What is the meaning of Titus 3:10? Reject Paul’s directive is categorical: “Reject a divisive man…”. • “Reject” means turn away, refuse fellowship, and cease giving him a platform. It mirrors Romans 16:17 where believers are told to “keep away from them,” and 2 Thessalonians 3:6 where we are to “keep away from every brother who leads an undisciplined life.” • The goal is not vindictiveness but protection of the flock (Acts 20:29-30) and the purity of the gospel (Galatians 1:8-9). • 1 Corinthians 5:11 shows the same boundary-setting: “do not even eat with such a one.” A divisive man The problem person is not merely opinionated; he fractures unity. • Titus 1:10-11 describes similar agitators: “rebellious people, full of empty talk,” who “upset whole households.” • 2 Timothy 2:14 warns against “quarreling about words,” which “only ruins the listeners.” • Proverbs 6:16-19 lists those who “sow discord among brothers” among the things the Lord hates. • Such a person resists sound doctrine and promotes controversy (1 Timothy 6:3-5). After a first Grace leads the process: give an initial, loving warning. • Matthew 18:15 lays out the private confrontation: “go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.” • Galatians 6:1 urges that it be done “in a spirit of gentleness,” aiming for restoration. • This first admonition clarifies the issue, allows repentance, and avoids hasty judgment (Proverbs 19:11). And second admonition If the first warning is ignored, repeat it—still with patience, but now with greater urgency. • Matthew 18:16-17 shows the escalation: take one or two others along; if he still refuses, tell it to the church. • 2 Timothy 4:2 instructs us to “correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” • Proverbs 29:1 cautions that repeated reproof rejected hardens the heart, making judgment inevitable. • After this second attempt, Scripture authorizes separation: continued fellowship would endorse error and endanger others (1 Corinthians 15:33). summary Titus 3:10 prescribes a clear, orderly pattern for dealing with those who fracture unity through persistent discord. Warn once, warn twice, then withdraw. This protects the church, upholds truth, and still extends grace by offering two earnest chances to repent before decisive action is taken. |
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