Titus 1:11
Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.
Paul does not soften his words here.
Speaking about the false teachers who were troubling the churches, he says their mouths “must be stopped.” The idea is not simply disagreeing with them politely. It means their teaching must be firmly confronted and silenced because of the damage it causes.
False teaching is never harmless.
Paul says these men were “subverting whole houses.” Entire families were being unsettled and confused by what they were teaching. Instead of pointing people to the freedom found in Christ, they were loading believers down with religious rules and regulations.
Legalism always works that way.
It begins by adding requirements to the gospel. Suddenly people are told their faith is not quite enough. They must also observe certain days, follow certain dietary rules, or adopt particular external practices in order to truly please God.
The result is always the same. Instead of joy, there is pressure. Instead of freedom, there is anxiety. People begin to measure their spirituality by outward performance rather than by a living relationship with Christ.
Paul says the motivation behind much of this teaching was “filthy lucre’s sake.”
Money.
That may sound surprising at first, but religion has always had the potential to become a profitable business. If spiritual authority is used to control people, it can also be used to gain from them.
That raises an uncomfortable question.
How many ministries would continue if there were no financial benefit attached to them?
It is a question worth asking because the gospel itself moves in the opposite direction. The true servant of Christ gives rather than takes. He does not manipulate people for gain but serves them because he loves the Lord and cares for their souls.
Paul knew Titus would face these kinds of teachers in Crete. That is why he kept emphasizing the same two things again and again.
Strong leaders.
And sound doctrine.
When the truth is clearly taught and faithfully lived, the influence of those empty voices begins to fade.