How can we identify "rebellious people" in today's church community?

◄ Spotting rebels in church today? ►

Context of Titus 1:10

“For there are many rebellious people, full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision.” (Titus 1:10)

Core Traits of Rebellious People

• Numerous—Paul says “many,” so expect them to surface in every generation

• Insubordinate—resist God-given authority (cf. 2 Peter 2:10)

• Empty talkers—plenty of words, little substance (Proverbs 10:19)

• Deceivers—mix truth with error, leading hearts astray (Romans 16:18)

• Often legalistic—“those of the circumcision,” adding rules to grace (Galatians 2:4)

• Spiritual show but no obedience—“having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:5)

Diagnostic Signs in Today’s Church

• Reject biblical leadership—“Obey your leaders…for they keep watch over your souls” (Hebrews 13:17)

• Promote novel teachings that sidestep Scripture—“Even if we…preach a gospel contrary…let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8)

• Major on minors—legalistic hobbyhorses while neglecting justice and mercy (Matthew 23:23)

• Sow division through gossip or social media—“A perverse man spreads strife” (Proverbs 16:28)

• Boast of freedom yet indulge the flesh—“do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh” (Galatians 5:13)

• Operate outside accountability—Diotrephes “loves to be first” and ignores church authority (3 John 9)

• Publicly critique, privately compromise—“lovers of self…rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:2-4)

Why Rebellion Matters

• “ruin whole households” (Titus 1:11)

• Spreads like leaven (1 Corinthians 5:6)

• Distorts the gospel’s purity (Galatians 2:4-5)

• Stifles love and witness—“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35)

Guarding the Flock

• Appoint qualified elders who “hold firmly to the trustworthy word” and “rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:5-9)

• Confront error with gentle firmness—“correct with gentleness” while praying for repentance (2 Timothy 2:24-26)

• Exercise church discipline when necessary (Matthew 18:15-17)

• Teach sound doctrine regularly to inoculate the body (Acts 20:27)

• Pray and fast for discernment—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” (James 1:5)

Encouragement for Faithful Believers

• Cling to Scripture—“The word of the Lord stands forever” (1 Peter 1:25)

• Examine yourself first (2 Corinthians 13:5)

• Walk in the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16)

• Encourage one another daily to stay soft-hearted (Hebrews 3:13)

• Rest in Christ’s authority—He “will build His church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18)