Titus, Day 2
Titus 1:10 – 16
Tell It Like It Is
Being a pastor is a tough job. Actually, I don’t like to call it a “job,” or even a “career.” True pastors are paid for what they do, but that’s so they don’t have to do something else. Pastoring is a calling from above, and a dangerous one at that. It’s not just the controversy, opposition, and potential for persecution, that pose dangers — It’s the weight that shepherds bear with the responsibility for something no other profession can touch: caring for the souls of men and women (Hebrews 13:17).
Having lived in Church World for 40 years and studied with dozens of future pastors, and having worked on church staffs for 15 years, I’ve seen a lot of changes in ministry philosophy. There is a dangerous trend toward “feel-good” and “name-it-and-claim-it” ministries that trample on the banner of the holiness of God. Paul would be appalled at pastors who do not confront sin from the pulpit and face-to-face — and so would Titus.
Paul encourages Titus to “ . . . be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9). Confrontation is necessary, but it must be carried out with grace and truth. Without truth, there is no need for grace, for grace is only needed when sin is recognized in truth. Admitting the truth of sin is harsh, and grace eases the pain. But confronting sin is necessary for the spiritual health of the soul, and exposing it is an act of grace that wants the best for sinners and saints alike.
Paul pulls no punches when telling Titus why he needs to teach sound doctrine (cf. Acts 20:20) and rebuke those who contradict the truth (cf. 2 Timothy 4:2). He soberly warns Titus about what he will be up against, especially false teachers.
First, the false teachers affect others and their ways are obvious (Verses 10 – 12). Their words are empty and they upset entire families with their lies. They bilk desperate victims so they can live like swine. Even their own people recognize them as wicked (Verse 12).
Not only do these corrupt “scholars” bring heresies that must be stopped, but they promote religious rituals and live in pious pretense as they live spiritually-empty lives (Verses 13 – 16). Paul mentions “the circumcision,” Jewish people who taught that Jewish ritual and the Law were the ways of salvation. He also described their devotion to “Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth” (Verse 14). We must beware of — and church leaders must warn against — religions that promote unbiblical stories about creation, Christ, the church, and dream up many other deceptions. Any religious teacher or student can claim to know God, but what “god” do they mean? The important thing is, Do they know Jesus Christ for Who He really is (John 20:31)? And do their lives reflect what they profess to believe (James 1:22 – 25)? Paul’s bottom line is that the life of the false teacher is worthless (Verse 16). That’s pretty harsh, but it’s the truth, and it must be exposed to protect the believer and bring the hope of repentance to the sinner.
Can you see how that can make a preacher’s work difficult? Ask yourself, “Am I a true believer in the true God and Jesus Christ (John 17:3)?” “Am I living according to the Word of God (James 1:22)?” “Do I support my pastor (1 Timothy 5:17)?”
The writer of Hebrews says it best: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Hebrews 13:17). He has to tell it like it is. Listen with humility, and make it easy on him.
Alan Allegra