“But avoid foolish controversies…”

Quote Source – The Bible

A Biblical Christian worldview perspective –

Sadly, Christians can be extremely dogmatic on the finer points of theology which can result in isolation between churches, much less Biblical Christian denominations. Paul, in his instructions to Titus, was trying to provide criteria for the strengthening of the leadership within the church in Crete, and to root out those who were undermining it from within.

From MacArthur’s commentary … “Paul again warns against becoming embroiled in senseless discussions with the many false teachers on Crete (see 1:10 14–16), especially the Judaizers who contended that a Christian must be obedient to “the [Mosaic] law,” a view that assaulted the doctrine of justification by grace through faith alone and, contrary to holy living, which was good and profitable, was “unprofitable and worthless.” Proclaiming the truth, not arguing error, is the biblical way to evangelize.”

Titus 3:10 – As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him.

“Foolish Controversies”

Contemporary to Paul – The challenge was to correct those who taught that one must follow the Mosaic law of works rather than recognizing that God provided the only way of salvation through His grace … to believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.

Today – We need to keep the main thing the main thing. Hold to essential and core doctrine, which all Biblical Christians can agree with, while still showing grace to those who disagree on non-core Christian theology.

James 3:8 – But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

POSTSCRIPT: Great verses on this subject offered from a reader…. and in non-core issues, it is not about Christian maturity, it is more about human interpretation of an omniscient God.

Romans 14:1-4 – As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.