Quash the Opposition
28 September 2014 PM – Titus 1:10-16 – Tit 14 – Scott Childs
Introduction: The devil will use every means possible to oppose Bible doctrine and the work of God. We find an example of this in Acts 20:28-31.
Transition: Paul told Titus that he must appoint elders who would be able to quash three kinds of opposition. We must learn to quash them as well.
1. Rebellious Opposition (v.10-11)
a. The rebellious opposition described (v.10)
1) They are unruly. This word speaks of rebellion, one who will not submit, one who is disobedient. They do not want to follow leadership.
2) They are vain talkers. They are talkers who say empty or senseless things. Their arguments are based on feelings not on Scripture.
3) They are deceivers. They seek to deceive the minds of others. They entice others to do wrong. They seek to rally support for their position against leadership.
Rebellious opposition is dangerous. Not only do these rebels refuse to submit to leadership but they spread their gossip and campaign for support.
b. The rebellious opposition quashed (v.11)
1) By their tongues they teach things they ought not and subvert (overturn) the faith of whole houses (households, families). Like rabbits, they dig holes under the foundation and cause the house to shift.
2) They do this for filthy lucre’s sake (for the sake of shameful gain). This gain is not necessarily financial. In fact, it is more likely selfish, prideful gain.
(Proverbs 6:16-19) “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
3) Paul said, Titus, it is necessary to stop their mouths. Those who are spiritual must muzzle the mouths of these rebels and bridle their tongues. Confront them with their evil ways.
(Matthew 18:15-17) “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”
4) Rebellious opposition undermines the foundation of our faith. It must be stopped.
(2 Thessalonians 3:14) “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.”
2. Rogue Opposition (v.12-13)
Rogue means abnormal or unreliable.
a. These opposers had rogue character
Paul, quoting from one of their prophets said:
1) They were always liars. You could never trust what they said. They lied continually.
2) They were always evil beasts. They were bad-natured wild animals in their character. They were ill tempered. You could never trust their actions. They may attack viciously without warning.
3) They were always slow bellies. This means that they were lazy gluttons. Being idle, they were unreliable and undependable.
4) Paul confirmed that he had observed these statements to be true of many in Crete (v.13). People with rogue character oppose God’s work in less obvious ways. Their bad character harms and hinders the work of a local church.
b. Rogue opposers must be rebuked
1) The word translated “rebuke” means to convict, refute, expose, find fault with, chide, correct, admonish, and even to punish. Thayer
2) To ignore a person who is a liar, ill-tempered, and lazy is to allow him to continue down a self-destructive road. The loving and helpful thing to do is to confront him with his need for change. God said we must rebuke them sharply.
(Galatians 6:1) “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
3) As will all rebuke, the goal is not just punishment but restoration – that they may be sound in the faith. The word “sound” means healthy. With God’s help and godly encouragement, Christians who are liars, ill tempered, and lazy can become healthy Christians.
If you see any of them in your life, or if others see them in you, beg God to change your character.
3. Religious Opposition (v.14-16)
a. Religion opposes Bible Christianity
1) Jewish fables are the stories, inventions, or rules that the Jews added to God’s law. He also called them the commandments of men. The Pharisees had a long list of laws not found in the Bible. On one occasion, they accused the disciples of eating with unwashed hands.
(Mark 7:5) “Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?”
2) In a similar way the Jews added “works” to the Gospel, changing it into another gospel. To this Paul said,
(Galatians 1:8) “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
3) Unto the pure (true Christians) all things are pure. Christians are not defiled by eating with unwashed hands or by not keeping the Sabbath or by eating pork.
4) BUT unto the defiled unbeliever, nothing is pure – he can do nothing that pleases the Lord because his mind and conscience has never been washed in the blood of Christ.
b. The actions of the religious opposers speak louder than their words
1) Many religious people then and today profess to know God. They claim to be Christians.
2) However, their works deny their claims.
a) Their works are abominable (detestable, offensive to God).
b) Their works are disobedient (not compliant, stubborn).
c) Their works are reprobate (unapproved, not passing God’s test).
3) Jesus spoke of such people
(Matthew 7:21-23 )“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
4) Because of the danger of self-deception, God urges us to examine ourselves.
(2 Corinthians 13:5) “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”
Conclusion: All opposition within a local church whether it is rebellious, rogue, or religious is harmful to the health of the church and must be quashed. If you see any of these characteristics, please do not ignore them.
Song: The Fight is on 404