Full Of False Teaching

For the last three weeks of September, we’ll be discussing one of the few three-chapter books in the Bible: Titus. A classic epistle of Paul that is easy to gloss over, but after deeper study, is extremely relevant to our society today.

In Titus, Paul is writing to his friend named… Titus. Big surprise there. Paul had recently completed a journey to Crete, resulting in several new churches being planted. In order to ensure these churches developed properly, Paul left Titus in Crete, a common practice in his missionary work. However, false teaching became a big issue for Christians in Crete.

In Titus 1, Paul first addresses the occasion for writing - a need for proper leadership - then notes the problem - false teachers. Paul compares and contrasts a list of characteristics of what church leaders should be like, compared to the realities of leadership in Crete.

5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you… Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless… he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 10 For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception… 11 They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain… Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith… 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

- Titus 1:5, 7-11,13,16

Wow! Paul doesn’t mince words. He calls out the exact characteristics that are problematic and gives a clear indication of what a leader should be. Hypocrisy doesn’t fit into the kind of Christianity Paul teaches. False teachers that have behavior that contradicts the truth of their faith pose a huge threat to the church.

It’s easy to read these historical letters and simply tag along with Paul’s correction, “Yeah, those false teachers were the worst!” and then move along with our day, not realizing that with the finger we just pointed there are four pointing back at us. Yes, Paul was writing to an audience different from us. But, as Pastor Jared always says, their story is our story.

I don’t know the ins and outs of false teaching during that time. But I’m brave enough to make a claim that I bet the false teaching of 2022 is even worse. Whether it’s the rapid secularization of society and culture, the deep hypocrisy of Christians and church leaders alike, or even our own personal rebellion towards God in the midst of claiming to know him - we are rampant with deception and disruption.

Paul’s words are a sobering reminder to reflect on our own behavior and beliefs. Paul’s words are an urgent prompting to call out those we have relationships with that claim to know Christ but are living in rebellion against God.

Paul’s words aren’t to make us feel ashamed and as if we need to strive for perfection. Paul’s words aren’t intended to turn us into the classic “judgmental” Christian who hates anyone who isn’t living like them. No, not at all, Paul says, “rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith.” The goal isn’t to hurt or punish. Rebuking is actually for the GOOD of us. We are lovingly corrected so that we may be sound in the faith and bear all of the fruit that comes with that.

So today, don’t wallow in shame or call up your friend and tell them how terrible they are. Instead, invite the Lord to open up your eyes to your own sin. Take some time to repent. Invite the Spirit to pour His grace over you. And maybe spend some time praying for fellow believers that are wandering. Maybe text the friend who you know is in a sin struggle and offer to chat or pray in person.

We are called to speak the truth in love, both to ourselves and to those around us. Go boldly, go lovingly, and go in peace.

Cristina Schmitter

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