Titus 1:10-11 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:… I. THE CHIEF HINDRANCES TO RELIGION ARE OFTEN IN THE CHURCH ITSELF. The persons alluded to were members and professed teachers. 1. Words without sincerity are "vain." 2. Great attention may be paid to the letter of the law, while its spirit is violated — "they of the circumcision." 3. The distinction between good and bad preachers — the former live to preach, while the latter preach to live. II. HINDRANCES IN THE CHURCH MUST BE REMOVED. "Whose mouths must be stopped." 1. Discipline must be exercised in love. 2. The prosperity of the Church of God must be considered before that of individuals. 3. Every age has its own obstructions to the truth — intemperance, covetousness, selfishness, the chief hindrances of the present. III. COMMUNITIES ARE AFFECTED BY THE CONDUCT OF INDIVIDUALS. The characters of men are transferred to their country; here the Cretians became a byword. So, drunken Englishmen abroad, compromise the character of their fellow countrymen. Four vices — 1. Untruthfulness. 2. Passion — "evil beasts." 3. Sensuality. 4. Slothfulness. (F. Wagstaff.) Parallel Verses KJV: For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: |
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