Good and Profitable vs. Unprofitable and Vain
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
6/27/2010 PM
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Text:
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Titus 3:8-11
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Psalters: |
164, 272, 11, 31 |
- After describing our former state (3), and summarizing the gospel (4-7), Paul urges Titus to re-affirm beneficial things.
- Paul would have Titus affirm strongly, assert confidently, speak with confidence.
- Some speak confidently about frivolous matters or about things they know little (I Tim. 1:7).
- But Titus is to stress those matters of which he has become firmly and rightfully convinced.
- “These things” are:
- The unprofitable.
- When we must do one thing, then there are other things which must be avoided, shunned.
- These are “foolish questions” and “genealogies” (cf. 1:14; I Tim. 1:4).
- “Contentions” and “strivings about the law.”
- One who persists in such unprofitable things is an “heretic.”
- This is someone who is factious and schismatic (not false doctrine).
- Originally this word refers to one who chooses for himself without concern for the body.
- In God’s judgment such a person is to be rejected, refused (I Tim. 5:11; II Tim. 2:23).
- First, there is “admonition,” i.e., is to put in mind.
- One (cf. Rom. 16:18) who, after repeated warnings, persists in this practice is “subverted” and is sinning.
- Hence, he is “being condemned of himself,” i.e., he judges against himself.
- Then they are to be rejected or refused, i.e., expelled.
- The “good and profitable” is that which results in godliness and a zeal unto good works (1:1; 2:1; 2:14).
- These matters (kindness of the Father and work of the Spirit) are excellent and beneficial to all men.
- These are excellent in themselves.
- But they are especially beneficial (useful, profitable; cf. I Tim. 4:8; II Tim. 3:16).
- Those whose faith is fixed on God in Christ will be careful to apply themselves to noble deeds.
- The recipients of grace should take the lead in the world to do good works.
- They say they believe; their faith is to be evidenced in their devotion to excel in all they do.