Timothy and Titus were official representatives of the apostle Paul whom he dispatched to various bodies of Christ at Ephesus and Crete. Once there, they functioned in an official capacity to deal with special situations and meet special needs. During the interim from the time of the apostles to the transition to elders and deacons, these men were sent by Paul as his apostolic representatives to repel and deal with certain conditions and people who were threatening to hurt the work and ministries of these Christian communities.

All in all, in their content, these books are pastoral in nature and give directions for the care, conduct, order, ministry, and administration of assemblies of believers. This is true whether they deal with personal matters or the corporate ministry of the Earthly Body Of Christ.

In this regard there is an important observation that might be made. Of Paul’s thirteen letters, these were the very last books he wrote. What is so significant about that? Since these books deal with the order, ministry, and organization of the Earthly Body Of Christ, why were they not first? If you or I were doing this (especially today) we would probably first work to get the organization in good administrative order and then worry about the doctrine.

The Earthly Body Of Christ is a spiritual body, an organism. Organization and order is a necessary ingredient, but not foremost. Each believer is a member with special functions and tasks to carry out, but the primary need so essential to functioning as God has designed the Earthly Body Of Christ is right theology (teaching) and understanding of the Word, along with its personal application for Christ-like living. This provides us with the spiritual and moral foundation and motivation on which we base our methods, strategy, and administration. So, while our methods will often vary, they must never contradict the moral or spiritual principles of the Word of God which are in accord with godliness (see Tit. 1:1). Today, as faithful guardians of the gospel as taught by the apostles we--the Earthly Body Of Christ need to courageously take to heart the principles taught by Paul and contend for the faith.

True spiritual growth of a Earthly Body Of Christ must be based on (1) right teaching—on teaching that is based on rightly handling the Word, i.e. God’s objective truth and (2) on the selection and function of those people who are qualified and spiritually right with God, and open to correction when necessary. When we try to run an organization based on personal ambitions, tradition or background, we end up with an organization that is not only not biblical, but which will lack the spiritual fervor and capacity to function as God intends.

These books, then, deal with matters of order within the Earthly Body Of Christ not addressed before this, but before God gave the Earthly Body Of Christ directions for organization (or order as specific as those we find in the pastorals) He gave us Romans, and I and II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. Is this because organization is unimportant? No! It is because organization and administration are not primary. They are secondary. Further, it is because sound teaching and spirituality are what ultimately produce ministries that are effective according to God’s standards and that manifest the spirit and character of Christ in ministry and outreach.

Several purposes are seen in this epistle. Paul wrote:

Concerning the historical background for this letter. Paul and Titus had previously visited the Island of Crete and had not only preached the gospel, but had evidently been successful in establishing house fellowships in the various cities. Naturally, the Christians there needed biblical mentoring in the faith as babes in Christ, so Paul, being compelled to ministry elsewhere, left Titus to accomplish this vital task. All Christians need to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus (II Pet. 3:18), but it was especially needed because of the moral conditions that formed the background of these Cretan believers.

In keeping with the purpose of Paul’s own ministry as a bondslave and an apostle, he immediately took up the primary mission he had for Titus. As his representative and fellow bondslave, Titus was to continue the work of preaching the Word in order to promote the faith of God’s chosen ones and their knowledge of the truth.

While the fellowships in Crete were deficient in a number of areas, the next statement, “and to appoint elders in every town, as I directed you,” describes the first and most basic deficiency that needed to be dealt with, namely, the appointment of elders. This is very revealing and instructive. It shows us that the local fellowship or congregation of believers is defective if it lacks qualified elders or overseers. The obvious reason is because God has chosen this office (elders) and their function (oversight) for the shepherding care of the flock in order to continue the process of spiritual growth. “Elders” (presbuteros) is the official designation of those who are to lead the local congregation of believers. It is synonymous with “overseers” (episkopos). The term “elder” stresses the dignity of the office while “overseer” stresses the function, but both terms refer to the same office. This is evident from this passage as well as Acts 20 where both terms are used of the same people. In Acts 20:17 Paul sends for those who are called the “elders of the community of believers,” but then in verse 28 they are identified as “overseers” who were to “shepherd” (pastor) the Earthly Body Of Christ at Ephesus. This gives insight into where growth of the Ekklesia today, is established wrongly.

We can see here that the Apostles went abroad and planted communities of believers, got them started and then turned them over to Elders within that community of Believers to shepherd. Today, much of the time, a enterprising individual “feels a calling,” to start a new work and does so. The problem then comes when this apostle instead of turning this startup community of the Earthly Body Of Christ over to Elders to shepherd as “overseer’s” or “pastors,” he holds on to what becomes “His ministry.” He then establishes his effort as a “house for the Lord” calls it a “Church,” complete with expenses, and runs this organized body of Christ according to his own vision, appointing when the time comes, “yes men,” (“because these elders in the end answer to him”) to assist. And thus the trouble begins. The focus then, is on the “Building and organizational expenses and the Ekklesia becomes secondary. Instead of tithes taking care of people like it was designed it now becomes the piggy bank for the organizational expenses. But this is not what Paul means by “to hold fast.”

Paul instructed Titus: “He must hold firmly to the faithful message as it has been taught” (or holding firmly to).

But what is meant by “to hold fast”? It means to study, know, live by the Bible as God’s faithful message to His people and to defend it against the many attacks that have and will be waged against the Bible as God’s special revelation to man.

What the elder is to cling to is described in a two-fold way. It is (1) “the faithful message or word” (2) “as it has been taught.” “Faithful” means reliable, trustworthy, to the teaching of the faithful message.” “According to the teaching” is a clear reference to the apostolic tradition of doctrine handed down to the Earthly Body Of Christ, now in the completed canon of Scripture. The text, however, stresses that for the message to be faithful or reliable, it must be according to the apostolic tradition of the faith. The point is clear: elder/overseers must be men holding to the Book as the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God.

Paul now points us to the reason. As overseers, elders must be able to perform two duties, both of which come through a strong working knowledge of the Word. Literally, the Greek says, “both to exhort … and to refute.” The word “both” highlights the fact that elders need the ability for both duties described here.

“And correct those who speak against it.” “Correct” is elencho„, “to bring to the light, expose,” or “to convince, convict,” or “reprove, rebuke.” “It is to rebuke another, with such effectual apologetic or defense of the truth, that a conviction, of sin or error may take place.”

He must “refute” them by exposing their error and trying to convince them that they are wrong. Christian truth needs not only defense against attacks, but also clear exposition. Effective presentation of the truth is a powerful antidote to error.

“Who speak against it” Calls attention to the reality that there are always those to speak against and stand opposed to the sound teaching of Scripture. The Earthly Body Of Christ needs leaders who are able not only to teach, but to defend the truth of Scripture against the onslaughts against it. Likewise, IT NEEDS LAYMEN who will study God’s Word and stand against teachers who stray off the true message. Too often, we have surrendered by default. Too often, Christians simply know neither what they believe nor why they believe it. The apostle Peter tells us to be “ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (I Pet. 3:15). The Apostle Paul wrote in II Corinthians 5:17 and 19 “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…. and He (Christ) has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” If anyone is in Christ he is appointed by Christ to contend for the faith.

Speaking of the relativity of our day and how religion has been divorced from the facts of evidence, Erwin Lutzer warns us with the following insightful words.

Many of us were born into a culture where the Bible was at least respected, if not believed and practiced. Even those who did accept the Bible acknowledged that whether the Bible was the Word of God mattered, because truth mattered. Truth, it was believed, was not something that arises within us, but rather something that has to be discovered by rational debate and evidence.

Today, mainline denominational churches have become liberal in their doctrines, and evangelical Bodies have gotten caught up in prosperity doctrines and all of this is lost. Almost no one asks whether a belief is true; the question is whether it is “meaningful to me.” Thus, we have a blizzard of conflicting claims, and millions of people have no desire to sort the true from the false, facts from fiction. We have gone from the belief that everyone has a right to his own opinion, to the absurd notion that every opinion is equally “right.” Spirituality is a private matter; beliefs are accepted or rejected to suit one’s fancy.

When the Bible, which is rooted in the soil of history and logic, is either rejected or reinterpreted to fit any belief, everyone is on his own to guess at the answer for ultimate questions. Since there is no umpire to judge various belief systems, the game of life is played with every participant creating his own rules. As a result, the Christian community is floundering, looking for an answer to today’s spiritual and moral malaise, searching for it‘s identity. When we tell people we must return to the Bible, we often are pitied, looked upon as sincere but naive souls whom time has passed by, or on the other side of the coin, we are given that “you dare to question me look.”

The thinking that all is relative and whatever seems right to you is okay, which is so much a part of the New Age nonsense of our day, is the kind of sick doctrine the Earthly Body Of Christ and its leaders must be able to refute with sound doctrine while resting in the sovereign work and convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit and remembering that our faith rests on solid and demonstrable historical evidence.

“Touch Not Mine Anointed, And Do My Prophets No Harm” Psalm 105:15

If you listen to "Christian" television for any length of time you are sure to hear, "Touch Not Mine Anointed,” and “Do My Prophets No Harm." This verse is usually quoted to silence any person from questioning or criticizing what is being taught at that particular time. Through the use of fear, proper biblical discernment is discouraged not only by the leaders but the flock is soon parroting this verse to silence any criticism leveled against their leader. Does it mean that we cannot question anything we have been taught? But what does this say about the leadership of the Body of Christ and what does this verse really mean? Does this psalm indicate certain men called by God are beyond criticism and accountability, as many Word-Faith teachers suggest?

Psalm 105:15 says, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.” Some Word-Faith teachers cite this verse in arguing that they have been specially anointed by God and should not be criticized for their teachings. They indicate in their words and actions a belief that challenging their teachings amounts to challenging God himself.

The phrase “The Lord’s anointed” is used in Old Testament Scripture to refer to Israel’s kings (see I Sam. 12:3, 5; 24:6, 10; 26:9, 11, 16, 23; II Sam. 1:14, 16; 19:21; Ps. 20:6; Lam. 4:20). In this context the word cannot be interpreted to refer to modern teachers in the Earthly Body Of Christ. Further, the word prophets in context can only refer to Old Testament prophets, not to modern leaders of the Christian community. Neither of these designations can be interpreted with reference to teachers in the modern Body Of Christ.

Even if we allowed that this verse could loosely refer to modern day leaders of the Body of Christ, the warning is against physically harming them. It had nothing to do with testing their teachings. In Old Testament times when stoning was carried out against those deemed heretical, prophets and kings were very much in danger of physical harm—and hence the warning.

Scripture itself instructs us to test all teachings by the Word of God (I Thess. 5:21). Like the Bereans of old, we must make the Scriptures our measuring stick for truth (Acts 17:11). The Bereans were commended for testing the apostle Paul’s teachings against Scripture. Paul affirmed elsewhere, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (II Tim. 3:16–17). All of us are to be constantly on guard against false teachings (Rom. 16:17–18; cf. I Tim. 1:3–4; 4:16; II Tim. 1:13–14; Titus 1:9; 2:1).

There is a sense in which every Believer in Christ is anointed (see I John 2:20). In view of this, no Christian leader can lay claim to being special or above others and beyond doctrinal criticism.

Nobody's teachings or practices are beyond biblical judgment especially influential leaders. Biblically, authority and accountability go hand in hand (e.g., Luke 12:48). The greater the responsibility one holds, the greater the accountability one has before God and His people.

There will be those who will say, “Why should we make a issue of something less than what pertains to the basics of Doctrine? The Scriptures do not give us that right to pick and choose. False doctrine is false doctrine, and can not be tolerated. If any doctrine does not measure up the teaching of the Scriptures, it is heresy. It’s time to test against the Scriptures.

Teachers should be extremely careful not to mislead any believer, for their calling carries with it a strict judgment (James 3:1). They should therefore be grateful when sincere Christians take the time to correct whatever erroneous doctrine they may be preaching to the masses. And should the criticisms be unfounded they should respond in the manner prescribed by Scripture: to correct misguided doctrinal opposition with gentle instruction (II Tim. 2:25).

During His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ exhorted His followers not to judge self-righteously or hypocritically. Is this necessarily what Christians do when they question the teachings of God's "anointed" preachers and evangelists? Many teachers who claim such anointing would say so, and many more of their followers commonly reply to all manner of criticism: "Touch not God's anointed."

Advocates of such authority assume that Scripture supports their view. Their key biblical proof text is Psalm 105:15: "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm" (KJV). But a close examination of this passage reveals that it has nothing to do with challenging the teachings of the Earthly Body Of Christ’s leaders.

It first needs to be noted that the Old Testament phrase "the Lord's anointed" is typically used to refer to the kings of Israel (I Sam. 12:3, 5; 24:6, 10; 26:9, 11, 16, 23; II Sam. 1:14, 16; 19:21; Ps. 20:6; Lam. 4:20), at times specifically to the royal line descended from David (Ps. 2:2; 18:50; 89:38, 51), and not to prophets and teachers. While the text does also mention prophets, in the context of Psalm 105 the reference is undoubtedly to the patriarchs in general (vv. 8-15; cf. I Chron. 16:15-22), and to Abraham (whom God called a prophet) in particular (Gen. 20:7). It is therefore debatable whether this passage can be applied to select leaders within the body of Christ.

Even if the text can be applied to certain leaders of the Earthly Body Of Christ today, in the context of this passage the words "touch" and "do harm" have to do with inflicting physical harm upon someone. Psalm 105:15 is therefore wholly irrelevant to the issue of questioning the teachings of any of God's "anointed."

Moreover, even if we accepted this misinterpretation of Psalm 105:15, how are we to know who not to "touch;” that is, who God's anointed and prophets are? Because they and their followers say they are? On such a basis we would have to accept the claims of Sun Myung Moon, Elizabeth Clare Prophet, and virtually all cult leaders to be prophets. Because they reputedly perform miracles? The Antichrist and False Prophet themselves will possess that credential (Rev. 13:13-15; II Thess. 2:9)! No, God's representatives are known above all by their purity of character and doctrine (Tit. 1:7-9; 2:7-8; II Corinthians 4:2; cf. I Tim. 6:3-4). If a would-be spokesperson for God cannot pass the biblical tests of character and doctrine, we have no basis for accepting his or her claim, and no reason to fear that in criticizing his or her teaching we might also be rejecting God.

Finally, if any individual Christian is to be considered anointed, then so every Christian must be as well. For this is the only sense in which the term is used (apart from Christ) in the New Testament: "You [referring to all. believers] have an anointing from the Holy One" (I John 2:20, NIV). Thus, no believer can justifiably claim any special status as God's "untouchable anointed" over other believers.

There is, of course, another side to this issue: criticism often can be sinful, leading to rebellion and unnecessary division. Christians should respect the leaders that God has given them (Heb. 13:17). Theirs is the task of assisting the Earthly Body Of Christ in its spiritual growth and doctrinal understanding (Eph. 4:11-16). At the same time believers should be aware that false teachers will arise among the Christian fold (Acts 20:28; II Pet. 2:1). This makes it imperative for us to test all things by Scripture, as the Bereans were commended for doing when they examined the words of the apostle Paul (Acts 17:11).

The Bible is useful not only for preaching, teaching, and encouragement, but for correcting and rebuking. In fact, Christians are held accountable for proclaiming the whole will of God and warning others of false teachings and teachers. We would do well to heed Scripture's repeated warnings to be on guard for false teachings and to point them out to believers with so much scriptural support, such actions can hardly be considered unbiblical. Next, Let us consider the scriptures of the book of Titus, as written by the Apostle Paul and his advice to Titus about dealing with false teachers.

Titus 1:10-16 (MSG) “for there are a lot of rebels out there, full of loose, confusing, and deceiving talk. Those who were brought up religious and ought to know better are the worst. They've got to be shut up. They're disrupting entire families with their teaching, and all for the sake of a fast buck. One of their own prophets said it best: The Cretans are liars from the womb, barking dogs, lazy bellies. He certainly spoke the truth. Get on them right away. Stop that diseased talk of Jewish make-believe and made-up rules so they can recover a robust faith.”

This section is introduced with “for,” which gives the reason why elders with the doctrinal qualifications described above are needed. Furthermore, this section elaborates on those “who speak against” or stand opposed to the truth. The presence of false teachers (always a problem for the Earthly Body Of Christ in any age and place) requires leaders who have the ability to expound and defend the faith. This also reminds us that exposing false teachers is a task that belongs to Overseers as the shepherds who are to protect the sheep from the wolves who come in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:28). Protection against such is done, of course, through sound biblical exposition.

Unfortunately, today, and too often the leaders of the Earthly Body Of Christ are too involved with administrative duties and in seeking to keep the flock entertained to properly carry out their duty in this regard.

Heresy, of course, involves the teaching of false doctrine, but false teaching always extends itself into the behavior of its adherents. It will always have a negative impact on the lifestyle of those infected “for as a person thinks in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7). As these false teachers stand in opposition to the truth, they will lead lives that are “disobedient, and unfit for any good deed” (Titus 1:16). This we have already encountered in the examples of our modern day Basilica Builders noted in the former chapter.

Were these false teachers unsaved? Were they those who had never trusted in Christ as their Savior? Paul does not directly answer that question, but because they are described as rebellious, as deceivers, and as detestable, it is often assumed they are unbelievers, and it may very well be that some were, but not necessarily, at least not all of them. To assume that is to miss the application this passage can have to believers who fall away from grace into some form of legalism and then seek to impose that on the body of Christ. This a problem that the Earthly Body Of Christ has faced from the beginning as evidenced in Acts 15, Galatians, Colossians, and Hebrews.

Finally, how are such recognized? What are the clues we should look for? This will be brought out in the portrait taken from Titus 1:10 that follows. “For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group.”

“For there are many rebellious people.” We are often lulled into sleep because we are so unsuspecting. The apostle firmly tells us that there are “many” who stand opposed to the truth. The problem we face is no small matter for there are numerous opponents to the grace of God in Christ. How do we know that they stand opposed to the grace of God? Paul tells us in verse 11 that the teaching of these false teachers is a false message of greed for dishonest gain.

“Rebellious” is anupotaktos, “not subject to authority or rule” and so “undisciplined, rebellious.” The ultimate authority for any teacher is the Word of God as represented by the apostolic teaching passed down from the Lord Jesus (I Thess. 4:1-2; II Thess. 3:6). Here is truly one of the tell-tale signs of a false teacher, namely, a rebellious spirit of independence from the truth of Scripture as the final authority. They often possess a defiant attitude toward the authority of God’s Word or to the authority of God’s servants. As Wiersbe points out, “Beware of teachers who will not put themselves under authority.” Defiance, rebellion and refusal to submit to God’s Word has been this authors experience when confronting Religious leaders about the subject of tithing. And always there is this air or superiority about them. This refusal to submit to God’s Word is even more evident from the next description.

“empty talkers” is the Greek matailogos meaning empty, futile, powerless to speak. When anyone rejects or stands opposed to the grace message of God’s truth as it is revealed in Christ and as it is found for us in the canon of Scripture, their words will of necessity be without power, just futile discussions that cannot lead to the spiritual deliverance God gives us in Christ. This is why it is so absolutely necessary that we have elders/overseers who hold fast to the faithful message in accord with the apostolic tradition of Scripture. It is this and this alone that has the power to change lives.

“And deceivers” takes us to the product of their “empty talk.” “Deceivers” is phrenapate„s, “self-deceiving, a deceiver.” It is from phre„n, “mind” and apate„, “deceit, deceitfulness.” The false teachers are those who craftily (cf. Eph. 4:14) deceive the minds of others as well as themselves (cf. II Tim. 3:13). Though they were empty talkers, they were undoubtedly quite articulate and impressive, but what they said was empty because it had no biblical content or substance.

Titus 1:11-12 (NIV) “who must be silenced because they mislead whole families by teaching for dishonest gain what ought not to be taught. A certain one of them, in fact, one of their own prophets, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”

“they must be silenced” “Who must be silenced” points us to the responsibility for both Titus and the elders of any congregation of believers. Just as there is the moral necessity for elders to be men who hold firmly to the faithful message (1:9), so there is the moral necessity for these men to silence the false teachers. “Silenced” is a rare word, epistome„, “to bridle” and then metaphorically, “to stop the mouth, to silence.” There are at least two responsibilities here: “The offenders must be refused opportunity to spread their teachings in the communities of Christ; the term also includes silencing them by a logical refutation of their views, making further dissemination impossible.”

“Because they mislead whole families by teaching for dishonest gain what ought not to be taught” points us the nature of their seductive activity and why they must be silenced. In this we have more clues as to their identity. Here we see the motive, “dishonest gain,” the method “teaching what ought not be taught” (false doctrine), and the multiple result, “they mislead whole families.”

“dishonest gain” We have a saying or quip in this country that is often used when there is some question about the legitimacy of a particular pursuit or activity because of financial motives. It’s “follow the money!” While money is not the root of all evil, the love of money is. One of the crucial character qualities and a mark of identification for a true shepherd of God’s people is purity of motives not only regarding money (cf. I Tim. 3:3; Tit. 1:7 and I Pet. 5:2), but for all forms of self-centered agendas—position, power, praise, possessions, etc. This has always been an evil that has threatened godly leadership whether political or spiritual.

Ezek. 34:2-3 (NIV) “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? “You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock.”

While the shepherds in the above passage refer to the Spiritual rulers, the priests, the principle is the same. Israel’s leaders did not serve their flock. Their first error was to put their own interests above those of the people (vv. 2-3): Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Israel’s kings had added to their wealth at the expense of the common people. They viewed the flock as a source of wealth to be exploited rather than a trust to be protected. As it was then, so it is now, History is repeating itself the same way within the “Church.” The shepherds over the Body of Christ are repeating this same error and sin.

Significantly, Paul not only viewed ministry as a trust from God to be guarded with great care, but exhorted others to follow his example (see I Corinthians 4:1-2; 9:17; I Tim. 1:18; 6:20; II Tim. 2:2; Tit. 1:7). Teachers of the Word have a right to be paid a fare wage for their ministry, but they must be careful of their motives (see I Corinthians 9:4ff; Gal. 6:6; I Tim. 5:17-18). The motive must be the glory of God, love for God and loving ministry to people. But this has to be derived at upon common agreement and not coerced with “Thus saith the Lord,” and “Your robbing God if you don’t tithe,” while appealing to the congregation to support this “House of the Lord” made out of brick and stone.

“teaching what ought not be taught” Their idle talk was undoubtedly presented under the guise of teachings that were important for the spiritual well being of the various homes or house centers of worship where they sought a following. But their teachings consisted of things that must not be taught, i.e., tales and legalistic rules that were not in accord with the sound teaching of Scripture. They undoubtedly made the claim they were teaching Scripture, but it was way off the mark. It is clearly amazing what some people think they are getting out of the Scripture! They come to the Bible and then spiritualize it, take verses totally out of context, and import their own ideas on the text. In essence, they reject the clear explanations found in the Bible itself of what the truth consists of. Thusly they biblically abuse their congregations.

“Things they ought not to teach.” Tithing is not of faith nor does it have anything to do with grace. And who were these teachers? Paul calls them of the “circumcision group“--Jewish Christians, “rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers.” More than likely following old Jewish tradition and commanding tithes to be paid to them. If that was not the case then it most certainly is the case today.

When you “boiled it down,” it was just so much hot air. Furthermore, they excelled in talking, not in doing. They could tell others what to do, but they did not do it themselves. Note especially Titus 1:16. The great tragedy was that they deceived people by their false doctrines. They claimed to be teaching truth, but they were peddlers of error. Because they themselves were deceived by Satan, they deceived others, “teaching things they ought not to teach” (Titus 1:11, NIV).

This is evident today in the fact that these advocates of tithing instruct their congregations on “Walking in Faith,” “Standing in Faith,” “Receiving salvation by Faith,” “Trusting God to supply our needs by Faith.” But then they turn away from “standing in faith” for the needs of the ministry and demand a tithe from the congregation, instead of standing in faith, while solely relying on free-will offerings. By their actions they are saying, “Don’t do as I do, do as I say.” They should be ashamed. True to scripture, “they are many,” “demonstrating rebellion to the Word of God.” Their message is “devoid of truth--empty talkers” adding works to grace, “deceiving their congregations” by “teaching things they ought not to teach.” Deceived themselves they deceive others.

Randy Alcorn of Eternal Perspective Ministries goes so far as to exhibit on his web site a article that he calls: “Profiles of Christians who Rob God.” Below are some excerpts that demonstrate the need for this message that we have been reading as given by the Apostle Paul.

Authors Note: Again I place the permission for use of the article by author, Randy Alcorn up front.

Note that his accusation against Joe is that Joe is a hypocrite:

“Joe is a hypocrite. He says one thing and does another, and in doing so heaps up judgment for himself. He will be held accountable to God not only for his lack of giving, but for his hollow words of exhortation that he fails himself to follow.”

The problem with pointing towards others failures is that one sets himself up for criticism, and Randy is no different. Does Randy stand up in front of his congregation where he is known as a [outspoken pastor]“who's known as a man of faith.” He stands up at church business meetings and “in private conversations, speaks out saying he wants to see the church build more buildings, and expand into all kinds of new ministries.” Does Randy challenge the church “to rise to the occasion, and reads passages of Scripture about walking by faith and not sight, and thus He inspires everyone.”

His accusation of Joe went like this, but we will turn it on Randy:

You see, Randy, as all pastors do regularly, he stands up in front of his Church congregation and says all those things that Joe was accused of saying including the part about standing in faith, but yet he hypocritically preaches Faith and at the same time demands that the church be supported by tithing. That is NOT standing in FAITH. That is hiding behind legalism. He teaches a false doctrine and encourages his congregation to participate with him. Now he has His own words coming back to which he has to look forward too. And I quote Randy:

This fact is confirmed by James 3:1:

James 3:1 (NIV) Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

Teachers should be extremely careful not to mislead their congregations, for their calling carries with it a strict judgment. They should therefore be grateful when sincere Christians take the time to correct whatever erroneous doctrine they may be preaching to the masses.

False teachers always either misuse the Bible (as taking verses out of context) or add to it (some rule or religious duty done for merit) or take away from it (like denying the sufficiency of Christ), adding works to grace.

Paul’s statement, using one of their own prophets as evidence, was a stinging indictment! Here was a group of people, much as we see in America today, who basically lived for their own appetites. And the adjectives used here are striking. These false teachers were not just “liars,” but “always liars”; not just “beasts,” but “evil beasts”; not just “gluttons,” but “lazy gluttons.” Again, as Wiersbe points out, “They were celebrities, not servants. They ‘lived it up’ at the expense of their followers, and (true to human nature), their followers loved it!” Is this not a telling picture of what we see happening today and often even in the name of Christianity. Here, I would remind you of TBN and it’s Christian Rock Stars in our example of not so subtle deception where the admirers expected to see extravagant spending and life styles. To them, it was a sign of God’s blessing, or so they said.

Titus 1:13 (NIV) “Such testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply that they may be healthy in the faith and not pay attention to Jewish myths and commands of people who reject the truth.”

“This testimony is true” declares that the prophecy of Epimenides was fulfilled in the attitudes and behavior of the false teachers. Note the correspondence between Paul’s indictment of these who were promoting religious lies, rebellious, idle talkers, deceivers (vs. 10), and the three-part saying by the Cretan prophet: liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.

“For this reason,” i.e., because of what they really are, “rebuke them sharply.” “Rebuke” is the verb elencho„ used in verse 9, “correct those who speak against it.” The emphasis in this word is that of an exposure that convicts and hopefully convinces. But because of the serious nature of false teaching and the character (or the lack thereof) of the false teachers, it is to be done “sharply.” This is apotomo„s, an adverb meaning “abruptly, curtly,” and hence, “sharply, severely, or rigorously” (cf. II Corinthians 13:10). It is derived from a verb that meant “to cut off,” which is suggestive. But since the goal is that they may be healthy or sound in the faith, the thrust here is rigorously. This is not to be taken lightly and rigorous steps are to be taken to address the false teachers or those being taken in by their teaching in order to cut off their influence.

The “commands of people who reject the truth” refer to the various legalistic and ascetic rules that people try to add to the gospel of grace and our liberty in Christ. But let’s remember, these legalistic rules or commands of men are futile for dealing with man’s sin and the flesh (cf. Col. 2:16-23). These commands were evidently Jewish-Gnostic ritual observances that the false teachers sought to make binding on Christians (cf. I Tim 4:3-6).

But more precisely, what were these commands of men? In some cases they were Old Testament regulations that were no longer valid for the Christian with Christ already having fulfilled for us, like circumcision or observing the Passover or Sabbath keeping, in other words the whole of the law of Moses. They also included a host of things that were to be done or not to be done in order to gain God’s favor—things not taught or demonstrated by Paul’s life.

Many groups have their lists of do’s and don’ts—especially the don’ts—the nasty nine or the dirty dozen pushed by rigid, grim-faced, exacting, kill-joy legalists. Today, they could be practices like baptism or the Lord’s supper, or tithing, presented as a means of sanctification rather than testimonies of the work of Christ and a result of His grace operating within the heart of the believer.

Let’s also note that the apostle links the fact of the commands to the rejection of the truth. “Who reject the truth” is an attributive participle that describes the kind of people who, rejecting the truth of grace and Christian liberty, seek to force rules and regulations on others for either salvation or sanctification or both. This would also apply to those who once confronted with the truth of their error, renounce that effort. “Reject” is a very picturesque term, apostrepho„, “to turn away from” or “turn one’s back on,” and so “to reject, repudiate.” Further, it is in the middle voice which stresses the subject’s personal involvement or participation in the action. As such, this term carries the idea of turning one’s back on the truth which, of course, is the message of grace. Grace is a message that is difficult for man as a whole to accept, but especially for the religious-minded person who thinks in terms of working for salvation or sanctification.

Titus 1:15 (NIV) “All is pure to those who are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and conscience are corrupted. They profess to know God but with their deeds they deny him, since they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.”

In view of the Jewish and perhaps even Gnostic influence and the mention of “commands of people,” (v. 14) these false teachers were assuredly seeking to load the people down (cf. Matt. 23:4; Luke 11:46) with religious and ascetic rules that concerned food or drink, matters of a feast, a new moon, or Sabbath days (Col. 2:16-23; I Tim. 4:1-5). As a result, like the Pharisees, they were externalists who, with their excessive concerns over outer circumstance and appearance, sought to conform and judge others on the basis of their own external do’s and don’ts. This was an outgrowth of Pharisaic or Judaistic influence.

The Pharisees multiplied minute precepts and distinctions to such an extent, upon the pretense of maintaining the Mosaic law, that the whole life of Israel was hemmed in and burdened on every side by instructions so numerous and trifling that the law was almost, if not wholly, lost sight of.

Thus, Titus 1:15 demonstrates that true purity lies not in observing external rites and regulations, but in the inner purity of a heart that has been cleansed and regenerated through personal trust in the person and work of Christ as a finished and complete provision for our salvation (cf. Heb. 9:13-14). It is this that leads to moral rightness and character of life and the capacity to discern what is truly good and evil (Heb. 5:14). Thus, the heretics’ obsession with external purity grew out of a failure to rest in the sufficiency of the finished work of Christ. By this they cut themselves off from the One who could cleanse and empower them to live the Christ-exchanged life.

With verse 16, Paul gives the clincher and virtually sums up the matter as it related to these false teachers.

“They profess to know God.” The apostle makes this somewhat emphatic by the word order. Literally, “God, they profess to know.” As previously mentioned, this does not mean that the false teachers were necessarily unbelievers. One of the problems facing the Earthly Body Of Christ from the beginning was that those who had come to Christ, later sought to add the rules and regulations of Judaism to the message of grace. This was the problem Paul was dealing with in the book of Galatians (cf. 3:1f; 5:1-2, 6, 11; 6:15) and which faced the early Earthly Body Of Christ (Acts 10:45; 15:1 ), and this has not disappeared to this day.

Things have not changed; We see the same thing today. Some claim a deeper level of experience or knowledge of God or claim to know how to approach God to receive multiplied material blessings. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day claimed they were not blind; that they could see. But Jesus pointed out that they had their eyes open, yet they could not see. They did not know who it was they were talking to. (Jn. 9:40,41) He then pointed out “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”

Generally,… arneomai means to fall back from a previous established relationship with Christ into unfaithfulness. This is the meaning of the denial of Peter (Mk. 14:30, 68, 70). The opposite to this denial is “to hold fast” (Rev. 2:13), or “to be faithful” (2:10). Used absolutely, arneomai can mean to abandon fellowship with the Lord (2 Tim. 2:12). In other words, the false teacher, if truly saved, has slipped back into works or legalism and has fallen from the grace way of life or the previous grace relationship he had had with the Lord when he first accepted Christ.

When a believer lives in the light, power, and freedom of God’s grace, he or she has the power to deny ungodliness as a part of his or her life (cf. Tit. 2:12). But to turn one’s back on grace will, in some degree, lead to a life that denies Him by deeds that give little or no evidence of fellowship or of a Spirit-empowered walk with God. An important truth of the New Testament is that one of the results of turning our backs on the concept of grace—even as believers—is that it leaves us under the control of the flesh or our life-dominating patterns. This is stressed by Paul in Colossians 2:23 and Galatians 5:1-5. In other words, adding any system of works for salvation or sanctification means the benefits of our new position in Christ are rendered inoperative as long as such a spirit of legalism exists. It amounts to a revision of the gospel which means we have fallen from the grace way of life into the futility of a life lived under the power of the flesh (cf. Gal. 5:1-5 with 15-16).

So how did they deny Him? This is explained in the following words that point to their true condition. Falling from grace into legalism is a horrible thing because of what it does, not only to the person who has so fallen, but because of what it does to God’s glorious message of grace and to others. Thus, in describing their condition, Paul has some very strong words.

“Since they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.”

With these words the apostle shows us the true nature of legalism by showing us just how ugly and useless legalism makes a person. This clause describes how the legalists denied God though they professed to know Him intimately and were able to lead others to know Him intimately.

“Detestable” is bdeluktos, “abominable, detestable.” It carries the idea of “disgusting.” It occurs only here in the New Testament though bdelugma, “abomination, detestable,” occurs six times. The apostle used such a strong word to help us see God’s perspective toward teachers who turn away from grace into legalism and who teach others to do the same. They are detestable because they are killers on the loose.

There are killers on the loose today. The problem is that you can’t tell by looking. They don’t wear little buttons that give away their identity, nor do they carry signs warning everybody to stay away. On the contrary, a lot of them carry Bibles and appear to be clean-living, nice-looking, law-abiding citizens. Most of them spend a lot of time in local places of worship and on TV, some posing in places of religious leadership. Many are so respected in the community, their neighbors would never guess they are living next door to killers. They kill freedom, spontaneity, and creativity; they kill joy as well as productivity. They kill with their words and their pens and their looks. They kill with their attitudes far more often than with their behavior. There is hardly a Earthly Body Of Christ or Christian organization or Christian school or missionary group or media ministry where such danger does not lurk. The amazing thing is that they get away with it, day in and day out, without being confronted or exposed. Strangely, the same ministries that would not tolerate heresy for ten minutes will step aside and allow these killers all the space they need to maneuver and manipulate others in the most insidious manner imaginable. Their judgmental spirits remain unjudged. Their bullying tactics, and Biblical abuse continue unchecked. And their narrow-mindedness is either explained away or quickly defended. The bondage that results would be criminal were it not so subtle and wrapped in such spiritual-sounding garb.

Recall the sermon notes of the pastor from Eternal Perspective Ministries who stated that the practice of tithing was the minimum standard of Christian giving; that it was the “training wheels” of giving. And recall how anything less than 10% was robbing God. And recall how he trained his children by insisting that they must tithe $200 dollars on a $2000 scholarship received as a gift. And recall how out of a $20 dollar gift only $18 was theirs to spend. And finally recall the statement that God’s command to Israel of “a tithe of everything from the land belongs to the LORD; it is holy,” and that Randy’s take on this word--“Everything” Doesn’t mean “some things” Doesn’t mean “most things.” “Means everything.” How ironic of him to repeatedly use the word “mean,” his entire monologue was mean. When we hear messages like that it makes one want to duck down and get out of the way of the god with a big stick. Legalism takes the joy out of living for Christ. It frames God as a greedy taker and not the loving Giver of grace that He is.

This day—this very moment—millions are living their lives in shame, fear, and intimidation who would be free, productive individuals.… They are victimized, existing as if living on death row instead of enjoying the beauty and fresh air of the abundant life Christ modeled and made possible for all of His followers to claim. That whole package, in a word, is grace. That’s what is being assaulted so continually, so violently…

Such, in unbelievers and believers alike, is truly detestable. No wonder the apostle emphatically states, “For this reason rebuke them sharply that they may be healthy in the faith.”

“Disobedient” is apeithe„s. The term refers to a disobedience that is the result of a lack of trust or a failure to be persuaded. Failure to trust or rest in the person and work of Christ as Savior as an unbeliever or to rest in the sufficiency of death and resurrected life as a Christian leads to disobedience to the will of God. In the context, apeithe„s points to the problem of hypocrisy. They denied Him by their hypocrisy. They preached one thing, but privately did another, As a result, they denied God by not living consistently and in accord with the truth.

“And unfit for any good deed” points us to the fruit, the result of what happens when people turn their backs on the truth of grace and the sufficiency of the finished work of Christ, not only for salvation or eternal life, but for sanctification or the experience of a Christ-exchanged life. This word is used to describe a counterfeit coin which is below standard weight. It is used to describe a cowardly soldier who fails in the testing hour of battle. It is used of a rejected candidate for office, a man whom the citizens regarded as useless and of no value. It is used of a stone which the builders rejected. If a stone had a flaw in it, it was marked with a capital A, for adokimos, and left aside, as being unfit to have any place in the building…

Titus 2:6-8: With the words, “in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and a sound message that cannot be criticized,” there is a further appeal to Titus, but one now directed toward the character of his teaching. Paul knew that without sound teaching you cannot have godly behavior and Spirit-produced good works. To demonstrate the relationship to the preceding focus on how Titus is to show or present himself, we can translate, “showing yourself … uncorrupt and serious in your teaching, and with a healthy message that is not open to rebuke (i.e., one that is beyond reproach).”

When Paul wrote, “I want you to insist on such truths” (v.3:8) he was not just expressing a mere desire. “I want” is boulomai, which is a stronger expression than the more frequent thelo„, “I desire, will.” Boulomai expresses decisions of the will that occur after previous deliberation or careful thought. The reason, of course, is the enablement and motivation that such truth brings when properly grasped or understood.

Titus’ responsibility was to “insist on such truths.” “Insist” is diabebaioomai, “to speak confidently, to affirm, to insist.” The teacher of God’s Word can and should speak confidently and insist on the trustworthiness of the wonderful truths of God’s grace. This naturally necessitates a clear understanding of these truths plus a firm conviction of their reality. And when we as so-called laymen encounter error propagated by our teachers, we must be compelled to confront.

As is obvious from the reference to Jewish connections, to “Jewish myths” and “commandments of men,” in this context the false teachers were identified and labeled as “many” they were “rebellious,” “mere talkers” and “deceivers” and “looking for dishonest gain.” They “must” be “silenced,” because they were “teaching doctrine that ought not to be taught,” and they were motivated by greed all for the sake of “dishonest gain.” The verdict then, was to “rebuke them sharply” and to “pay no attention” to their misguided talk. Their thoughts were not “pure and in fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.” They claim to know God but by their actions they deny Him. They are “detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.” (God’s words not mine). This very message is directed at our teachers of the tithe today. As one who knows the truth, “we must take notice and be compelled to confront,” we must insist on the truth.