epimenides was reputed to have been a traveling wonderworker, teacher and prophet; as usual in Greek thought, the line between poetic and prophetic inspiration could be thin. Although the saying seems to have become proverbial (one commentator declares that “to cretize” became slang for “to lie”), it is possible that Paul knew either the works of Epimenides or, perhaps more likely, an anthology containing sayings attributed to him (see comment on Acts 17:27–29). Crete also had a bad reputation for arrogance, treachery and greed. “Gluttony” was associated with love of pleasure as opposed to love of knowledge; see comment on Philippians 3:19.”^[2]

Paul wrote to sharply rebuke the false teachers who were plaguing the church (Titus 1:10-11). To rebuke (ἔλεγχε; elenche) means to expose and correct someone. In this context, the verb is a present active imperative. Paul told Titus to expose and correct the Cretan false teachers and to do so presently, actively and obediently. Paul commanded Titus do so sharply (ἀποτόμως; elenche) or severely and harshly.  

The reason for the apostle’s stern command to sharply rebuke the false teachers was so they would become sound in the faith. The phrase they may be sound (ὑγιαίνωσιν; hygiainosin) is a present active subjunctive plural verb. Paul’s desire was in the future the false teachers would become healthy and accurate in the Christian faith. Their doctrinal health and accuracy would evidence itself by they not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.”

“How the congregations reacted to Paul’s forthright use of this quotation is not known, but they certainly could not have missed his point: This testimony is true. The false teachers fit the Cretan stereotype. Thus, their negative influence must be remedied, if at all possible, by salvaging the false teachers themselves. Titus was to rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound (“healthy”; cf. 1 Tim. 1:10; 6:3–4) in the faith. The ultimate goal of discipline should be to recover the one who is in error (Gal. 6:1; 2 Thes. 3:14–15). In the present case Paul hoped that Titus’ severe rebuke would be enough to bring the errorists around so that they would cease paying attention to Jewish myths and to the commands of those who reject the truth.”^[3]

Matthew Henry writes, “There must in reproving be a distinguishing between sins and sins; some are more gross and heinous in their nature: and between sinners and sinners; some are of a more tender and tractable temperament, apter to be influenced by gentleness; others are more hardy and stubborn, and need more cutting language.”

“The church must be on guard against the culture transforming it, for it is distinct from culture and must remain so. People should be able to see in our love for one another something they have never seen before, not attitudes and actions that conform to the worst of the society around us. As we read Scripture and hear the Word of God preached, may we seek to fulfill the challenge to be Christlike both in His church and in the world,” comments Dr. R. C. Sproul.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

^[1] Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), Tt 1:12.

^[2] Ibid., Tt 1:12.

^[3] A. Duane Litfin, “Titus,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 763.

¹⁰ “For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. ¹¹ They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.” (Titus 1:10–11 (ESV)

We know what false teachers do. We should know who they are. They are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, The only way believers in Christ are able to discern who are false teachers is by knowing sound doctrine. It is by knowing the Gospel.  

The United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing designs and produces Federal Reserve Notes to include a number of security features. Counterfeiters can sometimes duplicate one or two of these unique characteristics but rarely all of them. United States Treasury agents are trained to know the characteristics of each numerical note. Therefore, by knowing the original they can identify the counterfeit.  

Such it is with perceiving false teachers and false doctrine. If believers in Christ are so familiar with God’s Word, they will know when someone is teaching error.

When such error is perceived and understood, what is to be done?  What should a pastor, elder and overseer do? The Apostle Paul’s directive to Titus is clear and concise. False teachers must be silenced.

The phrase must be silenced (δεῖ ἐπιστομίζειν; dei epistomizein) contains two present active verbs. The word “must” is what is necessary. In other words, the subsequent action must be and ought to be done. The subsequent action “be silenced” is to keep someone from speaking. Literally, it means to stop the mouth.

“In telling Titus what should be done with such people, Paul uses a rare verb which has as its primary meaning “to stop the mouth by means of a bridle, muzzle, or gag.” The deceivers, then, must not be tolerated but be silenced, and this should be done by Titus and by the elders, as the context would seem to indicate (verses 5–9).^[1]

“Just how this silencing should be done is not indicated in the present passage. See, however, on 1 Tim. 1:3, 4; 1:20; 4:7; 2 Tim. 2:16, 21, 23; 4:2; Titus 1:13b; 3:10. At first the errorist should be tenderly admonished so that he may be won for the truth. If he refuses, he must be sharply reprimanded and told to desist. The person who persists in his evil ways must be shunned by the church and disciplined. The supreme measure, excommunication, may have to be employed in order to safeguard the church and in order to bring the sinner to repentance. In the church of God there is no such thing as “freedom of misleading speech.” Reason: it would be too dangerous.”^[2]

Paul provided the answer as to why such drastic action of silencing a false teacher must be done. The apostle wrote, “since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.”

First, false teachers were upsetting whole families. The word upsetting (ἀνατρέπουσιν; anatrepousin) means to presently and actively upset others in what they truly believe from God’s Word. False teachers seek to overturn and destroy a believer’s true faith in Christ.

Second, they teach for shameful gain. This means disgraceful profit. Many a televangelist falls into this category. They prey upon the naiveté and seek to steal hard earned dollars from hard working families.

Third, they teach what they ought not to teach. This means to teach what is not necessary or true. Their teaching is not in accordance with sound doctrine (Titus 1:9).

“The teachers of false doctrine “upset (cf. John 1:15) entire families,” causing them to wander away from the truth (see 2 Tim. 3:6). They do this by teaching “what is not proper,” that is, “Jewish myths and injunctions of men” (see on verse 14). And their purpose is to acquire shameful profit, profit that is shameful because the men who are after it are anxious to enrich themselves even at the expense of the downfall of others. They are utterly selfish, aiming at nothing but money and prestige. (Cf. 1 Tim. 3:3, 8; 6:5; Titus 1:7; 1 Thess. 2:9.).” ^[3]   

“As is often the case with false teachers, the ones on Crete were motivated by a lust for money, not the glory of God, “teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach” (v. 11). Citizens of Crete were well-known in the ancient world for their greed, and so the preachers of error were guilty of absorbing Cretan morals instead of having their lives transformed by renewing their minds according to apostolic doctrine (Rom. 12:1–2),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“The presence of “teachers” who rebel against the Word of God is the reason why our Lord has ordained elders to provide correction and guidance to the church. Elders therefore, John Calvin says, must “be on the watch, so as not to give silent permission to wicked and dangerous doctrines to make gradual progress, or to allow wicked men an opportunity of spreading them.”

All believers in Christ are to be on guard against false teachers, May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 351.

^[2] Ibid., 351.

^[3] Ibid., 351.

“For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.” (Titus 1:10 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders/overseers in all the churches on the Island of Crete (Titus 1:5). They were to be men of godly character (1:6-8). They were also to be men of Scripture. This was so they would give instruction in sound doctrine and also rebuke those who contradicted it (1:9).

Who would dare to contradict the Word of God? Of the many terms found in Scripture, the phrase false teacher summarizes these who oppose God’s Word. What was the character of these individuals? Paul provided a brief list which sharply is in contrast to the character of godly elders.

First, false teachers are insubordinate (ἀνυπότακτοι; anypotaktai). They are rebellious and disobedient. They lack self-control and are not Spirit controlled. They have no fear of God or man.

Second, they are empty talkers (ματαιολόγοι; mataiologoi). They idly speak of what they do not know. It is conversation which is both foolish and stupid.

Thirdly, they are deceivers (φρεναπάται; phrenapatai). They are individuals who mislead others from the truth. They deceive but are also self-deceiving. They believe the lies they tell never realizing they speak lies. Paul pointed out many of these deceivers were Jews.

“These men are present here in Crete in alarming numbers (“many insubordinate men”; contrast the “certain individuals” in 1 Tim. 1:3). This may have been due to the fact that their peculiar faults were in line with the Cretan national character and that they were under the strong influence of Jewish rabbis (outsiders, verses 14b–16). They are insubordinate; that is disobedient to the Word of God. Also, they are futile talkers, achieving no useful purpose, with their fictitious tales about Adam, Moses, Elijah, etc., and with their legalistic hair-splitting (cf. 1 Tim. 1:6); yet deceiving the minds (see M.M., p. 675) of the weak. Especially “those of the circumcision-party,” that is, Jewish church-members (cf. Acts 10:45; Gal. 2:12), belong to the class of futile talkers and mind-deceivers. They probably regarded their circumcision as a mark of superior excellence, entitling them to be heard and looked up to by others.” ^[1]

“Having mentioned those who oppose the truth, Paul then described them for Titus and offered advice on how to handle them. He noted their three most prominent characteristics: they are rebellious (cf. Jude 8), mere talkers, and deceivers. All three characteristics were also present in Timothy’s opponents in Ephesus (cf. 1 Tim. 1:3–11; 6:3–10; 2 Tim. 2:14–18); but in Crete, Titus faced a Jewish element (the circumcision group, cf. Acts 11:2; Gal. 2:12) in whom these characteristics stood out prominently.” ^[2]

False teachers are not only outside he church, but also within the church (Acts 20:18-35; I John 4:1-6; Jude 3-4). This latter reality makes these individuals especially dangerous.

“Certainly, the need for elders to hold firm to apostolic doctrine is a permanent requirement for the office, and this need is particularly strong when false teachers arise to threaten the peace and purity of the church. This was the case in first-century Crete where its young churches were in desperate need of godly, biblically literate men to stem the tide of error that was beginning to rise,” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“We know this to be the case from Titus 1:10–11 wherein Paul gives the presence of “insubordinate, empty talkers, and deceivers” as one of the reasons for appointing theologically grounded pastors and teachers (v. 9). It is difficult to identify precisely the erroneous creeds circulating in Crete, but as is the case with the letters to Timothy, there are certain clues as to the falsehoods being taught there. Apparently, they had a particularly Jewish cast to them because the apostle names the “circumcision party” as being especially responsible for the upheaval there (v. 10).”

“Unlike the situation Paul addressed in his letter to the Galatians (Gal. 6:12–13), this does not necessarily mean they wanted to impose circumcision upon the Cretan believers; in fact, most commentators believe the practice of circumcision itself was not an issue. But it is clear that the teachers causing difficulties in Crete were either Jewish Christians or Gentiles enthralled with certain “Jewish myths” (Titus 1:14),” concludes Dr. Sproul.

Pray for the elders of your church to hold firm to the Word of God and oppose false teaching and teachers wherever they may be found.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 350–351.

^[2] A. Duane Litfin, “Titus,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 763.