Good and Profitable vs. Unprofitable and Vain

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