The commandments of men posed great risk to the early church. So much so, the apostle Paul encouraged Titus to warn his flock against accepting extra-biblical teachings. These “fables” and “commandments” turned people from the truth. Perhaps in the beginning one might be able to accept both, but eventually the acceptance of one demands the rejection of the other. Titus was charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the saints of God made the right choice. Like in the days of old, God has given the church faithful men charged with warning the saints about accepting fables that turn believers from the truth.
Rebels are sometimes known as loners. Today’s scripture says that this trait can be attributed to their desire to keep their distance from righteousness. Many who would be identified by these terms do not disassociate from sin or sinners. Instead, they disassociate from truth and righteousness. Righteous thoughts and words have been known to melt the hard heart. They penetrate the rocky soil and begin to break down pride and rebellion. In order for a rebel to remain in his rebellion, he must keep a distance between himself and the truth. The very concepts of righteousness and rebellion refuse to coexist. Hence the battle rages: as the Lord works to draw man’s attention to righteousness, the Devil fights to keep man’s distance from it.
