praying effectively: Avoid Controversies (Titus 3:9-11)

(Titus 3:9-11)  But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.  

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we are not concerned over things like people's origins (3:9)

- that we avoid foolish controversies (3:9)

- that we avoid arguments over religious do's and don'ts (3:9)

- that we warn people who are divisive to change their ways (3:10-11)

- that we give people who are divisive a few chances to repent and change (3:10-11)

- that we reject people who are divisive, after warning them and giving them a few chances to repent and change (3:10-11) 

Today's prayer:

 

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the freedom from sin that we have as believers within Your grace.  Help us not to become legalistic in our thinking, but guide us towards obedience because of humble, and loving, and righteous motives.  May we all be praying in the Spirit for wisdom and unity within the body.  All to Your glory, amen.