Scripture - Titus 1:10-16 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. 15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.
Observation - Over and over throughout the Epistles Paul mentions the issue of those that talk against the faith. In this case he is dealing with someone that is in the faith (of the circumcision) that is not submitted to authority, not teaching the doctrine with a right spirit and speaks idle chatter. Their mouths must be stopped he says. Rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in faith. The issues of result in erroneous doctrine and an acceptance of any word as gospel. Allowing any teaching to be given to the people begins to spread spiritual disease throughout the congregation and festers until it is dealt with. What we teach, how we teach and where our inspiration comes from are all of the greatest importance. It is evident by these scriptures that someone in spiritual authority must be submitted to the leadership and willing to hold his tongue when asked.
Application - Zeal to perform for God can allow us to be to eager to place those in spiritual authority. God speaks clearly through his scriptures to his church. Opinion never reaches anyone. Gossip never builds and false doctrine must be stopped aggressively. To allow any teaching that is not sound would be to lessen the powerful message of Jesus Christ. We have one doctrine and one source of inspiration. As a pastor it becomes of paramount importance to be watchful of what is said over the congregation and who says it.
Prayer - Father - I love you and pray that all words spoken over our great church would be straight from the throne room of God. That you would bless them and anoint them abundantly. Eliminate any that would teach contrary to your word.
