Titus 3:9 “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.”
Is there such a thing as a dumb question? Growing up, you probably heard your teachers say that “there is no such thing as a dumb question.” I understand the sentiment of that statement, but there is such a thing as a foolish question. In fact, the Lord feels very strongly about avoiding “foolish questions.” I Timothy 1:4,7 says, “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do….Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.” Notice that the problem with these questions was that they did not edify-they were not helpful.
Do not get me wrong: questions are not bad-not at all-as long as they seek an honest answer. It is when questions are raised for the sake of questioning that they become harmful. I Timothy 6:4-5 says, “He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings. Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth….” This man’s questions came out of a proud heart. His questions were not raised to be answered; they were raised to cause strife, contention, and all sorts of harmful things.
How is your attitude when you question things in your church, at your home, at your job, etc.? Be careful that you do not ask questions out of a proud heart, wanting to make a statement rather than get an answer. If you need to make a statement, then humbly make the statement with the Lord’s help. Don’t disguise it with a question. This kind of questioning breeds all sorts of discontent and rebellion, not only in your heart, but in the hearts of those that hear your question.
To drive the message home, the Lord tells us in II Timothy 2:23, “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.” Foolish questions never are helpful; good questions are about getting answers and being a help.
When we fall into foolish questioning, we will also stray away from looking to the Word of God as our authority. The Bible is a book of answers, not questions. If I have a question, then, yes, I need to ask! But I need to look to the right place for the answers: the Word of God.
Let me quickly bring up two pitfalls that are common today. First, don’t become a historian instead of knowing your Bible. If we are not careful, we can base our orthodoxy upon the great men and writers of the past, rather than upon the Bible itself. Yes, we can learn much from the great men of faith in our history; but we must never let that replace our personal knowledge of God’s Word.
Secondly, don’t let your life be one that is focused upon questions rather than answers. Notice Titus 3:8: “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly….These things are good and profitable unto men.” Affirm the truth-build up believers in your life.
Yes, it is fine to ask questions, but always seek the answers to those questions. Questions themselves do not have value-the answers are what help people. Today, keep a submissive heart, look to the Bible as your authority, and ask questions that are helpful. “These things are good and profitable.”
Prayer Requests: – Revival services tonight in Water Valley, MS and Tigard, OR |