The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Titus 3:8-11, “This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,
11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.”

Paul’s insistence that his statement is “trustworthy,” reminds us of a person on trial, arguing for the validity of his own testimony. He insists that Titus, to whom he is writing, should be equally confident of what is truthful. The proof of Paul’s truthfulness lies in his relationship with Almighty God. That’s why we believe our pastors. Now, it is for others, who “have believed” in God, to go forward and engage in things that are right.

The profit in following Paul’s direction is inevitable; for when we trust fully in the LORD, and believe His Word, we can rest comfortably on His promise that He will bring it all to pass, just as He said.

At the same time, we are to avoid “controversies (debates, speculations) and genealogies (emphasees on ancestral lineage) and strife (quarrels, conflicts) and disputes (outright fights) concerning the Law that God has ordained for us.

Finally, outrightly reject those who cause division, especially after they have been warned. Nothing good comes from simply feuding. Those who just want to argue are perverted (???????? ekstrepho, literally, “turned inside out”). Such is patently sinful, and those who engage in it are sinning against God.

Things done correctly are always good and profitable. We all need to remember this both inside and outside of the church. Pray for your pastors. Listen carefully to the Scriptural instruction. Trust the LORD for them as you trust Him for yourself. He never fails!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom