Today, we completed our study of Titus. Understanding the principles of right division help us when we encounter scripture that seems to contradict clear doctrine found in Paul’s epistles.
2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
In completing this letter, Paul gives Titus (and us by default) clear instructions in v.1-8, on what to focus on in our journey into Christlikeness: (essentials of good works)
That we be model citizens
That we speak evil of no man
That we not be brawlers
That we be gentle showing meekness to all men
Paul’s own testimony reveals that he had to overcome the natural inclinations of the flesh, which we all have to deal with:
Being foolish and doing foolish things
Being disobedient to revealed truth
Being deceived
Serving the various lusts and pleasures of the flesh and mind
Living in malice and envy
Being hateful and hating
Good works have no saving virtue in this dispensation of the grace of God, but they are essential to our maturity in Christ. Ephesians 2:8-10
As Paul wraps up this letter, he instructs us in V.9 to avoid certain things:
Foolish questions and needless genealogies
Avoid contentions and strivings about scripture
Why? Because it is all unprofitable and vain!
In V.10-11, he gives a warning about dealing with a heretic:
If they are not repentant, after two warnings – reject them. A heretic could be a divisive person trying to create a schism or faction in the body, or they could be a person who promotes false doctrine in the body. Spreading the leaven of bad doctrine in the church is condemned.
Galatians 5:9: A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
Finally, Paul, in his salutation, requests for Titus and other good men to come and spend the winter with him. It is of the utmost importance that we surround ourselves with “good men” who will be edifying and exhorting to us in our journey into Christlikeness. I urge you all to seek to have people in your lives who encourage you onward and upward in your journey!
Over the next few weeks we will spend some time looking at difficult scriptures in Matthew and other gospels, from a “right division” mindset understanding scripture through the lens of the Mystery. Also, if you would like a certain scripture explained, please email the scripture to me, and I would be glad to explain it in class. I will not divulge who sent a scripture to be explained. I expect some more challenging scriptures from you!
Remember, the prophetic program concerning Israel is in “timeout” during this dispensation of the grace of God, aka the mystery program. The prophetic program will resume when the mystery period closes at the rapture of the Church Age saints.