October 23rd
8: This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. 9: But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10: A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11: Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. 12: When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. 13: Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. 14: And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. 15: All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
Again Paul recites a faithful saying. And he says l want you to constantly affirm the truth of these trustworthy sayings. It is that those who have believed in God must be careful to maintain good works. In the previous passage Paul has declared justification by grace but now he emphasises the importance of good works. Doing good works is good and profitable to all men. But don’t get caught up in pointless questions, endless genealogies (The Jews were absorbed in issues regarding their genealogy - which were very complex) and issues that are debateable and the endless point scoring of lawyers, they are unprofitable and pointless. A man that sectarian is to be rebuked twice but after that he is to be told to stand aside. This sort of man turns men inside out and sins and becomes condemned by his own sin. Lastly Paul ends this letter with a few personal remarks and instructions.
Steve
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