What to Do with a Heretic Titus 3:10 - Equipped for Battle

We have been studying the book of Titus together for some time now and have realized the importance of church members following sound doctrine. Proper behaviors and attitudes within a church help to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ rather than deter from it. After being warned of the vanity and unprofitableness of answering foolish questions, genealogies, contentions and strivings about the law, Paul the apostle exhorts Titus about what to do with someone who is causing schisms and following heretical doctrine. Paul writes in chapter three and verse ten:

A man that is a heretic after the first and second admonition reject;

Paul directs Titus' attention toward “a man that is a heretic.” This refers to a person who causes schisms and divisions within the church. They are doubters, naysayers and the like, and their presence among believers is damaging. They cause factions and when people are learning sound doctrine, they sow in lies and pernicious teachings. Titus is not to ignore them, but rather pay them particular attention.

Paul continues, “after the first and second admonition reject.” Notice first that Titus is to warn these heretics. He is not to pretend they are absent, but when he is notified of their presence, he is to address them. Also look at the fact that he is to give them a couple chances: “first and second admonition.” If they fail to adhere with one warning, another should be employed. Sometimes those who have derelict behaviors and attitudes who cause division must be confronted to stop their behavior. If once doesn't stop it, Titus is to engage them again.

Finally Paul exhorts Titus to “reject” them if they will not listen and obey the first and second admonition. This may seem harsh upon first glance, but we must remember that Titus is to be the overseer of the church members in Crete. Titus is like a shepherd to the flock that is in the church located in Crete, and if ravening wolves enter in among the sheep, Titus is to ward them off. Those who will not believe the gospel and desire to stay in a fellowship will only cause divisions, strifes, wrangling and separations within the body of Christ that is there. Titus is to guard against this.

Have we ever encountered a “heretic”? What have we done about him or her? Could we wage the battle against them if we knew their behavior and attitudes were going to affect the others within our church? As students of the scriptures we must be able to discern confused individuals with wrong and heretical doctrines who are only in our fellowships to promote their own ideas. Paul instructed Titus in this manner, and if we are listening we will hear him as well.

Next time we will discover why the heretic is the way that he or she is, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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