How can we identify someone who is "warped and sinful" in Titus 3:11? Focusing on Titus 3:11 “Titus 3:11: ‘…knowing that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.’” Why the Context Matters Titus 3:10 sets the stage: “Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition.” Verse 11 then labels the unrepentant offender “warped and sinful.” The passage speaks of people inside the community who twist truth, sow discord, and stubbornly refuse correction. What “Warped” Means • Greek term “ekstrephō” – to be turned inside out, perverted, twisted • Picture a straight path twisted into a knot; the mind of such a person bends truth for selfish ends. Key Markers of a “Warped and Sinful” Person • Persistent divisiveness – Stirs quarrels, factions, or party-spirit (v.10; cf. 1 Corinthians 3:3). • Refusal of repeated warnings – After two clear admonitions he keeps going (Titus 3:10). • Habitual sin rather than a stumble – “Sinful” (hamartanō, present tense) signals an ongoing pattern (1 John 3:8). • Self-inflicted condemnation – “He is self-condemned” indicates willful choice, not ignorance (John 3:19). • Twisted view of truth – Turns aside to myths, endless genealogies, or speculation (1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 4:4). • Fruit that contradicts sound doctrine – Displays envy, strife, malice (Titus 3:3; Galatians 5:19-21). • Exploits others for gain – Follows the pattern of false teachers who “in their greed…will exploit you” (2 Peter 2:1-3). Additional Passages Painting the Same Portrait • 2 Timothy 3:2-5 – lovers of self, lovers of money, arrogant, abusive, “having a form of godliness but denying its power.” • Romans 16:17-18 – those who “cause divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching you have learned.” • 3 John 9-10 – Diotrephes “who loves to be first” and “does not accept our authority.” Practical Discernment Look for: • Patterns, not isolated lapses. • Doctrine and behavior that consistently undermine clear Scripture. • Resistance to humble correction by recognized spiritual authority. • Influence that fractures fellowship rather than building it. Our Biblical Response • Issue gracious, truthful warnings (Galatians 6:1). • After two rejected admonitions, break fellowship to protect the body (Matthew 18:17; Titus 3:10). • Maintain personal purity, avoiding entanglement in their sins (2 John 10-11). • Leave ultimate judgment to God while guarding the flock (Romans 12:19; Acts 20:28-31). Summing Up A “warped and sinful” individual shows willful, ongoing distortion of truth, causes division, rejects correction, and by those choices stands condemned. Scripture equips us to recognize such traits, respond with firm love, and preserve the health of Christ’s church. |
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