AVOID FOOLISH CONTROVERSIES
Key verse: 9
NIV
9 But avoid(A) foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels(B) about the law,(C) because these are unprofitable and useless.(D) 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.(E) 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
Final Remarks
12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus(F) to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.(G) 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos(H) on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good,(I) in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.(J)
Grace be with you all.(K)
Cross references
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway
ESV
9 But (A)avoid foolish (B)controversies, (C)genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for (D)they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, (E)after warning him once and then twice, (F)have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Final Instructions and Greetings
12 When I send Artemas or (G)Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me (H)at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and (I)Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn (J)to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not (K)be unfruitful.
15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
(L)Grace be with you all.
Read full chapterCross references
- Titus 3:9 : 2 Tim. 2:16
- Titus 3:9 : See 1 Tim. 6:4
- Titus 3:9 : 1 Tim. 1:4
- Titus 3:9 : 2 Tim. 2:14
- Titus 3:10 : See Matt. 18:15
- Titus 3:10 : See 2 John 10
- Titus 3:12 : See 2 Tim. 4:12
- Titus 3:12 : [2 Tim. 4:10]
- Titus 3:13 : See Acts 18:24
- Titus 3:14 : ver. 8
- Titus 3:14 : 2 Pet. 1:8; [Phil. 1:11; 4:17; Col. 1:10]
- Titus 3:15 : See Col. 4:18
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
1. Arguments are unprofitable (9-11)
There are always people who try to stir up controversy within the fellowship. We should not fall into such a trap, because arguments and controversies are generally useless and unprofitable. A divisive person should be warned not to stir up controversy. If he doesn't listen, then warn him again. If he still persists in his divisiveness, then have nothing to do with him. All of our conversation with one another should build up, not tear down.
2. Devote yourselves to doing good (12-15)
Paul urged Titus and the other coworkers to show hospitality to each other. Specifically, they should do everything possible to help two brothers, servants of God, who were passing through. God's people must work hard to provide for themselves and their families, and they must serve others joyfully and freely.
Prayer: Lord, protect me from using my big mouth to argue with others. Help me to devote myself to doing good to God's people.
One Word: Devote one's self to doing what is good
