Help for a Troubled Church

God calls qualified men to help the pastor reform the church (1:5). Now we see why. There are problems in the church of Crete. The main problem is, they "are insubordinate" (10). They are "unruly" (KJV) and "rebellious" (NIV). If God is orderly his redeemed community must also be orderly. Those who insist on being a law to themselves give a black eye to the community that is called to obey God's in all things.

This passage seems negative. And it does address a real problem. But the outlook is positive. Biblical correction should lead to soundness in faith (13). And Paul uses this occasion to teach all of us the difference between pure and impure minds (14), and true and false knowledge of God.