Overcoming False Teaching

In the last few posts we have looked at the problem Paul pointed out in Titus 1:10-11.  “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.”  Iyt was such a problem in Paul’s day that he found it necessary to leave Titus in Crete to try to correct some of the false doctrines, according to Titus 1:5.  “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.”

The problems with false teachers was especially obvious on Crete because their culture encouraged certain attitudes the false teachers could play on, as Paul states in Titus 1:12.  “One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.”  In modern America, such a comment is considered racist, but in fact is is just statement of fact.  The problems were not caused by their race, but by the culture they had developed.  Since lying, slothfulness, and violence were accepted in their culture, the people of Crete saw no reason to change. 

A racist attitude assumes that because some people from a particular race have a certain attitude everyone from that race has it and are incapable of changing.  Ro example, because some Native Americans become drunks, a racist assumes they all are drunks.  Because some black people use drugs and steal to get them, a racist assumes all black people are thieves and drug addicts.  Because some white people are racist, racists from other cultures assume all white people are racist. 

Paul recognized that the problem was not a result of their race, but of the culture they had developed.   The problems resulting from their culture could be overcome by taking the time to teach a godly attitude and lifestyle.  The first step would be to make them understand their traditional attitudes and beliefs were not acceptable for Christians, as Titus 1:13-14 points out.  “This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.”   Too often the church has simply tried to get people to exchange one set of traditions for another.   Changing to follow Jewish culture instead of Cretian culture would only cause other problems and drive them farther from the truth. 

People with a proper attitude toward God, do not struggle with whether what they are doing is right, as Titus 1:15 tells us.  “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”  Those who do not have that proper attitude toward God are constantly concerned about having done something wrong, pecause ther very standard of right and wrong is messed up.  Their religious activities demonstrate their lack of spiritual understanding, as Titus 1:16 says.  “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” 

Realizing the problem, many times people begin to attack the false teachings or unacceptable practices.  This approach frequently fails because, as one of Louis LaMour’s characters says, after hearing all the preaching about how bad sin was, he decided to try it to find out why people didn’t quit if it was so bad.  It is impossible to guess how many have been driven into things that were not right by the attacks on them.  Instead of attacking the false teachings, Paul says we need to focus on the things that are right, in Titus 2.   

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.  Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.  In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,  Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.  

Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” (Titus 2:1-15)