CONTENTIONS ARE BEST AVOIDED

“But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.”—Titus 3:9

 

In today’s cultural climate, the Church is being urged to accept the false teaching of tolerance and acceptance.  Just as in Titus day so is it in our day, false teachers are in the Body of Christ disputing the fact of absolute truth.  False teachers say that there are many ways to God; however, Scripture clearly teaches us that Jesus is the only way to God, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6). 

 

The Holy Scriptures affirm that God exists.  He spoke the universe into existence.  He has revealed Himself in the written words of Scripture and supremely in the person of Jesus Christ, who is God in human flesh.  God is true whether you or I believe in Him or not and whether we like who He is or not.  You can make up a god who is all love, who never judges anyone, but such a god is not the God who has revealed Himself in the Scriptures.  You can make-up a God who lets everyone into heaven, no matter what the person believers, but that god is not the God found in the Scriptures.  If you believe in this tolerant god, then you have rejected Jesus Christ, who taught something very exclusive and narrow—absolute truth.

 

When the Apostle Paul was writing his letter to Titus, he was instructing him to set things in order, to ordain elders, he set forth the qualities of a sound church, and how to deal with those causing conflict in the church.  “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.  Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:8-9).  Among the four things that Paul listed to avoid was contentions.

 

Contentions are the same as strife.  Strife in the original language means contention, wrangling or quarrels.  It refers to engagement in rivalry, especially with reference to positions taken in a matter, such a belief in the meaning of a genealogy.  Strife is a general term that carries the ideas of all kinds of self-centered rivalry and contentiousness about the truth.  Strife is an expression of enmity with bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension.  It refers to persistent contention, bickering, petty disagreement, and enmity.  It reflects a spirit of hostile competitiveness that fights to have its own way, regardless of cost to itself or of harm to others.  It is produced by a deep desire to prevail over others, to gain the highest prestige, prominence, and recognition possible.  Strife is characterized by self-indulgence and selfishness.  It has no place even for simple tolerance, much less for humility or love.

 

Paul told Titus to Avoid contention.  The word “avoid” means to keep away from somebody or something.   Paul was telling Titus to, “Turn yourself about so that you will avoid these things.”  “Continually place yourself at a distance from these and stand aloof from them.”  This command is specifically given to Titus but obviously applies to believers because no one is completely exempt from the corruptive influence of falsehood.   

 

Many times parents will tell children to walk away from a fight.  We as believers can do the same thing with contentions.  We may be exposed to false teaching and doctrines, but we have a way of limiting our exposure—avoidance.

 

Charles Spurgeon said of the believer, “Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the apostle’s precept [Titus 3:8] to be careful to maintain good works, we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings”.

 

Prayer—Father I ask You to forgive me for the times that I engage in foolish disputes, contentions, and endless explaining.  I ask You to help me turn my back to avoid these false disputes and to engage in good works that will bring glory to Your name and expand Your kingdom, in Jesus Name. Amen.