… because these are unprofitable and useless.
Summary: Paul has constructed example of both the profitable and unprofitable. He stops short of comparing that which is unprofitable to sin, but does feel strongly that such behavior should be avoided.
Paul’s brain is highly organized. The way he structures his thoughts is similar to how an engineer designs a building or a car. The parts and pieces of his logic all fit together nicely. His thoughts are all part of a larger whole.
Today’s passage, “… because these are unprofitable and useless,” is not just the end of a sentence. It is a bookend to the thought that came before. In verses 1 through 8 of chapter 3, Paul provides a summary of all the things he has been talking about. He begins with, “Remind the people …” and then proceeds to list the main points of his thoughts on “How to do what is good.”
At the end of this first list on things that are good, Paul writes, “These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” (Titus 3:8) At the end of the next section on things to avoid, he writes, “these are unprofitable and useless.”
It is an interesting contrast, is it not? Which do you prefer: Things that are excellent and to your advantage, or things that are useless and a waste of time?
Notice that he does not make this into a salvation issue. He is not saying that if you get lost in quarrels and foolish controversies that you are going to hell. Instead, he simply says such things are useless.
There are worse things.
At the end of John’s letter to the Seven Churches, the one we call Revelation, he writes:
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.” (Revelation 22: 18-19)
That does not sound good!
Paul himself takes action against people who indulge in what is unprofitable and useless in the next verse.
We are not called to judge others. We are called to tend to our own garden while keeping a weather eye out for those who are prone to engage in foolish controversies, arguments, and quarrels.
Application: Even in the church environment we need to stay alert to avoid that which is unprofitable and useless.
Food for Thought: How is “unprofitable and useless” different than sinful?
How is “unprofitable and useless” different than sinful?
Interesting question. As I read the Bible, God’s standards are clearly defined and very black and white, there are no gray areas. God is Pure and Holy, He will not allow a single tiny speck of sin to contaminate His Holiness.
The difference I see is possibly sinful describes the act or actions while unprofitable and useless are descriptive of the state of being. Sin is unprofitable and useless in that it has no eternal value.
I am a saved sinner through Christ, in the lifelong process of becoming more Christlike through the power of the Holy Spirit, and I am not cast out as unprofitable or useless.
Unprofitable:
Matthew 25:30, Romans 3:12, Ephesians 5:11, Hebrews 13:17
Useless:
Luke 13:7, 14:35, Romans 1:21, 1 Corinthians 15:17
Thank you, Ron.
You provide a very interesting perspective. What is profitable from an eternal perspective? Under the old Covenant, it was the impossible task of perfect obedience under the Law, plus observance of God’s means of atonement through sacrifice.
Under the New Covenant in Jesus, there is only one thing for us to do, believe in Him.
“Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'” (John 6:29)
Right on, we are condemned by our sinful thoughts and acts and saved by opening ourselves to the power of God in our lives. Daily miss the mark, but remaining faithful as we continue trying. My entire life could be summed up as an infant trying to take my first and second step. Trying to learn to walk while the giants are running the race. Trying to keep my eyes on my Father who is always near and encouraging me, come on, come on. Praise God for His Amazing Grace!
Well said, Ron!
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:17)
You don’t get a tax return.