TITUS CHAPTER THREE
OBSERVATIONS

The purpose of the observation stage is to maintain focus on the text at hand in accordance with the framework in which it was written: a framework which is defined by the normative rules of language, context and logic - rules which do not impose undue, unintended meanings to the text , and which largely limit the observer to the content offered by Paul's epistle to Titus and his other writings. In order for any passage from elsewhere to be considered, it must have a relationship with the context at hand, such as a Scriptural quotation or a specific cross reference in the passage at hand by the author. This will serve to avoid going on unnecessary tangents elsewhere; and more importantly, it will provide the framework for a proper and objective comparison with passages located elsewhere in Scripture.

Remember that something elsewhere may be true, but in the text at hand it may not be in view.

Note that information on manuscript evidence is from "THE NEW TESTAMENT TEXT AND TRANSLATION COMMENTARY," by Philip W. Comfort, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, Carol Stream, IL.

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I) [Titus 3:1-15]:

(Titus 3:1 NASB) "Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,

(Titus 3:2 NASB) to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

(Titus 3:3 NASB) For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

(Titus 3:4 NASB) But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,

(Titus 3:5 NASB) He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

(Titus 3:6 NASB) whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

(Titus 3:7 NASB) so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

(Titus 3:8 NASB) This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.

(Titus 3:9 NASB) But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
(Titus 3:10 NASB) Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,

(Titus 3:11 NASB) knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
(Titus 3:12 NASB) When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

(Titus 3:13 NASB) Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them.

(Titus 3:14 NASB) Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

(Titus 3:15 NASB)   All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all."

XXX) [Titus 3:9-11]:88

(Titus 3:9 NASB) "But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

(Titus 3:10 NASB) Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,

(Titus 3:11 NASB) knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned."

A) [(Titus 3:9-11) Compare Expositors Bible Commentary]:

"C. The Reaction to Spiritual Error (3:9-11)

"But" introduces the necessary reaction of Titus to matters contrary to the teaching insisted on in v. 8. They are described as "foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law." The picture looks back to 1:10-16; "about the law" marks the Jewish coloring. All four nouns are without the article and this stresses the quality of these things. The same sort of problems also existed at Ephesus (cf. 1Tim 1:3-7). They comprise various "foolish" or senseless inquiries, involving speculations about the OT genealogies, and resulted in sharp dissensions and open quarrels.

All such matters Titus must "avoid," deliberately shun and stand aloof from, "because they are unprofitable and useless." They produce no spiritual benefits and lead to no constructive results.

10 Paul now passes from these reprehensible opinions to their perverted advocates. The adjective "divisive" (hairetikon), found only here in the NT, essentially characterizes what is a self-chosen opinion or viewpoint; because of their insistence on their opinions devoid of a true scriptural basis, the dissidents stir up divisions. Simpson characterizes such a man as an "opinionative propagandist who promotes dissension by his pertinacity" (p. 117). When persisted in, this results in the formation of heretical parties.

Such a man Titus must "warn" or "admonish" by faithfully and lovingly pointing out his error. If a second effort to deal with him proves ineffective, let Titus "have nothing to do with him," refusing further to bother with him. Further efforts would not be a good stewardship of his time and energies and would give the offender an undeserved sense of importance.

11 His stubborn refusal of admonition would assure Titus that the man is "warped," the perfect tense marking him as being in a state of perversion, twisted and turned out, wholly out of touch with truth. The passive voice seems to point to the satanic agency behind his condition.
"Sinful" represents a present-tense verb: "he is sinning," deliberately missing the divine standard by his persistent refusal to receive correction. It reveals an inner moral condition of being "self-condemned." He knows that in his deliberate refusal to abandon his self-chosen views he is wrong and stands condemned by his own better judgment."