The Ambassador Must Not Be Misled

Titus 3:8-11

Prior to the out break of World War II, both Germany and Japan had given assurances to English and American ambassadors that their buildup of troops was strictly a result of fear of attack by their neighbors were not for the purpose of invasion. At least two ambassadors were misled and assured English and American leaders that we had nothing to fear. In fact, they encouraged both England and America to assist Germany in her efforts to end the depression.

When Germany began to invade her neighbors, both England and America were caught off guard. The Blitzkrieg disrupted and neutralized opposition in most of Europe, and Germany was able to establish a strong military bases along the English Channel, within easy striking distance of London. They began to bomb England in preparation for invasion. Fortunately Churchill led England to begin to prepare against the advice of the diplomats, and when attacks began on England, they were able to prevent immediate invasion. The bombing of Pearl Harbor convinced America they could no longer remain neutral.

Since World War II, we have insisted that diplomatic efforts not ignore provocative activities. We cannot afford to just give free rein to those who wish to destroy us. While the ambassador is to try to promote peace, he is responsible for seeing we are protected.

As ambassadors for Christ, Christians must understand their responsibility to represent Christ as a loving and good Savior. Their actions will influence the attitude of the unsaved toward Christ. If Christians cannot get along with each other, or can’t be trusted to do good, it would be wise to not associate with them. James makes it clear that our actions demonstrate the reality of our faith in Christ. Several examples are given including the following.

“If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.” (James 2:15-18)

Every believer ought to be doing good actions, and Titus is responsible for teaching them to do so.

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” (Titus 3:8)

The ambassadors of Christ must also recognize that he is responsible for preventing attacks on the faith of others. Sometimes the job is identifying enmity and deceit to avoid harm to one‘s own position.

“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.“ (Titus 3:9)

Just as Germany used fears of Russian attack to distract from their plans to conquer their neighbors, Satan will often use other issues to distract us from his attack on our faith. To avoid distraction, it will be necessary not to get caught up in these issues. One of the things to be avoided is foolish questions, of which the classic example is that of how many angels can dance on the head of a pin, which was debated for many years. The answer is irrelevant, since it contributes nothing to spiritual or physical life. Discussions about whether the locusts mentioned in Revelation 9:3 is describing attack helicopters appeal to vanity, but provide no useful benefit. They are a waste of time.

A person’s family history has little to do with his relationship to God. Eli was The High Priest, and could trace his family tree al the way back to Adam. It didn’t prevent his sons being described as sons of Belial or Satan in I Samuel 2:12. Each person chooses for himself. A family background is irrelevant to ones faith. The discussion focuses attention away from more important matters.

Contentions, or arguments are another ongoing distraction that prevent us seeing Satanic attacks on us and the church. These arguments can range from which version of the Bible to use, to how missionaries are to be supported, to what color the auditorium should be painted. I Corinthians 3:3 makes it clear these contentions are the result of a lack of spiritual development. “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?”

Like each of the others, strivings about the law, or doctrinal issues can distract from seeing what is really going on. They can also become a means of spiritual destruction. Legalism is discussed in several of Paul’s writings, especially Galatians, and appeared in Acts 15. It is still prevalent. Calvinism has been around for three hundred years. They are just two of many such issues, but they have destroyed the faith of thousands. We are to avoid such things “for they are unprofitable and vain.”(Titus 3:9b). They appeal to our pride, but detract from spiritual growth.

Some insist on teaching and believing unscriptural doctrine, even after being shown what the Bible teaches. In such case. Paul instructs, “A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself,” (Titus 3:10-11).

Heresy results from improper understanding of the scripture and from accepting other teachings as having similar impact. Paul instructed Timothy to “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness,” In II Timothy 2:15-16.

Other teachings are not needed to understand what God desires. II Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” All of the scripture is applicable and relevant, and includes everything that is needed to fully please God.

II Peter 1:20-21 makes it clear that interpretation of scripture cannot be based on man’s opinion of what it says, but on God’s. This requires comparing God’s statements in other passages to be sure our interpretation is correct. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,” (II Peter 1:20-21).

A man who persists in holding false doctrine has refused to find out what God says. He “is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself,” according to Titus 3:11. There is no room for ‘agreeing to disagree.’ Romans 16:17-18 begs, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Continued association can only result in confusion for weaker Christians.

While I was in Bible college, the issue of Calvinism showed up. The administration forbid discussing the issue, because supporting pastors were divided over the issue. My roommate dropped out of college, and later turned away from the Lord as a result of confusion over the issue. I failed to help him because I didn’t want to get in trouble and let it go. It is not God’s will for such divisions to exist among us. I Corinthians 1:10 expresses God’s intent. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” As I Corinthians 14:33 states, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”