Avoid Foolish Arguments

Titus 3:8–11 NET

8 This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths, so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. These things are good and beneficial for all people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the law, because they are useless and empty. 10 Reject a divisive person after one or two warnings. 11 You know that such a person is twisted by sin and is conscious of it himself.

Immediate Takeaways

Not every disagreement deserves a debate

And not every debate is worth having

The problem isn't disagreement

It's allowing foolish controversies to distract us from our God-given mission

Don't waste all your time arguing about things that don't actually produce godliness.

1. Devote Yourself to Good Works (v.8)

Notice the contrast.

Paul doesn't merely say what to avoid.

He first says what to pursue.

People who are busy serving don't have nearly as much time for pointless arguments.

2. Avoid Foolish Controversies (v.9)

This raises several questions.

What makes something "foolish"?

Not because it's difficult.

Not because it's controversial.

But because it is:

Unprofitable

Worthless

Doesn't build people up

Doesn't advance the gospel

Doesn't produce godliness

3. Deal With Divisive People (vv.10-11)

The problem isn't simply having an incorrect opinion.

It's becoming a divisive person.

Paul is concerned with someone's disposition.

Some people can discuss difficult topics with humility.

Others create conflict wherever they go.

Modern Examples

You could carefully distinguish between issues that matter and issues that become unhealthy obsessions.

Examples:

Endless end-times speculation

Genealogies and speculative theories

Internet conspiracy theories mixed with Christianity

Arguing over every translation preference

Social media theological fights

Becoming known more for what we're against than for Christ

Debates that produce more heat than light

Are there subjects we've spent hundreds of hours debating that have produced very little love, evangelism, or spiritual maturity?

Discussion Questions

Why are some people drawn to controversy?

How can we tell whether a discussion is helping people grow?

Is every doctrinal disagreement worth dividing over?

How do we know when it's time to stop debating?

Have you ever won an argument but lost a relationship?

What topics are Christians most tempted to obsess over today?

An Important Balance

Paul is not saying:

Doctrine doesn't matter.

Truth isn't important.

Never confront error.

Unity is more important than truth.

Paul wrote entire letters correcting false teaching!

Some discussions are necessary because they protect the gospel

While others are fruitless because they distract from it.

A Closing Challenge

Imagine if someone followed you around for a month.

What would they conclude matters most to you as a Christian?

Would they say:

He loves Jesus.

He serves people.

He shares the gospel.

He's full of grace.'

Or would they say:

He always has something to argue about.'

Paul wanted Titus to build churches known for good works

Not endless controversies.

The command to avoid foolish controversies…

Is immediately preceded by the call to insist on the gospel so that believers devote themselves to good works.

In other words, Paul doesn't just tell us what to avoid

He redirects our attention to something far more fruitful.

Churches don't become healthier merely by arguing less

They become healthier by spending more time doing the things that actually advance God's kingdom.