Sermon Video: Beware of Divisive People - Titus 3:8-15

There are ample opportunities that we have in life to join in an argument or debate and social media has only enhanced their frequency.  In Paul's letter to Titus, Paul warns Titus about the dangers of becoming involved in "foolish controversies", which for Titus meant arguments about genealogies and the Law of Moses.  What are the equivalent for today's pastors to avoid?  It may not be a popular opinion with some, but in my mind, politics are a minefield that can yield little good, but great harm for a pastor or church.  Far better to focus on endorsing Christ than placing our trust in a politician, after all, the problem of humanity is a spiritual one, and therefore its solution must be spiritual, not merely political.  Along those same lines, the endless discussion about when Christ will return is equally fruitless for a pastor to become involved in.  It is our job to make sure our flock is ready, not worry about looking for signs of the End, that knowledge is safely in the hands of the Father.
After warning Titus about his own conduct, Paul goes on to recommend serious discipline for anyone who would be divisive within the church.  The Greek word used by Paul is actually the NT's only usage of "heretic", a word which originally was primarily concerned with disruptive conduct, later it became synonymous with unacceptable theology.  Disruptive people within the church cannot be tolerated, to turn people against each other for your own ends is a clear sign of a heart blackened by sin, as such, Paul tells Titus to warn such a person twice and after that have nothing to do with him.  Unity in the Church, both locally and universally, is a big deal, it was Jesus' last prayer for his followers before his Passion, in order to foster it, pastor need to avoid stirring up trouble themselves, and they need to be ready to use that shepherd's staff should the wolves come looking to prey on the sheep.

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