Titus 3:9–11

Strife only brings division.

 Whenever it is in your power avoid it like the plague.

We are all a work in progress.

And Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:3-5 NIV)

“Like a child.” We are present, and in this moment we welcome the gifts that resonate and grow. Gifts of tiny delight, and kindness, and compassion, and tenderness, and enchantment, and gladness, and embracing what we have been told to distrust or is different. 

(It) invites me to say Yes... to whatever connects us, as humans, as children of God, as people who need compassion and mercy for sustenance, as people who cannot walk this journey alone. And to say No to whatever divides or demeans or belittles or degrades or incites hate and exclusion. And I must speak that Yes, and speak that No, not only with my voice, but with my hands and my feet. Lord hear my prayer. Sabbath Moments 

God revealed Himself to His faithful servant Job, and Job came to know God more deeply, love Him more fully, and experience God's humbling to the core of his being (Job 42:1-6). Job's trials became his testimony to generations to come. Now we are called to evidence the invisible God to the visible world through our lives, as our trials become our testimonies too. First5 

Titus 3:9–11

9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. The New King James Version

Paul was admonishing Titus to avoid anything that would promote wickedness among the believers. Reject a divisive man: Titus was to cut off the church’s relationship with any person who would not submit to correction after two warnings. The Greek word for warped here suggests that Satan is perverting this person. Sinning indicates that the man will not change his ways and thus continues to rebel against God. The NKJV Study Bible

washing of regeneration (Gk. loutron palingenesias) (3:5) Strong’s #3067; 3824: The Greek word for washing can signify the receptacle of washing (the basin) or the act of washing itself. In Eph. 5:26, the only other NT occurrence of this word, the natural meaning is washing. Here also the action of washing is presented. Quite simply, the text says that regeneration is characterized by or accompanied by the action of washing. The regenerative activity of the Holy Spirit is characterized elsewhere in Scripture as cleansing and purifying (see Ezek. 36:25–27; John 3:5). The Greek term for regeneration literally means “being born again”—indicating a new birth effected by the Holy Spirit (see John 3:6; Rom. 8:16; Gal. 4:6). Thus God saved us through one process with two aspects: the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit.

This seems to primarily reference the problems the false teachers were causing. Titus is instructed to oppose these false teachers but should not allow for their controversies to dictate his agenda. This also seems to be a broad reference to controversies that are unprofitable in terms of the gospel reaching more people.

Controversies and quarrels do not stir God’s people to good works. Faithlife Study 

When the grace of God towards mankind has been declared, the necessity of good works is pressed. Those who believe in God, must make it their care to maintain good works, to seek opportunities for doing them, being influenced by love and gratitude. 

Trifling, foolish questions must be avoided, and subtle distinctions and vain inquiries; nor should people be eager after novelties, but love sound doctrine which tends most to edifying. Though we may now think some sins light and little, if the Lord awaken the conscience, we shall feel even the smallest sin heavy upon our souls. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Matthew 18:15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.

Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

2 Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.