NIGERIAN BAPTIST CONVENTION SEEK DAILY (NBC) Saturday, October 7 AVOID CONTROVERSIES

RBT: Matthew 14-17

Memory Verse: But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Titus 3:9, NIV

Bible Text: Titus 3:8-11

3:8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. 

3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 

3:10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 

3:11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. 

The church disciplinary committee disciplined two youth leaders who engaged in fisticuffs after arguing over a scriptural doctrine. Many believers are plagued by pointless disputes due to lack of sound doctrine. In his letter to Titus, Paul warns firmly about the danger foolish controversies and useless speculations can inflict on a local church, for these are grounds for introducing false teachings. 

Likewise, the divisive persons who are false teachers must be warned and disciplined. If they refuse to change, they must be expelled from the Christian community. Controversies and heresies have ravaged the body of Christ time after time. If the church continues to tolerate false teachings, the body of Christ will experience greater imbalance and disputes that will negatively affect the health of the church. Therefore, the church must do everything possible to maintain sound doctrine and avoid controversies by being consistently vigilant. 

aaAre you a source of peace and unity or a source of division in your fellowship, church, school or workplace? As Henry Ironside said, “Wherever there's light, there's bugs.” In order to keep the bugs away, the church should not involve in speculations or debates but to pass on healthy scriptural truth with authority.

Insight: Vain arguments will only consume our time, drain our energy and weaken our testimony.

Prayer: Father, deliver Your church from false teachings and controversies. Make me an agent of peace.