False Teaching in the Church - Titus

 Titus 1:9-11 (ESV)

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.

They fact that the early church experienced false teachers is a truth worth noting in our day.   The book of Titus was written to Pastor Titus around 60 AD.    That means within one generation for Jesus’ resurrection false teachers were able to have a grip on entire families in the church.   Peter, in his second letter (written even a little later), stated the same thing:

2 Peter 2:1-3 (ESV)

False Prophets and Teachers

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

Notice the common denominators in these two passages:

1. The false teachers were organized.  They had a system of teaching. 

2. Their system of teaching contradicted the Gospel.

3. They were leading others astray. 

4. They were teaching these false systems of doctrine contrary to the Gospel which lead others astray for personal gain and wealth and power. 

Paul and Peter are telling the early church to look out for those who speak contrary to the Gospel and who do so for personal gain.   

In both writer’s warnings there is an admonition to the the Elders of the church (in this case, Titus) to warn the false teachers and to rebuke them.   Note what Paul will say in just a few more verses:

Titus 1:13 (ESV)

This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

In our day we will be rebuked for rebuking false teachers.   Yet, that is still our role and responsibility to rebuke those who teach doctrine in opposition to the the Gospel.