Be On Guard: Division

Titus 3:10-11 (ESV)
As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, [11]knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

One of Satan’s best tricks is to pit us against one another. It is something we must guard ourselves against. This passage in Titus tells us to approach those who are causing divisions. In the context of scripture we should be doing this in a gentle manner in order to restore (see “Correction” from September 3rd). We are not trying to condemn others, but lift them up when they fall.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (HCSB)
Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. [10] For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.

Any condemnation comes from God’s word from turning away from it. The New Living Translation of verse 11 points this out in a straightforward manner: “For people like that have turned away from the truth. They are sinning, and they condemn themselves.” God’s law brings us to Christ in order for us to receive grace through Christ (Galatians 3:25; Romans 7:7-12). We can choose to be under grace or to reject the conviction from turning from the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:19). All this to say, when we approach someone over being divisive we must do it in truth and gentleness and let God’s word through the Holy Spirit take care of the rest (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Verse 10 tells us to have nothing to do with this person if there is no change after warning them a couple of times. Is this to punish them? I think it is more for our benefit; we don’t want to stir up division ourselves.

1 Corinthians 15:33 (HCSB)
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”

Proverbs 13:20 (HCSB)
The one who walks with the wise will become wise,
but a companion of fools will suffer harm.

Seek to restore a brother, but be careful not to follow him in his transgression.

Galatians 6:1-2 (HCSB)
Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you won't be tempted also. [2] Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.