Titus 3 Foolish Controversies Part 38

Titus 3:9

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.”

Have you ever argued with someone about something that really has no solution or is completely unimportant? In our text, Paul warns against foolish arguments. At the time, some were adding names and stories to the genealogies and then getting into arguments about them. They were turning the truth into myth. Some people were adding laws and stipulations to the law and then quarreling about their legitimacy and importance. Paul has just taught us about what is profitable for everyone and now warns us against something that is profitable to no one. Paul warns Titus about getting involved in these petty arguments and foolish quarreling. We must not let ourselves be distracted from the gospel truth by those who embellish history or add to God’s law. This doesn’t mean we can’t have honest discussions that lead to wisdom or understanding. In fact, theological controversy actually gave rise to our creeds, catechism, and confessions. There is a time and place for honest discussion about God’s word, but we must always bring it back to what the Bible teaches. When scripture is silent on an issue, or there’s a mystery that God alone knows, or a prophecy that doesn’t have a clear interpretation, then to argue is foolish and a wise man will avoid “meaningless talk and deception” (Titus 1:10). It is no coincidence that our text comes after what Paul wrote in verse 8. If we occupy ourselves with living out verse 8 - seeking and devoting ourselves to doing what is good - then we won’t have time for meaningless and foolish arguments that make no one wiser. Keep your discussions to things that promote knowledge, love, and understanding, and always remember to stick to the gospel truth. God gave us all we need to know in His word!

1. This is not the only time in the letter to Titus that Paul warns against quarreling. Where else does he write about this?

2. Paul and Peter have both warned about quarrels and dissension. Find these texts and see if there is more to add to this warning.

3. What does Jesus say about quarreling and fighting?

4. Why is it so important not to get caught up in foolish controversies or discussions with false teachers? What can happen if we do?

Glorious God and heavenly Father, I come before You now in humble adoration for Your greatness and mercy. Help me not to get caught up in foolish controversies, but to have honest and meaningful conversations about Your word that lead to wisdom and understanding. Bless all my conversations and make me a help to others, and do what is profitable for everyone. Forgive me where I fall short, in Jesus' name alone, Amen.