8/20/25

Titus 3:9 NASB95 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

Debates are held everywhere. They are in just about every TV show. They are found in Newspapers and magazine articles. If you do a search on the internet you can find a debate on just about any subject you can think of. Some of my favorite people in biblical studies are proficient in the debate process and the Bible tells us to be ready. However, we must be cautious in how we do this. Listen to Paul's words to Timothy. 2 Timothy 4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

Then Peter says in 1 Peter 3:15 NASB95 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being 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;

Paul says with great patience and instruction. Then Peter says with gentleness and reverence. Paul again says in our text today, avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

There is nothing wrong with a debate but I have never seen anyone come to Christ through a debate. I am not saying it hasn't happened. I am saying I haven't seen it. However, I have seen many come to Christ through preaching of the word; reproving, rebuking, exhorting, with great patience and instruction. I have seen several come to Christ with a testimony of Christ as Lord in the believer's heart. One who is always ready to make an explanation to everyone who asks, about the account for the hope that is in them. Especially when it is given with gentleness and reverence.

Paul tells the pastor, Titus that he needs to train the church to avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

Instead, he tells him that Titus 3:14 NASB95 Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

Fruit comes from the service of those who preach (proclaim) the word; being ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

Are you 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?

People can't debate the Grace, Mercy, Hope, Love, Joy, Peace, Assurance, Power, Forgiveness, Patience, Gentleness, Steadfastness, Purity, and Long-suffering that they see inside of you. In these, we are able to understand their view without accepting their sin, all the while proclaiming Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

This is profitable and worthy

Love Bro. Scott