Titus 3:9-15 Foolish Controversies— Them (9) Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 2 Timothy 2:23 (ESV) Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. Is there an issue or controversy that has become so central to me that I spend more time thinking about it, talking about it, reading about it, posting about it, or arguing about it than I do living out the implications of the gospel? Has being right about this issue and proving others wrong become so important to me that I have difficulty being civil or friendly to someone who sees it differently? Do I find myself needing other Christians to agree with me—not about something central to the gospel, but about something I have made central? What is this kind of behavior producing in me? Divisive People— them (10-11) Titus 3:10-11 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. Fellow Workers— Them (12-13) Titus 3:12-13 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. Faithful Believers— Them (14-15) Titus 3:14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. 15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. God's grace comes to us, transforms us, and then flows through us into the lives of others. Grace comes in Jesus. Titus 3:4–6 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior Grace us. Titus 3:7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Grace flows us. Titus 3:14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. Application: Has grace come to you? Is grace transforming you? Does grace flow from you?