False Teachers

From Titus - Life in the Church

Titus 1:10-13

¹⁰For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, ¹¹who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain.  ¹²One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."  ¹³This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 

False Teachers

Paul has greeted Titus (Titus 1:1-4), and has given the requirements for elders (Titus 1:5-9) and now he is starting a new topic.  This section tells us, in great part, WHY the office of elder is so important, and WHY the Bible has standards for the character and equipment/gifting of the elders.  This section is about false teachers.  We must remember that in verse 9 Paul told us that elders need to be “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”  This is to say that elders must be steeped in the Word, and well trained in solid doctrine so that they can see the heresies of the world, of the culture and of other so-called “Christian Teachers.” 

            The elder needs to be in conflict with the cultural compromises made towards popular psychology (a man-centered view of life, giving lies about “self-esteem” and “emotional conditions”) , the church growth movements (popular movements that try to make it seem like the focus of Churches should be to get more people in the door, rather than equip those who are already there), and the “prosperity gospel” (the belief that following God and being a Christian will result in material gain, or any sort of financial stability.)  The elder needs to have an eye out to dispel these lies, and fight for the truth of the Word of God.  Boldly teaching, not afraid that some will leave, not afraid of losing his job because he didn’t keep people happy, but boldly teaching Word of God.  ESPECIALLY when it is uncomfortable!