Titius 3:9-11 (Day 8)

3:9 - If sound teaching is profitable for everyone, foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the Law . . . are unprofitable and useless. This is a repeated theme in the Pastorals - Titus was to avoid (lit. "Turn away from") such things.
I'm going to have to remember verse 9 when I want to get all up in someone's grill and tell them what's what ; ) Seriously though, I've done this SO MANY TIMES. I couldn't even count. Sunday school was so boring for me I would love to argue with the teacher -- which wasn't hard, the man's idea of how to live out proper theology was warped-- Jesus help me to to "Turn away from" such things.

3:10-11 - The people who advocate for these useless things and thereby exerting a dividing and destroying influence over the church, Paul's instructions were direct and specific. He was to give them two warnings and if that didn't work, he was to have nothing to do with them.
-Paul's thought here is similar to the Lord's instructions when He taught that after giving and offender 3 changes to repent he is then to be cut off.

• Matt 18:15-17  - When a brother sins against a brother - the two of them should discuss the matter in private (Unless you know you clearly did something wrong, it's the person who's been OFFENDED that supposed to bring it to your attention. Don't stress out over mind games - if they have a problem, they need to let you know.) Then bring in 2-3 witnesses for a clear testimony. If that doesn't work, the situation should be brought before THE ENTIRE CHURCH. If he still refuses to acknowledge his sin, he is to be treated as an outsider.
• 2 Thes. 3:14-15 - Special treatment for the idle  . . . the faithful where not to have social contact with them until they repented. This would make the offender feel ashamed so that he would repent. The goal is repentance, not division. However, he is to be treated as a brother, not any enemy. It's not about cutting off all contact, it's about stopping social conduct and connections. It's important to not view this person as an antagonist against yourself and the church, but to wait patiently to admonish him to forsake the error of his ways.

Jesus, also help me deal with people in the best possible way. Help me to make Your standards better and see what the best way to go about this is. What I should I do in the case of (___)? Gosh, it seems so mean, help me to see it from Your point of view. Help me to listen for the Spirit and follow the Scriptures. *Sigh* I don't like this part . . .