Notes: Titus 1:13

This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, (Titus 1:13)

Paul here affirms the statement made that “all Cretans are liars”.  Some may find it odd that a, then, contemporary writer is being quoted in scripture.   Whether we like it or not, culture influences how we relate to those around us.  This isn’t the only time that Paul references contemporary culture.  At Mars Hill he mentions the display for the “unknown god” and then begins his sermon, explaining to them who that “god” is.

The primary response to false teaching is not the removal of the party.  We are to reprove them, correct them, strongly.  Why? So that the individual in question will have a firmer, a stronger, understanding of the faith.

Reconciliation is the desired outcome of church discipline. (Matthew 18).  It is only after it is determined that reconciliation is not possible, that we look at removing a member from fellowship.

Tags: culture, discipline