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"Therefore rebuke them sharply..."

Text: Titus 1:13

APOSTOLIC ASSESSMENT

The apostle Paul’s assessment of the enemies of the gospel in Crete was astute. Titus needed to know how he could deal with the problems at hand.

“This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply,
that they may be sound in the faith.”
Titus 1:13

1. “This testimony is true”

a) Paul was in full agreement with this testimony.

b) Reasons for this agreement:-

i) From what he had personally experienced.

ii) From what he had observed of the behaviour of those who were in opposition.

2. An appropriate response

a) The word “therefore” suggests that an appropriate response be made.

b) The response recommended must be appropriate for the situation.

i) The effective word is “rebuke”.

ii) This word was translated as “convict” in Titus 1:9.

iii) Both aspects must be given due consideration.

iv) Titus and the bishops assisting him must speak with much authority and strength.

c) Rebuke sharply

i) The adverb “sharply” may also be translated “severely”.

ii) Erroneous teachings cannot be taken lightly.

iii) Where the error is severe the rebuke would have to be sharp and strong.

3. The desired results

a) Those who continue to contradict the gospel would know they will be resisted by the church leaders.

b) Those who profess faith in Christ must know that they need to get their doctrines straight.

c) That they may be sound in the faith is the most desired result.

i) If possible those who have erred ought to be brought back to the fold.

ii) But they cannot be brought back in without first being corrected.

iii) They must now be “sound in the faith” or the errors may still stumble others.