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Titus 1:10-11, For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group.  They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. 

This is a letter from Paul to his dear friend, Titus.  Paul had left Titus on the island of Crete to organize the church there and carry on the work that was started.  One of his main tasks was to appoint elders or overseers for the local churches; this means basically choose some pastors.  There were specific characteristics for the pastors that Paul outlines in this chapter, including being blameless, being faithful to a single wife, and not being prone to anger or drunkenness.  These are consistent with the lists for elders in Paul's other letters as well. 

Today's focus verses highlight that the false teachers have made it to Crete as well.  The circumcision group refers to Jewish Christians who are vehemently promoting the idea that to be a Christian, one must be a Jew first, which includes becoming circumcised.  Paul wants this group silenced.  They are teaching against the Gospel, which clearly states that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.  All that is required for salvation is faith; anyone who adds to this is a false teacher.

Think about the world we live in.  False teachers are everywhere.  They may not be promoting circumcision as a prerequisite for salvation but other ideas that are equally damaging.  How important it is for us to grow our roots down deep into God's Word so that we won't be swayed by the many ideas out there, the many voices that are vying for our attention.  One voice matters - Jesus.

Let's pray...Lord Jesus, I want to be fully and completely devoted to you and nothing else.  The world is loud and demanding.  Help me drown out the other voices, the false teachers, and the distractions all around me and have laser focus on your voice.  You are the only voice who truly matters.  More of you, Jesus, and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.