Category: Bible

An Heretic

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Titus 3:10-11 A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinned, being condemned of himself. 

‘Heretic’ [Greek, hairetikos] one who maintains opposition to truth; a choosing, hence, a sect (Acts 5:17; 15:5; 24:5; 26:5; 28:22) and heresy (Acts 24:14; 1Cor. 11:19; Gal. 5:20; 2Pet. 2:1). The word itself has no evil meaning. It simply refers to a doctrinal view or belief at variance with the recognized and accepted tenets of a system, church, or party. The word heretic is used once in Scripture (3:10) and means one who holds a heresy; a dissenter, or a nonconformist. It only takes on an evil meaning when sound doctrine is rejected and fallacy is accepted and taught in preference to the truth. If the doctrine is unsound and one dissent from the main body that holds the fallacy, then he is a heretic in a good sense.

The word signifies a sect or party, whether good or bad, distinguished from all other sects and parties. It formerly was applied to different sects of heathen philosophers. The church of Rome uses it only in an evil sense to apply to all who cannot go along with their many dogmas and rituals that have been added for many centuries to the pure teachings of the Christian faith. A heretic to them is not a papist, and because of this is outside the Christian religion. Almost all denominations use it in the same sense as those who do not see eye to eye with them. True Christians apply it to all false religions that do not accept true Christian doctrines and follow and obey Jesus Christ. Jews called Christians a sect (Acts 24:5, 14; 28:22) and Christians called the Pharisees and Sadducees and other groups sects (Acts 5:17; 15:5; 26:5). All deviation from the truth is heresy (Gal. 5:20; 1Cor. 11:19; 2Pet. 2:1).

‘Reject’ [Greek, paraiteomai] beg off. Translated as “reject” (3:10); “avoid” (2Tim. 2:23); “entreat” (Heb. 12:19); “make excuse” (Luke 14:18); and “refuse” (Acts 25:11; 1Tim. 4:7; 5:11; Heb. 12:25).

‘Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinned, being condemned of himself.’ Three effects of heresy: [1] Subversion, to turn out of how one may be saved. [2] Sin [Greek, harmartano] miss a mark or aim; to wander from the right path that leads to life; go in the path of destruction. Translated “sin” 32 times (3:11; Matt. 18:21; 27:4; Luke 15:18-21; John 5:14; 8:11; 9:2-3; Rom. 2:12; 3:23; 5:12-16; 6:15; 1Cor. 6:18; 7:28, 36; 8:12; 15:34; Eph. 4:26; 1Tim. 5:20; Heb. 3:17; 10:26; 2Pet. 2:4; 1Jn. 1:10; 2:1; 3:6-9; 5:16-18); “to trespass” (Matt. 18:15; Luke 17:3-4); “offend” (Acts 25:8); and “faults” (1Pet. 2:20). [3] Self-condemnation.

Avoid Foolish Questions

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Titus 3:8-9 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 

‘Faithful saying.’ Four “faithful sayings” in Timothy and Titus: Christ came to save sinners (1Tim. 1:15; 4:10; Matt. 1:21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4). Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of life now, and of that which is to come (1Tim. 1:4). If we are dead with Him, we shall also live with Him (2Tim. 2:11-13). They which belief must maintain good works (Tit. 3:8; cp. 1Tim. 3:1; Rev. 21:5; 22:6). This gives the whole span of redemption from the fall of man to the eternal reign with Christ.

‘Affirm constantly.’ Affirm strongly. We are commanded to maintain good works (3:8, 14; 2:14; 2Tim. 2:21; Matt. 5:16).

‘Avoid foolish questions’ [Greek: zetesis] a searching after; investigation. Translated as “question” (3:9; 1Tim. 1:4; 6:4; John 3:25; Acts 25:20; 2Tim. 2:23). Here and in 1Timothy 1:4 it means disputing that causes strife, divisions, and parties. Avoid conversations where people ask questions because they want to argue or prove their opinions.

‘Unprofitable and vain.’ Four things unprofitable and vain: foolish questions; strivings about law; genealogies; contentions.

The Hope of Eternal Life Part 2

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Titus 3:4-7 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

There are twenty-three conditions of eternal life in the Word of God: Come to Christ (John 6:37, 44, 45, 65). Eat His flesh – drink His blood [communion] (John 6:50, 51, 53, 58). Labour (John 6:27). Reap – win souls by living Christ’s example of perfect (no sin) human life (John 4:35-38; 1Pet. 2:21-23). Hate (love less) the life in this world (John 12:25). Know God and Christ (John 17:2-3). Enter the right gate (Matt. 7:13-14). Cause no offence (Matt. 18:8-9). Keep commandments (Matt. 19:17). Forsake all (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30). Live free from sin (Rom. 5:21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Tit. 2:11-14). Continue in well-doing and seek eternal life (Rom. 2:7). Sow to the Spirit (Gal. 6:7-8). Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on it (1Tim. 6:12, 19). Be sober and hope to the end for it (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13 with Rom. 8:24). Endure temptations (Jas. 1:12). Let the promise of it remain in you and continue in God and Christ (1Jn. 2:24-25; 5:11-20). Love everybody (1Jn. 3:14-15). Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for eternal life (Jude 1:20-24). Overcome sin (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). Be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10; Heb. 12:14-15). Believe and obey the gospel (John 3:15-19, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:40, 47, 54; 2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 1:5). Be born again, hear Christ, and follow Him (John 3:1-36; 10:27-29; 1Pet. 2:21-23).

We get eternal life now and keep it forever if we meet the above conditions, but it does not become an unforfeitable eternal possession until we enter into it (Matt. 7:13; 18:8-9; 19:17; Rom. 6:22); receive it (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:12; 1Pet. 1:13; Rev. 2:10); reap it (Gal. 6:7-8); and inherit it in the world to come (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30), and at the end of this life (Rom. 6:22).

The Hope of Eternal Life Part 1

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Titus 3:4-7 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 

‘But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.’ Sevenfold salvation of the soul: The manifestation of the kindness and love of God toward man (3:4). Not by works of righteousness by man to merit it (3:5; Eph. 2:8-9). By God’s mercy, He saved us. By the washing of regeneration in the precious blood of Christ and the Word (Matt. 26:28; Eph. 5:26; Col. 1:14-22; 1Pet. 1:18-23; Jas. 1:18). Renewing of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5; Eph. 4:24; Rom. 12:2). Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ (3:6; Rom. 5:5; 8:14-16; 2Cor. 12:13). Justified by His grace, we are made heirs of the hope of eternal life (3:7; Rom. 3:24-31; 5:1-11; Eph. 2:8-9).

‘Shed on’ [Greek, ekcheo] to pour forth; bestow; to gush out; run greedily out; shed abroad; to spill out freely (3:6; John 7:37-39; Acts 2:16-21, 33; 10:45; Joel 2:28-29).

‘Abundantly’ [Greek, plousios] richly (3:6; Col. 3:16; 1Tim. 6:17; 2Pet. 1:11).

‘The hope of eternal life.’ Unforfeitable eternal life is now a hope. Hope that is seen is not hope (Rom. 8:24-25). How can it be a hope and a present possession, as stated in John 3:16, 36; 5:24; 10:28-29? Why do we yet hope for it if we have it, as stated in Titus 1:2; 3:7 and 1Timothy 1:1? The simple truth is that it is now given to everyone who is in Christ on condition of remaining in Him (1Jn. 5:11-12; John 15:1-8; Gal. 1:6-8; 4:19; 5:4; etc.).

To be continued…

Be Subject To Principalities

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Titus 3:1-3 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 

‘Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready for every good work.’ Sevenfold message to the Cretians:

Be subject to principalities and powers (civil rulers, Tit. 3:1; Rom. 13:1-8; 1Pet. 2:13-18). Obey magistrates (local civil officers, 3:1; Rom. 13:1-8). Be ready for every good work (3:1). Speak evil of no man (3:2; Jas. 3:1-18). Be no brawlers (1Tim. 3:3). Be gentle (Php. 4:5). Show meekness to all men (Gal. 5:22-23).

‘For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.’ Sevenfold description of all sinners: Foolish [Greek, anoetos] foolish (3:3; Gal. 3:1, 3; 1Tim. 6:9); unwise (Rom. 1:14); and fool (Luke 24:25). Disobedient (Eph. 2:1-3). Deceived (2Cor. 4:4; Rev. 12:9). Serving divers lusts and pleasures (Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 2:1-3). Living in malice and envy. Hateful. Hating one another.

That Blessed Hope

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Titus 2:13-15 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. 

‘Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.’ The first and last prophecy in Titus (2:13). A promise to all Christians to hold fast to the promise of the rapture [the first resurrection or the resurrection to life] (John 14:1-3; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; Php. 3:20-21; 1Thess. 4:15-17; 2Thess. 2:7; Rev. 4:1).

‘Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.’ Two great benefits of Christ’s death: To redeem us from all iniquity (Matt. 26:28; Col. 1:14-22; Rev. 1:5). To purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. From Galatians 3:14 we also have two things Christ died for here: That Abraham’s blessing of justification by faith might come to the Gentiles [all other nations] (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:1-25; Gal. 3:6-14). That we might receive the promised Spirit through faith (Matt. 3:11; John 1:31-34; Acts 1:4-8; 2:33-39; 11:14-18; 15:7-13.) It is referred to as a promise (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 2:33-39; Gal. 3:14).

‘These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.’ Four admonitions to Titus: Speak these things. These things exhort. Rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise you.

The Grace of God

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Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world 

‘For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.’ Three great blessings of grace: [1] It brings salvation (2:11; Eph. 2:8-9). [2] It has appeared to all men (2:11; John 3:16; Rev, 22:17). [3] It teaches seven great lessons: (1) To deny ungodliness (2:12). (2) To deny worldly lusts. (3) To live soberly (1:8; 2:2-7). (4) To live righteously (Heb. 12:14; Rom. 6:14-23; 8:12-13). (5) To live godly (2Tim. 3:12). (6) To live right in this life. (7) To look for the rapture and the second coming (2:13; Php. 3:20).

‘Grace’ [Greek: charis]. Indeed, grace cannot be withheld from man because of demerit, lessened by demerit, or be mixed with the law of works; but this does not prove that there are no conditions men must meet to get the benefits of grace. Not one scripture teaches unconditional grace, or that God gives grace to men who disobey the gospel. If so, then God is under obligation to save all, even sinners who disobey if He saves even one (Rom. 2:11). God is under obligation to saints only when they walk in the light and remain true to the gospel (1Jn. 1:7). He is not under obligation to sinners until they come to full obedience of the gospel. Grace teaches men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly here and now (Tit. 2:11-12). If people do not obey its teaching grace can go no further. Anyone may: Receive grace in vain (2Cor. 6:1). Frustrate it in his life (Gal. 2:21). Fall from it (Gal. 1:6-8; 5:4). Fail of the grace of God (Heb. 12:15). Turn it into lasciviousness (Jude 1:4). Sin despite it (Rom. 6:1). Continue or discontinue in it (Acts 13:43). Minister it to others (1Pet. 4:10). Grow or not grow in it (2Pet. 3:18). Receive or reject it (John 3:16; Rev. 22:17; Heb. 12:15; Jas. 4:6).

‘Teaching’ [Greek, paideuo] instruction as to children and in 2Timothy 2:25 we see that the opposers to the truth needed chastening by being turned over to satan and his destruction to bring them to repentance if at all possible (1Cor. 5:5; 1Tim. 1:19-20).

Be Sober-minded

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Titus 2:6-10 Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. 

‘Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded.’ Four commands to young men: [1] To be sober-minded [Greek, sophroneo] sober in mind (2:6; Mark 5:15; Luke 8:35; 2Cor. 5:13; Rom. 12:3; 1Pet. 4:7). Not intoxicated in any way. [2] To be a pattern of good works [Greek, tupos] example (Php. 3:17; 1Cor. 10:6, 11; 1Thess. 1:7; 2Thess. 3:9; 1Tim. 4:12; 1Pet. 5:3); pattern (2:7; Heb. 8:5); manner (Acts 23:25); fashion (Acts 7:44); form (Rom. 6:17); figure (Acts 7:43; Rom. 5:14); and print (John 20:25). [3] To be uncorrupt, grave, and sincere in teaching (2:7). [4] To have sound speech that cannot be condemned [Greek, hugies] sound (2:8) and whole (Matt. 12:13; 15:31; Mark 3:5; 5:34; Luke 6:10; John 5:4-15; 7:23; Acts 4:10). It means healing words – the gospel of healing, not only spiritual but physical (Matt. 8:17; 1Pet. 2:24; Jas. 5:14).

‘Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again.’ Five commands to servants: Be obedient to your masters in the Lord (Eph. 6:5). Please masters in all work-related things (2:9). Do not contradict or gainsay work-related orders. Do not steal the goods of the master entrusted to you (2:10; Acts 5:2-3). Show faithfulness in all things.

In Behaviour as Become Holiness

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Titus 2:3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as become holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 

‘The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as become holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things. Five commands to aged women: Live holy lives – in consecration to represent  Christ (1Pet. 2:21-23). Be not slanderers. Not given to [to drink] wine. Be teachers of good things (2:3). Teach the young women (2:4)

‘Young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children.’ Eight commands to young women: To be sober [Greek: sophrosune] discretion; self-control; chastity; temperance. Translated “soberness” and “sobriety” (1Tim. 2:9, 15; Acts 26:25; cp. 2Tim. 1:7; Tit. 2:4, 12). To love their husbands. To love their children. To be discreet [Greek, sophron] of sound mind; prudent; moderate; self-controlled. Translated sober (2:8; 1Tim. 3:2); temperate (2:2); discreet (2:5). To be chaste [Greek, hagnos] properly clean, that is, (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect: – chaste, clean, pure (2Cor. 7:11; 11:2; Php. 4:8; 1Tim. 5:22; Jas. 3:17; 1Pet. 3:2; 1Jn. 3:3). To be homemakers [Greek, oikourgos] caring for and working at home. To be good [Greek, agathas] virtuous (2:5). To be obedient to their husbands in the Lord (Eph. 5:22, 33; Col. 3:18; 1Pet. 3:1-6).

Be Sober…

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Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 

‘That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.’ Six commands to aged men: [1] Be sober [Greek, nephaleos] drinking no wine or alcohol; be sober. Translated vigilant (1Tim. 3:2); and sober (1Tim. 3:11; Tit. 2:2). [2] Grave [Greek, semnos] grave (2:2,4) and honest (Php. 4:8). [3] Temperate [Greek, sophron] of sound mind; prudent; moderate; self-controlled. Translated sober (2:8; 1Tim. 3:2); temperate (2:2); discreet (2:5). [4] Sound in faith [Greek: pistis] confidence, faithfulness, trust, pledge of good faith. Translated belief (2Thess. 2:13); fidelity (2:10); assurance (Acts 17:31); and faith 239 times (Heb. 11:1-39; 12:2; etc.). [5] Sound in love – there are nine ingredients of divine love: (1) Patience – love passive: no hurry; suffers long; bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things with the exclusion of allowing other’s sin (1Cor. 13:4, 7). (2) Kindness – love in action: never acts rashly or insolently; not inconsistent, puffed up, or proud (1Cor. 13:4). (3) Generosity – love in competition: not envious or jealous (1Cor. 13:4). (4) Humility – love in hiding: no parade; no airs; works then retires (1Cor. 13:4). (5) Courtesy – love in society: does not behave unseemly; always polite; at home with all classes; never rude or discourteous (1Cor. 13:5). (6) Unselfishness – love in essence: never selfish, sour, or bitter; seeks only good of others; does not retaliate or seek revenge (1Cor. 13:5). (7) Good temper – love in disposition: never irritated; never resentful (1Cor. 13:5). (8) Righteousness – love in conduct: hates sin; never glad when others go wrong; always gladdened by goodness to others; always slow to expose; always eager to believe the best; always hopeful, always enduring (1Cor. 13:6-7). (9) Sincerity – love in profession: never boastful and conceited; not a hypocrite; always honest; leaves no impression but what is strictly true; never self-assertive; does not blaze out in passionate anger, nor brood over wrongs; always just, joyful, and truthful; knows how to be silent; full of trust; always present. [6] Sound in patience – Set yourself to expect God to answer (Ps. 37:7).