Good and Profitable or Unprofitable and Worthless
Turn Away From What Divides, Turn Toward What Transforms
SCRIPTURE:
Titus 3:8 CSB – But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless.
OBSERVATION:
In Titus 3:9, Paul contrasts what is trustworthy with what is unprofitable and worthless. Why? Because human nature tends to pursue the latter—distractions that waste time, stir division, and yield no spiritual fruit.
Paul gives us a list of these distractions:
It sounds a lot like modern political discourse—arguments about who’s right, which party is better, and endless debates that go nowhere.
Instead, Paul points us back to what matters:
Titus 3:8 CSB - This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone.
What are “these things”? Paul refers to the truths in verses 4–7: God’s kindness, His mercy, the washing of regeneration, the renewal of the Holy Spirit, justification by grace, and the hope of eternal life.
That’s what’s trustworthy. That’s what changes lives. That’s what builds up the church.
Titus 3:8 CSB – But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless.
OBSERVATION:
In Titus 3:9, Paul contrasts what is trustworthy with what is unprofitable and worthless. Why? Because human nature tends to pursue the latter—distractions that waste time, stir division, and yield no spiritual fruit.
Paul gives us a list of these distractions:
- Foolish debates
- Genealogies
- Quarrels
- Disputes about the law
It sounds a lot like modern political discourse—arguments about who’s right, which party is better, and endless debates that go nowhere.
Instead, Paul points us back to what matters:
Titus 3:8 CSB - This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone.
What are “these things”? Paul refers to the truths in verses 4–7: God’s kindness, His mercy, the washing of regeneration, the renewal of the Holy Spirit, justification by grace, and the hope of eternal life.
That’s what’s trustworthy. That’s what changes lives. That’s what builds up the church.
These foolish disputes are simply unprofitable and useless. Instead, Titus should focus on the simple word of God. – David Guzik
Avoid: “The word peristemi literally meaning to turn oneself about so as to face the other way (cf. 2 Timothy 2:16 where it is used in a similar manner).” – Donald Guthrie
Avoid: “The word peristemi literally meaning to turn oneself about so as to face the other way (cf. 2 Timothy 2:16 where it is used in a similar manner).” – Donald Guthrie
APPLICATION:
Today, choose to turn away from debates, arguments, and endless commentary that don’t bear eternal fruit.
Instead of leading with politics or opinions, lead with God’s Word—and watch your conversations, relationships, and even your mindset begin to change. The Word is profitable and good—for everyone.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your Word—it contains everything I need for life and godliness. It is profitable and good for everyone. When I’m tempted to lead with my opinions or get caught up in arguments and debates, remind me to turn the conversation back to Your truth. Let my words be grounded in what is trustworthy—not in what is worthless.
Today, choose to turn away from debates, arguments, and endless commentary that don’t bear eternal fruit.
Instead of leading with politics or opinions, lead with God’s Word—and watch your conversations, relationships, and even your mindset begin to change. The Word is profitable and good—for everyone.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your Word—it contains everything I need for life and godliness. It is profitable and good for everyone. When I’m tempted to lead with my opinions or get caught up in arguments and debates, remind me to turn the conversation back to Your truth. Let my words be grounded in what is trustworthy—not in what is worthless.
Every debate, argument, and controversy must be measured against one question — is this profitable and good, or is it noise that crowds out the gospel?
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