July 2026

Greetings, saints

Our text today is from Paul’s epistle to Titus at chapter 3, verses 10-11 where we read (quoting): “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”

Here the apostle Paul speaks with unmistakable clarity. His words are pastoral, protective, and deeply rooted in the unique revelation entrusted to him for this present dispensation of grace. Paul’s instruction to Titus is not merely ancient counsel; it is Spirit‑given direction for the Body of Christ today.

Paul’s concern here is not theoretical. It is intensely practical. Division destroys. False doctrine corrupts. And persistent rebellion against sound Pauline truth threatens the unity and purity of the local assembly. Thus, Paul commands Titus to deal firmly, yet graciously, with the one who chooses division.

In our text Paul explains, of the heretick, “knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”

The heretick is subverted—twisted inwardly, spiritually destabilised. His sin is not merely doctrinal error; it is the sin of refusing correction. His condemnation is self‑inflicted. His rebellion reveals his heart.

So the word heretick in Titus 3:10 does not mean someone who merely misunderstands doctrine. Paul is not instructing Titus to reject every believer who is confused or immature. The term refers to one who chooses a path of division—one who creates factions, refuses correction, and persists in undermining sound doctrine.

A heretick is not simply mistaken; he is wilfully resistant. He elevates his own opinions above apostolic truth. He refuses the wholesome words of Christ revealed through Paul (1 Timothy 6:3). He becomes a source of spiritual infection within the Body.

This is why Paul’s instruction is so firm. The heretick is not simply wrong—he is dangerous.

Paul gives Titus a gracious, orderly process: “after the first and second admonition…” he says.

To admonish is to warn, to caution, to counsel against wrong practice.

Grace seeks reconciliation before separation. The heretick is to be warned twice—clearly, lovingly, firmly. He is given opportunity to repent, to reconsider, to return to sound doctrine.

But if he persists, Paul says, “reject.”

This is not cruelty, it is stewardship. The overseer has the responsibility to guard the hearts and minds of the assembly. The assembly must not be left vulnerable to the corrosive influence of persistent doctrinal division.

In like manner as in our verse today, in his letter to all who were in Rome, Paul wrote at chapter 16, verse 17 (quoting): “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”

“Divisions and offences.” “Contrary to doctrine.”  Believers in the local assembly are called to be of one mind in the Lord (Philippians 4:2), and the heretick is undermining that.

According to 1 Timothy 3:15 the church is the pillar and ground of the truth. As such it must guard that truth.

Consider a pot of pure white paint. It is clean, bright, undefiled. But if even a single drop of another colour is added it is no longer pure white. The entire pot is changed. The colour is altered. The purity is lost.

This is Paul’s point. In Ephesians chapter 5 he tells us that Christ gave himself for the church in order that it may be presented (quoting): “…a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

A church grounded in sound Pauline doctrine is like that pot of white paint. It is pure in its teaching, unified in its purpose and stable in its foundation. But if even a small amount of false doctrine is introduced—if even one divisive person is allowed to persist—the purity is compromised. The assembly is no longer doctrinally “white.”

This is why Paul says, “reject.” Not out of harshness, but out of love for the Body.

Solemn illustrations of this principle can be found under the Old Testament. Korah did not merely hold a private grievance against Moses and Aaron; he gathered others into his rebellion, and the whole congregation was endangered by his faction (Numbers chapter 16). Achan’s sin was committed by one man, yet Israel suffered defeat at Ai, showing that corruption in the midst of God’s people is never as isolated as the sinner imagines (Joshua chapter 7). Absalom likewise stole the hearts of the men of Israel, feeding discontent and drawing men after himself before open rebellion ever appeared (2 Samuel chapter 15).

These examples belong to another dispensation, yet they plainly show the same moral danger: division spreads, rebellion gathers followers, and hidden corruption can trouble the whole company of God’s people. Therefore, Paul’s instruction to Titus is not excessive; it is necessary pastoral protection for the assembly.

And here we must acknowledge a sober reality: bad doctrine always produces bad behaviour. Wrong teaching does not remain theoretical. It is manifested in pride, in strife, uncharitable speech, misplaced zeal, legalism, looseness, or spiritual instability. When saints believe wrongly, they inevitably begin to live wrongly. Doctrine is never merely intellectual—it shapes conduct, relationships, priorities, and the testimony of the fellowship. This is why Paul’s warning is so urgent.

Paul teaches this principle in 2 Timothy 2:16–17, warning that profane and vain babblings (quoting): “will increase unto more ungodliness,” and that such words spread (quoting): “as doth a canker.”

In 1 Corinthians and Galatians he likes it to leaven, or yeast, a small quantity of which will pervade the entire mass of flour, or dough, and diffuse itself throughout it all.

Bad doctrine, left unchecked, inevitably produces ungodly fruit. Christ warned the disciples saying (quoting): “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:7). If they were to enter the kingdom of heaven, the disciples must retain pure doctrine, because doctrine determines works.

So Paul’s firmness is not arbitrary. It is protective. A solitary false teacher can destabilize an entire congregation.

And yet—even here—Paul’s aim is not destruction but restoration. The rejection of a heretick is ultimately out of love also for the heretick himself. Separation is sometimes the only path that leads back to restoration; rejection is not intended to be the end of the story; rather, it is the final tool of correction.

As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 2:7 concerning a saint who had been excluded from the assembly (quoting): “ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.” The goal is always that the erring brother may one day be restored to fellowship, soundness, and usefulness.

Throughout his epistles, Paul emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine, rightly divided. When law and grace are mixed, confusion results. When kingdom doctrine is blended with church doctrine, instability follows. When personal opinions override apostolic truth, factions emerge.

Thus, Paul’s instruction to Titus is not ultimately about interpersonal conflict—it is about protecting the doctrinal integrity of the assembly in the dispensation of grace.

The heretick is rejected not to destroy him, but to prevent him from destroying others.

Paul’s letters consistently call for unity grounded in truth—not unity at the expense of truth. Grace does not eliminate discipline; it shapes it. Truth does not eliminate compassion; it strengthens it.

In our present age, the danger of division remains. The heretick may appear in many forms:

• The doctrinal agitator who refuses correction

• The self‑appointed teacher who undermines sound Pauline doctrine

• The personality-driven leader who gathers followers to himself

• The persistent complainer who sows discord

Paul’s instruction to Titius remains relevant: admonish twice, then reject—with the hope of future restoration.

Paul’s approach in Titus 3:10–11 demonstrates a beautiful balance:

• Grace in admonition

• Truth in correction

• Love in warning

• Firmness in rejection

• Hope in restoration

This balance is essential for any assembly desiring to remain faithful to the doctrine for this age.

Brethren, although Paul’s command in Titus 3:10–11 was written directly to Titus as an overseer, the instruction is not without application to every member of the assembly. The pastor bears the burden of admonishing and, when necessary, rejecting the divisive man; but the saints must not make that burden heavier by excusing division, entertaining party spirit, or lending their ears to those who undermine sound doctrine.

Therefore, let each of us examine our own spirit. Let us be teachable when we are corrected. If the overseers must admonish a brother, let us pray for his recovery rather than feed the fire. If they must finally separate from one who refuses correction, let us stand with truth, not with sentiment, remembering that unity is preserved only when it is unity in sound doctrine.

Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

Grace to you all.

Amen.