Petty Wars Over Abstruse Points and Unimportant Questions
We should focus on good works and avoid petty wars over unimportant questions to be more effective in our Christian walk.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of focusing on good works rather than engaging in petty disputes over trivial matters, as highlighted in Titus 3:8-9. He warns that incessant discussions on unimportant questions do not lead to growth in knowledge or love, and instead, distract from the true purpose of serving God. Spurgeon encourages believers to devote their time to meaningful inquiries that promote spiritual growth and Christ-likeness, rather than wasting energy on arguments that yield no fruit. By adhering to the apostle's guidance, Christians can avoid needless strife and engage in more fruitful endeavors.
Text
"Be careful to devote yourself to good works." Titus 3:8
"Avoid foolish questions." Titus 3:9
Our days are few, and are far better spent in devoting ourselves to good works, than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. Incessant discussion of subjects of no practical value, do a world of mischief. Our churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said--neither party is any the wiser! Therefore, the discussion no more promotes knowledge, than love! It is foolish to sow in so barren a field.
Questions upon . . .
points wherein Scripture is silent;
mysteries which belong to God alone;
prophecies of doubtful interpretation;
modes of observing mere human ceremonies
--are all foolish! Wise men will avoid them! Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions--but to avoid them altogether! If we observe the apostle's precept to be careful to devote ourselves to good works--we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business--to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings!
There are, however, some questions which are the reverse of foolish--which we must not avoid--but fairly and honestly answer, such as these:
Am I growing in grace and Christ-likeness?
Does my life adorn the doctrine of my Savior?
What more can I do for Jesus?
Such inquiries as these, urgently demand our attention!
If we have been at all given to arguing and disputing, let us now turn to a service so much more profitable. Let us endeavor to lead others, both by our precept and example, to "avoid foolish questions."
Sermon Outline
- I. The Dangers of Petty Wars Over Abstruse Points
- A. Incessant discussion of unimportant questions
- B. Mischief caused to the church
- C. No practical value
- II. Questions to Avoid
- A. Points wherein Scripture is silent
- B. Mysteries which belong to God alone
- C. Prophecies of doubtful interpretation
- D. Modes of observing mere human ceremonies
- III. Questions to Pursue
- A. Am I growing in grace and Christ-likeness?
- B. Does my life adorn the doctrine of my Savior?
- C. What more can I do for Jesus?
Key Quotes
“Our churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“It is foolish to sow in so barren a field.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“If we observe the apostle's precept to be careful to devote ourselves to good works--we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business--to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings!” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should prioritize good works over arguing and disputing over minor points.
- We should focus on growing in Christ and serving Jesus rather than getting caught up in unnecessary debates.
- We should avoid questions that are of minor importance or unrelated to our growth in Christ.