Titus 3:8-11 - The Believer's Commitment to Right Teaching

1. “[I]t is a trustworthy statement”— that is, the Gospel of Jesus Christ (see 3:3-8) is a message that can be relied upon and believed, for it is true.
2. “[I]nsist on these things”— to insist is a compound word in the original which means to “constantly establish”— “constantly” because the Gospel of Jesus Christ remains the same. It is permanent. Therefore, be steadfast and faithful in proclaiming the truth!
3. “[S]o that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works”— the devotion to good works is the RESULT of being saved (NOT for obtaining salvation, for salvation is by grace). The good works referred to here is not the “occasional” performance of a good deed, but the good works that characterize a godly life as a result of having been saved by God through Christ. It is a life that proclaims, in word and deed, the Gospel.
4. “These things are excellent and profitable for people”— that is, people benefit from the steadfast, faithful proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
5. “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless”— Timothy was similarly exhorted by the apostle Paul to NOT teach any different doctrine or to NOT have anything to do with debates that breed quarrels (See 1 Tim.1:3-4, 2 Tim. 2:23-26).
6. “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice (cf. Matthew 18:15-20), have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned”— speaks of having nothing to do with one who proclaims another gospel, a message that is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. See Gal. 1:6-9.

In summary: “Right and proper application of biblical truth produces right living”— that is, the genuine believer clings to biblical truth that results in a godly life that steadfastly and faithfully proclaims the Gospel Message of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Remember Christ’s spoken words in Matthew 5:13-16:

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.”

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”