Gainsayers
QUESTION
“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” (Titus 1:9)
Who are the gainsayers that can be convinced by the faithful word? What is it to be convinced by the faithful word?
ANSWER
This passage is Paul’s instruction to Titus regarding the qualification for elder in the Lord’s church. When it speaks of convincing the gainsayers, we should not lose sight of the audience for whom such conviction is possible. The natural (unregenerate) man cannot be convinced of spiritual truth.
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (I Corinthians 2:14).
The most sound, doctrinal argument from the scriptures has no convicting effect on a carnally minded man whose unregenerate disposition is enmity against God.
“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” (Romans 8:7)
While it is true that some “gainsayers” (i.e., those who reject and oppose biblical truth) are unregenerate, Paul’s suggestion is not directed toward convincing the unregenerate. God does not send his ministers on a fool’s errand. In this context, the “gainsayers” are those who are born again people within the domain of an elder’s ministry who actively oppose certain aspects of the truth. It is possible to convert these men to the truth through the consistent application of sound doctrine, rightly divided, and properly argued from the scriptures. I believe this is what the epistle of James is addressing in many places and it is for this reason that he concludes with:
“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20)
Notice that James is speaking to and about “brethren” and of the profitability of converting those who are in error. This is a primary function of gospel ministry within the Lord’s NT church and is instrumental to our growth in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
- Elder Daniel Samons