AVOID THIS TURN
Titus 1:13-14 NKJV
13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.
In writing these devotionals on an every day basis, patterns become more evident. In Paul's letters to the pastors and to the churches, certain encouragements and warnings are repeated. One of the warnings that Paul consistently gave was regarding what people were to avoid.
Paul was concerned with what teachings people were paying attention to. A big challenge to the early church was Jewish teachers who would lead these new believers down the wrong path. These teachers and preachers would introduce what Paul called Jewish fables and commandments of men. Their message was that something other than Jesus was necessary for salvation. They would teach that Jesus is great, but circumcision was required. Or certain foods should not be eaten. They had entire lists of man-made commandments that these believers were to keep.
Paul was understandably concerned with these teachings because he knew if these young believers swallowed what was being taught, it would turn them from the truth. And that is a major problem. This is why he told Titus to rebuke them sharply so that they may be sound in the faith. Paul wanted the churches that he helped birth to to be sound in the faith and committed to the truth.
Sound in the faith means to be pure, healthy, and firm in the teachings of Christ. But if someone paid attention to Jewish fables or made-up stories and man's commandments, not only would they not be sound, they run the risk of turning away from the truth. Paul told Titus that people who were teaching this junk needed to be stopped. He basically said to shut these people up.
Paul risked his life to reach people with the gospel of Christ. It was heartbreaking for him to see them turn away from the truth.
APPLICATION
If we look at these Scriptures and think we are beyond dealing with false teachings and commandments of men, we are kidding ourselves. This is why it is so important to know who is teaching us and to know their lives. And of even greater importance is to check what is being taught with scriptures. Jesus said if we continue in His word, we will know the truth. And the truth would make us free. If God's truth makes us free, then man's commandments and made-up stuff can bring us into bondage.
Short summary. Be very careful what you read and listen to. Check things out with the Scriptures. If you have a bad feeling about something, don't keep pursuing it. Just leave it alone. Stay on the path of truth, and don't turn off. Turning away from the truth is a turn in the wrong direction.
PRAYER
Lord, lead me and guide me so that I stay on the right path. I desire Your truth above man's fables and commandments.