Titus 3:9-11

They say experience is the best teacher; sometimes they are wrong. We do not have to experience everything in order to be able to learn. We can learn from the experiences of others.

Paul had a lot of experience as a church leader, and as a preacher. Paul had learned from his experiences, and that meant Titus did not have to, because Paul shared his knowledge with him. His advice to Titus meant Titus could make decisions without having to learn things the hard way. The advice Paul gave Titus, is still good advice today, but we must remember that it is advice for people in church leadership, not for everyone in the congregation.

Paul had experienced the way people looked to ministers for answers. He had discovered that two people could ask the same identical question, and one would be sincerely seeking truth and knowledge, and the other would be seeking to push their own agenda and personal beliefs. When he encountered a question that involved issues of controversy and that could lead to arguments, and quarrels about the law, he would respond with the truth. He would explain why the issue was not one that Christians ought to be pursuing. If the person was asking in a sincere manner, they would accept Paul’s answer and move on to issues of the Christian life that were more essential to righteous living and served a meaningful purpose. However, some people would not accept Paul’s correction, and would continue being combative and argumentative about foolish and controversial issues. Paul told Titus that such people were warped and sinful and were condemning themselves. He told Titus to have nothing more to do with such a person. A minister should leave anyone who has demonstrated they have no interest in learning or doing good in God’s hands.

The work of a minister is important, and time is too precious to waste. Wise ministers work in the fertile fields, ripe for harvest. They don’t waste their effort in the briar patch.