Titus 3:9-11: A Man That Is an Heretick
2022-05-28
Titus 3:9
Having gone over the grace of God in much detail in the previous verses, we see a familiar admonition to avoid questions and particulars about the Law. We discussed this in detail when discussing 1 Timothy 1:4, among many other places throughout the Pastoral Epistles. If the Law is a place that shows us our sin and need for a Savior, why would we argue about its contents? It would be because we are trying to show how we can be more righteous in the flesh, which is not righteousness at all. We also saw previously that genealogies might be a place where we can see what lineage we are from, such if we are Jewish, or from a certain tribe, etc. But all genealogies lead to Adam, and there is no hope in any of those lineages. Only what is in Christ matters.
These arguments are “unprofitable and vain.” Both words mean essentially the same thing: they are empty and worthless. They do not help; in fact, they only hurt us. They do not advance the cause of Christ. “But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?” (Galatians 4:9). The Law is bondage and condemnation. Christ is liberty.
Consider 2 Corinthians 3:14-18. Finding “righteousness” in the Law, as the first century Jews did, brought about their deception. But with the Spirit of God in us, we know true liberty. As we see the grace in Christ more perfectly, even more will the Spirit set us at liberty from sin. John 8:31-33 reinforces this. As we learn from Christ, we become freer. Those who stay in the Law and boast in genealogy are in bondage, even though they think they are free. They are trapped in the world of Adam as much as the Gentile who thought little about the Creator God.
Titus 3:10
This verse refers to a heretic, who is someone who believes in egregious false doctrine and is divisive about it. Given the previous verse, we would say that anyone who believes in righteousness from the Law or works salvation is a heretic. Anyone who has confidence in the flesh in any way is a heretic.
A lot of things could be considered heresy. A lot of things we call false doctrine, but we do not give them the title of “heresy.” Where the line is between regular false doctrine and heresy is nebulous. Generally, we might say that believers may disagree on some doctrines, but they are always going to agree on certain fundamentals. For example, I do not believe in the pretribulation rapture, but many of you probably do. We are not going to call each other heretics over this. However, there are some things that are clearly heresy.
In addition to works salvation, believing that Jesus did not become a human being, and did not rise physically from the dead, is heresy. Consider 2 John 1:7-11. This church wasn’t even to let these people in the front door!
Denying the Trinity is another one that is generally considered heresy. Consider 1 John 2:22-24. This teaches the Deity of Jesus Christ, but that He is also distinct from the Father.
However, when dealing with heresy, we do not automatically reject a heretic at first. Here, we confront them and show them why the heresy is wrong. Such an admonition must include the Scriptures. After a few tries and they are still adamant on their false doctrine heresy, then you reject them. There is no other way you can help them.
Titus 3:11
If it is made plain to them, what else can you do? If someone sees what the Scriptures say and flatly deny it, you leave off arguing with them. They have a perverted worldview, and this is willful sin. They are “being condemned of himself,” which means they fight against what they know to be true. What they believe has been discredited by Scripture, but for whatever reason, they will not let the lie go. They need to get to the point where they will turn from it, if they ever will. Consider these examples:
Saul knew that there was something to this Jesus of Nazareth, but he suppressed the truth. “And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” (Acts 9:4-5)
It is also the nature of humanity to deny the truth about God the Creator. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.” (Romans 1:18-19)
Here is another example of a similar situation; consider Acts 18:4-6. The synagogue in Corinth “opposed themselves, and blasphemed.” They heard, understood, and knew the truth, but they wanted to continue in their own worldview. They heard it on at least a few Sabbaths. Paul did not waste his time with them. He moved on and went to Gentiles who were interested in the truth. We should also only spend limited time with people who just want to argue with you against the truth of God’s Word.