We know that there are many things that people like to argue about. Sports teams, politics, weather. It seems to be a part of wo we are. Most times, those arguments are civil and can be stimulating to the mind. However, there are other arguments that people engage in that as Paul told Titus, are unprofitable and useless. We would do well to examine each of the things Paul list’s and avoid them as he told Titus to do. “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.” Titus 3:9

First, foolish disputes. This terminology is used throughout Timothy and Titus to describe false teaching. Paul was concerned about the false teaching that was going on in Crete among the Christians and wanted Titus to appoint leaders that could deal with the problem, “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you…holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (Titus 1:5, 9).

Secondly, these foolish disputes included:

1. Genealogies – The fanciful ancestor lists and stories invented by Jewish teachers. “The Hebrews kept careful genealogical records, for this was necessary in order that the distinction of their tribes might be kept up. The whole system was, moreover, contrary to the genius of Christianity, for it served to keep up the pride of blood and of birth.” (Barnes).

2. Disputes about the law – Paul was speaking about the law of Moses. The people of Crete were filled with a lot of silly ideas that was unworthy of serious attention and created nothing but fussing and fighting with true Christians and deceived those Christians who were struggling in the faith.

Titus was to avoid these things, but that did not mean he should avoid all controversy, it was often necessary to confront those that oppose the truth, “In humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth” (2 Timothy 2:25). Paul was concerned about Titus wasting his time on controversial matters that don’t matter much. 

There will always be matters that rise up that are on no consequence, generally matters of opinion. When we are tempted to be drawn into those discussion, remember, Paul said don’t do it! They are unprofitable, the opposite mention in Titus 3:8, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”

How do we deal with such people? “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:10, 11). 

“The man who majors on these minors is a divisive heretic. He usually has one note on his violin and plays it to death. Soon he gathers around himself a group of people with a negative outlook, and the rest he drives away. He will divide an assembly rather than abandon his doctrinal hobbyhorse. No church should put up with such nonsense. If after one or two warnings, he refuses to desist, he should be expelled from the fellowship of the local church and the Christians should refrain from having social contact with him. Hopefully, this ostracism will bring him to repentance and to a more balanced handling of the word of God.

This correction should be given with kindness, patience, and gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

Concentrate on the matters of faith, ignore the foolish thoughts of the erring!

By: Justin Odom