Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Home group questions:
1. Paul contrasts that which is profitable (v1-8) and that which is unprofitable (v9). What are the profitable things and why are they profitable for people (all people not just people in the church)?
2. In a church situation how do you think we should judge what makes a controversy (debate) unprofitable and worthless?
3. Paul tells Titus to shun, to turn away from, the worthless and unprofitable things like fictitious stories (e.g. bible code) and theological quarrels (v9). Sometimes it’s important to respond to these things but at what point should we turn away?
4. Theological discussions (end times, prophecy, biblical theology, baptism, the age of the earth) are good to have but at what point do you think they become unprofitable?
5. What do you think are the things that we should “die on a hill” for, meaning what things do you think we shouldn’t turn away from but should stand firm on and argue about?
6. At what point would you call someone divisive within the church? How do we know that they “are warped and sinful; he is self-condemned”(v11)?
7. Some people would say that Paul’s process for dealing with a divisive person is too harsh, especially where Paul says to “have nothing to do with them”(v10). What are your thoughts? Why do you think Paul and Jesus (Matthew 18:15-17) give this approach when we as Christians are supposed to be forgiving and peacemakers?
8. What is the highest priority in church discipline for the church and for the individual being disciplined (1 Corinthians 5, 1 Tim 1:20)? How can we make sure that priority is achieved?
