Division and Deeds
Paul tells Titus to be careful of those who cause division in the church in Titus 3:10. Paul says, "As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned." He isn't saying don't give them a chance, but he is saying after so many times, move on from them. The whole church is bigger than an individual who is not unified with others in Christ.
Paul also tells Titus "And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful." This reminds me today of so many of us who do not serve as Christ did and think we are "good Christians." We all have some kind of ability to help someone, not just our family and friends. Even the pagans can serve their families. Christ followers need to step it up.
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We Need Strong Leaders
Paul begins this letter to Titus (another church leader and supposed mentee) with instruction, similar like what he told Timothy. In Titus 1:7-8 Paul says "For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined." In other words the church leaders (deacons, pastors, priests, etc) need to not be like "everyone else" so to speak. They need to have a higher sense of morale and hold themselves to a higher standard than many others would. They need to have self control and not be drunkards nor be quick to get angry. When the leaders hold themselves to a higher standard, they set the example for other believers.
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Forgiveness and Triumph
Forgiving the sinner is one lesson to learn from 2 Corinthians 2. Paul opens up by discussing that he didn't want to make another painful visit because if he did the only one there to comfort him would be the one he had hurt. His hurt is not coming from being mean, but from his chastisement of the church members. He continues and speaks on forgiveness. There is no specification of who the man was and what was done, but Paul urged them to forgive their brother. His punishment of not being forgiven was punishment enough. In verse 7 Paul says that he should be forgiven because if not then he will be overcome with excessive sorrow.
Paul closes out Chapter 2 by setting it straight that he and others (Titus) were not trying ti make money off of the gospel of Christ, but was a man commissioned by God and as a man of sincerity they in the sight of God speak in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:17). Paul was real about it. He didn't just say it and not live it. That is why he was commissioned by God.
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