Overview:
Some things are worth one’s time—because they’re eternally valuable. And other pursuits are pointless and unprofitable.The apostle Paul made a point to warn believers against wasting time with useless quarreling. He urges believers to devote themselves to doing good.Pastor Chuck Swindoll emphasizes from Titus 3 the value of genuine faith and right behavior. Learn how to handle those who are divisive and disruptive so you can keep the essentials of the Christian faith the main thing!
Message Summary:
In this message centering on Titus 3:8–11 and a survey of biblical leaders, Chuck Swindoll addresses the inevitable reality that those engaged in ministry are targets for criticism. He argues that anyone entering the ranks of God’s work must cultivate two opposing qualities simultaneously: a tender heart to remain compassionate and inspired, and a tough hide to endure discouragement and verbal assaults without caving in.
Swindoll takes listeners on a journey through Scripture to demonstrate that opposition is an occupational hazard shared by every great leader. He highlights Moses, whose own siblings criticized his marriage; David, who was hunted by the insecure King Saul; Nehemiah, who was mocked by local officials while building the wall; and Job, whose friends turned into accusers [8–15]. Moving to the New Testament, Swindoll points to John, who dealt with a church dictator named Diotrephes, and Paul, who was deserted by Demas and vigorously opposed by Alexander the coppersmith [15–17].
The sermon concludes with preliminary instructions from Titus 3, advising believers to avoid “moronic” controversies and to take decisive action against divisive people. Swindoll warns that getting locked in endless conflict is fatal to ministry, illustrating this with a vivid image of two deer found dead with their antlers inextricably locked together—a sobering reminder to avoid “dying” in the midst of a fight.
Message Key Facts:
Tender Heart, Tough Hide: Swindoll posits that without a tender heart, a leader becomes jaded and calloused; without a tough hide, they become disillusioned and broken by criticism. Both are essential for survival in ministry.
• The “Bullseye” Birthmark: Illustrating the vulnerability of leadership, Swindoll describes a Far Side cartoon by Gary Larson showing a deer with a birthmark shaped like a target, with another deer commenting, “Bummer of a birthmark, Ralph”.
• Billy Graham’s Disappointments: Swindoll references Billy Graham’s book The Journey, specifically a chapter titled “When Others Disappoint,” noting that even the most respected evangelists carry the scars of trusted friends who turned against them.
• Moses’ Family Feud: In Numbers 12, Moses was not attacked by enemies, but by his brother Aaron and sister Miriam. Their criticism of his Cushite wife was a smokescreen for their jealousy regarding his authority (“Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses?”) [8–9].
• The “Sick ‘Em” Prayer: Discussing 2 Timothy 4:14 regarding Alexander the coppersmith (“The Lord will repay him”), Swindoll humorously recounts hearing a radio preacher from Del Rio interpret this verse as simply telling God, “Sick ’em.” Swindoll admits to praying similar prayers when at his wits’ end with opponents [17–18].
• Diotrephes the Church Boss: Swindoll identifies Diotrephes in 3 John 9 as the classic “church boss”—a leader who loves to be first, rejects authority, and pushes people out of the church. He warns pastors that letting authority go to their heads can turn them into a Diotrephes [15–16].
• “Moronic” Controversies: Analyzing Titus 3:9, Swindoll notes the Greek word for “foolish” is moros (from which we get “moron”). He advises young ministers to stay away from the “lunatic fringe,” stating, “Where there is light, there are bugs”.
• The Locked Antlers: The sermon closes with a story about a German monastery that displayed the antlers of two deer found dead, locked together in combat. Swindoll uses this as a visual warning against churches getting so locked in internal fighting that they die.
Message References:
Titus 3:8–11: The primary text urging believers to engage in good deeds, avoid foolish controversies, and reject factious men [2, 21–23].
• Numbers 12:1–10: Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses; God strikes Miriam with leprosy in defense of His servant [8–9].
• 1 Samuel 18:7–9: The women sing “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands,” sparking Saul’s murderous jealousy [10–11].
• Nehemiah 2:19: Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem mock and despise Nehemiah’s work [12–13].
• Job 2:11–13: Job’s three friends arrive to comfort him but eventually become his accusers.
• 3 John 9–10: John’s condemnation of Diotrephes, who “loves to be first” and unjustly accuses the apostles [15–16].
• 2 Timothy 4:9–15: Paul’s disappointment with Demas (who loved the world) and his warning against Alexander the coppersmith (who opposed the teaching) [16–17].
• Romans 16:17–18: A warning to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances [19–20].
