Titus 1:9 To expose those who contradict

…Upholding the faithful word according to the teaching, that he may be able to entreat with sound teaching as well as to expose those who contradict.

Paul’s preaching had started ecclesias in Crete. As long as he stayed there he could see to it that sound teaching was preached. Now he had to hand over this responsibility to qualified supervisors because of residence elsewhere. In order for them to uphold “the faithful word according to the teaching,” they had to be able to do two things. In the first place to encourage in sound teaching and secondly to expose contradictions.

The whole function of the supervisor is based on the importance of “sound teaching”. Not only in a positive atmosphere, but also in a context of struggle and conflict. Then “the supervisor” must not only stand firm for the truth, but also be able to refute contradictors.

In opposition to sound teaching, it is completely out of place to “seek connection” or to be liked. In an age of relativism (“it’s not about the teaching, it’s about the Lord”), it takes guts and character to expose lies and provide convincing evidence for them.

Delen: