You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Everybody is religious. Even those who claim to be atheists 'believe' that there is no God, and therefore create their own self-centred religion. In Crete, Titus had responsibility for many new Christians as churches were springing up in every city (Titus 1:5). Some had previously worshipped pagan gods, and others tried to keep the Jewish Law. However, instead of focussing on Jesus, sharing His gospel and living for Him, they played 'church games' - arguing endlessly about interpretations of the Jewish Law or even the ideas preached by travelling philosophers or priests in the pagan temples.
Paul had a zero tolerance to such discussions. He called them foolish, unprofitable and useless. He labelled those who were obsessed with irrelevant arguments (that is, irrelevant to the gospel and living for Jesus), as being divisive. Paul's zero tolerance on divisiveness comes out very strongly here. Those with authority in the church should give an initial warning that their behaviour was out of order: if the person did not respond, a second warning should be given. After that time the divisive person was to be ignored and given no opportunity to air his views. It may sound a strong judgement, but people who were causing division by insisting on ideas that are not part of the gospel, were described by Paul as warped, sinful and self-condemned.
Pride and arrogance occurs everywhere. The church is not immune from people who are obsessed with their own agenda; even though they may say they are serving God (and often they believe that). But the effect of their behaviour can be devastating to any church. They can easily destroy fellowship and divert attention from the need to worship the Lord, learning how to be good disciples and displaying the character of Jesus to the world. So it is essential that church leadership does not allow the church to be hijacked by strong-minded people. They do not have the spiritual qualities to lead the church nor the humility to submit to sound doctrine and should not be allowed dictate the church's agenda. Therefore, pray for your leaders that they will be strong to defend the gospel and refute error, and be willing to rebuke those who cause division. If you are a leader, take fresh courage from these verses. If you are strong-minded and have the potential to cause division within a fellowship, be warned and decide to change.
Prayer: Almighty God. Thank You for giving Your apostles the truth about the gospel and how the church should be built. Thank You for those who have accepted the responsibility of leadership in Your church today. I am sorry when I have believed I had the right to divert them and the church from the apostolic gospel and sound doctrine. Please help me to measure my thinking against Your Word, being willing to submit to those who have spiritual responsibility over me. I also pray for pastors that they will be strong in the truth, and courageous to take action, so that divisive people will not be allowed to damage the unity and effectiveness of the church. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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