COMMENTARY ON TITUS


LESSON NUMBER 21


Tit3:9But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. (Titus 3:9)


ABOUT UNPROFITABLE AND VAIN THINGS


INTRODUCTION

               The nature of salvation, and the perception of it, plays a key role in how we conduct our lives. A failure to discern the characteristics of salvation will inevitably lead to doctrinal distortion, and moral decline. This is because Christ obtains relevance only within the context of salvation. At no point does He become entangled with the affairs of this world. Although it has become quite fashionable to represent Christ as man’s friend, who is deeply concerned with the affairs of life in this world, Jesus is never so represented in Scripture. He is bringing us to God, and bringing us to glory, and there is not an activity related to this world that plays any contributive role in that work. That is precisely why we have been chosen “out of the world,” and called into a focus on “the world to come.” Here, Paul instructs Titus to remind men to live in such a manner as minimizes their involvement in the affairs of this world. This is why we are to obey civil authorities, be ready to do the good works for which we have been created, and not be abrasive in our associations with men. Violating these teachings causes contention and variance that actually pulls us into the world, while the purpose of God is to separate us from it. It was our involvement with the world that caused us to be “foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another” (3:3). That involvement was a natural one, for we ourselves were alienated from God and dead in trespasses and sins. Once this is understood, it makes perfect sense to avoid becoming overly involved in the world’s affairs, and with worldly people. Now that we have been regenerated, with the Holy Spirit being shed on us abundantly, we have been fundamentally adapted for heaven, and for holy involvements. We are admonished to “be careful to maintain good works” because we have been created to walk in them (Eph 2:10). The newness of life cannot be maintained in environments and activities for which it has not been adapted. In such places, men must resort to carnal, or natural, manners.


THE RESPONSIBILITY TO AVOID CERTAIN THINGS

               Titus 3:9a “But avoid . . .”


               Paul has affirmed that salvation was by means of “the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit,” and that it resulted in us being “made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Regeneration was the commencement of a new life – not merely starting over again, but beginning anew in the heavenly places, and with a new heart and spirit. The renewing of the Holy Spirit has to do with both the initial experience, and maintenance of, the “newness of life.” We were, in fact, extricated from condemnation, and from the world, or natural order, as well. We were not only separated from our sins, but also from the environment that fostered sin – “this present evil world” (Gal 1:4). The objective set before us is now to “press toward the mark” for the prize of our high calling (Phil 3:14). This involves the culturing of our spiritual appetites, and the strengthening and maturation of our faith.


               All of this activity takes place in an intensely moral and spiritual environment. There are personal adversaries around us and even within us (Rom 7:23). Satan works with these influences with the intention of drawing us back into the condemned realm from which we were once delivered. His efforts are to be taken quite seriously by remaining alert, vigilant, and steadfast in the faith (1 Pet 5:8-9). Our text now addresses some of these distracting influences.


               AVOID. Other versions read, “shun,” NASB “have nothing to do with,” BBE “stay,” GENEVA “do not get involved in,” NLT “stand away from,” YLT and “hold yourself aloof from.” WEYMOUTH The word “avoid” means, “to turn oneself about namely, for the purpose of avoiding something, hence, to avoid, shun.” THAYER The same word is translated “shun” in 2 Timothy 2:16, where the same subject is addressed: “shun profane and vain babbling . . . ”


               The idea is that of turning our back to the things of reference, and refusing to become involved in them. It is the same action described in the words “turn away” (2 Tim 3:5). The matters that are now addressed are all designed to get us off the “narrow” way that leads to life (Matt 7:14). They are a lure contrived to get us back into the domain from which we were delivered – like Israel being tempted to return to Egypt.


               In order to turn toward these allurements, men must “turn away their ears from the truth” (2 Tim 4:14). Earlier in his letter to Titus, Paul wrote of some who, by “giving heed to Jewish fables, and the commandments of men,” actually turn from the truth” (Tit 1:14). Peter spoke of those who were drawn aside and “again entangled” in the things from which they were once delivered, as those who turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them” (2 Pet 2:21). Whenever a person turns aside to something set before them by the wicked one, it is always at the expense of the truth. If one chooses to become involved in the things of this world, they at once forfeit their fellowship with, and direction by, Jesus Christ. This is because “no man can serve two masters” (Matt 6:24). It is not possible to become inordinately involved in temporal things, and maintain participation in eternal things. The “flesh” and the “spirit” cannot be fed simultaneously. The heart cannot be attracted to things that major on life in this world, and at the same time maintain a focus on “the world to come.”


               If men are not aware of this circumstance, you may rest assured that Satan is fully aware of it. His temptations – all of them – are designed to refocus your attention on things that do not blend with eternity. He aims to remove our attention from what fortifies the soul to what distracts it, and then induces death. If he can turn the attention of men, he can turn their hearts. If he can entice them to use their hearts and minds for the things that can be seen, they will not use them to apprehend the things that are not seen (2 Cor 4:17-18).


               The Scriptures frequently admonish believers concerning the avoidance of contaminating influences. These texts accent one of the manners through which the Tempter seeks to make inroads into our thinking and preferences. Ponder some of these exhortations. “ . . . mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them (Rom 16:17). Flee fornication” (1 Cor 6:18). Flee from idolatry” (1 Cor 10:14). “ . . . the love of money . . . flee these things” (1 Tim 6:11). Flee also youthful lusts” (2 Tim 2:22). Turn away from those with a mere form of godliness (2 Tim 3:5). Shun profane and vain babblings” (2 Tim 2:16). Avoid! Flee! Turn away! Shun! There certainly is nothing casual about such warnings. This is the language of spiritual warfare!


               Such warnings are particularly important in a religious arena, which is the point of our text. Satan is intensely active in the religious arena, seeking to exploit men by his enticements. Paul spoke of the teachers Satan employs as men who “draw away disciples” after themselves (Acts 20:30). Such teachers allow their victims to maintain “a form of godliness,” while rejecting its power (2 Tim 3:5). In regard to our text, the things to “avoid” are the things that “draw away.” Such things are not harmless, and the avoidance of them is not simply a matter of law, or right and wrong. These are matters that are calculated by the wicked one to move us away from Christ, out of the domain of truth, and into the realm where falling is inevitable. They must not be addressed on an intellectual level alone, for that is an area in which Satan flourishes.


QUESTIONS, GENEALOGIES, CONTENTIONS AND STRIVING

                3:9b But avoid . . . foolish questions, and genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law . . .”


               FOOLISH QUESTIONS. Other versions read, “foolish disputes,” NKJV “foolish controversies,” NASB stupid controversies,” NRSV “foolish debates,” CSB “foolish arguments,” NAB “foolish speculations,” NJB “foolish discussions,” NLT unanswerable questions,” LIVING and “foolish issues.” IE


               The word “foolish” means “without learning, without forethought or wisdom, useless, godless.” THAYER Something that is “foolish” is the opposite of the mind of the Lord. It is senseless in view of both the Person and Word of God. It makes no sense in the context of eternity. In view of the truth, it is “intellectually weak, irrational, or lacking in foresight.” FRIBERG


               The word “questions” means “a subject of questioning or debate, matter of controversy.” THAYER This refers to an issue with two opposing sides. Therefore, these discussions tend to become arguments. Now, there are issues that are to be argued and disputed: Justification by law or grace (Rom 4:16; 6:14; Gal 5:4), salvation through Christ or others (Acts 4:12; Col 2:10), and life centered in self versus living unto the Lord (2 Cor 5:15; Gal 2:20).


               A “foolish question” is an argumentative issue that yields no profit because it lacks Divine focus. There is no satisfactory answer that will bring glory to God. It does not reflect a spiritual mind-set, but is the direct result of an improper focus. In a letter to Timothy, Paul referred to these as “foolish and unlearned questions” that “gender strife”(2 Tim 2:23). Elsewhere Paul refers to “endless genealogies” that “give rise to mere speculation” (1 Tim 1:4).


               GENEALOGIES. Other versions read, “spiritual pedigrees.” NLT This speaks of fleshly descent or lineage. This has immediate reference to the maintenance of Jewish genealogies, which were critical under the Law – particularly for the maintenance of the priesthood (Num 3:6; Josh 21:4; Matt 1:1-18). However, now that Jesus is the “everlasting Father” (Isa 9:6), “flesh and blood” has no relevance when it comes to Divine acceptance, for it “cannot inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor 15:50).


               There are other forms of genealogical pursuits. Take what the Roman church refers to as “apostolic succession.” The office of the Pope depends upon a precise genealogical tracing back to Peter. Rather than being a flesh and blood genealogy, it is one of conferring papal power to a successor. Such efforts are altogether vain, and fall into the classification of things to avoid. And then, there is the modern religious practice of tracing bodily diseases and emotional deficiencies to, what is called, “generational curses.” This line of reasoning is used in a number of professed recovery programs.


               CONTENTIONS. Other versions read, “strife,” NASB “arguments,” NIV “dissensions,” NRSV “fights,” BBE “quarrels,” CJB “rivalries,” NAB “brawlings,” TNT and “controversial theological ideas.” LIVING The word “contentions” means “wrangling,” THAYER bickering, and persistent arguing, and includes the idea of “discord” FRIBERG and “selfish rivalry.” UBS This kind of thing was found in the Corinthian church. Paul said of it, “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Cor 3:3).


               Sectarianism especially breeds this kind of activity. In contention there is really no quest to establish the truth. Rather, the aim is to justify why this position or that position is taken. There are regular contentions concerning such things as the name of the church, the role of woman, the place of instrumental music, the necessity of baptism, various views of the second coming of Christ, the tribulation, the millennium, etc. These arguments are never settled, for they are not discussed for the purpose of settling them. It is not that there is no answer to them. Rather, whatever is said on them in Scripture is not adequate for those who insist on contending about them.


               There is such a thing as valid disputation. Stephen disputed with certain of the synagogue of the Libertines (Acts 6:9). Paul “disputed against the Grecians” (Acts 9:29). Paul and Barnabas “disputed” with those demanding that circumcision was necessary if one was to be saved (Acts 15:2). Paul also disputed in the synagogue and marketplace of Athens (Acts 17:17), and in Ephesus (Acts 19:8-9). However, these were not “contentions” as mentioned in this text. On such occasions, the truth was powerfully affirmed, as compared with engaging in an effort to prove who was right.


               STRIVING ABOUT THE LAW. Other versions read “quarreling over the Law,” RSV fights about Moses teaching,” GWN and “obedience to Jewish laws.” LIVING In the early days, this referred to striving about circumcision, the distinction of meats, the observance of holy days, new moons, and sabbath days (Acts 15:1; Col 2:16). In our time, other dissensions about the Law have arisen. They include the teaching that the promises of prosperity mentioned under the Law are for believers to day. In recent years there has also been a revival of observing the three Jewish feast days, The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and The Feast of Tabernacles (Deut. 16:16). One major Christian denomination still strives about the observance of the Sabbath day. Our text speaks of unending striving.


THEY ARE UNPROFITABLE AND VAIN

               3:9c “ . . . for they are unprofitable and vain.” Other versions read, “unprofitable and useless,” NKJV “unprofitable and worthless,” NASB “unprofitable and futile,” RSV “of no profit and foolish,” BBE “worthless and futile,” CJB “useless and empty,” NET “useless and a waste of time,” NLT “unprofitable and superfluous,” TNT “isn’t worthwhile; it only causes harm,” LIVING and “useless and without purpose.” IE


               UNPROFITABLE. As used in this text, this word means, “useless,” THAYER “harmful,” USB not offering any special benefit, without advantage.” LOUW-NIDA The book of Job speaks of “unprofitable talk” (Job 15:3). Jesus spoke of an “unprofitable servant” (Matt 25:30). Paul wrote of fallen humanity as “together” becoming “unprofitable” (Rom 3:12).


               Being “unprofitable” speaks of a person or activity that brings no lasting benefit. In our text, the activities are “foolish questions, genealogies, contentions, and striving about the Law.” These are things that can bring no benefit to those engaged in them. That is, the people will not be the better for their involvement. These deeds will not make their faith stronger. They will not cause them to abound in hope. They will not minister confidence or assurance, or assist in conforming the individual to the image of Christ. In this way, they are the opposite of edification, which strengthens, solidifies, and makes the person more stable and consistent in the faith.


               A religion that thrives on controversy cannot be profitable. All of the speaking associated with them (and they all have to do with speaking) is accurately said to be “to no profit” (2 Tim 2:14). If all things are to “be done unto edification” (1 Cor 14:26), then something that is “unprofitable” actually fights against that requirement. If God’s intention is to conform us to the image of His Son (Rom 8:29), then what can really be said about something that is “unprofitable?” If the Holy Spirit, according to the purpose of God, is changing us from one increasing stage of glory to another (2 Cor 3:19), then how must we regard something that is “unprofitable?” If it is true that Jesus has given gifts to the church to ensure that we “grow up into Him in all, things” (Eph 4:11-15), then how should we view things that are “unprofitable?”


               Who would dare to attempt an enumeration of things being done in and by the professed church that are, in heaven’s view, “unprofitable?” In this text, the fact of unprofitability is the very reason for avoiding the activities of reference.


               VAIN. This word means, “devoid of force and truth . . . useless, to no purpose,” THAYER and “lacking in content.” LOUW-NIDA This is why the activities of reference are unprofitable: they lack the power and truth that are required to make them profitable. They are like a balloon filled with nothing more than hot air. They may be flown under the banner of profitability, assistance, understanding, and advantage, but that is all a deceptive lie. They have all been rendered impotent because they are not provided in the Divine arsenal. Their purported value is only in the eyes of men, and thus they cannot be used for God’s appointed purpose. To allow such interests to consume our time is like a car being stuck in a mud-hole, yet the motor is racing and the tires are spinning. It all amounts to vanity.


               HARM. The word “unprofitable” also includes the meaning of being “harmful.” FRIBERG/UBS hurtful,” LIDDELL-SCOTT/GINGRICH On this matter, we are not confined to the lexicographers. This is taught in apostolic doctrine. Paul said that indulging in “foolish and unlearned questions” would “gender strife,” which is a work of the flesh (2 Tim 2:23; Gal 5:20). He taught that giving heed “to fables and endless genealogies” would “minister questions,” not provide answers (1 Tim 1:4). He also taught that striving about words was to “no profit,” and would be to “the subverting of the hearers,” or “the ruin of the hearers” NKJV (2 Tim 2:14). Add to that the fact that “profane and vain babblings” are said to “increase to more ungodliness” (2 Tim 2:16). There are even words that “will eat as a canker,” or “spread like cancer,” consuming the hearers rather than building them up (2 Tim 2:17).


               The person who chooses to spend their time in such vain discussions is described most vividly, also mandating a proper response to them. “He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself” (1 Tim 6:4-5). Behold the harvest of such involvements! Envy [ill-will], strife [variance], railings [blasphemy], evil surmising [wicked suspicions], and perverse disputing [constant friction and meddling]. Perceive the nature of those choosing to do such things. They are proud [high-minded], they know nothing [ignorant], they dote [harping on], have corrupt minds [rotten thinking], and are destitute of the truth [uttering lacking of, and engaging in the hindrance of truth].


               Wherever there is spiritual decline, or a falling away, there has been extended involvement in the actions described in this text. Rather than avoiding these matters, as we are pointedly admonished to do, the people dabbled in them. However, when they did, they mandated a harvest of unrighteousness, and the forfeiture of the promises of God as well. Even though this passage is characterized by both power and clarity, it appears that it is being largely ignored by the professing church. Let not man yield to such distractions!